From Mrs. Santos
As part of our Catholic Schools Week celebration, our students have written moving essays about what their Catholic education means to them. They also have written beautiful thank you letters to parents, board members, diocesan leaders, pastors and administrators. One of the lovely notes that I received follows:
Dear Mrs. Santos,
This week is Catholic Schools Week. Everyone here at All Saints is grateful for all that you do.
This year is my ninth year here at All Saints. I love this school. This place is like my second home. Some things I enjoy about this school is that we can attend and help at mass, and that we can participate in whatever we want. This has allowed me to play sports, and to participate in many academic competitions.
Thank you for all that you do here at All Saints. The changes you have made have not gone unrecognized. Our faith is what makes us stand out, and you stand by this. So, thank you.
Sincerely,
Mike Gambs
At our weekly mass celebration on Wednesday morning, Father Don's homily touched on the three pillars of Catholic education that are highlighted in this year's Catholic Schools Week theme of Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service. These themes do truly embody who we are as a faith filled, loving Catholic Christian community serving God and each other, and striving for excellence in all that we do. But, Father Don pointed out that we need to add a couple of additional ways to describe who we are that come directly out of this coming weekend's Gospel message. He shared that we are also 'Salt' and 'Light'. Salt brings flavor to all that it is added to. We can be the salt in this world as we give life to the Gospel message as true disciples of Christ, We can be the light of Christ in this world as we become his loving hands, feet and hearts in all that we say and do, and how we treat one another.
In the note that I received from Mike Gambs, he was salt and light.
Saints News
Diocese of Joliet Parent Satisfaction Survey
As we Celebrate Catholic School Week, we believe that Jesus Christ is the reason for our Catholic schools, and it is our goal to make Catholic education available to all within a community of lifelong learners formed in faith, educated for excellence and sent to serve. As such, it’s important to gain an understanding of how our families are feeling about our school. With the change in administration at All Saints this school year, now is the time to express your thoughts and be heard.
I graciously ask for your participation in a parent satisfaction survey administered by the Catholic Schools Office (CSO), as it will help us to continue to provide excellence in Catholic education. The CSO is using a third party to perform, collect and analyze the data provided, which will protect all participants’ anonymity. This will also allow the CSO to create a central data repository required to assess local school and Diocesan-wide improvement areas.
In exchange for your time to complete the survey, I assure you that I will share the results of the survey with you. If there are common themes expressed by our families, I will address action step(s) to alleviate any concerns. Please take the time to tell us how we can improve. We also would appreciate your affirmation of areas where we are doing well.
Please click the link below to access the survey, and complete it no later than Monday, February 27, 2017. It should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Parent_Satisfaction_2017
On behalf of our students, thank you for taking the time to have your voice be heard. Your input will only help us to better serve our children in the name of Jesus.
Re-enrollment Information for 2017-2018
We will be sending out a SchoolSpeak email to all of our current families in the coming week in which we will be asking you if your students will be returning to All Saints this coming fall. The last piece of the puzzle that we have to put into place is getting access to SchoolSpeak for all of our preschool through grade 3 parents. Once you receive the email, all you will need to do is indicate which students are returning via a drop down menu, and click the Save button, and you will be done. If you indicate 'yes', we will charge your FACTS agreement for the $125 per family re-enrollment fee. If you have a sibling who will be new to ASCA, we will let you know how to register him or her, as well.
FACTS Financial Aid Application – Deadline to File is March 1, 2017
The FACTS financial aid application at FACTS Tuition Grant and Aid is used for ALL financial and scholarship assistance, which includes Catholic Education Foundation Diocesan scholarships at the grade school and high school levels, parish assistance, and all school and foundation awards. As of today, only two families have applied for financial aid for the 2017-2018 school year.
All families who have received any type of assistance in the past, and who wish to apply for assistance for the 2017-2018 school year MUST complete this application and submit all required paperwork by the March 1 deadline.
The financial aid process begins with your online application at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3FG0M . Please do not wait as verification of your application by FACTS does take time. Please contact Patty Bajek at (630) 961-6125 with any questions.
Grandparents Day 2017
The winter chill is still in the air but plans are well underway for Grandparents Day. Our festivities this year will take place in the afternoon on Thursday, May 4th. This is a change from past years so please save the date accordingly. In addition, we will be mailing a personal invitation to all Grandparents and Special Guests. As a result, please click here for an information form that we would like for you to complete and return it by Friday, February 10th to ensure that the special people in your life receive their invitation. We will also be sending home hard copies with oldest and only students.
