PMSA Weekly Update
November 6, 2023
From the District
Deadline for Immunization Records and Physical Exams
If your student has not turned in immunization records or a physical exam, the district has extended the submission deadline to November 13, 2023. If your student does not have the documentation submitted to the nurse’s office by the extended deadline, he/she will be excluded from school until the school receives the required documentation. This is an Illinois State Board of Education mandate. Please comply with these very important state guidelines.
For more information please visit your school's website and click the School Nurse tab located under the Families section. To find and download the required health examinations forms, please click the link below.
💲Financial Aid Night 💲
Meet our New School Social Worker
Hello everyone, my name is Mr. Godinez. I am the new social worker here at PMSA. I have been a social worker for the past four years for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and my experience includes additional internships within the CPS social work department and with the Psychiatric Social Work team and Physicians at Advocate Christ Medical Center. I currently hold a BA in Psychology and an MA of Social Work with a concentration in school social work.
I am very happy to be joining the PMSA family. I am excited to be working with such a diverse student population and staff. I look forward to working with the students and addressing any social and emotional needs they have. I am a firm believer that a student’s social and emotional well-being is as important as their academic success. If anyone needs to see me, I have an open-door policy in the main office in room 221E.
Thank you, Ruben Godinez
Nuevo Trabajador Social Mr. Godinez
Hola a todos, mi nombre es el Sr. Godínez. Soy El nuevo trabajador social aquí en PMSA. He sido trabajador social durante los últimos 4 años para las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago, pero mi experiencia incluye numerosas practicas que incluyen una practica de un año con el departamento de trabajo social de las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago y con el equipo de Trabajo Social Psiquiátrico y Médicos en el Centro Médico Advocate Christ. Actualmente tengo una licenciatura en Psicología y una maestría en trabajo social con especialización en trabajo social escolar.
Estoy muy feliz de unirme a la familia de PMSA. Estoy emocionado de trabajar con una población estudiantil y personal tan diverso. Espero trabajar con los estudiantes y abordar cualquier necesidad social y emocional que tengan. Creo firmemente que el bienestar social y emocional de un estudiante es tan importante como su éxito académico. Si alguien necesita verme, tengo una política de puertas abiertas en la oficina principal en la oficina 221E.
Gracias, Ruben Godinez
Staff/Student Spotlight
Mr. Rutstein
Mr. Rutstein is a teacher in the English department at PMSA
Q: How long have you been a teacher at PMSA?
A: When I started teaching at PMSA, a pandemic was raging, Kanye got married, and people were pouring buckets of ice water on their heads for no known reason. So, I guess not much changes in 10 years.
Q: What grade levels/classes have you taught at PMSA?
A: In my time here, I’ve taught English to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. I still don’t know what language freshmen speak.
Q: What clubs/Sport do you sponsor?
A: I currently sponsor the Culinary Club, where I get paid to eat ice cream. Don’t tell.
Q: What do you love most about teaching here at PMSA?
A: In no particular order: My desk chair reclines; I like my colleagues, except on Mondays; and the kids are hilarious.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment while teaching here at PMSA?
A: When the community rallied to keep the school open. Today’s lunch menu is a close second.
Q: What is an interesting fact (s) that many do not know about you?
A: I can waterski barefoot, I’m a vegetarian, and I’m shockingly old.
Q: What book (s) are you currently reading?
A: I’m reading Andre Gide’s The Counterfeiters, but I read at least 50 books a year, so ask me again next week.
Q: Is there anything that you would like to tell the school community?
A: Be kind. There is nothing else.
Cameron Neely
Cameron Neely is a junior at PMSA. He is a member of the Black Student Union, PULSE, and played on the volleyball team at Proviso West. He also participates in community service around his Broadview neighborhood.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a student at PMSA?
A: I like the movies hosted by the different clubs here. Before coming to PMSA, I never went to see a movie at school.
Q: What do you love most about PMSA?
A: I love the cultural assemblies. Students are exposed to different cultures. Diversity is celebrated here in a cool and vibrant way.
Q: What are your plans post high school?
A: I plan to attend college. I want to attend a four-year medical school after that. After medical school I will complete my residency. I would like to be a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Q: What is your number 1 college choice?
A: I would like to attend Howard University in Washington DC.
Q: What is your favorite subject(s)
A: I love AP Calculus. I enjoy Mr. Bokar's class and his energy.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
Q: What is something interesting about yourself that you want to share with the PMSA school community?
A: I enjoy helping people. I am always the first person to help and find solutions to assist.
Cool Things Happening
IIT Assistant Professor Sameh Elsaidi Addresses PMSA Students on Chemistry’s Role in Science
At the first event of a collaborative pilot project between the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Computer Science at PMSA, Dr. Sameh Elsaidi, Assistant Professor at IIT and a distinguished researcher at the Center for Separation Science and Sustainability, emphasized the indispensable significance of chemistry in the realm of scientific understanding.
Dr. Elsaidi, a leading figure in the field of separation science (filtration), commenced the event by highlighting the vital role of chemistry as the linchpin of scientific knowledge. From the behavior of atoms and molecules to the reactions that govern our everyday lives, he illustrated how chemistry provides the essential framework that other scientific fields depend upon.
