Saints Speak – 4/11/2019 – Pray Like a First Grader

One of the most extraordinary things that we do each week at All Saints Catholic Academy is coming together as community to celebrate the most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Wednesday mornings.   In every mass, Jesus Christ descends upon the altar in the fullness of his body, blood, soul, and Divinity. He is truly present, giving himself to us completely in the Holy Eucharist. It is truly the sacrifice of Calvary made present once again. What a beautiful and profound reality!

Moreover, I believe that I so enjoy our school liturgies because they are lovingly prepared and presented by our students.  This could not be more evident than in this week’s mass shepherded by Mrs. Porlier’s 1A class.  1A did not simply present this week’s liturgy, they ministered in service and in love to our students, staff, families, friends, and visitors to All Saints that day.  The readings that they shared were long and contained a lot of big names that a 1^st grader would not typically find on their word wall or vocabulary lists– names like Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and King Nebuchadnezzar.  1A – you nailed it!   

The hearts of those present at this liturgy were deeply and profoundly touched by the 1^st grade students’ reflection following communion, which I would like to share below: 

In first grade, we take time in our classroom and in the school chapel to reflect quietly in our Lent Reflection journals.  We can express our thoughts through words or pictures.  Some students illustrate symbols of faith--such as the cross, the dove of the Holy Spirit, a church, or the Holy Family.  Some of us write prayers that we know; and even make up our own prayers.  We also use this time to think about God’s protection; and the promise that He will always help us in difficult situations, just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Now is the time to reflect and pray.  Think about how you have spent the days of this Church season.  Did you follow Jesus’ teachings of truth, love, and mercy?  Did you show strength as Jesus has?  Did you remain in His word?  We still have time, as we pray today and at our parishes. 

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “How do you pray?  You should go to God like a little child.  A child has no difficulty expressing his mind in simple words that say so much.” 

So, go, and pray and reflect like a first grader. 

These simple words – go, pray and reflect like a first grader - are a call to action.  As we continue our Lenten journey, we now prepare to enter into Holy Week.  Holy Week is the heart of the whole liturgical year. We accompany Jesus on His journey to Calvary and to the Resurrection. Jesus’ earthly journey reached its summit when He went to Jerusalem to suffer and die for us.

Pope Francis teaches the following: In Holy Week, we live the crowning moment of this journey, of this plan of love that runs through the entire history of the relations between God and humanity. Jesus enters Jerusalem to take his last step with which he sums up the whole of his existence. He gives himself without reserve; he keeps nothing for himself, not even life.

I wish each of you a most blessed Holy Week.  Holy Week is a time where our minds and hearts should be fixed on Jesus, and what He did for us. I will be praying and reflecting like a 1^st grader.  I hope that you will too.

The Importance of Safety – at All Saints and Beyond

School Bus Safety on our All Saints Campus

I have received reports that All Saints parents who are dropping off students in the morning have been passing school buses on the left when the buses are unloading. When a school bus is unloading, and you see the stop sign out and red lights flashing, you must stop.  To pass a school bus when the stop sign is out is illegal and dangerous. 

Please stop when you see the school bus stop sign out. 

Cyber Safety Event in Naperville

A cyber safety seminar is coming to the Fort Hill Activity Center in Naperville on Thursday, April 18 to give teens and parents critical information to prevent and combat cyber bullying and sexting. Detective Richard Wistocki (Ret.) will present proactive strategies, expert insight and effective resources to empower students and their families to protect themselves against online threats to their emotional and physical well-being.

Detective Wistocki retired from the Naperville Police Department to devote more time to educating parents about cyber bullying. Wistocki, a TEDx speaker, is nationally recognized as a high technology child crimes specialist and is passionate about sharing his experience and insights with teens and their parents. His presentation will run from 7:00-8:30 pm, and is open to anyone age 13 and up. This seminar is part of the Fort Hill Wellness Series and is free to Fort Hill Fitness members and $5 for nonmembers. Each attendee must register through the Naperville Park District. Fitness members must register in person at Fort Hill Activity Center or call 630-995-8900. Nonmembers may register online at www.napervilleparks.org. 

