Dear Parent and/or Guardian:
Palombi Middle School is excited to share news about new and innovative methods for presenting your student's Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test results. We also want to provide important context regarding the new, unified performance levels for all Illinois state tests, including the IAR.
Accessing Your Student's IAR Results
This year, in addition to the paper copy of the Individual Student Report (ISR) you will continue to receive, you'll have new digital options:
IAR Parent Portal: This portal allows you to securely access your student's individual IAR results for English Language Arts and Math, as well as resources tailored to support their performance. You can also add their Spring 2025 test results to your account.
Video Individual Score Reports (Video ISRs): Delivered via the IAR Parent Portal, these are personalized videos that use student-specific animation and voiceovers to walk you through your student's score report. We encourage you to watch these videos with your child and discuss any questions with their teacher.
To Access the Portal: A unique individual claim code for your student is included on the paper ISR this year. This code allows you to securely access their test results in the IAR Parent Portal. Here is a link to the portal: https://familyportal.pearson.com/il
Understanding New State Benchmarks
The State of Illinois has introduced new proficiency benchmarks for state tests, including the IAR, to better reflect genuine college and career readiness expectations.
Proficiency: Being "proficient" means your child is considered on track in their learning for their grade level. The new standards create unified performance levels across all state tests:
Above Proficient
Proficient
Approaching Proficient
Below Proficient
Why the Change? Previously, the proficiency rates on state assessments often did not align with a student's performance in the classroom or with real college and career readiness expectations, leading to confusing results for families and educators. The new benchmarks aim to give a more accurate picture of student learning.
For a detailed explanation of these changes and how to interpret your child's results, including the Student Growth Percentile (SGP), please refer to the document "New Proficiency Benchmarks: What Families Need to Know" provided by the Illinois State Board of Education: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Right-Sizing-Benchmarks-for-Families.pdf
We are excited about the opportunity to strengthen our efforts with you to effectively communicate your student's performance.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 847-356-2118 x51006.
Trimester Two begins on Monday, November 10th. Students will start fresh with new exploratory classes and a clean slate for their grades. Punctuality and attendance are crucial. Did you know that being just two minutes late every day adds up to six hours of missed school time over the year? These small delays can significantly impact learning. Please ensure your student arrives on time.
First-trimester grades will be released on Friday, November 14th through PowerSchool. Staying informed about your child’s progress is essential for their success and will help them reach their key goals.
Looking ahead, Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Monday, November 24th (in-person) and Tuesday, November 25th (virtual). More details, including sign-up links, can be found here: Conference Information/Signup Links
We look forward to seeing you at the conferences and wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Your partner in education,
Angela Sisi
Principal
Inclement Weather
District 41 puts students and staff first. Our goal is always to have students at school, when we can do so safely. Therefore, the district considers several factors when determining whether to close schools due to extreme weather, including data provided by the National Weather Service, including the temperature, windchill, and warnings. Although we strive each and every time to make the best decision regarding in-person or remote learning, oftentimes, no perfect decision exists. If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school. Additionally, parents/guardians may choose to drop off/pick up their child from school.
The following are some criteria that are used when making school closure decisions. Invariably, there will be situations that do not fit into these guidelines, in which case the administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible.
COLD DAYS - The National Weather Service predicts wind chills below -30 degrees, with other conditions considered.
SNOW DAYS - Heavy snow or icy conditions overnight or that worsen during the day.
E-LEARNING DAYS - An E-Learning Day may be an alternative to being fully closed. These days do not need to be made up at the end of the year. Students and staff would be notified before the end of the preceding day to bring their Chromebooks home. The e-Learning Plan is available on the District website under ‘Parents and Guardians Resources.’
Other Considerations
Multiple conditions that may include blowing snow, winds greater than 20 mph, heavy snow accumulations during travel times, hazardous driving conditions, ice accumulation, the ability of buses to start due to extreme cold, and power or phone outages.
A district-wide alert will be sent out via phone and email as early as possible. Parents can also check the district’s website. If schools are open due to weather, parents may keep a child home. They will be marked as excused.
If schools are closed...
