Happy New Year!
I hope 2026 is off to a smooth start for everyone and that you are staying safe and warm.
Over the next two weeks, Palombi students will be taking the MAP/NWEA Math and Reading assessments. Once the results have been reviewed, updated reports will be mailed home.
We are proud to celebrate our recent athletic achievements. Our 8th grade girls basketball team earned first place (CHAMPIONS) in their division, while the 6th/7th grade girls basketball team finished second place in their division. Additionally, our Cross Country team won the Grayslake Central Middle School JV Invitational, and our Girls Soccer team captured the CHAMPIONSHIP!
In Band and Choir, the following students were recognized for their accomplishments:
Jonas Hoover - District Junior Band
Henry Ciesielka - District Junior Chorus
Vaughan Conner Thompson - District Junior Chorus
Makenna Galek - District Junior Chorus
Rya Gumbiner - District Junior Chorus
Ari Lang - District Junior Chorus
Eris Loder - District Junior Chorus
Sophia Navarrete - District Junior Chorus
Leah Smiles - District Junior Chorus
Aliyah Vazquez - District Junior Chorus
In addition, our very own Renee Brown was selected to perform in the prestigious Tournament of Roses® Parade on January 1, 2026, as a member of the Band Directors Marching Band. This remarkable ensemble included more than 300 band directors from across North America and accompanied a vibrant, animated float along the parade’s 5.5-mile route in Pasadena, California.
Finally, please note that students continue to have outdoor recess on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as long as the temperature is 25 degrees or higher. Please ensure your child dresses appropriately for the weather.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
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.
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!
Leader In Me District-Wide Leadership Event!
Mark your calendars to join us for our District-Wide Leadership Event!
Thursday, February 19 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Palombi Middle School
We are excited to welcome families to our District-Wide Leadership Event—a special evening celebrating student voice, leadership, and family connection!
The event will begin at 6:00 PM in the Palombi Middle School Gymnasium with a student-led presentation featuring leaders from across the district.
After the presentation, families can enjoy a variety of interactive, family-friendly activities that showcase the 7 Habits and how they can be practiced at home. Activities are designed for all ages to participate together.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and fun as we celebrate leadership and strengthen family bonds through the 7 Habits!
Leader In Me Friday Focus
This month, our Friday Focus lessons are learning about Habit 4: Think Win-Win, which encourages students to look for solutions that benefit everyone involved. Instead of seeing situations as “me vs. you,” students are practicing how to collaborate, compromise, and communicate respectfully.
How families can support Habit 4 at home:
Encourage your child to talk through disagreements and consider multiple perspectives.
Model problem-solving by asking, “How can we make this work for everyone?”
Give your child opportunities to negotiate fair solutions around chores, screen time, or shared responsibilities.
By practicing Think Win-Win at home, students build empathy, strengthen relationships, and develop skills they’ll use both in and out of the classroom.
Palombi Leading the Way
Mrs. McGann and Mrs. Reilly’s 2nd period class has completed Palombi’s first ever Podcast called “Palombi Leading the Way”. Students interviewed Principal Sisi. Please click here to listen. Be on the lookout for future “Palombi Leading the Way” episodes.
Graduation
8th grade graduation is Thursday, May 28th at 7:00pm at Lakes High School. Please click here for more information.
You can order your graduation gown or tassel-only option on MySchoolBucks by clicking on:
Graduation Order Class of 2026
Orders and fees must be placed/paid by February 12, 2026
The MySchoolBucks account is active for graduation payments. If you have not opened a MySchoolBucks account or need the link to log in, please use the information below:
Get started today or log in:
Go to myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app.
Create your free account and add your students using their school name and student ID
If you have already created your account, simply log in.
Finally, graduation pictures are on Wednesday, January 28th. Retake/Absentee Picture Day will be Wednesday, February 18th. Please click here for more information.
Mental Health Minute
We’re excited to launch the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program, a partnership with ReferralGPS that connects students and families to critical mental health resources (including individual therapy and/or psychiatric medication management).
With 8 initial visits free of charge and the potential for continued care based on funding and need, this program eliminates long waitlists and financial barriers, ensuring timely, equitable support.
Many families seek help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress management, and the CARES Program provides connections with independent community mental health providers to address these challenges.
Take the First Step: Visit District 41 CARES to learn more and get started today!
Together, we can create a healthier future for our community.
Bilingual Parent Advisory Council
Please save the date for the next two events. Click here for more information.
Notes from the Office
Student Supplies
Please check your student supplies and replenish any pencils, pens, notebooks, etc. if your child is out of supplies. In addition, Kleenex are always needed!
