Dear Palombi Families,
As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, I want to recognize the dedication and growth I’ve seen across our student body. This year has been filled with meaningful learning experiences, and it’s been rewarding to watch students develop not only academically, but also as individuals.
We’re heading into a busy and exciting final stretch, with several end-of-year activities planned. We hope all students can take part, and we encourage them to stay focused in class and continue making positive choices so they don’t miss out.
Families can team with us by reinforcing a few key expectations: treating others with respect, appreciating differences, using social media responsibly, and keeping interactions safe and appropriate. These shared efforts make a real difference in maintaining a positive school environment.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.
Angela Sisi
Principal, Palombi Middle School
MRA
In our pursuit of excellence, we are evaluating our current progress through the Leader in Me framework. We invite you to participate in an anonymous survey to help us identify our primary strengths and areas for strategic improvement.
While this is voluntary, high participation ensures our data truly reflects our community. The survey takes roughly 12 minutes to complete and is available at this link. For households with multiple students, please provide responses based on the experience of your oldest child.
Thank you for partnering with us in your child's leadership journey.
Anti-Bullying Committee
This year, our Anti-Bullying Committee has been meeting weekly with one big goal: spreading kindness and building a positive school culture. Led by students in the Leadership Development class and two staff members, the committee has been busy transforming our hallways with visual reminders of positivity, from hand-painted ceiling tiles to colorful posters. Beyond just decorations, these student leaders have used morning announcements to challenge their peers to take part in daily acts of kindness. They have also developed real-life scenarios for Team Huddle time to help classmates practice navigating peer conflicts. The committee has also focused on the power of being an "upstander." By sharing specific strategies, they are teaching everyone at our school how to safely and effectively step in and support one another in the moment.
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 Leaders Today and Tomorrow Wall of Fame
We are looking to add outstanding past students to our Alumni wall. If you know of any past alumni who are demonstrating leadership in any capacity, please complete the following form to nominate them. We are looking for past students who have demonstrated leadership qualities throughout the community and beyond to be displayed on a wall in the school. Leaders of Today and Tomorrow Nomination
May Habit of the Month
This month, students will be focusing on Habit 8: Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs. This habit is all about moving from "good" to "great" by discovering unique talents and using them to make a difference. In middle school, this is a huge milestone as students begin to figure out who they are and how they can positively influence the world around them. We’re encouraging everyone to find what they are passionate about and use that "voice" to lift others up.
You can help your student find their voice with these quick strategies:
Highlight Their Strengths: When you see them excel at something—whether it’s art, tech, or helping a sibling—let them know. Help them see how that talent is a gift.
Encourage Problem-Solving: If they notice a problem in the community, ask: "How could you use your skills to help fix that?"
Listen to Their Ideas: Give them the space to express their opinions on family decisions. Feeling heard at home builds the confidence to speak up elsewhere.
Model It: Share how you use your own talents at work or in your hobbies to help others.
By supporting their passions, we help them transition from being students to being leaders.
Notes from the Deans Desk
As we approach the end of the school year, it's more important than ever to focus on positive behavior and finish strong! Students are encouraged to continue showing respect, responsibility, and kindness both in and out of the classroom. Let's work together to end the year on a high note by supporting one another and maintaining the positive school environment we've built all year long!
As a reminder, below are the trimester three expectations for students as we are in their last trimester of the year. End of the year activities are a privilege for students to attend, not a right. To participate, students will be expected to demonstrate the leader within themselves, as these activities are being offered to students who demonstrate responsibility both in academics and behavior. Participation is earned and achievable for all students. A student may not be able to participate in end of the year activities if they do not conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at school and/or are not in good academic standing. Please review the document with your child so everyone understands the expectations for the students.
Mental Health Minute
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to remind ourselves that taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies. Middle school can be exciting, but it can also bring stress, big emotions, and new challenges. That’s completely normal.
One simple way to support your mental health is to check in with yourself each day. Ask: How am I feeling right now? Whether you’re feeling happy, overwhelmed, tired, or somewhere in between, your feelings matter. Talking to someone you trust—a friend, parent, teacher, or counselor—can make a big difference.
It also helps to build small positive habits. Getting enough sleep, taking breaks from screens, spending time outside, and doing activities you enjoy can all boost your mood. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or quiet time can help you reset during a busy day.
