Monthly Highlander
April 1, 2024
From the Superintendent's Office
2024 Summer School Information
Summer School 2024 registration is now open through May 31st.
Please note: All summer school offerings are dependent upon enrollment and staffing.
Credit Recovery will take priority over all other programs.
Summer School runs Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. (No school on Fridays.) Each Summer School session is 12 days.
Dates are below.
- Session 1:
Monday, June 17, 2024 through Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Off on Wednesday, June 19; Wednesday, July 3; and Thursday, July 4 - Session 2:
Thursday, July 11, 2024 through Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Locations: Summer School will take place at Proviso East and Proviso West High Schools.
Transportation: There will be no bus transportation provided by Proviso Township for Summer School.
Food Service: Food service will be provided for all students attending Summer School, which includes breakfast and lunch.
***Fees: Students and families are encouraged to take advantage of our 2024 Summer School programs. There will be no fee if students complete registration by May 31, 2024. For any students who register after the May 31 deadline including walk in’s, a $100 registration fee will be required prior to placement in the requested course(s). ***
For specific information about Summer School 2024 programs, please see the link below.
Please contact Tony Valente, District Coordinator at 708-338-5929 if you have any questions.
2024-2025 Online Registration and Enrollment Opening May 1st!
Online registration and enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is anticipated to open May 1, 2024. Registering online will make for a more efficient and user-friendly process. Designated dates, times and locations will also be provided for those who require in-person assistance.
Current parents/guardians are encouraged to login to their parent portal of PowerSchool to update contact information. If you need support, please work with your building's parent coordinator. Letters will be mailed home closer to when registration will open.
Proviso East Registrar: 708-202-1629
Proviso West Registrar: 708-202-6314
Proviso Math & Science Academy Registrar: 708-338-4184
End of Quarter 3 Information
As Quarter 3 comes to a close, we want to ensure you have the necessary information to support your child's academic progress.
End of Quarter 3: Friday, April 5, 2024, at 3:15 p.m.
Utilize PowerSchool: Access grades, attendance records, and academic information through the parent portal. Contact parent coordinators for support.
Key Actions:
1. Check PowerSchool Grades regularly.
2. Ensure completion of missing work.
3. Communicate with Teachers regarding any concerns.
Contact school administration for assistance. Thank you for your partnership in your child's education.
Important: PSAT/SAT Schedule and Details
Testing Schedule:
- Tuesday, April 9, 2024: PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10 (Grade 11 and 12 students do not attend)
- Wednesday, April 10, 2024: SAT Testing for Grade 11 students and select Grade 12 students (Grades 9, 10, and select Grade 12 students do not attend)
Test Duration:
- School day start time remains the same. Transportation home adjusted to approximately 12:15 pm on April 9th and 1:15 pm on April 10th.
Test Details:
- Assessments conducted on student-issued devices using Bluebook application.
- Click to Download the Bluebook Digital Testing App | College Board
- Utilize free practice tests on the application for preparation.
Reminders for Students:
- Bring calculator, two #2 pencils, student ID.
- Breakfast and lunch provided.
- No cell phones allowed.
- Bring charged laptop and power cord.
Student Superintendent Advisory Roundtable Honors Women in Leadership
The following article was written by PMSA senior and Public Relations Leader of the Student Advisory Board for the Superintendent, Milo Gittings.
As the search for new leadership continues and potential candidates are being considered, the Student Superintendent Advisory Board has outlined ambitious plans for the remaining months of the school year. In honor of Women’s History Month, our focus initially turned to recognizing Women in Leadership. We welcomed Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps and PTA President Anissa Burrell-Butler, among others, to honor notable women in leadership roles. With input from principals from all three schools and Co-Interim Superintendent Alex Aschoff, our discussions were enriched by diverse perspectives.
Our first topic of discussion centered on the preliminary planning of a "Student Voter Registration Drive" targeting older students and communities within Proviso. Following valuable contributions from students and administrators alike, it was unanimously agreed that the most significant impact could be achieved through:
1. Incentivizing the simplicity of voter registration.
2. Providing education on the history, significance, and importance of voting.
3. Offering access to reliable information to encourage informed decision-making and diverse perspectives.
As a senior myself, I emphasize the importance of understanding that turning 18 marks not just a legal milestone, but also the beginning of a gradual process of assuming responsibilities and understanding our role within society. It is essential for our district to provide the resources necessary for students to navigate this process and comprehend their role as young contributors to society, thereby shaping their perceptions of the world and their desired societal progress.
