Saints Speak – 3/5/2020 – Celebration and the Measure of Success

From Mrs. Santos

Celebrating our 15^th Annual Dinner Dance Auction, The Crystal Gala

The Crystal Gala, our 15^th Annual Dinner Dance Auction, will take place tomorrow evening at the Chicago Marriott Naperville.  We are so excited to welcome almost 300 guests to this year’s celebration.  We know that there are some of you who are unable to attend due to other commitments.  It is such a busy time of year.  One of the many wonderful benefits of technology is that you can actually take part in the event and support the school, even if you cannot be there in person.   I recently spoke to one of our school parents who will be attending the event this year; however, in a past year, took part in the auction bidding on the night of the DDA from her family room couch, with her smart phone, in her pajamas. 

I truly believe that the solicitations committee for this year’s gala outdid themselves with the variety of auction items available to bid on.  I encourage you to click here to take a closer look at all of the items and experiences that are up for bid, and to place your bid(s).   I would like to share some details about a few of the items up for bid:

There is a really nice Mother’s Day Package that includes the following items:

• A Movado Esperanza Women's Watch - 28 mm stainless steel case; matte black Museum dial.
• Party time at Karisma Boutique with 20% off all purchases while enjoying some wine & snacks. Take home a large grey purse; spring print scarf and bracelet.
• Baubles by Maclyn presents a Mother & Daughter heart shaped locket set two (2) in sterling silver with diamond.
• Focus Eye Care presents Kate Spade's Polarized Akira Sunglasses which offers a bold and current take on retro 60's shape.
• Lilly Pulitzer collection includes Lilly's House silk scarf. Pineapple of My Eye travel jewelry box.
• Private in-home wine sampling for up to 12 people with 90 minutes of service and eight (8) bottles of wine.
• Coach pink mirror keychain with dust bag.
• $25 Little Luxuries gift card.
• B.A. Beauty Lounge Basket; one (1) Full Set of eyelash extensions; one (1) all over color; haircut and deep treatment and other goodies.
• Arbonne diffuser with pure essential oil; hand lotion and scarf.
• Pacifica 3 bar soap set.

I don't know many ladies who would not enjoy these lovely items.  

Or, how about the chance to straighten out your beautiful smile

Four tickets to a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field

Or, how about an experience in the Gift for the Grandparents -

As I shared last week, every contribution to this year’s Dinner Dance Auction, The Crystal Gala – no matter how large or how small – joins each one of us together in supporting All Saints and our children.   

You too can be part of the success of The Crystal Gala, All Saints’ largest fundraiser. 

Celebrating our Student Athletes – Championship Games this Weekend

This weekend, four of our basketball teams will be vying for a championship trophy, and I hope that you will be able to come out to cheer on our Saints to victory.  Games are as follows:

Saturday, March 7

10:15 AM: Girls 7A vs. St. Pius (at Montini Catholic High School, Lombard)

11 AM: Girls 6A vs. St. Mary Immaculate (at St. Michael, Wheaton)

2 PM: Boys 7A vs. Our Lady of Peace (at Montini Catholic High School, Lombard)

Sunday, March 8

3:45 PM: Boys 8B2 vs. St. Joan of Arc (at Benet Academy, Lisle)

I am so proud of all of our student athletes and teams for the hard work that they put forth throughout the regular and playoff season, and for their growth and sportsmanship displayed on and off the court.    Thank you to all of the coaches, parents, and the ASAA for your support, as well. 

This is all the true mark of success. 

Celebrating Lent

Often times, our Lenten goals can become more like our New Year’s resolutions, which are unrealistic or unattainable.  The beauty of Lent is that it shouldn’t be like a diet that only changes your life for a defined period of time.  To find true success, one must make these Lenten changes/choices last for a lifetime.   

Most people are successful at achieving goals when they take small steps.  Overreaching can result in failure, which may cause one to give up.  And, even on the very best of days when we are trying so hard, we might experience a setback;  and that is ok.  It is what we do with our tomorrows that count.  Prayerfully, there is always a tomorrow to reset; and to do better.   

In this week’s ASCA NOW News (see link below), the ASCA Question of the Week was whether we had given something up for Lent, or had chosen to do something during Lent.  I really enjoyed all of the thoughtful answers; especially Mr. Moore's response.  He is doing a little bit of both, which includes smiling more.  What a nice thing to do more of! 

I would also like to share the following three steps for a successful Lent that I came across online that have been helpful to me (and may be helpful to you, as well):

1) Determine which Lenten Resolutions are Best for You

Take time before and during Lent to identify what has most brought your focus away from God.   Whatever it is, if the thought of going without it for 40 days scares you, then give it up. Likewise, if the thought of adding something to your routine for 40 days scares you, do it!   Remember, Lent is not just about giving something up; it is about forming virtuous habits that will stick long after Lent is over.

2) Apply “SMART Goals” to Lent

S-M-A-R-T is an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. It is a simple tool used in the business industry to set actionable plans to make goals.  Here is an example: What should you do if you want to overcome impatience and gluttony, and deepen your prayer life.     Now we apply S-M-A-R-T:

• Specific: Avoid the abstract - I will limit technology and temporary physical comforts; I will pray more.  Make it concrete: I will limit time on the internet; I will limit eating sweets; I will pray the Rosary and do spiritual reading.

