Saints Speak – 10/12/2017 - Building Positive Home and School Communication

Last evening, we hosted a meeting with 7^th and 8^th grade parents to discuss our new science curriculum.  Why the change?  The change was first prompted by the adoption of new science standards from the Office of Catholic Schools.  Also, in the review of student test scores, and feedback from ASCA graduates and their parents, we realized that it was time to examine and evaluate our current science curriculum for potential change.  Myself, other staff, and Education Committee members (school parents with backgrounds in education) spent the better part of a year looking at different curriculum and approaches, even observing these curriculums at schools where they were being taught. 

Last night, I explained our Diocesan Curriculum Standards and the process for evaluating and selecting curriculum that meets those standards.  I shared information about meetings that I and my staff have with secondary schools, both public and Catholic/private, to articulate curriculum so that we are all on the same page as far as what is being taught in the high schools, their methodology and teaching practices, and most importantly, that we are sending them students who are prepared for the rigors of the curriculum that await them.   We presented a week of 7^th and 8^th grade science lesson plans; and Mr. Kevin Wilson, our 7^th and 8^th grade science teacher, explained in detail his approach to teaching these lessons, and also his procedures and expectations, taking questions from the audience of parents all along the way. 

After an hour and a half of engaging and lively discussion, we all came away from this meeting better informed and knowledgeable about the new curriculum, and how we will work together – teacher – parent – student – toward preparing our students for success in science here at All Saints and beyond.    

Communication is key.  This could not have been more evident to me after this meeting.  In selecting All Saints Catholic Academy for your student, you placed a deposit of trust in the school’s administration and teaching staff as professional educators, to present a challenging curriculum for all students.  We, parent and teacher alike, have high expectations for our students.  We want them to learn to challenge themselves to grow academically, to learn to be collaborative and critical thinkers, and to become confident and articulate communicators. 

It is important to be knowledgeable about what this looks like, both in and out of the classroom.  When seeking information about what your student is learning, your student should always be the first place to start the conversation.  If your student (or you) have questions that involve their classes, homework, tests/quizzes, etc., your student’s teacher should always be the first person to contact.  All of our staff welcome your inquiries, and are willing to answer questions about what is happening in the classroom, as well as to offer additional assistance outside the classroom to your student should this be needed. 

I want to remind you about the FOCUS Communication Guide that is available at the ASCA website - http://www.ascacademy.org/Portals/0/Documents/F%20O%20C%20U%20S%20Booklet.pdf.  This resource will give you the best path to follow to find the answer to questions you might have.  It has been my experience that questions and conversations that follow the framework provided in this publication have the best outcomes and resolution.  While it is a natural instinct to turn to our friends to discuss goings on at the school, this is very often not the best choice when trying to solve a problem, or to seek accurate and authoritative information.  It is only with honest, frank and, most of all, respectful discourse that is executed in a proper fashion, that true enlightenment and positive results can take place. 

Another important communication that will be coming home in the next few weeks is your student’s first quarter report card on November 1st.  This is a snapshot in time, and a great opportunity to discuss your student’s next steps moving forward.

We also will be conducting Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday, November 2, from Noon to 5 pm, and also from 6 to 8 pm (there will be no conferences between 5 and 6 pm due to teacher dinner break).  On Friday, November 3, conferences will take place from 8 am to 1 pm.  Families of Kindergarten through Grade 5 students will have the opportunity to sign up for a 15 minute conference with their student’s homeroom teacher online via SchoolSpeak.  We will be opening up the portal very shortly to begin registration.

Conferences for junior high students will be conducted in an arena style in the school gym.  Parents may choose to visit with some or all of the junior high and specials teachers on Thursday day and evening.  On Friday, junior high conferences will be by teacher invitation only.  There is no online registration for junior high.   

How does this work?  Junior High parents/guardians can choose which teachers they wish to meet with and head to their designated area of the gym.  You do not need to schedule a specific time to meet with teachers.  Conferences will be 5 minutes in length.  They will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.  This will give parents the opportunity to meet with each teacher that their child has if they so choose, or just a few based on their child’s classroom performance. 

Preschool conference scheduling will not be done online, but will be taken care of personally by each teacher with their school parents.

Student success requires the committed actions of both families and schools working together to support students in their academic, social and emotional growth.  This is a shared responsibility.  I hope that you are looking forward to meeting with us as much as we look forward to meeting with you.

We hope that you take advantage of this important time to get to know your son or daughter’s teacher(s), and to dialogue with them about how we all can work together in the best interest of your student’s success at All Saints.   Please stop by to say hello while you are in the building.

Lastly, the State of Illinois has required Water Source Lead Testing in all schools throughout the state and the Diocese of Joliet's Environmental Office is leading that testing for all diocesan schools and parishes.  All Saints Catholic Academy had a scheduled water source lead testing today, Thursday, October 12th.  When the results of our testing are received, we will be sharing with our parent community directly.

Go Cubs!!!!

News from the All Saints Athletic Association

TCBY HOME ATHLETE OF THE WEEK…..The TCBY Home Athlete of the Week for 10/2 is Ellie Glab!  Be sure to congratulate Ellie on her 17 consecutive serves and her contribution to 3 team victories, including her 7A team and 8A.  Thanks Ellie for being a great team player!

