PMSA Students Named National Achievement Finalists
Two Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy seniors, Vernon Smith and Kaela Tyler, have been nominated as semifinalists in the 46th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program from over 160,000 students across the country.
The two students were lauded for their exceptional performance on the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying test (PSAT/NMSQT).
The finalists, who will be named this spring, must continue to demonstrate a record of high academic performance over the course of their high school careers, as well as earn similarly high SAT scores. There are approximately 800 Achievement Scholarship awards, worth some $2.6 million, to be offered in spring 2010.
Roughly 1,300 semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist level. Achievement Scholar awardees will be chosen based on their abilities, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Every finalist will compete for one of the 700 National Achievement $2,500 scholarships.
Good Luck Kaela and Vernon. Congratulations!
Student Athletes! Apply Today! Program to Honor 25 Scholar Athletes
Nominations are being sought for the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year 2010 Award Program. Twenty-five senior scholar athletes will be selected from across the country.
Winners in the 13th annual SAMMY awards receive a $7,500 college scholarship, an invitation to attend an awards ceremony in June and an opportunity to be pictured in a Milk Mustache ad in national publications.
The awards program is presented by America’s Milk Processors and USA Today, joined by the American Association of School Administrators, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, the American School Counselor Association and the National School Public Relations Association.
For the online application and more information, visit http://www.bodybymilk.com. The deadline for nominations is March 5. Students can nominate themselves or be nominated by teachers, coaches, parents, and others.
On January 25th, Proviso Township High Schools began providing Supplemental Educational Services (SES) to support the academic achievement of PTHS students.
SES is a free tutoring and academic acceleration program offered to support students in improving their skills in reading, language arts, and mathematics. Through SES, students can receive extra help after school, on weekends, and during intercessions at no cost to the family.
“The goals of our SES program are to ensure that we provide students with resources to increase their academic achievement, provide options to parents to help them ensure that their children receive a quality education, and to provide support for the district as we work toward the goals outlined in our school improvement plan,” said Dr. Cheryl Pruitt, PTHS 209 Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “We encourage our parents and students to sign–up and take advantage of this opportunity. We are offering students extra help at every turn in order to better prepare them for work in the classroom and beyond.”
The SES features representatives from various educational assistance providers. PTHS will continue to offer free tutoring services at Proviso East and Proviso West High Schools. Parents must complete an SES application to register their students. To see a description of the tutoring programs available and to sign-up, please click here.
PMSA Scholar of Excellence: Academic Champion and Star Performer
Anthony (A.J.) Williams II of Maywood is a freshman at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. Williams holds a 3.6 G.P.A. and is active in performing arts and music at the Academy. He was also recently honored by Operation Uplift, a local community organization, as a young leader with their “Vision 21 Youth Leadership & Motivational Award.”
“The Vision 21 Youth Leadership and Motivational Award honors students in our community who stand out among their peers in leadership, academics, and service,” said Operation Uplift President Northica Stone. “As a freshman in high school, A.J. has done so much. He’s traveled with an international theatre production displaying his talent. He’s quite the role model, and he has accomplished quite a bit for a freshman in high school. As a community, we’re proud of him.”
Stone said Williams was honored for his outstanding accomplishment in academics and theatre. As a member of The Maywood Fine Arts Association, Williams has done countless numbers of performances. In 2003, he was awarded "Kid Performer of the Year" by the Chocolate Chip Performing Arts Company. In 2007 he booked and played Oprah Winfrey's The Color Purple, as the roles of "Young Harpo" and "Young Adam". In 2008 he was in Gershwins' Porgy and Bess at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Williams hopes to continue to use his talent at PMSA as he grows toward a career in performing arts. Williams said he is very thankful to be recognized and thankful for his experiences.
“I was very honored to be a part of Operation Uplift’s awards ceremony,” said Williams. “It just felt nice to be recognized for the things I’ve done. I was very grateful.”
Congratulations Williams! Keep up the good work.
PTHS 209 Board Approves More Test Prep for All Three Schools
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 will offer ACT and overall testing preparation after school and during school to help support PTHS students and their futures.
PTHS 209’s Board of Education recently approved a partnership with Cambridge Educational Services who will offer free ACT Prep Classes at all PTHS schools. Staff from Cambridge will work with students to help them prepare for the ACT test and raise their test scores.
“As Principals, we have discussed how important it is to enhance our students’ overall learning,” said Proviso West Principal Alexis Wallace. “We want to prepare them for college, prepare them for testing, and prepare them for their everyday course work. We know that our students’ grades and ACT test scores will have a major impact when they are applying for college entrance and scholarships. So we are giving them the support and the tools they need to succeed.”
Cambridge Educational Services will offer ACT and testing tutoring at Proviso East, Proviso West, and PMSA during and after school. The classes will come equipped with instructors, testing materials, and learning materials to help students improve their ACT scores, increase their opportunities for college admissions and scholarships, and to boost their overall academic achievement.
Congratulations! PMSA Art Students Win Big at Triton Competition
Proviso Math and Science Academy art students won big this year in the local Triton High School Art Competition.
The Triton High School Art Competition is held every year for local high school students. About 12 schools within Triton’s residential area participated. High school students submitted nearly 700 pieces of artwork in all media categories including: photography, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, painting drawing, mixed media and computer generated art. This year 10 pieces of art by PMSA students were awarded ribbons. Their artwork will be on display at the Triton art gallery for the next 4 weeks.