Furthermore, we discussed plans to conduct a Foundational School Tour, directly engaging with feeder schools to support the transition of students into East, West, and PMSA high schools, while also showcasing the opportunities available. Our aim is to bridge the communication gap with feeder schools, fostering a stronger connection between our communities and the school system. Commissioner Stamps emphasized the importance of presenting a united front among schools to alter perceptions and dispel stigma.
Simultaneously, we advocate for the reintroduction of Shadow Days within the three schools, a move that has positively influenced the perception of our schools and heightened excitement among incoming freshmen about joining the Proviso community.
We are immensely grateful for the active involvement of our students in enhancing our district. We value open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, and pledge to maintain transparency as we progress into April. Change is enacted by those who are willing to take initiative for the betterment of their communities, and as our administration undergoes transition, it is imperative for students, staff, parents, and stakeholders to recognize their invaluable and unique voices in this process.
District Spotlight
PMSA's National Honor Society Hosts Spring Fling
The Proviso Math and Science Academy's National Honor Society recently hosted their Spring Fling event, which took place on March 13 at PMSA. Students from all three Proviso campuses, including student-athletes and those involved in various clubs and activities, were welcomed to attend the event, which aimed to foster community spirit and collaboration.
Not limiting its outreach to existing students, the Spring Fling also extended its invitation to area 8th-grade students and families, providing them with an opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of PMSA.
A highlight of the event was a student-led Q&A session featuring Proviso's Interim Co-Superintendents, Mr. Alex Aschoff and Mr. Luke Pavone. During this interactive discussion, attendees had the chance to gain insights into the strengths of the district as well as areas slated for improvement, offering a transparent and informative exchange between students and administrative leaders. The brightly decorated event also included games, activities, and refreshments.
Through events like the Spring Fling, the National Honor Society at PMSA continues to demonstrate its commitment to not only academic excellence but also to the development and inclusivity of the student body. Such initiatives serve as valuable opportunities for students to come together, engage with school leadership, and forge lasting connections within their educational community.
Exploring Opportunities: Recap of 'Imagine Your Future' College and Career Fair
On March 7, students from all three campuses attended the "Imagine Your Future" College and Career Fair at Proviso West's Fieldhouse. Over 70 representatives from colleges, universities, military branches, and trade schools were present to address student inquiries and offer insights into potential post-secondary education and career paths. Special appreciation is extended to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sharon Williams and Proviso's College and Career Counselors Mr. John Korntheuer, Ms. Anastasia Spiridis-Skoupas, and Ms. Amy Paulus for their diligent efforts in organizing this event.
One Goal Field Trip Explores Consulting Firm
Students from One Goal Year 2, accompanied by additional Proviso East and PMSA students recently embarked on a unique field trip to Slalom Consulting, located in downtown Chicago, where they explored career workshops and the realm of consulting on Friday, March 1, 2024.
This experience provided insight into the consulting profession, emphasizing its relevance across various academic backgrounds. Students were exposed to the significance of essential skills such as communication, collaboration, time management, flexibility, adaptability, active listening, organization, and problem-solving in this field. Students ended their day with a special treat of pizza provided by the consulting firm.
Reflecting on the day, students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity, citing it as both enjoyable and invaluable in their career exploration journey. Thank you to our One Goal Program Director, Ms. Margarita A. Levasseur, for facilitating this unique field trip opportunity!
Staff Section
D209 Staff Engage in Professional Learning for Half-Day Institute
Proviso Faculty and staff immersed themselves in a day of professional development on Wednesday, March 13, engaging in a diverse array of training sessions tailored to enhance their expertise and effectiveness in their respective roles.
EL and Bilingual educators delved into SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) training, equipping themselves with strategies to better cater to the needs of English Learners, ensuring inclusivity and proficiency in language acquisition.
Meanwhile, Art and Music instructors congregated in a districtwide Professional Learning Community (PLC), fostering collaboration and coherence in curriculum development and implementation across shared courses. Likewise, World Language and IB English teachers focused on vertical alignment, synchronizing their courses to provide a seamless learning journey for students.
CTE (Career and Technical Education) teachers immersed themselves in Certiport and CareerSafe training, refining their skills to prepare students for career readiness in an ever-evolving job market.
Librarians convened to calibrate on database utilization and purchasing procedures, optimizing resources to enrich student learning experiences.