Midterms
We are at the midterm of trimester 2. Please check your child’s grades on PowerSchool. If you don’t have access to PowerSchool, please call our office for assistance.
Course Preferences
Course preference (formerly course selection) will occur in April of 2026 . The Dean of Students, Miss Koenig, will email families when the time comes for students to discuss next year’s elective course preferences with home and when students will complete the process in the classroom.
Nurse’s Office
During the winter months, it is especially important to take steps to stay healthy. Avoiding contact with others who are sick, washing your hands thoroughly, and keeping your hands away from your face are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses.
Students must stay home from school if they are vomiting, or have a fever greater than 100; and can return after being symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
Please ensure your student’s physical is up-to-date if they are planning on participating in Spring sports. Contact the nurse’s office with any questions!
From the Dean’s Desk
Hello Lancer Families!
As we begin a new year, January offers us a meaningful opportunity to reset, refocus, and recommit to our shared values as a school community. The start of the semester is a time to establish positive routines, set clear goals, and approach each day with purpose. I encourage students to arrive ready to learn, support one another, and take pride in their growth—both academically and personally.
Families and staff play an essential role in helping students start the year on the right foot. Consistent attendance, open communication, and a balance of high expectations with care make a powerful difference. Together, let’s make January a strong foundation for a year filled with progress, resilience, and success. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the months ahead!
Go lancers!
Miss Koenig
Dean of Students
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
Activities
Yearbook
The 2025-2026 Yearbook is on sale for $35. Buy your yearbook now! Reserve your copy online at jostensyearbooks.com. The deadline to order is January 30th, so don't delay, order today! If you have any questions, please reach out to Hailey Kobeski (hailey.kobeski@district41.org) for more information.
Library Link
Winter is here, bringing chilly temps and snowy days which are perfect for puzzles, learning new board games, reading by a fireplace, or creating with household items. Need some inspiration? Click on the Virtual T.V. Explore winter-themed books here.
Session 3 Enrichment Clubs
The Google Form to sign students up for session 3 enrichment clubs will be available on the Palombi website on Tuesday, January 20th. Forms and payment will be due by Friday, January 30th!
Spelling Bee
The Palombi spelling bee will be on Tuesday, January 13th at 12:20 p.m. Students were notified by their ELA teacher and the morning announcements to sign up with the Google Form posted in their ELA teacher’s Google Classroom by Monday, January 5th in order to participate. Every student who signs up will be given a study list of words from their ELA teacher and sent an email with more information.
The finalists from the first spelling bee will be invited to participate in a final school spelling bee on Thursday, January 20th at 12:20 p.m. Parents/guardians of the students who qualify to be in the final school spelling bee will be invited to attend. An email will be sent to those parents/guardians after school on January 13th with additional details. Please contact Mrs. Rochford at emily.kaplan@district41.org with any questions!
National Junior Honor Society
As we transition to standards-based grading, the NJHS member selection process has been temporarily postponed. Students who have already been invited to apply, as well as those who will be invited, will receive updated application timelines later this month. Please remind students to check their email daily. Thank you for your patience as we ensure a smooth and equitable process.
Palombi Players
We’re excited to kick off our school musical season! If your student is interested in being part of the cast (or learning more about the show and audition process), please join us for our information meeting on Thursday, January 8th. Auditions will take place on Tuesday, January 12th and Wednesday, January 14th. Questions? Please reach out to Ms. Dahowski at Emily.dahowski@district41.org.
IMPORTANT DATES
Links to all dates can be found here: Palombi Full Calendar of Events
Jan 6 - 27 NWEA/MAP Testing
Jan 9 Girls Volleyball Try-out Sign-Up & Physical Deadline
Jan 12-13 Girls Volleyball Try-outs 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Jan 13 Boys Volleyball Try-out Sign-Up & Physical Deadline
Jan 14-15 Boys Volleyball Try-outs 2:30 - 4:30 p.m
Jan 28 Graduation pictures (during the school day)
Jan 12 School Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m
Jan 13 & 20 Spelling Bee
Jan 14 LEAD Day
Jan 15-Mar 4 ACCESS testing for EL Students
Jan 19 No School - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 26 School Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Jan 28 LEAD Day
Jan 30 Grayslake North meetings with 8th graders (during school day)
Feb 9 School Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m
Feb 11 LEAD Day
Feb 13 No School for students - Institute Day
Feb 16 No School - Presidents Day
Feb 18 Graduation pictures retakes (during the school day)
Feb 24 6th grade Band & Choir Concert, 6:30-8:30pm
Feb 25 LEAD Day
Feb 27 End of 2nd Trimester