Please note we are simply gathering names and addresses of those you wish to invite and do not need confirmation of their attendance at this time. It is so fun to welcome our Grandparents and other special people into our school and we appreciate your help in making it happen!
D203 Busing Update
Please note that there will be no busing home from school on Friday, February 17. There will also be no busing to or from school on Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24. Please find alternate means of transportation for your student on these days.
Puberty Presentations for Father/Son and Mother/Daughter
The SHPP Faith Formation Committee has invited Dr. Coleen Mast, a leader in the field of chastity education, to offer her popular “Puberty Presentations for Father/Son and Mother/Daughter” to Fifth Grade students and their parents. This event will take place on Thursday, February 23 from 7 -9 pm. This is an excellent opportunity for 5th grade families to prepare for their mandatory academic and ongoing puberty changes discussions. The talks consist of two simultaneous two hour presentations in two different rooms; the girls led by Dr. Mast, and the boys led by a pro-life man. The presentations will include videos and discussions on how to mature spiritually and emotionally while these physical changes are taking place. The presentation will include some theology and biology of the body, with practical advice for puberty and virtue challenges.
The Mother/Daughter session will be held in McSherry Hall, and the Father/Son presentation will take place in Cafeteria 1. While this is a 5th grade specific program, 4th grade parents are welcome to attend without their children. There is no cost to attend the event, and no food will be offered during these sessions. For more information about Dr. Mast, please visit www.sexrespect.com. For questions or to RSVP by Thursday, February 16, please contact ascapubertytalk2016@yahoo.com indicating names of parent and student and grade level.
We would like to clarify that this is not the “birds and bees” talk, but rather a great starting point for further upcoming discussions.
Saints Having Fun
The 8th Annual Fun Fair is TOMORROW, Friday, February 3
Come join us for the 8th Annual Fun Fair on Friday, February 3! Preschool - Kindergarten families get an early bird bird admission from 5:30 - 6 pm. ALL are welcome from 6 - 8 pm. PreK-5th grade enjoy carnival games in the gym, Junior High enjoy a DJ and a dance party in McSherry Hall. NO MORE TICKETS this year! Wristbands will be available at the door for $25 ($75 per family max).
Also, plan on joining us for dinner as well! Concessions will include hot dogs, pizza, popcorn; and many other treats will be available for purchase. Gluten free options also available.
Contact Regis Watson (regis1997@gmail.com) or Amy Drake (amyldrake@me.com) with any questions. We hope to see EVERYONE at the fair.
Fun Fair Cake and Soda Pop Donations
The Fun Fair Committee is still accepting donations of both unopened 2-liter soda pop bottles as well as cakes and pies for the cake walk. We need many donations in order to make both the carnival games as well as the cake walk a success. Any questions for the cake donations can be directed to Linda Gas at lgas@acehardware.com. Soda pop donation questions can be directed to Regis Watson at regis1997@gmail.com.
Cake and baked good donations can be dropped off at the school on Friday, February 3 PLEASE help us make the 8th annual Fun Fair a huge success!
Saint Valentine Day Parties - Tuesday, February 14
If your student will be sharing valentine cards here at school, we ask that no candy or food of any kind be brought or attached to your valentine. Room parents are busy planning the celebrations, with more details to come. Also, February 14 is also the next Out of Uniform Day for the Class of 2018 fundraiser. If you did not purchase the prepaid package earlier in the school year, you may elect to participate by bringing $10 on the 14th to be out of uniform. Our theme on Tuesday, February 14 is Pink and Red.
Saints at the Dinner Dance Auction (DDA)
The Dinner Dance Auction on Saturday, March 18th is fast approaching!!
School Wide Baskets
Tickets will be sold at the Fun Fair this Friday, February 3 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Please stop by to take a look at the wonderful baskets and consider purchasing tickets to take a chance to win. Imagine the look of excitement on your child's face if you bring one home! You can buy 1 ticket for $5 or 5 for $20. Cash and checks are accepted.