Volleyball News . . .

BLUE OUT is this Friday, October 13^th.  Don’t miss out on this fun night in support of our 8^th graders as they play their last games on Home court. Wear your Blue Out t-shirt, grab some popcorn and show your spirit as we honor the 8^th graders for their contribution and dedication to our volleyball program the last 4 years.

8A Boys vs. St. Mikes @ 6pm

8B Girls vs. St. Joes @ 7pm

8A Girls vs. St. Dominic @ 8pm

This week’s winning teams included Boys 6A, Girls 6A, 7A, 8A & 8B!  Way to go Saints and keep swinging!

To see where our other teams will be playing this week, be sure to watch for the “Weekend Sports Report”!  Want to follow the team standings and future games? Schedules can be found at the Dupage Parochial League website http://www.dplvba.org.

IMPORTANT & UPCOMING NEWS!

Fall Sports Banquet will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 6:30 invitations will be sent soon!

Basketball evaluations will be held for all grade levels (5^th-8^th) on Sunday, October 22 according to the schedule below:

5^th Grade Boys – 9:00 am

8^th Grade Boys – 10:15 am

8^th Grade Girls – 11:30 am

7^th Grade Boys – 12:45 am

6^th Grade Boys – 2:00 pm

Please note there are no evaluations required for girls in grades 5, 6 or 7^th.  Contact Keith Glab (kglab@ascacademy.org) if you have questions.  Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@ASCA_Athletics) and Instagram (@allsaintsathletics)!

GO SAINTS!!

News Items of Interest        

1. Calendar at the ASCA Website - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/clothing-drive-and-bake-sale-for-natural-disaster-relief.  Bake Sale Tomorrow - Everything $1.
2. ASAA Blue Out Games - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/asaa-blue-out-games.  Cheer on our 8th grade volleyball players at their last home court regular season games. 
3. DDA Auction Basket Collection - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/a-green-tie-affair-dinner-dance-auction-school-wide-auction-basket-collection
4. Graduation Activities Meetings - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/class-of-2018-graduation-activities-meetings
5. Box Tops for Education Contest Ending - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/box-top-for-education-contest
6. Student Picture Retake Day - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/student-picture-day-retakes
7. Move Your Feet to Give a Child a Seat - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/move-your-feet-to-give-a-child-a-seat
8. Basketball Evaluations - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/basketball-evaluations
9. Junior High Math Club - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/evr/1/junior-high-math-club
10. Trunk or Treat - http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/trunk-or-treat
11. Fall Book Fair Volunteer Sign Ups - http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0449a8a922a5fb6-2017 / http://www.ascacademy.org/Calendar/fall-book-fair

Events Outside our School

Used Book Sale at St. Elizabeth Seton

It’s time to recycle books.  And the Environment Ministry at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish is going to help you out! We will be accepting books for the resale on Friday, October 13th from 3 to 7 P.M. in the lower level of SES church.  NO TEXTBOOKS PLEASE!!!  We will also accept puzzles in good condition.  Saturday, October 14 from 9am to 6pm, and Sunday, October 15 from 8am to 1pm will be the BIGGEST BOOK RESALE AROUND.  We will ask 50 cents for hard covers and 25 cents for paper backs.   The left over books will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.    MAKE A DIFFERENCE – REUSE --- RECYCLE!!!  SES is located at 2220 Lisson Road, Naperville, 60565.

ASCA Dads and Daughters (K-4) – YMCA Princesses Program

Looking for a program for dads and daughters to spend quality time together?  The YMCA Guides and Princesses Program offers this opportunity, and the Snowy Owls group (comprised of several ASCA families) is inviting dads and daughters (K-4) to join.  The group meets about once a month, and example events include campouts, hikes and outdoor activities, canoe on wheels/rain gutter regatta, Christmas caroling, museum overnights, service projects, and participation in Naperville Parades.  For more information on the Y-Princess Program and Snowy Owls group, please contact Carter Risdon (carter.risdon@gmail.com / 773-425-8102).  More program information is also available at the Kroehler YMCA website at http://www.ymcachicago.org/threeowls.

Public Safety Open House

The Naperville Police and Fire Departments invite all residents to attend the annual Public Safety Open House taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 14 at Naperville’s Public Safety Campus, 1380 Aurora Ave.

Bring the whole family for this fun and educational day, which features a variety of activities and demonstrations by Naperville’s finest. Demonstrations begin at 10:45 a.m. and include a training exercise in which a Lifestar helicopter lands and emergency personnel perform an auto extrication with a simulated intoxicated driver arrest. In addition, the Naperville Police Department’s K9 unit and Special Response Team will showcase their talents and firefighters will demonstrate just how quickly a fire spreads with a flashover fire demonstration.

During this event, participants will also have the chance to view and interact with police and fire equipment and vehicles, take home fire and crime prevention information, and meet Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog. The Open House will also feature annual favorites such as the children’s identification fingerprinting station, fire extinguisher training and a forensics booth as well as a few new features, such as food trucks serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a taser demonstration, and the Stop, Drop and Run 5K preceding the open house at 8:30 a.m.!

For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/psoh.