The following PMSA students won yellow (3rd place) ribbons: Lucero Aguirre (ceramics), Luis Real (sculpture), Ryan Carag (mixed media), Michelle Verceles (drawing), Freddy Cardenas (drawing), and Sandra Trujillo (mixed media),
PMSA students Lucero Aguirre (ceramics) and Yesenia Rodriguez (painting) won red (2nd place) ribbons. Lucero Aguirre also won a blue ribbon for another ceramic piece which went on to win the title of Best in the Ceramic Category and Best in Show.
Triton College will host a gala reception on February 10, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. to honor the participating student artists and their families and friends.
Congratulations PMSA Students! You are a vital part of Proviso Rising!
Proviso Teachers Get More Professional Training and More High Tech Class Equipment to Promote Student Learning
Proviso Township High Schools’ teachers are enhancing their skills and bringing more high technology equipment into their classrooms to promote student learning and student engagement.
This week 16 PTHS biology teachers spent two days learning how to use labquest, CO2 gas sensors, temperature sensors, and oxygen sensors in order to incorporate the new equipment and knowledge into their curriculum. The training is a part of PTHS’s overall focus on improving curriculum and instruction, and increasing the levels of engagement for PTHS students.
PTHS 209 Superintendent and Students Honored by Operation Uplift
Proviso Township High Schools Superintendent, current PTHS students, and PTHS alum were celebrated for their excellence, leadership, and service at Operation Uplift’s 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon held on January 16th.
“This event gave us an opportunity to once again observe the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was the inspiration that promoted the beginnings of our self-help organization in 1968,” said Operation Uplift President Northica Stone. “Since Dr. King’s life was spent being an anchor of hope, peace, and empowerment, I congratulate each of our honorees who are great examples of that in our community. Their contributions and achievements will become their legacy.”
Active and Engaged: PMSA Students Study Human Rights and Genocide in South Africa
PMSA students traveled the seas to Africa without ever leaving the U.S. in their up close and personal civics lesson on human rights, activism, and genocide.
Carl Wilkens, the former head of Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) in Rwanda, visited Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. Wilkens was the only American who chose to remain in Kigali, Rwanda once the genocide began in 1994. His choice to stay enabled him to prevent the massacre of hundreds of children over the course of the genocide. Now he’s on a multi-city tour of the United States to share his story with students, teachers, activists, policy makers and community members.
As he shared his experiences with PMSA students, Wilkens spoke about the courage and resilience he witnessed in Rwanda, while encouraging PMSA students that they have the power to make a difference.
Attention Parents: Students Can Now Apply for Financial Aid
Parents and students can now apply for financial aid to support higher education. Proviso Township High Schools District 209 has created a scholarship resource section on www.pths209.org to help students and parents better locate college funding sources and information.
“Too often parents and students are not aware of scholarship opportunities that could lessen the financial burden on families,” said PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. “So we’re happy to make this resource an addition to our website. We will also continue to look for other resources to add to our website that may benefit our students and parents.”
Parents and students can begin their financial aid search by visiting the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov or visit PTHS 209’s scholarship resource link here.
The deadline to apply for financial aid is March 2, 2010.
PMSA Entrance Exams Jan 9—Last Day for Applications Jan 15th
Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) will hold its last admissions assessment on January 9, 2010 for students interested in attending PMSA for the 2010-2011 school year.
PMSA has been recognized as one of the top high schools in the state of Illinois. Students applying to the Academy must participate in an admissions assessment administered at PMSA. It involves a non-verbal ability test and the writing of an essay. This event, held at PMSA, begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ends no later than 11:30 a.m. Students may be admitted for testing at 8:30 a.m. There is also a testing session at 1:00 p.m. that ends at 3:30 p.m. Parents must call in order to schedule a specific test time.
So far this year, nearly 350 students have completed the admissions assessment for the 2010-2011 admissions process.
Students interested in attending PMSA should contact PMSA's main office at 708.338.4100 to schedule an assessment appointment.
All completed PMSA applications with signatures and supporting materials must be submitted or postmarked NO LATER THAN January 15, 2009.
PTHS 209 Seeking Applicants for Foundation’s Board of Directors
Proviso Township High Schools is currently seeking board members for PTHS 209’s Foundation for Educational Excellence.
The Foundation was formed to raise, attract, and direct public financial contributions to programs and in support of PTHS students.
The Foundation’s goals are to help provide effective opportunities for all students to learn, grow, and develop in their specific areas of interest; to attract, support and recognize teachers for innovative efforts and exemplary teaching, to increase public awareness and strengthen confidence in each school, and to engage the community in assuring a quality education for the leaders of tomorrow.
PTHS 209 Partners with West 40 to Help Boost Student Achievement
Proviso Township High Schools will partner with West 40 in a program designed to help school districts in west Cook County to improve students’ mathematical skills.
LSRI and West 40 will work with 11 school districts in west Cook County on a cross-district, mathematics-improvement initiative that is built around preparation for algebra in the middle grades and the teaching of algebra in eighth and ninth grades.
The program was welcomed into PTHS as a part of a comprehensive mathematics-improvement initiative developed to help improve student success rates in algebra through more effective middle-school mathematics instruction and more effective teaching of algebra.