Detective Wistocki has spoken at All Saints, and has a wealth of information to share.  I highly recommend that you attend this seminar if you have not already heard Detective Wistocki.  I have learned so many things from Detective Wistocki that parents simply are not aware of.  We have had a quite a few issues involving technology during my three years at All Saints.  Arming ourselves with Information is key in learning how to keep our children safe online; and in teaching them how to make good safe choices for themselves.  

Diocesan Parent Satisfaction Survey

If you have not completed the Diocese of Joliet Parent Satisfaction Survey, you have until Tuesday, April 16 to complete the survey online. 

• Click here for the survey in English
• Click here for the survey in Spanish.   

ASCA Students Present Seussical, Jr. on May 4 and 5th!

You are cordially invited to the ASCA students' presentation of SEUSSICAL, JR!  Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in a fantastical musical adventure.  Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Although Horton faces many challenges the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community emerge triumphantly!

Two show times are available for your convenience:  Saturday, May 4th at 7pm and Sunday, May 5th at 2pm.  Tickets are on sale now, at reduced rates, through Wednesday, May 1st.  Ticket order forms have been sent home with youngest and only students, or click here for a copy of the form 

Buy now and save!    New this year, we will be presenting a matinee time of 2pm on Sunday, May 5th, which we hope will be convenient for our youngest Dr. Seuss fans.  Join us for a musical adventure the entire family will love!  Oh, the places we'll go together!

Report Card Distribution

3rd Quarter report cards went home on Wednesday, April 10 with K - 8 students.  Please sign and return the report card envelope to school.  You may retain the report card.

April 8 Edition of the ASCA NOW News

Please click here for the April 8 edition of the ASCA NOW News, produced by our 8th Grade Honors ELA students. 

Boosterthon is Coming

All Saints Catholic Academy has a goal to raise $25,000 for Curriculum materials such as updating Spanish and Religion books, upkeep and repainting of the school, and keeping tuition down; you can help us reach that goal!  By partnering with Boosterthon, our students will participate in a two-week, fitness-based fundraiser where they’ll learn essential character traits through this year’s theme: MINDSPARK MYSTERY LAB.  Help us reach our goal this year by connecting with sponsors!

• Pledging Opens on Wednesday, April 24 - Log on to FUNRUN.COM
• Pep Rally takes place on Wednesday, May 1
• Fun Run takes place on- Friday, May 10

SAVE THE DATES! You’re Invited!

Fundraising Corner

Scrip Update

Did you know that you can already begin earning toward your 2019-2020 school year Family Fundraising Obligation (FFO) by purchasing Scrip.  Scrip purchases from March 1, 2019 through February 28, 2020 will count toward next year’s FFO.  If you are new to Scrip and would like more information on how to get started, please contact scrip@ascacademy.org, or click here. 

With Easter just around the corner, don't forget to order your Scrip card for Honey Baked Ham.  If your order is placed by this coming Monday, April 15, you can have the card by Wednesday the 17^th, ready for when you pick up that delicious ham.

If you are planning First Communion parties or other events this Spring, Scrip has many options for you to use such as Olive Garden, Buena Beef, GFS, Panera and Lettuce Entertainment just to name a few.

Scrip Coordinator Needed

The Scrip program at All Saints is one of the approved ways in which families can earn Family Fundraising Obligation (FFO) credit; and the only way in which families can potentially earn tuition credit, as well, once their FFO is met.  Scrip is an important component of our available fundraising options, and is need of a new coordinator (or two) for the 2019-2020 school year.  Scrip is a program that allows you to purcahse gifts cards and earn money toward your Family Fundraising Obligation (FFO).  

Now is a great time to work with the current team to learn the steps.  If you think that you might be interested in this position, and would like to find out more – please contact shpp@ascacademy.org.    

Doing Some Spring Cleaning? - PLEASE SAVE YOUR DONATIONS!!!

The ASCA Class of 2019 is hosting a Savers Drive the week of April 29th.  Savers will pay All Saints for our donations: and the funds will be used to help fund the Class of 2019’s Legacy Gift – new and improved locker rooms.  We will make the collection of donated goods as easy as possible by taking your bags and boxes directly from your car at drop-off and pickup.  Further details will be provided in a couple of weeks.  The ASCA Class of 2019 thanks you in advance for your help! 