Remember: You don’t have to handle everything on your own. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This month—and every month—let’s look out for ourselves and each other.
Notes from the Office
Health Office
Please remember to pick up all student medications by Tuesday, June 2nd at 10:00a.m. EpiPens and inhalers may be taken home by students, all others must be picked up by a parent/guardian. Any medication left behind will be disposed of per D41 policy.
Summer is a great time to get a sports physical for the school year!! Fall sports start the first few weeks of school.
Graduation Information
May 26th is Gown and ticket pick-up. Students with paid graduation fees will receive their cap, gown, and tassel (or tassel only) AND their 6 graduation tickets. This will be in a sealed package, and students will be instructed NOT to open packages until they are home. Students will be signing for their packages, and emails will be sent home confirming they have received their graduation items. LOST ITEMS CAN NOT BE REPLACED
Graduation will take place at the Lakes High School Fieldhouse on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
Graduates will need to arrive and meet in the Lakes common area at 6:00 pm
Each graduate will receive 6 wristband tickets for their family. The wristband must be worn to receive entry to the event. Graduates do not need a ticket.
Anyone over the age of 4 is required to wear a wristband ticket
If anyone needs accessible accommodations, please contact Angela Sisi at angela.sisi@district41.org.
For graduates with family members out of state who would like to see the ceremony, we will set up a live-streaming event available on our website.
Please do not bring balloons to the graduation ceremony, as they may interfere with our cameras and viewing for other families.
Students will pick up their diplomas after the ceremony behind the stage.
Graduation Day is the last day of school for 8th-grade students.
Awards Ceremony
Each year, Palombi holds an 8th grade awards ceremony. If your child is receiving an award, you will receive an email invite for Friday, May 22nd at 8:00 a.m. The ceremony will be livestreamed for anyone that cannot make it to the ceremony.
The 6th & 7th grade awards ceremony will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 11:30 a.m. This ceremony will only be livestreamed, and parents will be notified if their child is receiving an award to be able to view the ceremony.
Activities and Athletics
Fall Sports 2026-2027
We are getting ready for Fall Sports at Palombi. If your student is interested in Soccer, Girls' Softball, or track. Please fill out Palombi Fall Sports 2026
The deadline for signing up for tryouts is Monday, August 25, at 2:30 p.m. A current physical must also be on file with the Health coordinator by that time.
Please get in touch with Steve Johnson, the athletic director, with questions.
8th Grade Dinner Dance
It’s time for our students to celebrate their promotion for Palombi Middle School! We are thrilled to announce that the Class of 2026 will be celebrating their milestone with an evening of food, music, and memories at their 8th Grade Dinner Dance.
Please mark your calendars for this special tradition:
When: Tuesday, May 26th (students must be present at school this day to attend the dance)
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Valley Ridge Golf Course (40150 N. Illinois 59, Antioch, IL 60002)
Tickets: $35 (Purchase Tickets Here)
Dress Code: Semi-Formal Attire
Who: Current 8th Grade Palombi Middle School Students Only
This is a wonderful opportunity for our 8th graders to come together one last time before heading off to high school. There are a limited number of spots available so make sure to get your tickets early. Tickets can only be used by the original purchaser and cannot be transferred to a different student. Students must be found eligible based on both behavior and academics according to the trimester three expectations. Students must be present in school on Tuesday, May 26th in order to attend the dance. Please reach out to Ms. Spaulding or Mrs. Steffen with questions.
8th Grade Picnic and Ice Cream Truck
Attention 8th Grade Students: To celebrate the end of your time at Palombi, the 8th grade students will be able to attend a picnic on May 27th. The cost of the picnic is $5 and includes pizza, chips, and water. Payments are due no later than May 16th and can be made through MySchoolBucks using the link below. Please reach out to Mrs. Doll with any questions.
To give permission and pay for the picnic, please use this link: 8th Grade Picnic
8th Grade Graduation Rehearsal and Ice Cream Truck Treat: On Thursday, May 28th students will travel to Lakes Community High School for Graduation Rehearsal. Students will return prior to 7th period, have lunch and then enjoy a special ice cream treat to celebrate their last day at Palombi Middle School. An ice cream truck will be brought to the Palombi bus parking lot for students to enjoy a refreshing treat; a variety of ice cream treats and snow cone options will be available. Each student is only allowed one treat and no cash payments will be accepted.