Joe Spagnolo is a living legend at Proviso Township High Schools, who will soon be recognized as a legend in the state of Illinois. He’s been elected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a Friend of Basketball.
Spagnolo is a Proviso West Alum who has served Proviso Township High Schools and its students for over 30 years, imparting a legacy of leadership, service, and commitment. Active and committed for more than a quarter of a century, Spagnolo has been a staple in PTHS serving as coach, official, athletic administrator and information technology specialist. He is executive director of one of the nation’s top tournaments, the Proviso’s West Annual Holiday Basketball Tournament. In 2000 Spagnolo was named to Proviso West Holiday Tournament's All-Time All Tournament Team as one of the 40 most influential individuals of the event, which included Illinois basketball legends such as Isiah Thomas, Kevin Garnett, Doc Rivers and Mark Aguirre. His induction into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame is only the latest of his honors.
There will be a late start tomorrow, for staff and students.
Students will report by 9:15 a.m.
Teachers will report by 8:45 a.m.
Staff will report by 8:30 a.m.
PMSA Reaches $1 Million in College Scholarships
Congratulations to the students of Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy! The school has reached $1 million in college scholarship offers.
PMSA Scholar of Excellence
Diana Rivera, of Berkley, is an active senior at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. She takes leadership roles in clubs and activities to help support her school, other students, and the overall community.
Rivera holds a 3.6 G.P.A. while working full-time at Best Buy in Melrose Park. She is one of the original founders of the Go Green Club, a member of the Robotics Team, the recycling club, and PMSA’s Mentorship Program. She acted as homecoming chair, served on the prom decorating committee, and she is a major advocate for PMSA’s points program, a local business fundraising project.
Rivera says she loves being active because she loves being a part of Proviso. “I love my school,” said Rivera. “I love the fact that it is so integrated. We’re like one big family.”
Rivera hopes to attend Illinois State University and major in Economics and International Business.
Congratulations Diana! You are a PTHS 209 Scholar of Excellence.
PTHS 209 Takes Bold Steps Toward School Improvement
Proviso Township High Schools is implementing new strategies and improving alliances in an aggressive campaign to support students and raise overall academic achievement.
Prep Academy, SRA Reading, benchmark assessments, Target Teach, free tutoring services, increased teacher training and additional learning materials have been put into place in order to create a strong foundation for school improvement. Also beginning second semester, the District is also planning to implement test prep and an after school program.
“The PTHS 209 Board of Education has clearly identified goals for improving our schools in every area,” said PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. “Our recent test results were also indicators of where we need to improve. We know our challenges. We know that there is no magic button that will help us gain instant results. But, we also know that we have great teachers, we have eager students, and we have some great things in place to help us increase student achievement.”
PTHS to Begin 8th Grade EXPLORE Testing for Junior High Students
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 counselors will begin visiting feeder school districts next week to administer the EXPLORE exam to eighth grade students. Data from the EXPLORE test is a major step in the high school enrollment process.
“EXPLORE will help us identify our incoming students’ areas of academic strengths and needs,” said PTHS 209 Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction, Dr. Cheryl Pruitt. “This is a curriculum-based test. The scores show how much knowledge and skills our incoming students have in English, math, and science. This helps us to see where our students may need more assistance. It also shows us where they may excel. EXPLORE gives us crucial data for building a curriculum plan that properly supports their educational needs.”
Proviso counselors will visit local feeder schools from Monday, November 30 through Friday, December 11th, 2009 toadminister EXPLORE to eighth grade students during planned sessions. PTHS counselors are working with local feeder district counselors to test students during regular school hours. Counselors will also talk with students about their transitions into high school.
It’s another first for Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy! This year, PMSA will seek NCA Accreditation from AdvancED, the world’s largest education community.
PMSA is already accredited by Illinois NCA CASI. Now, they are seeking North Central Accreditation (NCA), which is a voluntary method of quality assurance developed more than 100 years ago by American universities and secondary schools. The accreditation process helps focus schools on a continuous process of improvement, providing external checks, support, and feedback to help schools. Accredited schools use the NCA standards to continually ask themselves, “What more can we be doing to benefit our students?”
“I have every confidence that our program will meet the standards of NCA,” said PMSA Principal Ed Moyer. “Our program is based on a solid structure and our results indicate that we are on the right track. We’re all looking forward to the accreditation process.”
When truly embraced by the school, the accreditation process breeds a culture dedicated to excellence - never satisfied with good, always striving for greatness. Accreditation engages the entire school community in a continuous process of self-evaluation, reflection, and improvement. It invites external scrutiny and welcomes the constructive feedback of peers. It demands rigor, is based in data, and approaches documentation of results with discipline. Accreditation is about making the quest for excellence a habit; it's about being the best a school can be on behalf of the students it serves.
Proviso East and Proviso West High School are already NCA Accredited institutions. District officials hope to complete PMSA’s accreditation process this year.
PTHS Students to Get Civics Lessons First Hand
Proviso Township High Schools students will get a modern civics lesson first hand by participating in Cook County’s Student Election Judge Program.
“Our students will work closely with and receive training from the Cook County Clerk’s Office,” said PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. “I encourage all of our students to participate and learn as much as they can about the elections process and the important roles they play as responsible and informed citizens.”
On Wednesday November 18th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Proviso Math and Science Academy will host an Open House for parents and students who are interested in attending the Academy for the 2010-2011 school year.
Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy (PMSA) is Proviso Township's only selective admissions school. The school is based on the magnet school model and features rigorous curriculum in math and science. In order for students to be considered, they must participate in an admissions process that begins during their 8th grade year.
The Academy has celebrated many accomplishments as the newest addition to PTHS 209. The school met/exceeded state requirements on its Adequate Yearly Progress Report (AYP), was ranked among the top 100 high schools in the state of Illinois by the Chicago Tribune, and its first graduating class was awarded nearly $6 million dollars in college scholarships—including one Gates Millennium Scholar.
Open Houses are held from October through December. During Open House, parents will have an opportunity to learn more about PMSA’s admissions process, program, and curriculum, and dialogue with the school’s faculty and administrators.
For more information on PMSA’s admissions process click the link to see PMSA’s Open House Flyer or contact PMSA’s main office at 708.338.4100.
All completed applications must be submitted or postmarked
NO LATER THAN January 15, 2010.
PMSA 2009-2010 Admissions Season October - January
Proviso Math and Science Academy has begun its 2009-2010 admissions season for parents and students who are interested in attending the Academy for the 2010-2011 school year.
Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy (PMSA) is Proviso Township's only selective admissions school. The school is based on the magnet school model and features rigorous curriculum in math and science. In order for students to be considered they must participate in an admissions process that begins 8th grade year.
The Academy has celebrated many accomplishments as the newest addition to PTHS 209. The school met/exceeded state requirements on its Annual Yearly Progress Report (AYP), was ranked among the top fifty high schools in the state of Illinois by the Chicago Tribune, and its first graduating class was awarded nearly $6 million dollars in college scholarships—including one Gates Millennium Scholar.
PMSA Students Dedicate Innovation Lab to Science Teacher and Robotics Founder
Building robots, planting trees, pushing, inspiring, and motivating, those are just a few of the things for which PMSA physics teacher Tom Dix will be remembered. On Monday, October 26th PMSA administrators and students dedicated the school’s Science Innovation Lab to Mr. Dix, in memoriam, so that his legacy will live on at PMSA for years to come.
“This is our chance to celebrate Tom’s impact on all of us,” said PMSA Principal Ed Moyer. “It’s also an opportunity for the Robotics Team to share the wonder that was his life. He turned this place into a true innovation lab. And he had a profound impact on all of us.”
A resident of Oak Park, Mr. Dix, 39, died Thursday, Sept. 17 after a hard fought battle with melanoma. He’d been a dedicated teacher and an essential part of the PMSA family since 2006. He was a master at science and founded the school’s award-winning Robotics Team. The innovation lab is the place where students turned parts into masterpieces and dreams into reality.
PMSA Robotics Team Presents Violence Prevention Program Overview to Triton College
The Monty Pythons of PMSA’s Robotics Team stayed active in PTHS communities over the summer promoting engineering, education, and non-violence in partnership with Triton Community College. On Tuesday, October 20th the Pythons presented an overview of their program to Triton College’s Board of Trustees.
The Robotics Team Summer Program called BEAST (Bringing Effective Anti-violence Strategies Together) is a summer program for kids ages 5 - 13. BEAST focuses on using robotics and engineering as a tool to teach anti-violence. PMSA students worked with youth and their peers from July 6 - 10.
PMSA junior and Bellwood resident Darius Goodrich spent the summer increasing his testing and engineering skills through Purdue University’s Engineering Camp.
The Purdue University Pre-Freshman and Cooperative Education (PREFACE) program was developed in 1980 and designed to give students completing their freshman or sophomore year in high school an opportunity to explore engineering for a week on Purdue’s main campus. Students nationwide were chosen based on their high school grades and their math or science teachers’ recommendation.
Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy students will take class pictures on Friday, October 30th, 2009 from 8:15 am to 2:30 pm.
Freshmen, sophomores and juniors will take a traditional yearbook photo, while seniors will take their cap and gown photos. Each student will be taken to Room 008 during their designated time.
For questions or concerns please contact PMSA’s main office at 708.338.4912.
Join PMSA’s First 2009-2010 PTO Meeting on Oct 27th
Please join PMSA’s first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting of the 2009-2010 school year on Tuesday, Oct. 27th at 7 pm.
The mission of the PTO is to carry out activities that support, promote, provide, and enhance the educational experience of PMSA students. The PTO provides support for special events and programs through community outreach and fundraising efforts. The PTO also gives parents, staff, and the entire community the opportunity to work together in an effort to make PMSA the best it can possibly be for the students who attend. Parent involvement improves student success, so all PMSA parents are encouraged to participate.
During the PTO meeting on Oct 27th, parents will have an opportunity to learn more about PTO, become a member, and become and active part of the discussion on plans for this school year.
Parents will also have an opportunity to meet and greet the new PTO Officers.
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 will join schools across the United States in celebration of Red Ribbon week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country.
This year, PTHS will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 17th - 25th. During Red Ribbon Week, teachers and staff emphasize drug prevention and awareness. Each school hosts activities to encourage students to have a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives. The ultimate goal is to create a drug free America.
Red Ribbon Week is also an opportunity for parents to talk with students and reinforce the importance of education and the consequences of drug use.
“Proviso Rising” District Foundation Launches 2009-2010 Fundraisers
The Proviso Township High Schools District Foundation has launched its 2009-2010 fundraiser offering fitness passes and all-access VIP passes to PTHS’s talent-packed sporting events.