Fun for ASCA Students

1.  Summer Camps at ASCA

Please click here for information about Summer Camps at All Saints.  Mrs. Breunig, ASCA Art Teacher, will be facilitating the following camps in June:

• Fairy Garden Camp
• Sewing Camp
• Garden Party Camp for American Girl Dolls
• Space Camp

Click here to register. 

2. Windy City Rampage Soccer Tryouts

For more information about soccer tryouts for WC Rampage FC Travel Soccer Club tryouts, click here.  Windy City practices on the All Saints Catholic Academy field.  For more information, or to register, please click here.   Click here for the information flyer.  

3. St. Elizabeth Seton VBS

Click here for more information about Vacation Bible School registration at St. Elizabeth Seton.  All are welcome!  VBS will take place each morning from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14.

4. American Girl Doll First Communion Ensembles

Our very talented art teacher, Paula Breunig, is offering beautiful First Communion Ensembles for your special young lady's American Girl Doll.   The ensemble includes a dress, veil, shoes and tiny bible.  Please click here for the form with ordering details.    Please contact Mrs. Breunig with any questions.

5.  St. Francis High School Summer Camps

Click here for more information on St. Francis High School Camps, or to register. 

6. The Center for Gifted – PK – Grade 12 Summer Enrichment Classes

Click here for more information on The Center for Gifted summer programs.    

7. Rosary High School Summer Academic Camps

Click here for more information on Rosary High School’s summer academic camps for girls. 

8. Montini High School Summer Camps

Click here for more information on Montini High School Summer Camps, or to register. 

9. Joliet Catholic Academy Summer Camps

Click here for more information on Joliet Catholic Academy’s Summer Camps.    

10. Benet Academy Summer Camps

For more information on Benet Academy Sports and Fine Arts Camps, please click here. 

11.  College of DuPage 4th Annual STEMCON

College of Dupage’s 4^th Annual STEMCON Event will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  STEMCON is a public outreach event designed to inspire and educate K-12 students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This family-friendly event encourages scientific discovery through hands-on activities and demonstrations while providing the opportunity to learn about scientific careers from actual researcher, industry representatives, and STEM educators.  Click here for more information.  

News from the All Saints Athletic Association

Track and Field begins this weekend

Good luck to our Track & Field athletes as they kick off the season this weekend!  The first meet, co-hosted with Saints Peter & Paul, will be held at Marmion Academy, 1000 Butterfield Rd., Aurora.  Parents, please reach out to your grade level coach for start times.

Parents of athletes, this is an ASAA co-hosted meet.  Your assistance will be heavily relied upon at this meet.  Please communicate your availability to help with the coaches.  Track & Field is dependent upon the support of all registered parents.

Meet work assignments can be viewed at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GvovgPB7eI_Ipriua7gU-tsuSuIgWtvIGP1CoHMoyWI/edit?usp=sharing  

For Track & Field meet schedules and results please visit http://www.s-p-l.org

Important News

2019-2020 VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN thru April 28th. If your child will be in 5th – 8th grades for the 2019-2020 school year and would like to play volleyball, be sure to access the registration website at www.asca.SIPlay.com,  establish an account and register. The direct link for registration is https://asca.siplay.com/site/ClientSite/article/234285

Player evaluations will be held  May 21-23, 2019.  Exact day/times will be communicated at the close of registration. If you have questions, please email Erika Baka at jnebaka@gmail.com. 

Registration for all other sports will open soon.  SI Play is changing, please be patient as we work through the transition to a new and improved platform.

Upcoming Dates

• April 8 - 28     2019-2020 Volleyball Registration opens on SI Play
• April 13          Track Meet @ Marmion Academy (Co-Hosted with SSPP)
• April 27          Track Meet @ Brooks Middle School
• May 4             Track Meet @ Bolingbrook H.S.
• May 11           Track League Divisionals @ Glenbard East
• May 18           Track League Championships @ Bolingbrook H.S.
• TBA                Track & Field Banquet

GO SAINTS!!

Check Us Out on Social Media - We welcome all of our new followers!!!

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 Academy.