• Measurable: Attach numbers to what you will do: I will give up all social media; I will eat no sweets during Lent; I will pray one Rosary daily and read the bible for 15 minutes daily.

• Achievable: Avoid something you know you cannot do - Give up all internet; fast every day; 2 hours of daily spiritual reading. Focus on what you can do: Give up social media, but still use internet for email and work; give up sweets and wait five minutes when you sit down to eat a meal; pray a daily Rosary and read the bible for 15 minutes in the evenings without distractions.

• Relevant: Focus on what can deepen your relationship with Our Lord. Use the time you would have taken for social media and extra eating to pick up the spiritual activities.

• Time-Based: When do you expect to accomplish your goal and how often? For example, we will do these actions for 40 days. By Easter, you hope to establish habits of reaching for the higher things instead of the lower things. You will be more patient and temperate because you have disciplined your mind and body. You will have more time and mental and physical energy for Our Lord.

3) Keep a Private Lenten Calendar or Journal

Use a private Lenten calendar or journal to gauge your progress and keep you on track. It is not meant to be a countdown until Lent is over, or a source of self-righteousness. It is meant to be a humbling reminder for ourselves of how we have failed or succeeded in putting our Lord first and overcoming our vices. If we fail one day (for instance, in greed), we make note and are more aware of that pitfall in the future. We must be consistent when we are trying to build a virtuous habit!

and which can be true measures of success for these 40 days of Lent, and beyond.   

No D203 Busing To OR From School – Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6

Students will need to find alternate transportation both to and from school on these two days.    

DDA Luminary Fundraiser

A flyer came home with youngest and only students last week with information on our Crystal Gala Luminary Fundraiser.   Your children have each created a unique and beautiful luminary. These luminaries will be blessed at the Gala.   You can also click here for the flyer.  Make a donation to support the school, and you can receive your child’s luminary.   

DDA Tuition Credit Raffle

Last chance to purchase a Tuition Credit Raffle Ticket that could potentially win a $5,000 tuition credit for the 2020-2021 school year is TODAY, Thursday, March 5 at 4 pm.  Cash only. 

ASCA NOW News

Click here for this week’s 3/3/2020 edition of the ASCA NOW News, produced by our junior high academy students. 

Upcoming Faith Opportunities at ASCA

• Throughout Lent, we will be praying the Rosary each Wednesday morning before mass in the gym, beginning at 7:50 am.  All are welcome to join us.  To maintain a prayerful atmosphere, lights will be lowered, and we respectfully request that there be no other conversation during the prayer.  

• Looking for something new to do during Lent? The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed school days at 7:50 am in the Chapel through Lent.  Join us for eight minutes of mercy!  All are welcome! 

Any questions email Christi Kluzak at dkluzak@gmail.com.

Tuition and Fees Paid in Calendar Year 2019

For those of you who are preparing your taxes:  to access and print out this information that you may need for tax purposes, please see the following instructions (please note that the school will not be sending these documents home in hard copy.  Parents are responsible for printing out their own copy):

• Log into your FACTS account.
• Click on View Details in the Payment Plan and Billing box.
• Next - click on the View Payment Summary Box.
• Next - Select the year 2019 from the pull down menu.  This will give you all of your payments via FACTS for calendar year 2019.
• Print document.

Questions?  Please contact Maryanne Higdon at mhigdon@ascacademy.org.

Recess Help Stilll Needed

With warmer weather, and spring just around the corner, now is the time to get involved as a recess volunteer.   Have questions?  Contact Kathy Kokkinos at kkokkinos@ascacademy.org.  Ready to sign up?  Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0449a8a922a5fb6-recess1.

Gently Used Boys Khaki Slacks Needed

Our Health Office is looking for some gently used boys khaki slacks - size 10 and lower.  Thank you in advance for your help!

Things to Do and Upcoming Events

New Spirit Wear Store Now Open - Year Round!

All Saints is now pleased to be partnering with Deb's Embroidery to be able to offer spirit wear year round!

All of the great brands that you know and love are represented:  Under Armour, Champion, Holloway , and Gilden.  You will find hoodies, t-shirts, pants, jackets, and headbands.  Show your All Saints school and athletics spirit.  Orders will be delivered to your student at school within 1- 3  weeks of order.   Please note that the Access Code is:  saints

• Click here to order your All Saints Spirit Wear
• Click here to order your All Saints Sports/Athletics Spirit Wear

RLS Tutoring Chess Tournament

The last date to register for the RLS Tutoring Chess Tournament is Saturday, March 7.  Click here to register.  

The winning chess team will bring a trophy back to their school! Prizes will be given to those individuals scoring in first, second and third place. Don’t miss this fun event!  Snacks will be provided.