Dr. Sameh Elsaidi also encouraged PMSA students to consider a future in chemistry as there are a vast number of career opportunities available to chemists. He further elaborated on the benefits of IIT, highlighting their cutting-edge research facilities in downtown Chicago and their collaborative efforts with other Technology Institutes (namely MIT).
As part of this project, students in Mr. Birch’s AP Computer Science A class will have a guest speaker once a month, participate in some innovative STEM activities, and have the opportunity to visit the IIT campus in the spring.
AP Human Geography Field Trip
To complement many concepts studies through AP Human Geography, Mr. Colwell's senior classes visited Chinatown last Wednesday November 1st. The journey began at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago followed by lunch at the Chinatown Square Plaza. They ended the day with time to explore Ping Tom Park and exploring cultural aspects of the neighborhood. It was a perfect day!
One Goal Field Trip
On Tuesday October 31, 2023, Ms. Gart's One Goal Year One class got spooky. Twenty-six students (juniors) toured the Dominican University campus in River Forest. A good time was had by all, and students received valuable information about affordable, post-secondary education options.
Mental Health Club Art Therapy
On Wednesday November 1, 2023, the Mental Health Club had art therapy through the Firehouse Dream Foundation. Students created their very own masterpieces and discovered their inner Pablo Picasso. All of the students enjoyed the opportunity to explore therapy through art.
Digital Photography Field Trip
On Wednesday November 1st, Ms. LaPorte and Ms. Cornelius took their second group of IH Digital Photography students to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Students collected images that will be used in upcoming class projects for their individual portfolios.
Upcoming Events
Saturday School/Tutoring Support Services
Student Support Schedule
PMSA Picture Day
Picture Day Information for both Underclassman and Seniors.
Clubs/Activities Meeting Dates
Monday:
Multicultural Club (214)- 3:30-4:30
Key Club (425)- 3:30-4:30
Genealogy Club (407)- 3:30-4:30
Yearbook Club (424)- 3:30-4:30
Tuesday:
Culinary Club (322)- 3:30-4:30
Black Student Union (307)- 3:30-4:30
Student Council (400)- 3:30-4:30
Art Club (504)- 3:30-4:30
Astronomy Club (409)- 6:45-7:30 am
Intramurals (Wellness Area)- 3:30-4:30
Robotics (Proviso West Manufacturing Lab)- 3:30-5:00
Wednesday:
Newspaper Club (316)- 3:30-4:30
Girl's League Club (217)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2026 (210)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2024 (421)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2027 (400)- 3:30-4:30
Mental Health Club (213)- 3:30-4:30
Art Club (504)- 3:30-4:30
Chess Club (427)- 3:30-4:30
Thursday:
Gospel Choir (008)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2025 (213)- 3:30-4:30
SASS (323)- 3:30-4:30
Video Gamer Club (306)- 03:30-4:30
Intramurals (Wellness Area)- 3:30-4:30
Robotics (507)- 3:30-5:00
Video Game Club
Yearbook
Key Club
Girl's League
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)
MESSAGE FROM PMSA PTO
Our goal this year is grow our membership. By growing in numbers, forming committees, and planning events at our school, we can accomplish so much more to make PMSA great for our students.
This year we are asking for a $10 dollar membership fee per family. We are hoping to also collect an ADDITIONAL $10 fee for fundraising to allow us to do events, activities, and support our students and teachers without having to hold a formal fundraiser.
It’s not too late to sign up to be a member, pay your dues and participate. This year we are holding a raffle for membership.
If you have already filled out our membership form and paid dues for the 2023-24 school year, we thank you. If you have not, please see below.
To officially join the PTO for the 2023-24 school year, please click on this link to sign up: https://form.jotform.com/232345952911154
To pay your dues you can use Zelle (thepmsapto209@gmail.com), OR bring a Check (PMSA PTO) or cash to a meeting.
Our PTO Treasurer spot is OPEN. Please contact us if you would be interested in taking over the duties of treasurer for our PTO. We are so grateful for Ms. Chris Serrano for serving as our treasurer for the last year.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the first Wednesday of the month this year for our PTO meetings. All meetings will be held in person and virtually on Microsoft TEAMS. The remaining dates are as follows: December 6, 2023, January 10, 2024, February 7, 2024, March 6, 2024, April 3, 2024, and May 1, 2024. Any questions? Thepmsapto209@gmail.com or text President Anissa Butler at 630-240-2191.
Thanks for your support,
Anissa Butler, Maria Barba, Chris Serrano, and Kathleen Franzwa
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.
PAC Committee Members
Maria Scavella- Chair
Patricia Patrick-Gutierrez -Co-Chair
Maria Escobedo- Secretary
Berenice Garcia -Outreach Coordinator
PMSA PAC Tentative Monthly Meetings and Workshops 2023-2024
- November 8
- December 13
- January 17
- February 21
- March 13
- April 24
- May 8
All Meetings times 6:30-7:30pm
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
Paper Tutoring Support
Local Library Opportunities
Northlake Public Library
Forest Park Public 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.