PMSA Python Press
October 18, 2024
Greetings PMSA!
We are excited to bring back our weekly PMSA Newsletter – The Python Press – where you can expect all the latest highlights from our amazing students and staff. This year, we welcome Mr. Pete Zak to his new role as Dean of Safety, Wellness and Student Success. Having served in D209 for over 18 years, Mr. Zak brings a wealth of institutional knowledge to the team, and he has already built a strong foundation here at PMSA, having served as a veteran teacher in our Wellness Department and as Behind-the-Wheel Coordinator. Next week, he will be featured in our Staff Spotlight section, where you will learn about his experience thus far in his new role.
Today marks the end of Quarter 1 (Q1), and CONGRATULATIONS are in order to the FRESHMAN CLASS! They finished in 1st place for Q1 with the highest Daily Average Attendance at 96.6%! Here are the final results:
- Grade 9: 96.6%
- Grade 10: 95.8%
- Grade 11% 95.0%
- Grade 12% 92.5%
In addition, we want to thank our PARENTS for your efforts in making sure your student is getting to school every day. Our Year-To-Date (YTD) attendance for Grades 9-12 is 95%. This is a 2% increase compared to the end of Q1 last year at 93%. Let’s keep the momentum going as we open up Quarter 2!
A few more key details related to attendance: PLEASE make sure to call (708) 338-4100 for all attendance-related matters and follow the prompt for attendance in English or Spanish. Both lines are checked daily. Most attendance is cleared within the same school day, but please allow up to 48 hours for attendance to be cleared. If you do not call to authorize your student’s absence, they will be marked Unverified (UNV), and you will continue to receive an email and voicemail after each class period. If your student needs to leave school early for a medical appointment, please call (708) 338-4100 x4184.
We ask that you try to schedule appointments outside of school hours to reduce the amount of instruction that may be missed. If this is not possible, please try to schedule the appoint at the very beginning or end of the school day. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to partner with us to ensure all students continue to thrive in the best learning environment we can provide here at PMSA!
Speaking of thriving, we want to make sure our students our well-fed! In this year’s Python Pride, we will also include the Monthly Breakfast & Lunch Menu. A link to the Nutrition Services page of our District Website is always included at the bottom of our newsletter. For gluten free options, students can also reach out to the Manager of Nutrition Services, Ms. Garza, at sgarza@pths209.org.
Finally, we are looking forward to welcoming you next Thursday evening (10/24) Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences from 6-8pm at PMSA. At that time, you will receive a copy of your student’s Q1 Report Card. Please block out your evening so you can come to school and spend some time with your student’s teachers and also receive a copy of each course syllabus if you do not already have them.
More information headed your way in next week’s edition of The Python Press!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Ms. Chiganos
Ms. Helpley
We would like to extend a huge welcome to one of new faculty members in the English department, Ms. Helpley.
Q: How long have you been a teacher at PMSA?
A: This is my first-year teaching at PMSA!
Q: What classes/grade levels have you taught at PMSA?
A: At PMSA, I have taught IH Survey of Lit (9th grade) and IH American Lit (11th Grade). At my last school, I also taught 12th grade English!
Q: What clubs/sports do you sponsor?
A: I am the sponsor for National Honors Society and Yearbook. I'm also helping a group of students with a startup club to give back to local pet shelters. It's called People 4 Petz, and we meet on Wednesdays in 305!
Q: What do you love most about teaching here at PMSA?
A: The students! We have incredible students. They make me laugh and keep me on my toes.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment while teaching here at PMSA?
A: Our first pep rally definitely left an impression! But one of my favorite moments was probably debating the best dipping sauce with my junior students. I was shocked about how many students were ketchup fans! Even more shocking, some students don't dip their food in anything at all... Could you imagine?! Dry nuggets?!
Q: What is an interesting fact (s) that many do not know about you?
A: Before teaching, I worked as a psychological counselor and taught youth yoga. These parts of me definitely keep me Zen on the crazy days!
Q: What book (s) are you currently reading?
A: I'm currently reading Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas. I love her books! I'm a big fantasy fan. However, I've been blessed with a brand-new nephew recently, and we are reading Peter Pan together!
Q: Is there anything that you would like to tell the school community?
A: Growing up, I attended 5 elementary schools and 3 high schools. This background has fueled my desire to build community in my classrooms. The little things make my day every day... Asking students how their day is going, what they've got going on over the weekend, etc. I'm big on belonging!
Jaelyn Stone
Jaelyn Stone is a sophomore at PMSA. She is a member of the marching band at Proviso East. Jaelyn has been playing the saxophone for the last six years since she was in the 4th grade. On weekends, Jaelyn participates in the Merit School of Music's musical program.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a student at PMSA?
A: I enjoyed attending the Women in Engineering ceremony at Proviso East last year. It was inspiring to see my peers receive awards in the field of STEM.
Q: What do you love most about PMSA?
A: I love the fact that I am actually challenged by my teachers every day.
Q: What are your plans post high school?
A: I plan to attend college. I want to go to a four-year University.
Q: What is your number 1 college choice?
A: I would love to attend an Ivy League University.
Q: What is your favorite subject(s)
A: Math
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Monday's not Coming by Tiffany Jackson
Q: What is something interesting about yourself that you want to share with the PMSA school community?
A: I am learning how to play the electric guitar.
On October 10, our One Goal instructors took their students to visit UIC and DePaul University for private tours on both campuses. Students learned about post-secondary programs available at both schools and were able to pick up some college swag. Next week, they will be visiting The University of Chicago.
Thank you to Ms. McCormick and Ms. Gart for making sure that our scholars have this opportunity.
Half Day: Thursday October 24, 2024
Students will be dismissed from school at 11:15 am.
Buses will depart PMSA between 11:25-11:30am.
Early Release: Friday October 25, 2024
Students will be dismissed from school at 1:55 pm.
Buses will depart PMSA between 2:05-2:10pm.
Lunch will be served to students on both days.
Wednesday October 23, 2024 - PSAT/NMSQT (Select Juniors*)
Regular Late Start Schedule for all students
Full School Day for ALL STUDENTS
Thursday November 7, 2024 - Practice ACT
Freshmen - Pre-Act Grade 9
Sophomores - Pre-ACT Grade 10
Juniors - ACT
Seniors - Community Service Break Out Groups (Morning Only)
Full School Day for ALL STUDENTS
*Juniors who will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT on 10/23 area those whose composite score was 1000 or higher on the PSAT 10 state exam lastt spring during sophomore year.
MONDAY
- Black Student Union (MPR) 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 (MPR) 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
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.
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.
