PMSA Python Press
November 17, 2024
Message from the Principal
Greetings Pythons!
This past Friday marked the halfway point of Quarter 2. Tomorrow, 11/18, digital progress reports will be emailed to all parents/guardians registered as having data access in Power School. If you are not sure if you have data access on your Parent Portal, please contact our school registrar Ms. Teruel at wteruel@pths209.org. Please sit down with your student to review their academic progress. A relaxing Thanksgiving break with family and friends is a great way to recharge and come back to school ready to finish first semester strong.
As a reminder, this school year’s Final Exams are scheduled before Winter Break starting Wed. 12/18 - Fri. 12/20. During these last few weeks of Q2, we ask families to partner with us in encouraging students to take advantage of resources such as after-school tutoring in Math and English, as well as to attend the last two sessions of Saturday School tutoring on 12/7 and 12/14 in the library. Free 1:1 tutoring is also available 24/7 in all subjects via PaperTM. Information on these ongoing extra supports can be found later in this publication. (Of note, no Final Exams will be administered early. Any student who will be missing any/all exams will receive an Incomplete for applicable courses and will make up their exam(s) after Winter Break. Students should communicate with their counselor for more information.)
Also, we ask that you please make sure your student is getting a good night's sleep to help keep their immunity strong. Cold and flu season is upon us. Attendance is super important for continued success at school, and we want all our Pythons to stay healthy so they can be present and engaged in class. If your student will be staying at home due to an illness, please be sure to call (708) 338-4100 as soon as possible to authorize their absence, and follow the prompt for attendance in English or Spanish.
Wishing all Python families, students, and staff a wonderful week ahead!
Ms. Chiganos
Staff/Student Spotlight
Ms. Taylor
A: This is my first-year teaching at PMSA!
Q: Classes/grade levels that you have taught while at PMSA?
A: IH World Literature (Grade 10) & AP Language and Composition (Grade 11 & 12).
Q: What activities and/or sports/clubs do you sponsor?
A: Tutoring, Saturday school, Culinary Club, Debate Club.
Q: What do you love most about teaching here at PMSA?
A: I love teaching at my alma mater. I get the opportunity to interact with teachers from my time here and participate in a similar mission that helped me form some of my best academic habits as a student.
Q: What is your most memorable moment while teaching here at PMSA?
A: At the start of the year, many students expressed being nervous about presenting. Recently, I have had a few AP students asking me if they can present their argument presentations in front of the class. I love seeing students become more confident leaders as a result of my instruction. This moment reminds me I am in the right field.
Q: What is an interesting fact(s) that many do not know about you?
A: I have travelled to over 20 countries.
Q: What book(s) are you currently reading for pleasure?
A: I am reading currently reading: Flourishing Kin by Yuria Celidwen.
Q: Anything else you would like to tell the school community about yourself?
A: I enjoy watching Korean TV series. I would love to discuss with anyone else who is interested in them!
Diego Rodriguez
Diego Rodriguez is a junior at PMSA. He is a member of the soccer and volleyball teams at Proviso West. He participates in both sports, while maintaining a 4.7 GPA!
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a student at PMSA?
A: My first day of school here. My sister went to PMSA, so I already knew this was a good school. I was excited for a new beginning.
Q: What do you love most about PMSA?
A: I love the teachers. They really care about our education.
Q: What are your plans post high school?
A: I plan to attend college at a four-year university.
Q: What is your number 1 college choice?
A: University of Michigan.
Q: What is your favorite subject(s)
A: Math.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Q: What is something interesting about yourself that you want to share with the PMSA school community?
A: Soccer is my passion. I am also really friendly, and I am a natural extrovert. I love to learn about people's culture.
Cool Things Happening
Veterans Day Event
The PMSA band performed at Remembrance Park in Forest Park on Veterans Day under the direction of Music teacher Mr. Berchtold.
Student Advisory Assembly
The Student Advisory Assembly (SAA) was created to help youth convene and share dialogue from their academic body. The goal is to consolidate and promote civic engagement by attending their school district board meetings.
Pictured below are the student representatives that attended our most recent board meeting with our school board President, Mr. Valtierrez.
Jaliayah Hoover
Yesenia Aleman
Colin Aranda
Nihal Mody
Senior Community Service
On Thursday November 7th, while the underclassmen were testing for the Fall Pre-ACT, our seniors went out in the community to perform acts of service.