“We are kicking off some very exciting fundraising efforts this year,” said Assistant Supt. of Finance and Operations, Dr. Nikita Johnson. “It is so important now, more than ever, that we work together to help support the success of our district and our students. All funds raised through the foundation will go right back into the schools to support student activities and programs that matter not only to our students, but also to our communities.”
Proviso Students Invited to Teachers of Tomorrow Conference
On Saturday, October 24th, 2009, Proviso’s Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple Teachers across Illinois will host a “Teachers of Tomorrow” Conference to inspire students to pursue teaching careers, and to encourage teachers who are new to the field.
“This workshop is the perfect opportunity to find out what being a teacher is all about and how to become one,” said Proviso East Golden Apple Teacher Glen Lid. “The Golden Apple Teachers of Illinois have been recognized as those who light knowledge on fire. Their techniques are imaginative and energetic. We need more well trained and passionate teachers, now more than ever before. Teachers touch the future.”
Extra Extra! PMSA Looking for Talented Newspaper Staff
PMSA's school newspaper, The Voice, will host meetings every Wednesday after school in Room 419.
The newspaper is seeking responsible, energetic students from all classes. Please see Ms. Foti or Ms. Lopez with any questions.
Statewide Exclusion Date for Student Medical Obligations Oct 15th
All PTHS 209 students must have their outstanding medical obligations (i.e., immunizations, physicals, etc.) met and approved by the school nurse no later than October 15, 2009 or face suspension.
In accordance with Illinois School Code and State law, and in an effort to ensure the health and safety of all PTHS 209 students, all students must comply with the October 15th statewide exclusion date. State policy mandates that all student immunizations and physicals be fully completed before Oct. 15th, or the student will be suspended until their medical obligations are met.
In order to ensure compliance with state policy and to avoid disruption in the school year, please ensure that your students’ medical obligations have been met.
Feel free to contact your schools’ health center with any questions or concerns.
PTHS 209 Back-to-School Night a Success!
Bring Your Parent to School Day Oct 8th
PTHS 209’s “Back-to-School Night” was a rousing success with a record number of parents showing up to support their students’ education. Administrators are hoping for another overflow of parent participation on October 8th as they host “Bring Your Parents to School Day.”
During “Bring Your Parents to School Day,” PTHS parents will follow their students’ schedules and talk with teachers and administrators about expectations, their students’ learning needs, and how they can help support their students’ success.
PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart will circulate through each school to talk with parents, students, and teachers.
PMSA seniors John Lee, of Forest Park, and Jennifer Ugarte, of Stone Park, say they have yet another accolade to add to their college applications. These two seniors were recently commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMC) for scoring in the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students in the nation on their PSATs.
“The young people named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance,” commented a spokesperson for NMC. “We hope that this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and that they will continue to diligently pursue their professional goals.”
PTHS 209 to Host Supplemental Educational Services Fair for Parents
On Thursday, October 29th, 2009, Proviso East and Proviso West will host a Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Fair to give parents with information on additional educational assistance available to their students’ at no cost.
Supplemental Educational Services refers to extra tutoring help provided to students in reading, language arts and mathematics. Students can receive extra help before or after school, on weekends, during intercessions or during the summer, at no cost to the family. Parents will be able to tour the fair and choose the service that best suits their students’ needs. Free community support services to help support students’ social and emotional needs will also be highlighted at the fair.
PMSA Educator Uses Summer Sessions to Find New Ways To Improve High School Science Education
POGIL Project Moves to Secondary Education
This summer, a dedicated group of educators, including one from Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, began working on an initiative that is designed to change the experience and education of local high school students in their chemistry and biology classrooms.
The POGIL (Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) Project is a classroom and laboratory technique that seeks to simultaneously teach students content and key process skills such as the ability to think analytically and work effectively as part of a collaborative team at the same time.
About 30 high school teachers from 18 states met in July to begin creating a comprehensive set of classroom-tested activities and materials for biology and chemistry instruction, based on the POGIL methodology.
Dr. Greta Bryson, a representative from Proviso Township High Schools, attended the intensive four-day session.
Thus far, the High School POGIL Initiative has made great strides in encouraging undergraduate level science classrooms to focus not just on content knowledge, but also process skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. It creates a discovery-based team environment, energizes students, and provides instructors with instant and constant feedback about what their students understand and misunderstand.
This makes it a perfect fit for PMSA’s model of inquiry and discovery.
A Message from the Principal of PMSA
Notice on Beverages
Beginning this school year, our practice at PMSA is to not allow students to bring into the building any bottled beverage or empty containers. This has been announced to students and several autodial messages have gone out to all families. The primary reason for this is to maintain the cleanliness of our learning environment. In the past, this ban has not been in place and the result is that many students have simply left a significant amount of trash on the floors and in the classrooms. This has led to a general lack of cleanliness that we simply can no longer allow. With our student population nearly 700 students now, we are too large to allow this to continue. Please understand that lunches may of course be brought in, but they must be consumed in the cafeteria. Beverages are sold during the lunch periods, and cups for water are also available. Again, no food is allowed to be brought into classrooms by students. Please note also that teachers allow students reasonable opportunities during class for the bathroom or a drink of water.
