I have spoken before about being a hockey family Many years ago, I had my routine down with all my girls; and then my first grade son decided he wanted to play hockey after his godmother gave him a stick and skates (I need to send her a bill for the subsequent fortune spent). He turned out to be pretty good; and the next decade was spent arranging the family schedule around games, practices and tournaments. I point this out so you aren't surprised that we are following closely Team USA in the Olympics. The games are wonderful in that we see such strong skills and have enjoyed some really exciting games. As we look at our Blackhawk favorites, ten players are on Olympic teams; Toews, Sharp, and Keith are on team Canada - team Sweden has Oduya, Kruger and Hjalmarsson – Hossa and Handzus play for team Slovakia – Roszival plays for team Czech Republic – and Patrick Kane for team USA .
When these young men play together in the NHL, focused on winning another Stanley Cup, they are a singular team. When they now play for the honor and glory of their homeland, they have been reshuffled into a team that might have been ruthless to each other in their pursuit of the Cup, but are now intent on a different goal – a gold medal. They set aside any distain or disrespect that they might have for a former rival, now teammate, to achieve a common goal. It really is a strong model for us to witness. While it is not a spiritual model, it is a leadership model that we should be directing our children to recognize. Enjoy the remainder of this display of world citizenship that Sochi has offered us.
Diocesan Parent Survey
The students and staff of ASCA have already completed a survey for the Diocese of Joliet school accreditation process. Your input is now being sought in a parent survey. We ask that you complete the survey by March 1st. Please see Superintendent Father Belmonte’s note below:
In an effort to improve our school system practices, the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office is conducting a Parent Survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. In order to complete the survey, please go to: Parent Survey, or http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/section/response/begin?surveyConfigId=198309 Parent Survey. Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Your honest opinion is appreciated. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Fr. John Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D.
Financial Aid for 2014-2015 School Year
The deadline for financial aid application for the 2014-2015 school year is Friday, March 1. This is a firm deadline, and all paperwork must be submitted and verified by this date.
All families who received any type of assistance, financial aid or scholarship for the current school year must reapply to be considered for the 2014-2015 school year.
To apply, please go to the following link at the school website: http://www.ascacademy.org/Enrollment/Tuition/tabid/126/Default.aspx, and click on the FACTS icon on the top of the page. You can also go directly to the financial aid application screen by going to the following link: https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3FG0M . Hard copies of the application paperwork are available in the school office. There is a $30 application fee for both the online or hard copy application. Please contact Patty Bajek at (630) 961-6125 with any questions.
Top 10 Reasons to attend March Madness 2014 Dinner Dance Auction
10. Your $95 buys more than a “sandwich”, you get 4 hours of open bar, late night snack, dancing, cool decorations, and much more.
9. Dancing this year features the six piece band, High Society Orchestra. They are awesome.
8. The weather has been awful; you deserve an evening out that does not include shoveling snow.
7. This year’s dress code, most anything goes. Jeans, a cute top, your favorite college shirt, your favorite dress, etc, etc. However, no shoes, no shirt, no service.
6. We have Pop-A-Shots. You get to talk trash to your friends and try to be the King and Queen of the pop-a-shot contest.
5. You are supporting a great cause, Your Child’s Education. They really do love you for it.
4. The evening is FUN! Despite what you may think, you will have a great time.
3. We have two new raffles this year and some twists on the old ones. You are a guaranteed winner.
2. Your kids think you are the Best Parents in the World when you come home with stuff from the auction.
1. Why Not?!?!? Stop making excuses and send in your RSVP today. They are due Friday, February 28, 2014.
Top-visibility DDA Sponsor Opportunity!
This great DDA sponsorship opportunity is presently available for your business, organization or family!
The first impression is always important! With your sponsorship support, we will provide placement on the AuctionsByCellular (ABC) bidding system. As Technology Sponsor, you will receive premium mobile and online branding to all our guests. Be the face of every donor's mobile and online bidding experience and be remembered for your generous support before, during and long after the event.
Guests using ABC's mobile bidding system are eagerly viewing auction activity for much of the heart of the evening. Gain more exposure than a television commercial! Sponsorship commitment: $2,000.
For more information, please call Tim Traynor at ASCA.
Please Watch for Future Fund Appeal Letter
Coming home in students' backpacks today will be one last request that - if you have not already donated - you give thoughtful consideration to our 2013-2014 Future Fund Appeal. As always, we deeply appreciate your support!