Aperion Care - Westchester -Mr. Brown's Chorus classes entertained residents with classic songs and some holiday tunes and served donuts and coffee that PMSA donated to the facility.
Lindop Elementary/Middle School -National Honor Society students participated in panel discussions with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to answer questions related to the high school experience and what incoming middle school students can expect in the next chapter of their education.
Broadview Park District Schroeder Park Facility -Students helped organize supplies and new materials.
PLCCA - Maywood- Students made resource kits for the homeless in the community.
Firehouse Dream Facility - Maywood - Students made mental health kits to pass out to the school community.
Neighborhood Beautification- Students picked up litter around the streets surrounding the school area.
Forest Park Public Library - Students made crafts to donate and were able to keep some for themselves.
Forest Park Community Center - The students helped clean toys at the daycare facility.
College Reading and Writing College Visit
On Thursday Nov. 7th, our seniors from our College Reading and Writing class visited Triton and learned about their programs on campus. In addition, they were able to observe the RHT101 class. The day was extremely valuable for our students.
-Thank you, Mr. Markus and Ms. Marino (District Coordinator for ELA).
AP Human Geography Field Trip
The perfect day began with AP Human Geography students visiting the Chinese American Museum of Chicago to complement their study of demographic patterns and migration, followed by lunch at the Chinatown Square Mall. The field trip ended with a visit to Ping Tom Park, which gave students site-based experience for understanding the study of changing urban landscapes
-Thank you, Mr. Colwell!
Metra Program
Metra Lifesaving Operation program came to PMSA to discuss railroad safety. According to Metra, although the number of highway-rail crossing collisions, deaths, and injuries has dropped over the past five decades, it’s still a startling fact that about every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Railroad safety was taught by Mr. Mills and Ms. Wilson to both Ms. McCormick's and Mr. Olivares's Driver's Education classes.
Important Reminders
School Picture Day
Wednesday November 20th- Senior Pictures
Thursday November 21st- Underclassmen, Staff, and Faculty (Photo packets were distributed to students during their 2nd period classes).
Fall Break
School will not be in session Monday November 25th-Friday November 29th.
Be thankful and enjoy your time with friends and family!
Clubs/Activities Meeting Dates
MONDAY
- Black Student Union (Multi-Purpose Room) 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 (Multi-Purpose Room) 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
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)
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.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) empower parents to serve as partners in the education of their children at schools that receive Title 1 funding.
Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) bring together parents/legal guardians, teachers/staff, and community stakeholders to work with their school principal in the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of the Title I Program.
PACs empower parents to inspire and assist their children in achieving educational goals.
Title I Program Goals
The main goal of Title I is to provide instructional services and activities which support students in meeting the state’s challenging performance standards. The Title I program strives to increase academic achievement by providing direct instructional support to students and effective professional development for teachers. Title, I program promotes parent education and involvement.
All Meetings times 6:00-7:00pm
Feel free to contact the PMSA PAC by email at pmsapac209@gmail.com
Learn more about Title 1
https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Parent-and-Family-Engagement.aspx
Academic Tutoring Support
Athletics
Proviso East
Proviso West
Senior Information
From the Circulation Desk of our School Librarian
Book Club
PMSA's Book Club is being conducted in collaboration with the Forest Park Public Library. The Forest Park librarian attends during lunch periods to discuss the book with participating students. This month's book was Solitare by Alice Oseman.
Local Library Information
Forest Park Library
Bus Info
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.
Breakfast/Lunch Menus
Free Healthcare Options for PMSA Students
*All options listed below in flyer are available for PMSA students, in addition to Proviso East students.*
District 209 Virtual Bulletin Board
Looking for community events and opportunities? Visit our Virtual Bulletin Board webpage!
Our Virtual Bulletin Board is a dedicated online space where families can easily access information from local organizations. It serves as a convenient resource for staying up-to-date on upcoming events, activities, and opportunities in the community, helping families stay engaged and connected with local happenings.
If you're community member and would like to submit a flyer, contact Kristi VandenBroek, Director of Public & Community Relations, at kvandenbroek@pths209.org. Flyers will be posted until the event date listed, or for approximately one month if no specific dates are provided.
A link to our Virtual Backpack page can be found below or also at the bottom of every newsletter under "Useful Resources." Stay informed and don’t miss out on what’s happening in our community!