For: Intermediate Chess Players, grades 1 - 8
When: Saturday, March 14th
Time: 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Where: Holy Cross Catholic School
2300 Main Street
Batavia
Cost: $10.00

Questions? Contact us at 847-208-2553 or kbiegalski@rlstutoringinc.org

Plunge into Fitness

Would you like to earn a free or discounted admission to Raging Waves Waterpark in June???  Of course you would!  Information has been sent home with all K – 8 students about Plunge into Fitness.  Once you have completed the 25 hours of exercise, all you have to do is turn in your log (no later than the Monday, April 6, 2020 deadline).  Click here for the information and the fitness log.    

Fundraising Corner

Scrip (counts toward FFO)

Get ready for spring break travel!  All your scrip rebates go towards next years 2020-2021 FFO.  Save on hotels, movies, air fare car rentals and more!

Interested in getting started earning toward your 2020-2021 FFO with Scrip?  Now is the time to enroll!!!!  Click here to enroll.  Please contact the Scrip coordinators for the school’s enrollment code. Need more information or have questions??? Contact scrip@ascacademy.org.

Next No Cookin’ in the Kitchen – Buona – The Original Italian Beef – Wednesday, March 11

Have you heard? The No Cookin' party is at Buona - The Original Italian Beef in Naperville this month; and we hope to see you there.

What you need to know:

When: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM. 

Where: Buona is located at 1588 Naperville Rd, Naperville, 60563.   

Why: Delicious food, fun with friends, AND, Buona will be donating 20% of qualifying sales back to ASCA. 

How: For ASCA to receive credit, please present a physical or digital flyer when ordering - click here for the flyer.

Last Word: Students who attend the event will receive a Pick a Day Out of Uniform pass. Simply send in your receipt, dated picture, etc. in an envelope marked ‘Buona Night’ and your student’s name(s) and homeroom(s). OR, send your receipt, dated picture, etc. via email to kkokkinos@ascacademy.org with ‘Buona’ and your student’s name(s) and homeroom(s)" in the subject line.

Also, save the date for April’s No Cookin’ Night at Portillo’s on Wednesday, April 22.

 News from All Saints Athletic Association

From the Saints Sidelines . . We have 4 teams fighting for a basketball championship!  Congratulations and best of luck to the following teams who will be playing in the DPL Championship games this weekend: Girls 6A,Girls 7A, Boys 7A and Boys 8B2!  Congratulations to ALL our teams for an incredible season!

Gather your friends, load up the car and bring your school spirit to cheer on your Saints to a victory!  You can catch our Saints on the courts for their final debut of the season at the following locations:

• Sat. 3/7 @ 10:15 am            Girls 7A vs. St. Pius                        Montini HS
• Sat. 3/7 @ 11:00 am            Girls 6A vs. St. Mary(Pfld)              St. Michael’s
• Sat. 3/7 @ 2:00 pm              Boys 7A vs. OLP                            Montini HS
• Sun. 3/8 @ 3:45 pm             Boys 8B2 vs. St. Joan of Arc          Benet HS

Winter Sports Banquet:   Invitations/RSVPs can be downloaded at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KsxwCkJFVNpKk_6UByixttL0HokIEgi6/view?usp=sharing   Be sure to come out and celebrate your team successes with us on Thursday, March 19^th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 

IMPORTANT Track & Field information. . . There will be an informative meeting for all participants on Wednesday, March 11^th at 6:00 pm in McSherry Hall.  This should be a quick but informative meeting, please make every effort to attend; athletes are welcome.

It is not to late to join!  If you know of anyone still considering joining track and field, please invite them to the meeting.   Registration is still open at

https://allsaintsathletics.sportngin.com/register/form/480300249                                         

We are still in need of assistant coaches!  No experience necessary!  Contact Kathy Kokkinos at kkokkinos@ascacademy.org with any questions or if you are interested in assisting with practices.

ASAA Looking for Secretary/Communications Coordinator…Interested in getting involved in the Athletic Association?  We are currently looking for a parent to join us on the Board.  The primary responsibility of the secretary is to manage annual sports registrations and rosters and keep/publish meeting minutes.  The secretary will also be responsible for communicating concession schedules, creating/updating the Athletic calendar, coordinating athletic team photo sessions and creating the weekly sports report for inclusion in the weekly school newsletter.  Additionally, this position is responsible for communications via the sports website.

The person chosen for this position will shadow the current Secretary/Communications Coordinator for the next several months to learn the role before taking over.  Individuals interested should contact Erika Baka (jnebaka@gmail.com) or Keith Glab (kglab@ascacademy.org)

Upcoming Events

Friday-Saturday March 6-7             DPL Basketball Championships

Wednesday, March 11^th                 Track & Field Meeting

Thursday, March 19^th                      Winter Sports Banquet

GO SAINTS!!

Did YOU know that All Saints is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Check Us Out on Social Media - We welcome all of our new followers!!!  Click on the icons below to take a look.

A Tremendous Thank You to the Cornerstone Sponsors of 

Coming Home, ASCA Dinner Dance Auction 2019 

For more information, please click on the Cornerstone Sponsor logos above. 

We encourage you to patronize these generous sponsors. 

Please share with them that you are an ASCA family, and thank them for their support of All Saints Catholic Acad