We have so many things of which to be proud at the Academy. The graduation of the first senior class, the achievement of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for our second year of eligibility, and the excitement of this year's senior class and their journey through the college application process are all amazing accomplishments. Our building is also something of which we can be proud, and this step is necessary to ensure it remains a world-class facility. We are sorry for any confusion this may have caused. Thank you for your assistance and your patience.
Edward Moyer, Jr.
Principal, Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy
PMSA Juniors to Host Blood Drive
On Wednesday, September 16th from 8am-3pm PMSA Juniors will hold their first blood drive of the year and their first Junior Class Fundraiser.
The blood drive is open to students, faculty, and the Proviso community.
“We're really excited,” said PMSA Junior and Blood Drive Coordinator Jenny Six. “The PMSA blood drives act not only as community service event, but also as our fundraiser. We are part of a program within Lifesource that allows us to get rewards money for donating. How much money we receive depends on how many units of blood we collect during each drive.”
This year PMSA Juniors will receive their “school rewards” check from the LifeSource Blood Center on the day of their blood drive. PMSA’s junior class looks forward to welcoming PTHS family, friends, students, and faculty to help support their cause.
“I'm really proud that so many of our students, faculty, and community members are willing to donate blood, “said Six. “They really take the mission of LifeSource and our junior class to heart.”
LifeSource officials will be in PMSA’s auditorium on Wednesday, September 16th from 8am-3pm. Doors will be open to the public.
PTHS 209 to Host Back to School Night
On Thursday Sept 17, 2009, Proviso Township High Schools District 209 will host “Back to School Night” to give parents, students, and teachers an opportunity to connect, discuss students’ progress, goals, and expectations.
During “Back to School Night”, parents are encouraged to come to school with their children for the evening.
“This is a great way for parents to become more actively involved in their children's education. At Back to School Night, parents will have the opportunity to dialogue with teachers and administrators, and take a closer look and develop a clear understanding of what expectations have been set forth for this new school year,” said PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. “It is vitally important that parents take an active role in their students’ success. This event will encourage teachers and parents to develop positive relationships. It will also be encouraging for students to see how invested their parents are in their education.”
According to a summary written by Johns Hopkins University, when parents participate in events like “Back to School Night”, students’ behavior and production improves. PTHS 209’s “Back to School Night” is designed to provide parents with the insight and tools they need to help their children become better students.
Doors open for “Back to School Night” at Proviso East, Proviso West, and at PMSA, on Thursday, Sept 17th, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
Proviso West and PMSA Students Team Up for High Energy Physics
Proviso West and PMSA students sharpened their physics and exploratory skills over the summer through participation in the QuarkNet summer workshop hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago.
QuarkNet seeks to involve high-school teachers and their students in cutting-edge research on the structure of matter and the fundamental forces of nature. During the summer, scientists work with teachers and students on physics projects that enhance their ability in science and discovery. This year, participants assembled cosmic ray detectors.
PMSA Student Selected to Serve on Advisory Council for Illinois’ State Board of Education
Congratulations to PMSA Senior Chinelo Agwuncha, who was selected from a “deep and richly” talented pool of students from across Illinois to serve as a member of the Student Advisory Council (SAC) to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Student Advisory Council members will meet with the Illinois State Board of Education during the 2009-2010 school year and provide valuable insight on important academic issues from a student’s perspective.
“I feel happy and excited to be a part of something so big and so important,” said Agwuncha. “I look forward to working with other students from across Illinois, observing the state board, and understanding what their priorities are. Hopefully, I will be able to work with other students and come to a consensus on how to solve various issues plaguing our school systems.”
Go Monty Pythons: PMSA Robotics Team Stays Active Over the Summer Supporting Violence Prevention
The Monty Pythons of PMSA’s Robotics Team stayed active in PTHS communities over the summer promoting engineering, education, and non-violence in partnership with Triton Community College.
The Robotics Team Summer Program called BEAST (Bringing Effective Anti-violence Strategies Together) is a summer program for kids ages 5 – 13. BEAST focuses on using robotics and engineering as a tool to teach anti-violence. PMSA students worked with youth and their peers from July 6 – 10.
PMSA Senior and Robotics Team Member Jenny Six said the Monty Pythons take pride in working within the community.
Youth on the Move Midwest Inc. to Offer Free Back to School Supplies
Click on the image to see the full-page flyer.
BACK TO SCHOOL NOTICE: MUST READ
Don’t Forget! Get STUDENTS Ready PTHS 209 has a First Day Exclusion Policy!
The start of the new school year is fast approaching. All PTHS 209 students must have at least a 9th grade Illinois physical and up-to-date immunizations on file in order to start the 2009-2010 school year.
In an effort to ensure the health and safety of all PTHS 209 students, and to ensure immediate compliance with state law and Illinois School Code, PTHS 209 has a “First Day Exclusion Policy.” Under this policy, no student will be admitted on the first day of school without having their 9th grade Illinois physical and current immunizations on file.
Parents must be sure their students’ physicals are complete and includes details of the students’ health history. Parents must answer ALL of the questions on the physical form, sign and date the form, and complete diabetes screening questions attached. These things must be completed in order for students to begin the first day of school. Students will not be able to attend school until the physicals are complete and immunizations are current.
In previous years students and parents had until Oct 15th to complete immunizations and back-to-school physicals. This is no longer the case. In order to ensure compliance with state policy and to avoid disruption in the school year, PTHS 209 students must have a current health exam (9th grade physical) and current immunizations before being admitted to school on the first day.
