Established 1958

On Saturday, March 21, Sandburg High School was made aware of an employee that tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement from Sandburg’s principal, Jennifer Tyrrell. 

In the letter posted on the district’s website, Tyrrell went on to say, “The food service employee notified the administration of the diagnosis. I immediately contacted the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) who advised that we should inform anyone who may have been in contact with the employee in the past 14 days. The last time this employee was in the school was on March 16, which is within the 14-day time frame that IDPH requires school districts to notify individuals who may have come into contact with the person. It is important to note that this employee was not involved in food distribution that took place on Wednesday, March 18 and all food preparation areas had been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to their distribution. All food service employees follow strict food preparation protocols related to safety and sanitation.”

Full story available in the Palos Citizen

Students and staff members at Shepard High School recently organized their annual campaign to promote more respectful and inclusive treatment for everyone, in particular people with special needs. 

Respect Week featured a variety of activities to create a more welcoming school community at Shepard. During lunch periods, staff and students recruited everyone to participate.

They asked students to sign a banner pledging to treat everyone kindly. They also asked students to sign an on line pledge to promote respectful treatment of people with special needs.

Full story available in the Palos Citizen

Last month an emaciated pit bull was found in a trash bag, on the side of a road in Willow Springs. The dog was taken to the South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights where they named him Vinny. 

The dog’s name is actually Max, the shelter revealed on a social media post last week. The owner, whose real name was not released, came to the shelter after the news broke about Max being found and family members were contacted about the dog possibly being Max.

The alleged defendant—Janiel Mixon, a 48-year-old woman, of Justice, who was arrested on February 28 and charged with animal cruelty—kicked the original dog owner out of the home. After being kicked out, the owner moved in with family, but couldn’t take Max with him. As he tried to get money together, working two jobs, Mixon demanded payment to get Max. 

Full story available in the Palos Citizen

At its meeting Thursday night, February 27, the District 230 School Board approved the hiring of two administrators.

Current Athletic Director Tom Freyer was named Division Chair for Mathematics and Business at Sandburg High School in light of the retirement of Mark Fertel at the end of this school year.

Dave Keating was named Director of Facilities for District 230 in light of the retirement of Bob Hughes.

Full story available in the Palos Citizen