Lenten Fish Fry & Stations of the Cross – Save the Date – Friday, March 7th
Save the Date for the annual ASCA Lenten Fish Fry scheduled for Friday, March 7th in the ASCA gym. The Stations of the Cross will take place in McSherry Hall at 5:30 pm prior to the Fish Fry, which will be from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Also, please bring a can of food that will be donated to Loaves and Fishes. The meal will be catered by Belgio’s, and the cost for Adults and Teens is $12, Kids (ages 5-12) is $8 and Kids under 5 eat for free. The Lenten Fish Fry RSVP flyer is being sent home today with all oldest and only students, and is also available at the school website.
Yearbook is Looking for Photos
Here is a chance to help your school. The yearbook is looking for photos. It's easy. We are looking for photos taken during the Martin Luther King service day, sporting events, every day at school, and what your student did on the polar vortex/cold days. Please do not alter the photos. You can drop off a drive to the school office with the photos on it addressed to Mr. Tuttle or Donna Casey (please include your student’s name so we can return the drive to you). You may also put your photos on a disk. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Casey at caseyhut@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your help.
Community Outreach
ASCA Prom Dress Collection for PRC
The People's Resource Center provides formal wear to girls who could not otherwise afford to attend their prom. Through donations of new and gently used formal dresses, shoes, purses, and accessories they are able to "Turn Dresses Into Dreams" for junior and senior girls. This provides an unforgettable and amazing experience as they are greeted with an environment of grace, love and respect. Girls leave knowing they are cherished! Clean out your closets and drop off any donations at ASCA on Wednesday, February 19th. The Community Outreach fairy godmothers will be waiting at drop-off and pick-up (between door 9 and 10) to collect your donations. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Zediker at jazediker@comcast.net
Used Greeting Card Collection Recap
We are thrilled to announce that over 850 cards were collected. These cards will be turned into recycled cards and sold to support the programs and services of St. Jude's Ranch for Children.
Every Monday and Thursday morning, The Runaway Pencil is open outside Café 1 from 7:30 to 7:50 am for all of your school supply needs.
Plunge into Fitness Challenge – Raging Waves
ASCA, along with many other schools in the area, will be teaming up with Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville, Illinois for their Plunge into Fitness challenge. All students at ASCA in K- 8th grade are invited to Plunge into Fitness this spring as Raging Waves Waterpark joins the battle against childhood obesity. The fitness initiative will run from February 17th through April 11th, and each child completing the program requirements during this seven-week period will receive a free Raging Waves full day admission pass valued at $28. All K-8th grade students will receive a fitness log (extra fitness logs per grade are available at the school office) from Mrs. Abrams the week of February 10th. Starting February 17th students will color in one item on the fitness log for every 30 minutes of exercise. After 25 hours have been logged, students can turn in their log sheet to Mrs. Abrams the week of April 11th. Soon after, students will receive their free waterpark pass to be used this summer. If you have any questions, please contact Carla Griffin at carla_griffin@ipsd.org.
Wednesday Morning Rosary Prayer before Mass
Just a reminder – each Wednesday morning prior to mass, the Rosary is prayed in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Reflection Chapel (located across from the school gym) at 7:50 am. Please come, even if you are running late. Instruction sheets and extra Rosaries are always available. Kids (even noisy ones) are welcome! Please contact Darlene Newman at newmdar@gmail.com with any questions.
Schoolbelles Sale
Schoolbelles, ASCA’s official uniform company is having an accessories blowout sale with up to 30% off select items. They also have 25% off first communion items. The sale runs through this Saturday, February 22. To place an order, go to www.schoolbelles.com. ASCA’s school code is S2105.
St. Thomas Event
St. Thomas the Apostle parish will be presenting A Day with Jack Shea – Stories of Spiritual Wisdom from Religious Tradition on Tuesday, March 4 from 9 am – 3 pm. The cost is $35, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. To reserve your space, RSVP to Chari Rosales at (630) 355-8980, X138, or crosales@stapostle.org by Thursday, February 27.
News from All Saints Athletic Association!!
This Saturday....BLUE OUT!!!!
This Saturday, February 22, will be the last games for our 8B Boys and Girls basketball teams. Come out, cheer our teams on and remember to show your spirit and wear your BLUE!!!
8B boys team plays: St Joan of Arc at 12PM
8B girls team plays: St Mary of Gostyn at 1PM
Go Saints! 
St. Raphael Football
This August, the St. Raphael Football Program will begin its 51st year serving the Naperville Area. Our league is open to all Naperville Area children from age 6 to 12. We are currently accepting registration. Player check-in is July 25, 28. For more information and to download the Football Registration Form, check out our website, at www.straphaelfootball.org. Or you can contact Jim Brown at (630) 632-9244. We invite you to become a part of our program and bring a friend.