Proviso East students may contact their School Based Health Center for an appointment at 708.202.9522. Proviso West Students and PMSA students may contact available clinics within the area.
PMSA is hosting a Health Fair on Saturday, Aug 8th at 9:00 a.m. that offers free back-to- school physicals by appointment only. To reserve an appointment time please call 708-338-4192.
Please see the start date of all PTHS 209 schools below and ensure that your student is current and up to date before school starts.
1st Day: Freshman Orientation DISTRICTWIDE - Thursday, August 20th & Friday, August 21st
1st Day: PMSA -Monday, August 24th @ 9:00 a.m
1st Day: Proviso West -Monday, August 24th @ 9:00 a.m
1st Day: Proviso East- Monday, August 24th @ 9:00 a.m
JOIN PROVISO TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOLS DISTRICT FOUNDATION!
Calling all alumni, community leaders, business partners and friends! Proviso Township High Schools want YOU to join the District Foundation to help support the activities, dreams, and successes of PTHS 209 students.
The Proviso Township High Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence has been established to provide additional resources to Proviso Township High Schools District 209. The spirit and participation of Proviso alumni and community members play a vital role in our ability to thrive. Right now we are recruiting members to the foundation to help raise funds to support student activity, growth, and achievement, and to enhance the implementation of educational programs and opportunities available to our students through extracurricular activities.
The district foundation meets every other Wednesday at 5:00pm, PMSA (8601 Roosevelt Road) Room # 518. See upcoming meeting dates below:
To Donate: Please make check payable to PTHS Foundation, all donations can be restricted to support programs of choice by donor.
**All donations are tax deductible.
PMSA to Host WINDOW Program for ALL Incoming Freshmen
WINDOW Program begins August 6th
The WINDOW (Wonder, Inquiry, kNowledge: unDerstanding Our World) program is a four-day learning experience designed to acclimate incoming freshmen, and prepare them for their exciting new high school careers at Proviso’s premier Mathematics and Science Academy.
The WINDOW program will be held August 6, 7, 10, and 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy (8601 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL).
Through the four-day course, students will be exposed to the foundations of inquiry and wonder that help to make PMSA’s academic program unique.
The WINDOW program has the following stated goals:
Provide students with an inquiry-based learning experience in mathematics and science that models instructional practices and learning behaviors commensurate with the intended learning environment for the Academy.
Develop the ability of students to examine the learning process, identifying personal learning styles, strengths, and areas for growth, and to build a solid foundation of organizational and study skills.
This WINDOW program is the first step in the development of essential skills to be used over the course of the Academy experience. During WINDOW, incoming freshmen will also get their ID cards, locker assignments and class schedules.
To learn more about the WINDOW program click here or contact PMSA’s main office at 708-338-4192.
PTHS 209 Summer School Off to a Great Start
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Summer School is off to a great start with over 1,000 students enrolled and working toward academic enrichment and educational development.
Students began summer school on June 8th and are taking classes in core areas such as reading, algebra, English, science, and social studies. This year’s summer school will not only allow students to earn necessary credit hours, but will also serve as a bridge to prepare students for curriculum changes to come.
“This summer school session is crucial to getting our students additional help where they need it and understanding the barriers to student learning,” said PTHS 209 Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart. “Next year they will be returning to a more rigorous curriculum. This is our opportunity to identify some of the learning gaps and prepare our students for more challenging course work.”
Proviso Township High Schools’ faculty of Proviso East, Proviso West, and PMSA are working together all summer long in preparation for curriculum alignment, and the implementation of the school improvement model TargetTeach—which is designed to enhance the academic curriculum and raise the academic achievement of students in District 209. It’s also designed to create rigorous lessons in the class rooms beginning with the 2009-2010 school year.
Summer School classes are being held at Proviso West and Proviso East High Schools Monday through Thursday until July 16, 2009.
PMSA Student Selected for Position through the American Chemical Society
PMSA Junior Maritza Rodriguez has been recognized for her intellectual ability and enthusiasm through her selection into the highly competitive, Project SEED Program at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Rodriguez was chosen by the American Chemical Society (ACS), which is the world’s largest scientific society, to participate in the 8 week summer program. The ACS Project SEED summer research program opens new doors for economically disadvantaged students to experience what it’s like to be a chemist.
The Project Seed Program is a national nonprofit program designed to increase the number of youth majoring in, and pursuing careers in science.
While in the program, Maritza will work with Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Sandra Whaley.
Congratulations Maritza!! We are proud of you! Best of luck!!!
Click below to see stories from prior school years
Two Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy seniors, Vernon Smith and Kaela Tyler, have been nominated as semifinalists in the 46th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program from over 160,000 students across the country.
Nominations are being sought for the Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year 2010 Award Program. Twenty-five senior scholar athletes will be selected from across the country.
On January 25th, Proviso Township High Schools began providing Supplemental Educational Services (SES) to support the academic achievement of PTHS students.
Anthony (A.J.) Williams II of Maywood is a freshman at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. Williams holds a 3.6 G.P.A. and is active in performing arts and music at the Academy. He was also recently honored by Operation Uplift, a local community organization, as a young leader with their “Vision 21 Youth Leadership & Motivational Award.”
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 will offer ACT and overall testing preparation after school and during school to help support PTHS students and their futures.
