Proviso West Newsletter
November 20, 2024
* Haga clic en translate para leerlo en Español.
Attendance Matters - Supporting Student Success
Getting to school on time is more than just starting the day right—it sets the tone for academic success, responsibility, and positive habits that last a lifetime. As parents, you play a crucial role in helping your high schooler develop these essential skills. Arriving on time ensures students don’t miss important lessons, fosters a sense of accountability, and helps reduce the stress of catching up. Let’s work together to support our students in building strong routines that will benefit students both in school and beyond!
Below are Important Tips to Assist Proviso West Families.
- All students should be at school by 7:30am
- Classes start promptly at 8:00 am.
- Free breakfast everyday for all students starting at 7:00 am.
Reporting an Absence
Parents or guardians must call the Attendance Office within 24 hours of an absence. Please be prepared to provide the following information clearly and slowly:
- Student’s full name and ID number
- Date(s) of absence
- Reason(s) for absence
- Parent/Guardian’s name and relationship to the student
- A daytime phone number where you can be reached
Only calls from parents or legal guardians are accepted. If a parent or guardian is out of town, written documentation must be submitted to the Attendance Office in advance to approve the student’s absence.
Arriving Late to School
Students are expected to arrive on time. Frequent tardiness may lead to a conference with the parent/guardian and potential disciplinary actions. If a student arrives late, parents/guardians should inform the Attendance Office prior to the student’s arrival. If unable to call ahead, a call must be made within 24 hours to excuse the tardy.
Examples of unexcused reasons for lateness include:
- Oversleeping
- Family errands
- Car trouble
- Missing the bus
- Babysitting
Please try to schedule appointments outside school hours whenever possible.
Authorized Absences
The following absences may be authorized, pending proper documentation:
- College visits (two days per year for juniors and seniors)
- Military service or military honors funeral attendance
- Civic responsibilities
- Medical appointments (doctor/dentist)
- Required religious observances
- Court appointments
- In-school or out-of-school suspensions
- Illness requiring the student to be sent home by the school nurse
- Funerals (up to seven calendar days for immediate family with documentation)
- Other special circumstances upon request and review by school administration
A doctor’s note is required within five days for absences due to illness.
For more detailed information, please consult section 5 in the Proviso Township High School Handbook.
The link for the Proviso Township High School Handbook can be found at the bottom of the newsletter.
Proviso Excellence!
Proviso West Celebrates Students Achievements!
On October 24, Proviso West celebrated Manufacturing Day in the school's manufacturing lab. During the event, approximately 70 students received their first safety credentials of the year, including OSHA 10, SP2 Manufacturing, Machine Skills, CAD Certification, and soft skills training. Industry partners from five local companies joined the celebration, along with special guests, Mayor Katrina Thompson of Broadview and Mayor Joe Tamburino of Hillside. The mayors addressed students and the community, emphasizing the critical role of the manufacturing industry and the importance of preparing for current and future job opportunities. This event highlighted the exceptional work being done by Ms. Senase to equip students with valuable skills for success in a thriving field.
Triton Visit
I am excited to share the highlights of our recent visit to Triton College with Mrs. English Jones' General Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and AP Biology classes. About 50 of our PW scholars were warmly welcomed and had a fantastic time engaging in hands-on activities. In the chemistry lab, they made plastics, while in biology, they inoculated kidney cells, gaining valuable insights into these scientific processes.
Additionally, students toured the Triton Plus lab, where they learned about innovative resources and support available for college students. The tour of the biomedical facilities was impressive, and students appreciated participating in a panel with current Triton students, which helped them envision their future there.
We are grateful to Mrs. English Jones and the Triton staff for inspiring our students.
Scholastic Bowl
Proviso West Hosts Inspiring Scholarship Expo - College Fair
On October 22, 2024, students from each of the three Proviso Township Proviso High Schools attended an empowering college fair hosted by the esteemed *Developing Our Youth* organization. With a 15-year legacy of supporting youth and families, this organization continues to make a lasting impact through its signature initiative: the Scholarship Expo. This dynamic event has connected over 10,000 students to invaluable resources, facilitating more than $200 million in scholarships. Sponsored by Mayor Harvey and Mayor Katrina Thompson, the fair was a testament to the collective commitment to making higher education attainable and affordable, paving the way for brighter futures.
Proviso West Celebrating & Giving Back to the Community
Proviso West Seniors Performed Community Service Hours throughout the Community
Seniors had the opportunity to participate in a service-learning day on November 7, 2024. The counseling department took over 80 seniors to 3 different sites throughout various communities, including the Village of Bellwood, Broadview Park District and Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg. Our students assisted in cleaning and organizing material for a new production studio in Broadview, packed 215 boxes of food for those in need at FMSC and worked with the fire department, clerical and grounds department in Bellwood. We would like to thank Bellwood's Mayor Harvey and Broadview Park District Executive Director Darrion Hills for providing these valuable opportunities to our students!
Proviso West Sponsors Blood Drive
On November 4, Proviso West High School partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive in the school gym, collecting an impressive 24 units of blood. This contribution has the potential to help hundreds of people in need. The event saw tremendous participation, including several first-time donors, whose involvement is vital for sustaining blood donation efforts.
Honoring Memories
School Physicals and Sport Physicals
Parents, as we approach the new school year, students who need a school physical or sports 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
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 .
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)
Upcoming Events & Resources
Join in Virtually on Wednesdays (7pm-8:30pm) as we discuss and share effective parenting strategies that will support your student both in school and in life. Earn a stipend, gifts, and other incentives for your participation." See Dates Below
11/20, 12/4 & 12/11
Call, text or email if you have questions. 708-427-8247 or ghibbler@pths209.org
Upcoming Dates and Events
November
20 - Virtual Workshop (Parenting on Purpose) 7:00 - 8:30
21 - Parent Advisory Council Meeting (PAC) 6PM-7:30PM
21 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Council Meeting (BPAC) 6PM-7:30PM)
25-29 Non-Attendance Days- Thanksgiving Break
December
10- Board of Education Meeting (7:30PM)
20- End of Semester
23-31 Winter Break (Non-Attendance Days)
January
1-3 Winter Break
6- School Resumes
14- Board of Education Meeting (7:30PM)
16 - Parent Advisory Council (PAC) 6 -7:30PM
16 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) 6-7:30PM
20- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
30- Institute Day (No Student Attendance)