Proviso West Newsletter

January 16, 2025

* Haga clic en translate para leerlo en Español.

Welcome to 2025: A Warm Start to the New Semester!

Happy New Year to all our Proviso West families! As we step into 2025 and begin the second semester, we’re delighted to share that the new year is off to a fantastic start. This semester is filled with exciting opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Get Connected with PowerSchool

We encourage all parents and guardians to sign up for PowerSchool if you haven’t already. This user-friendly platform provides real-time updates on your student’s grades, attendance, and important school information. Staying informed is one of the best ways to support your student’s success.

Contact the Parent Coordinator if you need assistance with PowerSchool.

Ms. Hibbler 708-427-8247

The Importance of Attendance

Attendance is the foundation of academic success, and everyday matters! Students should arrive by 7:30AM as classes begin promptly at 8:00AM. Breakfast is served daily at 7:00 AM to ensure students are fueled and ready to learn.

Reporting Absences (708-449-6400)

If your student will be absent, please contact the attendance office within 24 hours. When calling, clearly provide:

- Student’s full name and ID number

- Date of the absence

- Reason for the absence

- Parent/guardian name and relationship to the student

- A daytime phone number where we can reach you

Calls from parents or legal guardians are required, and while you may need to leave a voicemail, our attendance office staff will review and respond as needed. For detailed attendance policies, refer to Section 5 of the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Handbook. (See Link for handbook at bottom of Newsletter)

Students Must have their IDs Daily

All students are required to wear their school IDs when entering the building and keep them visible at all times during the school day. IDs are essential for accessing the cafeteria, obtaining passes, and helping to ensure a secure school environment.

Encourage Your Student to Get Involved

Extracurricular activities are a vital part of the high school experience. From sports teams to clubs and organizations, these opportunities help students build confidence, learn teamwork, and develop leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom. Encourage your student to join a club, try out for a team, or explore a new passion this semester!

Getting involved also helps students feel more connected to their school community, which can have a positive impact on their academic and personal growth.

Parent Engagement Opportunities

At Proviso West, we value our partnership with parents and guardians. We offer a variety of activities and resources through our Parent Center to help you stay involved in your student’s journey. Be on the lookout for upcoming parent workshops, events, and opportunities to connect with other families. These events will be advertised in our newsletters and school communications, so stay tuned!

Let’s Work Together

Our dedicated staff is here to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all students. We’re committed to working with you to help your student achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Here’s to a successful second semester and an amazing 2025! If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make this a year of growth, achievement, and connection for everyone in the Proviso West community.

Warmly,

The Proviso West Team

Tardy & Truancy Policy

CTE and Early College Programs

Attention Rising Juniors and Seniors

Deadline for Program Application Submission is Fast Approaching!

***Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025***

District 209 is proud to offer students an exceptional opportunity to jump-start their careers and education through our Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Early College programs. This year, we’ve expanded even further, introducing new career fields and classes to prepare students for success.

For additional information, contact:

College & Career Counselor Ms. Spirdis-Skoupas - aspirdis-skoupas@pths209.org - 708-765-3986

Parent Coordinator Ms. Hibbler - ghibbler@pths209.org - 708-427-8247

Applications Are Open for the Following Programs:

Early College Credit

Through our partnerships with Triton College and other institutions, students can participate in dual credit, dual enrollment, and dual degree programs. Talented juniors and seniors can explore a variety of career fields, including:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Criminal Justice Administration (CJA)
Welding
Fire Science (Rising Seniors Only)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) (Rising Seniors Only)
Education
EKG
HVAC (Rising Seniors Only)
Sports Conditioning
Sports Management
Optician
Dental Assistant
Phlebotomy
Physical Therapy Aide
Barber

Dual Credit at Proviso

Earn both high school and college credit simultaneously! By taking approved courses at your Proviso campus with a Proviso teacher, students can receive credit on both their Proviso High School transcript and their Triton College transcript. Grades are shared with Triton College to ensure course objectives are met, providing an efficient path to college readiness.

CTE Programs

The CTE Program at Proviso Township High Schools District 209 offers students a dynamic range of college and career pathways designed to prepare them for success in high-demand fields. With opportunities in areas such as Automotive Technology, Barbering, Business, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Culinary Arts, and STEM, students can gain hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills. Courses are available both during the day and evening at Proviso campuses and partner institutions like Triton College, Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy, and Erskine Reeves Barber Academy.

Dual Enrollment at Triton College Career Academies

Interested in Career and Technical Education courses not available at your school? Rising juniors and seniors can attend semester-long or year-long classes at the Triton College Career Academies, gaining hands-on experience in specialized fields.

Dual Enrollment at Triton

For even more CTE opportunities, rising juniors and seniors can enroll in semester-long or year-long courses directly at Triton College.