District 41 Administration will do its best to provide cancellation information to families as soon as possible. District 41 will notify parents by 1:00 PM the previous school day of an e-Learning Day due to extreme weather. Parents will be notified with a target by 5:30 AM if schools need to close entirely for the day. The district makes every effort to inform parents as soon as possible. If schools are closed for the day, all after-school activities in the district, including sports and evening events, will be canceled unless otherwise communicated.
If schools are not closed…
If school is not canceled and a parent and/or guardian feels their child is safer at home, they may reserve the right to keep them home. Keeping a child home due to weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student's record as long as the parent and/or guardian report the absence to the school in a timely manner. If school is already in session and conditions begin to worsen, the district will decide by 1:00 PM whether after-school activities will be canceled for that afternoon.
How is the decision to cancel school made?
Superintendents from area districts start communicating with each other as soon as the weather reports start to look threatening. District 41 collaborates with the Millburn, Emmons, Grass Lake, Lakes High School, Woodland, Grayslake Elementary, Grayslake High School, Gavin, Big Hollow, Fox Lake, and Grant High School superintendents. The superintendents generally attempt to reach a consensus on school closures. When area school districts make various decisions, the full District 41 administrative team finalizes the decision.
Teacher Shout-Out
What is a Teacher Shout-Out?
A Teacher Shout-Out is an unsolicited special recognition that acknowledges a Palombi staff member who has really helped you or your student or has been highly effective and motivating. Our staff takes great pride in helping students achieve their potential. Take a few minutes and let a staff member know how much you appreciate their work by clicking this link.
PROCEDURES/POLICIES
Attendance
As we get into the colder season, we receive more calls on the attendance line and entries on the online absence form. Please give the office staff time to listen to calls in the morning to update your child’s absence. The online absence form is not automatic, it also takes time to update your student’s attendance with the information provided. Reminder, that you need to call each day your student is absent for sickness. Also, please make sure to give the reason for the absence when leaving the phone message. 847-356-2118 choice #1 or online absence form
Snack Policy
Please remind your students that Lake Villa 41 has a snack policy to protect students with allergies and limit the amount of cleanup in our classrooms. Students should adhere to the following list if teachers permit a snack in the classroom: Lake Villa 41 Approved Snack List.
Outside Beverages
Please remind students that no fast food drinks are allowed in school during school hours (Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, McDonald’s, etc.). Reusable water bottles are encouraged.
School Bus Safety
The safety of our students during school transportation is always our top priority. As we continue to work closely with our drivers, school staff, and families, we want to take this opportunity to review important safety procedures and expectations related to student pick-up and drop-off at bus stops.
School Bus Safety Procedures
Flashing Lights and Stop Arm: When a school bus activates its flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, all traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop.
Advance Warning: Drivers activate the amber warning lights well in advance of each stop—especially on high-traffic roads—to give motorists time to slow down and prepare to stop safely.
Loading and Unloading: Bus drivers will ensure that all surrounding traffic has fully stopped before opening the door and allowing students to enter or exit the bus.
Student and Parent Expectations
Students:
Wait for the bus at least 10 feet from the roadway.
Only approach the bus after it has stopped completely and the driver signals that it is safe to board.
When exiting, look both ways before crossing and always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal before crossing.
Parents:
Please remind your child of the importance of waiting safely away from traffic.
Do not approach the bus or the roadway until the bus has completely stopped.
Report any vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus to your local police department or the transportation office.
We appreciate your continued partnership in keeping our students safe. Together, we can help ensure that every child arrives at and from school safely each day.
From the Deans Desk
Dear Palombi Students and Families,
We're already nearing the end of Trimester One—it’s hard to believe how quickly the first few months have flown by! As we head into the final weeks, this is a crucial time for all students to focus and finish strong, both academically and behaviorally.
Academic Excellence
The end of a grading period is an opportunity for students to solidify their success and address any challenges they may be facing.
Finalize Assignments: Students, continue checking your grades on powerschool or with your teachers. Please ensure that all missing or incomplete assignments are turned in as soon as possible. Every assignment counts, and completing them can make a significant difference in your final grade.
Communicate: If your student is struggling in a particular subject, please encourage them to speak directly with their teacher. Our teachers are here to support them and can provide targeted assistance and strategies.