To give permission and pay for ice cream, please use this link: 8th Grade Ice Cream 2026
If your child chooses not to order an ice cream treat, please email your child's lunch advisor or Ms. Hagy (chagy@district41.org) to give permission to travel to Lakes Community High School on May 28, 2026. Thank you!
6th Grade Picnic & Ice Cream Trucks
The sixth grade students will have their picnic at Palombi on Friday, May 29 from 10:45 am until dismissal. Students will be able to play football, basketball, soccer, and other activities. Students must be in good standing in accordance with the academic and behavior expectations provided at the beginning of March 2026. Students must not bring cell phones, water guns, lacrosse sticks or baseball bats.
Tropical Chill Ice Cream Trucks will be on campus to serve each 6th grade student one ice cream of their choice paid for by our wonderful PTO.
Pet Food & Toy Drive
We are excited to announce that Palombi is hosting a cat/dog food and toy drive from May 1 through May 28! Mrs. Fingard’s LEAD Group has partnered with Kamins Farm Sanctuary and Lake County Care and Control Office to collect new containers of pet food, treats, and toys. Please consider sending in food or treats for animals in need. Your student will find donation bins in Mrs. Fingard’s room. Thank you for helping our LEAD students make a difference in our community!
NJHS
Congratulations to the newly elected National Junior Honor Society officers for the 2026-2027 school year!
President - Sawyer Schmitt
Vice President - Mandy Norris
Secretary - Ethan Kumpula
Treasurer - Skyler Aschemann
In celebration of Bus Driver Appreciation Day, NJHS delivered thank-you cards and donuts to the drivers who safely transport our students each day. Their kindness, patience, and dedication often start and end our students’ school days, and we are so grateful for all they do.
Congratulations to the Scholastic Bowl Team!
Our ambitious 2026 season concluded on April 29 at the Regional Tournament at Johnsburg Junior High. The team was the third seed in our Conference and our Region. 2026 brought many new changes. The IESA revised match format and scoring.This required learning a new way to practice and compete at matches. Our Lancers gained crucial experience and established a foundation for next year. We are very proud of the perseverance, dignity and leadership with which this year’s team represented Palombi Middle School. Way to go Lancers!
Music News
Best of luck to our Band and Choir students as they prepare for their final concerts of the year! The Palombi Choir Spring Concert will take place on Monday, May 11 at 6:30 pm in the Palombi Gym, followed by the Palombi Band Concert on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 pm, also in the Palombi Gym. We hope you’ll also join us for our Spring Pop Show on May 19 at 6:30 pm, featuring the Advanced Musical Theater Class and the Palombi Jazz Bands.
2027 Washington, D.C Trip
7th Grade Families! If you would like to sign your current 7th grade student up for the 2027 Washington D.C trip, please enroll at this link here. Reach out to Ms. Gama at cecilia.gamamendoza@district41.org for more information or look at common questions here.
IMPORTANT DATES
Links to all dates can be found here: Palombi Full Calendar of Events
May 4 School Board Meeting 7:00 p.m
May 6 LEAD Day
May 8 Palombi Players Spring Play 7:00 p.m
May 9 Palombi Players Spring Play 2p.m & 5pm
May 11 Spring Choir Concert 6:30 p.m.
May 13 Spring Band Concert 6:30 p.m.
May 15 All library books due
May 18 8th Grade Field Trip
May 18 School Board Meeting 7:00 p.m
May 19 Spring Pop Show - 6:30 p.m.
May 22 8th Grade Awards Ceremony 8-9:15 a.m.
(Parents will be invited)
6th/7th Grade Virtual Ceremony 11:30am
May 25 Memorial Day - No School
May 26 8th Gr Graduation Gown Distribution to
students and chromebook turn-in
May 26 8th Grade Dinner Dance 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
May 27 8th Grade Picnic
May 28 6th Grade Skating Field Trip
May 28 Last attendance day for 8th Graders
May 28 Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony - 7pm @
Lakes H.S.
May 29 6th Grade Field Picnic
May 29 Move-up Day
Jun 1 7th Grade Picnic
Jun 2 Last Day of School for 6th/7th Grade - 7:30 -
10:30 a.m.