Proviso Township High Schools’ teachers are enhancing their skills and bringing more high technology equipment into their classrooms to promote student learning and student engagement.
Proviso Township High Schools Superintendent, current PTHS students, and PTHS alum were celebrated for their excellence, leadership, and service at Operation Uplift’s 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon held on January 16th.
PMSA students traveled the seas to Africa without ever leaving the U.S. in their up close and personal civics lesson on human rights, activism, and genocide.
Parents and students can now apply for financial aid to support higher education. Proviso Township High Schools District 209 has created a 
Proviso Math and Science Academy (PMSA) will hold its last admissions assessment on January 9, 2010 for students interested in attending PMSA for the 2010-2011 school year.
Proviso Township High Schools is currently seeking board members for PTHS 209’s Foundation for Educational Excellence.
Proviso Township High Schools will partner with West 40 in a program designed to help school districts in west Cook County to improve students’ mathematical skills.
Joe Spagnolo is a living legend at Proviso Township High Schools, who will soon be recognized as a legend in the state of Illinois. He’s been elected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a Friend of Basketball.
Diana Rivera, of Berkley, is an active senior at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. She takes leadership roles in clubs and activities to help support her school, other students, and the overall community.
Proviso Township High Schools is implementing new strategies and improving alliances in an aggressive campaign to support students and raise overall academic achievement.
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 counselors will begin visiting feeder school districts next week to administer the EXPLORE exam to eighth grade students. Data from the EXPLORE test is a major step in the high school enrollment process.
Proviso Township High Schools students will get a modern civics lesson first hand by participating in Cook County’s Student Election Judge Program.
On Wednesday November 18th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Proviso Math and Science Academy will host an Open House for parents and students who are interested in attending the Academy for the 2010-2011 school year.
Proviso Math and Science Academy has begun its 2009-2010 admissions season for parents and students who are interested in attending the Academy for the 2010-2011 school year.
Building robots, planting trees, pushing, inspiring, and motivating, those are just a few of the things for which PMSA physics teacher Tom Dix will be remembered. On Monday, October 26th PMSA administrators and students dedicated the school’s Science Innovation Lab to Mr. Dix, in memoriam, so that his legacy will live on at PMSA for years to come.
The Monty Pythons of PMSA’s Robotics Team stayed active in PTHS communities over the summer promoting engineering, education, and non-violence in partnership with Triton Community College. On Tuesday, October 20th the Pythons presented an overview of their program to Triton College’s Board of Trustees.
PMSA junior and Bellwood resident Darius Goodrich spent the summer increasing his testing and engineering skills through Purdue University’s Engineering Camp.
Please join PMSA’s first Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting of the 2009-2010 school year on Tuesday, Oct. 27th at 7 pm.
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 will join schools across the United States in celebration of Red Ribbon week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country.
The Proviso Township High Schools District Foundation has launched its 2009-2010 fundraiser offering fitness passes and all-access VIP passes to PTHS’s talent-packed sporting events.
On Saturday, October 24th, 2009, Proviso’s Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple Teachers across Illinois will host a “Teachers of Tomorrow” Conference to inspire students to pursue teaching careers, and to encourage teachers who are new to the field.
PMSA's school newspaper, The Voice, will host meetings every Wednesday after school in Room 419.
PTHS 209’s “Back-to-School Night” was a rousing success with a record number of parents showing up to support their students’ education. Administrators are hoping for another overflow of parent participation on October 8th as they host “Bring Your Parents to School Day.”
PMSA seniors John Lee, of Forest Park, and Jennifer Ugarte, of Stone Park, say they have yet another accolade to add to their college applications. These two seniors were recently commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMC) for scoring in the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students in the nation on their PSATs.
On Thursday, October 29th, 2009, Proviso East and Proviso West will host a Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Fair to give parents with information on additional educational assistance available to their students’ at no cost.
This summer, a dedicated group of educators, including one from Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, began working on an initiative that is designed to change the experience and education of local high school students in their chemistry and biology classrooms.
On Wednesday, September 16th from 8am-3pm PMSA Juniors will hold their first blood drive of the year and their first Junior Class Fundraiser.
On Thursday Sept 17, 2009, Proviso Township High Schools District 209 will host “Back to School Night” to give parents, students, and teachers an opportunity to connect, discuss students’ progress, goals, and expectations.
Congratulations to PMSA Senior Chinelo Agwuncha, who was selected from a “deep and richly” talented pool of students from across Illinois to serve as a member of the Student Advisory Council (SAC) to the Illinois State Board of Education.
The Monty Pythons of PMSA’s Robotics Team stayed active in PTHS communities over the summer promoting engineering, education, and non-violence in partnership with Triton Community College.
The start of the new school year is fast approaching. All PTHS 209 students must have at least a 9th grade Illinois physical and up-to-date immunizations on file in order to start the 2009-2010 school year.
Calling all alumni, community leaders, business partners and friends! Proviso Township High Schools want YOU to join the District Foundation to help support the activities, dreams, and successes of PTHS 209 students.
WINDOW Program begins August 6th 
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Summer School is off to a great start with over 1,000 students enrolled and working toward academic enrichment and educational development.
PMSA Junior Maritza Rodriguez has been recognized for her intellectual ability and enthusiasm through her selection into the highly competitive, Project SEED Program at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