Strong Behavioral Choices
A strong finish isn't just about grades; it’s also about respect, responsibility, and readiness. Maintaining a positive and focused learning environment is essential for everyone's success.
Stay Engaged: Even as the trimester winds down, students need to remain focused in class and participate actively in lessons. Distractions slow down the learning process for the entire classroom.
Respectful Conduct: We expect students to continue demonstrating respect for their peers, teachers, and school property. This includes being on time, following classroom and hallway expectations, and using technology appropriately.
Positive Climate: Let's keep the atmosphere positive! Encourage your student to be an upstander, support their peers, and make choices that contribute to a welcoming and safe school community.
What's Next?
Our goal is for every student to transition into Trimester Two feeling confident and prepared. Please take a moment to discuss these points with your student and help them create a plan for the next few weeks. A strong finish to this trimester sets an excellent foundation for the rest of the school year.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Go Lancers!
Sincerely,
Miss Koenig
Dean of Students
Report a Concern
We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment. The Report a Concern form offers students and parents a confidential way to report any issues or concerns. Submissions are reviewed by the appropriate school staff, who will investigate and respond as needed.
This process helps ensure all reports are taken seriously, documented properly, and addressed promptly. It also allows the school to identify behavior patterns and take preventive action when necessary.
Mental Health Minute
World Kindness Day (November 13th)
🤝 November 13th is World Kindness Day 🤝— a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s mental health (including your own!). Kindness releases feel-good chemicals in the brain like serotonin and oxytocin, helping reduce stress and boost mood. 🧡
Leader in Me - Habit of the Month
This month, our students are learning about Habit 3: Put First Things First—focusing on what’s most important! Habit 3 teaches students to prioritize their time and energy by organizing tasks around what matters most, rather than what feels most urgent. At school, we talk about planning ahead, setting goals, and staying focused on learning before play.
You can reinforce this habit at home by:
Encouraging your child to create a simple to-do list or homework plan each day.
Talking about the difference between “important” vs. “urgent” tasks.
Celebrating when they show responsibility by getting big things done first.
When students “put first things first,” they learn valuable skills in time management, responsibility, and balance—habits that lead to success both in and out of school!
Palombi Alumni Wall
Palombi proudly recognizes alumni who have gone on to demonstrate leadership in their careers and beyond. Our “Leaders of Today and Tomorrow” Wall celebrates these individuals who have made a positive impact in various fields, showcasing their achievements as an inspiration to current students.
We are always looking to grow this recognition and would love your help! If you know a former Palombi student who has shown exceptional leadership—whether in their profession, community, or personal endeavors—please take a moment to share with us by submitting a nomination with this form.
Help us honor the incredible contributions of our alumni and inspire the next generation of leaders!
ACTIVITIES
National Junior Honor Society Toy Drive
Every year Palombi's Lancer Chapter of National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) participates in donating toys to the Lake Villa Township toy drive. Thanks to all of you, last year our toy donation drive was WILDLY successful!
We want to make this year even better with more donations reaching more people! This year we are collecting monetary donations November 4th -30th for toys for those in need. This is where you come in! Please join NJHS in brightening the holiday season for folks in our own community by making a donation online at the Toy Drive Donation Link. One hundred percent of the donations we collect will be used to purchase toys for those in need in Lake Villa.
If you donated last year, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your donation. We are asking that you please consider increasing your donation by one dollar (or more) this year, if you are able. Please donate as soon as you can! Thank you for your generosity!
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Applications
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) applications will be emailed to all 7th and 8th grade students with a cumulative middle school GPA of 3.8 or higher the week after trimester one report cards are posted. All instructions regarding the application process will be included in the email. All NJHS applications are due by 2:30 PM on Monday, December 1st! All students who apply will be emailed on Friday, December 5th regarding whether or not they have been selected to join. Please note that applying to NJHS does not guarantee membership and no late applications will be accepted!
About NJHS - The purpose of the Lancer Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at Palombi is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, develop character, and encourage citizenship. This student-led organization is run by elected officers and overseen by faculty advisors. Meetings are typically held the first and third Tuesday of each month until 3:30 PM. Members are required to complete community service hours, participate in fundraisers, maintain excellent grades, and be positive role models at Palombi.
