PMSA Python Press
November 4, 2024
On Thursday, October 31, ISBE released the 2023-2024 IL School Report Card results, and we have some exciting academic highlights to share with our PMSA school community. PMSA earned a summative designation of commendable, with an overall score that was 1.55% away from earning an exemplary designation. (Our overall score index was 89.71%, and our target score index to reach Exemplary was 91.26% - a difference of 1.55%).
For last year's IL Science Assessment (ISA), 64% of our juniors met/exceeded the ISA benchmarks, an increase in 20.7% from the 2022-2023 school year. In addition, PMSA’s graduation rate was 98%, a two percent increase from the previous school year. The IL Report Card graduation rate is calculated based on a school’s 4, 5, and 6-year cohort of students from when they enter their freshman year; in other words, not just students from the most recent senior class, i.e. last year's Class of 2024. Speaking of our Class of 2024, 100% of our seniors graduated! What an awesome accomplishment for last year’s scholars, and we could not be more proud to share this news with you all.
Below is a snapshot of our Summative Designation metrics and how we fared in each category. (Please note ELPtP = English Learner Progress to Proficiency.)
Mr. Zak (Dean of Students)
Mr. Zak has been a teacher in District 209 for over 18 years, and he recently became the Dean of Safety, Wellness and Student Sucess at PMSA in July of this year. We interviewed him about his experience thus far transitioning from the classroom into administration.
Q: What made you want to go into school leadership and why?
A: Joining school leadership was always in my career plan. I was always interested in helping lead a school community.
Q: What kind of graduate classes did you have to take to prepare you to become a school administrator?
A: I attended Concordia University for my grad work; they had a great course program that fit my learning style and fit my schedule. The courses were all about school leadership, building community, and improving student outcomes.
Q: As the Dean of Safety, Wellness, and Student Success, what other things besides discipline do you oversee?
A: Everything! JK. I help out with everyday student needs. I try to help students become the best they can be. If I can’t, I find the supports that best help. I work with security, teachers and reach out to parents to provide supports to make sure students can have the best experience here at PMSA.
Q: In what way(s) do you feel that being a veteran staff member at PMSA has helped you prepare for this role?
A: My time in this district and working at all 3 schools, have given me a great experience and perspective on education. PMSA has grown so much from the time I started here: from each graduating class and the great faculty and staff I have interacted with - all have provided me opportunities to grow into this current role.
Q: If you had to identify one professional goal that you would like to reach while in this position, what would it be?
A: If I only had one goal it would be to ensure the students' education, protect students’ rights, and assure each student is treated with fairness.
Q: Do you have any funny stories that have happened while in your new role that you would like to share with the PMSA school community?
A: I wish I could share them all. I think each day at least one student will make me laugh or at least try to. Our students really are great, and they make this school a great place. The best story I can share is when a student who shall not be named tried to bribe me with food when they ordered Uber Eats for lunch. That student has a future in public speaking or in sales; he made a great sales pitch from himself.
Makie Jackson
Makie Jackson is a junior at PMSA. She is a member of both the Varsity basketball and softball teams at Proviso West. In addition, she will be participating in the school musical, Mama Mia. Outside of PMSA she plays for an AAU basketball team. She participates in all of these activities while maintaining a 4.8 GPA!
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a student at PMSA?
A: I was nominated for the Women in STEM award by my Physics teacher Mr. Caldwell last year.
Q: What do you love most about PMSA?
A: I love the diversity. I love learning about different perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. All of that helps to shape everyone's personality.
Q: What are your plans post high school?
A: I plan to attend college. I want to go to a four-year University and study accounting or finance.
Q: What is your number 1 college choice?
A: Northwestern University.
Q: What is your favorite subject(s)
A: Math.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Monday's not Coming by Tiffany Jackson.
Q: What is something interesting about yourself that you want to share with the PMSA school community?
A: I am left-handed, and my name is pronounced Ma-Key-A which has a Japanese origin.
MONDAY
- Black Student Union (MPR) 3:30-4:30
- Medical Club (422) 3:30-4:30
- Multicultural Club (214) 3:30-4:30
- Student Council (400) 3:30-4:30
- Theology Club (507) 3:30-4:30
- Yearbook Club (305) 3:30-4:30
TUESDAY
- Art Club (504) 3:30-4:30
- Chess Club (500) 3:30-4:30
- Debate Club (Library) 3:30-4:30
- Intramurals (Wellness Area) 3:30-4:30
- Math Team (418) 3:30-4:30
- Robotics (507) 3:30-4:30
- World Language NHS (211) 3:30-4:30
WEDNESDAY
- Bible Club (005) 3:30-4:30 - every other Wednesday
- Class2025 (College & Career Center) 3:30-4:30
- Class of 2026 (211)- 3:30-4:30
- Class of 2027 (400)- 3:30-4:30
- Culinary Club (Cafeteria) 3:30-4:30
- Girl's League Club (217) 3:30-4:30
- Key Club (2nd Floor Wellness Area)-3:30-4:30 - every other Wednesday
- Self Defense (MPR) 3:30-4:30
- The Voice - Newspaper Club (316) 3:30-4:30
THURSDAY
Chess (500) 3:30-4:30
Fantasy Gamers (307) 3:30-4:30
Gamers (401) 3:30-4:30
Intramurals (Wellness Area) 3:30-4:30
Mental Health (200) 3:30-4:30
Raza Unidos (213) 3:30-4:30
Robotics (507) 3:30-4:30
FRIDAY
- AcaPythons & Gospel Choir (008) 3:30-4:30
- Astronomy Club (409) 7:00-7:45am
Welcome to another school year Python Parents and Teachers. The PMSA PTO is asking parents and teachers to sign up for another year of PTO fun. We are a volunteer organization of parents and teachers that strives to make a positive impact in our school for our students. Please see attached jot form to sign your family up now. https://www.jotform.com/form/242517206936155
Our monthly membership meetings are optional but encouraged. (Offering both an online option and in person at the school.)
Your membership fees help support a variety of non-funded school activities and programs for our children. Membership fees for each PMSA family is $10 each school year. An additional $10 is suggested as a fundraising fee. Cash, check (PMSA PTO), Zelle (thepmsapto209@gmail.com) can be used.
Other information:
- Yard Signs: We officially launched our PTO Yard Sign Fundraiser last spring, and it was highly successful. One of our goals as a Parent Teacher Organization is to increase school pride in our communities. We hope that the yard sign project helps us achieve this goal, as well as serve as a fundraiser for future projects for our school. Yard signs are 20 dollars apiece, and can be delivered to your home or picked up at our next PTO meeting. If you are interested, please fill out the google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGpFlD2heUgdQoTjVD9rblWGfMaf3NvR_eKGAtilkhhN71LA/viewform. Payment must be received before sign delivery. Cash, check (made out to The PMSA PTO), or Zelle (thepmsapto209@gmail.com) are accepted. You are NOT required to join the PTO in order to purchase a sign.
- The PMSA PTO will be holding their monthly meeting the THIRD Wednesday evening of each month at 6:30 PM at the PMSA Library Resource Center. Can’t meet in person? Join us remotely on ZOOM. Any questions? Thepmsapto209@gmail.com or text President Anissa Butler at 630-240-2191.
PMSA Club and Activity Bus
Arrives at PMSA at 4:45 pm
Departs PMSA at 5:00 pm
The activity bus will drop the students off at their bus stop location.
It is important that all students know their bus stop location and that they share it with the bus driver.
Click the button below and visit the Proviso Transportation page to find your bus stop location.