In a districtwide PLC, English, Social Studies, and Science teachers dissected standards pertinent to their core subjects, exploring innovative instructional strategies to effectively impart knowledge and skills to students across various courses.
Co-teaching pairs collaborated with West 40 experts, honing their collaborative skills and refining instructional approaches to meet the diverse needs of students in co-taught classes.
Mathematics educators at East and West campuses received specialized training on the TI84 calculator, while counterparts at PMSA delved into a PLC focused on Integrated Math practices, ensuring alignment and coherence in math education across campuses.
Physical Education, Health, Drivers Education, and NJROTC instructors engaged in vital CPR/AED/Concussion training, equipping themselves to address critical health emergencies with competence and confidence. Simultaneously, Counselors and Social Workers/Psychologists delved into Crisis Intervention strategies, enhancing their ability to provide essential support to students in times of need.
Lastly, Security personnel and Nurses/Nurse Assistants underwent Narcan training, while Office Staff delved into E-collect training, bolstering the school community's preparedness and response capabilities in emergency situations.
Feedback from participants overwhelmingly underscored the value of these training sessions. Teachers appreciated the opportunity to connect with counterparts from other campuses, fostering collaboration and synergy across the district. These training endeavors reaffirmed the school's commitment to ongoing professional growth and the holistic development of its faculty and staff.
Savvas Education Consultant Co-Teaches at PMSA
On March 5, 2024, Nancy Christman, Education Consultant for Savvas, collaborated with Ms. Silvia Foti, teaching a co-planned lesson. They prepared the lesson during Christman's visit in February, crafting a curriculum from the myPerspectives Grade 9 Textbook, focusing on Act I of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.
Utilizing Renaissance STAR data from winter tests, heterogenous groups were formed by Ms. Foti. Ms. Christman then outlined the textbook's unit structure and introduced four key strategies for effective small group work: Prepare, Participate Fully, Support Others, and Clarify.
Observing teachers Mr. Neal Rutstein and Ms. Katie Ovalle joined to witness the implementation of the small group project. Emphasis was placed on fostering a culture of inclusion and respectful disagreement.
“It helps me to see what she focuses on,” said Ms. Ovalle. “It is an extension of our PLC work as a Freshman Team.”
Students shared their interpretations of the strategies, emphasizing collaboration and equitable workload distribution. Ms. Christman stressed the importance of asking clarifying questions to ensure mutual understanding.
Students assumed their roles and engaged in group discussions, supported by Ms. Foti's guidance. Interim Principal Ms. Cristin Chiganos and Assistant Principal of Instruction Ms. Erin Mason participated, enjoying students' diverse perspectives and evidence-based arguments.
The lesson highlighted the effectiveness of the myPerspectives series in promoting student-led discussions and critical thinking.
“This is the beauty of the myPerspectives series,” said Ms. Christman. “Teachers slowly release responsibility to the students so students can do the thinking and justifying of their points of view using evidence from the text.”
Future co-taught lessons are planned at other campuses in April and May.
Proviso District 209 Seeks Talent at Multilingual Job Fair
ELL/Bilingual Coordinator Mr. Jim Kallieris and Proviso West Assistant Principal Ms. Oriana Wilson recently represented Proviso District 209 at the Illinois Resource Center's Multilingual Educational Professionals Job Fair on March 9 in Oak Brook. Their aim was to connect with potential candidates who could contribute significantly to the district's support system for English Learners. The event provided an opportunity to engage with numerous prospective candidates, and District 209 remains committed to actively seeking individuals who can enhance the educational experience for all students, particularly those in need of English language support.
Board of Education Corner
Nutrition Service
To view the full menu, please visit Nutrition Services Menus.
Breakfast Menu
Lunch Menu
Evening School Menu
Upcoming District Dates
April
09 - PSAT 8/9 & PSAT 10 Testing
09 - Board of Education Meeting (PMSA, 7:00 p.m.)
10 - SAT Testing
16 - BOE Parent and Community Engagement Committee Meeting (PMSA, 5:30 p.m.)
17 - BOE Finance Committee Meeting (PMSA, 5:30 p.m.)
18 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (6 p.m.)
19 - Early Release Day (1:55 p.m. dismissal)
23 - Board of Education Meeting (PMSA, 7:00 p.m.)
26 - District Institute Day (No school)
29 - BOE Policy Committee Meeting (PMSA, 5:30 p.m.)
For more event details and upcoming dates, click the link below.