Six Different Baskets Are Being Raffled:
Amazon Echo Basket (value: $470)
Pokemon Basket (value: $265)
Xbox One Basket (value: $465)
Disney Basket (value: $285)
Outdoor Movie Party Basket (value: $475)
Star Wars Basket (value: $300)
**Winners will be drawn at the Dinner Dance Auction on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Winners need not be present to win.**
Invitations
Invitations will be coming home this Wednesday with your oldest and only student. Be sure to check your child's backpack!
Thank you for your support!
The Dinner Dance Auction Committee
Saints Helping Saints
Box Top and Pop Tab Collections
We would like to remind you that we are still collecting pop tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House, and Box Tops for Education to benefit ASCA. This is such an easy way to help. If you have any questions, please contact Gretchen Muller at bandgmuller@comcast.net.
8th Grade Fundraiser - Nothing Bundt Cakes!
Just in time for Valentines Celebrations! The Class of 2017 is raising money to help fund their 8th Grade Legacy Gift of sports banners to hang in the ASCA gym. Nothing Bundt Cakes are a delicious way to help us toward the goal!
If you aren’t familiar with Nothing Bundt Cakes, they are luscious concoctions of premium ingredients including fresh eggs, real butter, and delicious cream cheese frosting! These will be available for pick up Feb. 10th ……..just in time for Valentine’s celebrations.
Available flavors are: Red Velvet, Lemon, White Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Chocolate Chip!
Please click here for the order form, which needs to be returned by tomorrow morning, Friday, February 3rd at 9 AM.
Saints In Competition
From the Saints Sidelines . . . It was tough weekend on the courts for our Saints; however, our Boys 5B2 team is still holding strong in 1st place. Whether on the courts or off, our Saints make us proud demonstrating skill and good sportsmanship! Dream big and play hard Saints!
Be sure to visit the league website at www.dplbba.org where you can stay on top of game schedules and league standings. Make sure to come out and watch our Saints in action!
Our gym was rockin’ during Open House with the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest. Thank you to all the students who came out to participate. Please see the following students who placed in their respective categories:
Boys
9 Year Olds: Keegan Glynn (1st - Holy Spirit), Matthew Budd (1st - St. Margaret Mary), Jack Augustine (1st - St. Thomas)
10 Year Olds: Justin Klein (1st - St. Elizabeth Seton), Zachary Baka (2nd - St. Elizabeth Seton), Mark Kosmach (3rd - St. Elizabeth Seton), Jonathan Coleman (1st - Holy Spirit), Andrew Friederich (1st- St. Margaret Mary), Christopher Rojas (1st - St. Thomas)
11 Year Olds: Daniel McMahon (1st - St. Elizabeth Seton), Peter Hepburn (1st - Holy Spirit), Charlie Watson (2nd - Holy Spirit), Eddie Muller (3rd - Holy Spirt), Michael Budd (1st - St. Margaret Mary), Kyle Zediker (1st - St. Thomas)
12 Year Olds: Noah Bobofchak (1st - St. Elizabeth Seton), Ethan Affrunti (2nd - Holy Spirit), Trey Klein (1st - St. Margaret Mary), Kyle Campbell (1st - St. Thomas)
13 Year Olds: Sam Hepburn (1st - St. Margaret Mary), Brendan Forsythe (2nd - St. Margaret Mary), Aidan DelaCruz (3rd - St. Margaret Mary), KJ Glab (1st - St. Thomas)
Girls
9 Year Olds: Mei Arnold (1st - St. Elizabeth Seton), Aria Titus (1st - St. Thomas)
10 Year Olds: Emily Coleman (1st - Holy Spirit), Jamie Juhas (2nd - Holy Spirit)
11 Year Olds: Rachel Burns (1st - Holy Spirit), Bella Mendoza (2nd - Holy Spirit)
12 Year Olds: Maya Menendez (1st - St. Thomas)
13 Year Olds: Jacqueline McMahon (1st - St. Elizabeth Seton), Katherine Coleman (1st - Holy Spirit), Christine Budd (1st - St. Margaret Mary, Lauren Lukitsh (1st - St. Thomas)
Save the date . . . The end of season Basketball banquet will be held on Thursday, March 23 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
We still have a few remaining ASCA Basketball and new Track & Field car decals…be sure to pick up one today and show your team spirit!
LAST CALL for Track & Field Registration! If your athlete would like to participate in Track & Field this spring registration can be completed at www.asca.SIPlay.com. If you have questions, please email Erika Baka at jnebaka@gmail.com.
Stay Calm and Dribble On!!!