Dual Degree Program

The Dual Degree Program offers students the chance to earn both their high school diploma and an associate’s degree by the end of their senior year. Courses align with Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) standards, making it easy to transfer credits to a four-year college or university. During their junior and senior years, students attend college classes at Triton College from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays.

***Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025***

For more information, including step-by-step application instructions, available pathways, course offerings, and important dates, visit the CTE and Early College webpage at:

www.pths209.org/domain/3410

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Alexander Brandon, District Director for Career and Technical Education and Early College, at: cte_earlycollege@pths209.org.

Take the first step toward your future today! Click the link below for more Information.

CTE and Early College Page

Proviso West Athletics

As we welcome a new year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on my journey as the Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball team at Proviso West. In a relatively short time, we have been diligently working on rebuilding the Boys Basketball program, and the progress we’ve made is truly remarkable.

This year marked the 63rd annual Proviso West Holiday Tournament, where we achieved a milestone by winning 3rd place—something that hadn’t been accomplished since 1986. The Panthers secured The Consolation Championship in the Year prior. Together, we are truly making history!

We were also honored to have the support of District 209’s superintendent Krish Mohip, our board members, administrators, faculty, staff, students, local community and a special appearance from Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, further highlighting the community’s investment in our program’s success.

I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead for our team and deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our community, families, and supporters. Together, we are building something extraordinary.

Here’s to continued growth and success in the new year!

For more information on sports, please visit https://il.8to18.com/provisowest/home.

You may also contact Proviso West Athletic Director, Mr. Lamont Bryant at: lbryant@pths209.org

Students who need a sports physical or school physical can be seen at the Loyola Health Center located at Proviso East H.S. An appointment must be set and the link to set up an appointment can be found below.

http://www.loyolasbhc.org/appointments.html

Proviso West Giving Back to the Community

Proviso West Key Club and NHS Clean Up

Students from Key Club and NHS took a service field trip to the Greater Chicago Food Depository on November 12. GCFD occasionally gets non-food donations, and on this visit our members got to help out with that. Students helped to repack laundry soap for distribution to food pantries across the Chicagoland area. In teams, club members unpacked, counted out, repacked and labeled the products.

In a single morning West NHS & Key Club members repackaged 425 cases of laundry detergent! That amounts to a whopping 637,500 loads of laundry. Proviso West really cleaned up!

Students participating:

Avery Mata Edwin Cano Jorge Espinoza Fridauz Ibraheem Kent Jacob Luis Guerrero

Matthew Manangan Madison Smith Ariel Hernandez Vince Ligot Kory Brown

Daniel Moraga Janiece Moore Luis Diaz-Ogaz Agustin Sanchez Alyssa Gomez

Gabriela Diaz-Ogaz Sarai Gutierrez Angela Gaitan Sebastian Hernandez Eric Sepulveda

Marelin Arteaga Laila Laws Jaydan Ware Elizabeth Medina

Fueling Success

Meet our Food Service Staff The staff play an essential role in the daily lives of Proviso West students by providing healthy and delicious meals that help fuel their success. Each school day, they work tirelessly to ensure our students have access to balanced meals that keep them energized and ready to learn. Beyond the food they prepare, their warm smiles and dedication create a welcoming environment that makes a difference for so many. We are grateful for their hard work and commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our school community.

(See Link Below for Food Service Survey)

Food Service Survey

Proviso's Creative Corner: Excelling Through the Arts

At Proviso West, the arts are thriving with creativity and talent! In December, our brought the season to life with beautiful performances that filled the air with joy and community spirit. The theater program also shined with their unique production of *When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors*, showcasing our students' wit and dedication. In the drawing & painting classes, students embraced their creativity resulting in stunning pieces that reflect their talent and hard work.

Engaging in the arts not only sparks creativity but also nurtures emotional well-being and critical thinking skills.

Technology

Proviso's Technology Department has been hard at work all year, ensuring that all technology resources and support are ready and available throughout the school year. Below is a list of common links, building IT staff, and application-specific contacts.

District 209 has made tutoring accessible to all students through PAPER! This tutoring resource provides FREE Academic Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Common Links

PowerSchool Teachers: https://pschool.pths209.org/teachers

PowerSchool Substitutes: https://pschool.pths209.org/subs/

PowerSchool Students: https://pschool.pths209.org/

Schoology: https://pths209.schoology.com/

Clever: https://clever.com/in/pths209

Support Contacts

PowerSchool & Clever: Mr. DeJuan Moon dmoon@pths209.org

Schoology & Other Instructional Applications: Ms. Felicia Lee felee@pths209.org

Proviso West IT Support: Mr. Victor Chielo vchielo@pths209.org (Room D202)

Parent Coordinator: Gail Hibbler ghibbler@pths209.org (Room E134) (708-427-8247)