Wrestling Sign ups
Wrestling Season starts soon! Wrestling is a no-cut sport open to all students, no experience needed. There is one co-ed wrestling team. Boys and girls will compete with and against each other, separated into specific weight classes. If your student is interested in participating please complete and submit this Wrestling Form by Monday, December 1st.
NOTE: Students currently participating in Basketball, Poms/Dance, Cheer, or Palombi Players can still participate in Wrestling IF they are signed up by December 1st.
Forms must be submitted from a parent/guardian email account. Submissions from student email accounts will not be accepted. Practice begins on Tuesday, December 2nd.
Practice is from 2:30 - 4:30, and our late bus only picks up at 4:00pm. Parents will need to pick up their students at the Activity Entrance after practice at 4:30, or students can take the late bus, but will miss the last half hour of practice.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT A CURRENT SPORTS PHYSICAL (DATED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF END OF SEASON) MUST BE ON FILE IN THE HEALTH COORDINATOR'S OFFICE BY DECEMBER 1ST AT 2:30pm.
It is the parent's responsibility to confirm with the health coordinator that your student is eligible to compete.
If you have any questions, please contact coaches nathan.pereira@district41.org or cecilia.gamamendoza@district41.org
Health Office
Friendly reminder to follow up and/or turn in any pending documentation for your student’s healthcare compliance. Documents can be faxed, emailed, or sent in with your student. If your student has a fever or is vomiting, they are required to stay home for 24 hours, free of fever/vomiting (without medication) before returning to school.
Please remember that if your child is not feeling well at school, the student should ask to go to the Health Office and speak with the nurse. Students should not be texting a parent/guardian to come pick them up when not feeling well. The nurse will call parents if the student is too sick to stay at school and must be picked up.
Resource Guide
Please check out this resource guide from ISBE.
https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf
Washington, D.C!
8th grade families! There is still time to sign up for the 2026 Washington, D.C trip! Please contact Miss Koenig ( kaitlin.koenig@district41.org ) for more information.
Yearbook
The 2025-2026 Yearbook is on sale for $35. Buy your yearbook now! Reserve your copy online at jostensyearbooks.com. Don't delay, order today! If you have any questions, please reach out to Hailey Kobeski (hailey.kobeski@district41.org) for more information.
Library
Check out our Library news here. We celebrate Native American Heritage through this month and you can find tips to help make screen time safe and positive.
Band & Choir Updates:
Best of luck at the concerts Nov. 6 (band) and Nov. 12 (choir)
Solo & Ensemble Festival sign-up is now! Mrs. Brown & Ms. Dahowski will be sending information.
After School Jazz Band: Concert Mon. December 15. The next session will begin January 16th, and the Jazz Band meets most Thursdays after school until 4:00.
Choir:
The District 41 Choir Festival will take place on Wednesday, November 12th at 6:30 pm in the Palombi Gym. Come see singers from every school in the district sing! Solo and Ensemble sign-ups are coming. Please see Ms. Dahowski with any questions.
Palombi Players:
Our rehearsals and performances are going wonderfully, and we are so proud of the hard work and dedication our cast and crew have shown! Ticket sales for our upcoming shows will open in November, so keep an eye out for more details soon If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Dahowski (Emily.dahowski@district41.org) or Mrs. Neziri (gretchen.stellwagen@district41.org).
IMPORTANT DATES
FOR ALL DATES (including sports) please visit our calendar here: Palombi Website Calendar
Nov 6 Fall Picture Retake Day
Nov 6 Band Concert 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Nov 7 First Trimester Ends
Nov 8 Student Lighthouse Vendor Fair 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Nov 12 D41 Choir Festival 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Nov.14 Report Cards Viewable on PowerSchool
Nov 17 School Board Meeting 7:00pm
Nov 19 LEAD Day
Nov 24-25 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Nov 26-28 Thanksgiving Break
Dec 1 Wrestling Sign Up Closes & physicals are due
Dec 2 Wrestling starts
Dec 10 LEAD Day
Dec 12 Palombi Players Fall Play 7pm
Dec 13 Palombi Players Fall Play 2pm and 5pm
Dec 16 NJHS Induction Ceremony 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Dec 15 Winter Jazz Band Concert 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Dec 22 Winter Break begins
Jan 5 School is back in session