A building that is part of the fabric of your life
This past weekend, many of us attended the funeral of Mrs. Grissinger’s son, Kevin. The funeral Mass celebration was at St. Margaret Mary, which is my parish. As we waited for the mass to begin, deep in our thoughts, I started to realize what that sacred space has meant in my life. We moved into Lisle months before the church was completed; and we celebrated the opening of the church that fall as rather new members of the church community. In the years that followed, our marriage was blessed, we baptized our children, we celebrated the marriage of four of my five children, and we baptized seven of my nine grandchildren. I have been there as friends were eulogized, and celebrated funeral masses for my husband and my mother in this wonderful place. These events were all the landmarks of my life, and I have been so truly fortunate to have been allowed the stability of such a wonderful spiritual home. Intellectually, I know that God is with me no matter where I am, but it is such a blessing to have an intimate bond to St. Margaret Mary as my home. I hope you are as blessed.
Family Life Parent Meeting - Grade 5 & 6 Parents
On Tuesday, February 18th at 7:00 pm, there will be a required parent meeting for the parents of all 5th graders and the parents of all 6th graders new to the school this year. The meeting will outline our family life curriculum. Our Bishop asks that school administrators have a personal conversation with parents prior to the introduction of this curriculum for our students. In preparation, I ask that you preview a PowerPoint presentation from the Bishop prior to our meeting. Your child’s homeroom teacher will email it to you. If you are not able to attend this meeting, you will need to arrange an individual meeting with Dr. Renehan after February 18th. Please see the following newsletter item to learn more about Colleen Kelly Mast as an excellent resource, as well.
Colleen Kelly Mast
Tomorrow evening, Thursday February 6th, Colleen Kelly Mast will be at ASCA to share with parents and their 5th graders the sanctity of the conversation you will have with your child about the theology of their body. This is a wonderful presentation, and I encourage you to join us. Please see the Puberty Presentations for Father/Son and Mother/Daughter at the school website for more information.
These are the times that can try men's souls.....
But please don't let this weather make you do things that you know are not right. We are still seeing parents: drop off and pick up their children at door 1 because they feel the car line is too long, cut around others unsafely because of impatience, turn left on Aurora Avenue when it isn't allowed, and occasionally people still try to use the bus lane. It is true, we have more snow than we know what to do with, and this reality limits the amount of parking spots. That, however, is true all over town. The weather changes fast enough that we sometimes are surprised that it turns icy and that salt is needed. We are really trying hard to keep you and your children safe. Please do your part by following the rules and having patience. Truly, lives are at stake. Thank you.
2014 Dinner Dance Auction News
Thank you for turning your auction items in and placing your Saintly Spots. We are drafting our catalog, and any further donations will be accepted at the discretion of the auction committee. INVITATIONS - Coming home today in your child's backpack is your March Madness Invitation. RSVPs can be returned to the office or done online at our auction website, www.ascadda.org. The reservation deadline is Friday, February 28, 2014. Tuition Raffle Tickets are still for sale. The raffle tickets can be purchased through Tim Traynor in the school office and also on our auction website. Ask a grandparent to purchase a ticket on your behalf.
Market Day, February 19th
Our next Market Day will be held Wednesday February 19th with product pick-up from 2:30 - 3:30 in the gym (enter through Door 9). As a reminder, at least 10% of your pre-tax order will be credited to your 2013-2014 fundraising commitment. This is the last Market Day of the current school year that will count for 2013-2014 fundraising credit; starting in March, proceeds will be credited to the 2014-2015 school year. You are encouraged to place your order at www.marketday.com and pay by credit card. The deadline for internet orders is Saturday, February 15th, at 11:00 pm. All Saints Catholic Academy's school code is 27119. Volunteers are needed to help sort and stack the food. Please contact Tracy Coleman at tracytroy@aol.com if you are able to help.
2014-2015 Re-enrollment Packets
Packets were sent out to all returning current families a couple of weeks ago, and are now past due. If you have not yet returned your re-enrollment paperwork and fee, please do so as soon as possible. Please contact Patty Bajek at (630) 961-6125, or pbajek@ascacademy.org with any questions.
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/3FGOM. 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.
Extended Care and Tuition Paid Statements
Statements detailing extended care and tuition paid for the 2013 calendar year will be sent home tomorrow, Thursday, February 6 with oldest and only students via backpack mail. Contact Patty Bajek at (630) 961-6125, or pbajek@ascacademy.org with any questions.
D203 Busing Change
There will be no busing home from school for District 203 bus riders on Friday, February 14. Please note this change on your calendar now, and make alternative transportation arrangements home for your D203 bus rider on Friday, February 14. All other buses will be running on that day.
Valentine’s Day….one more time
SHPP will have a universal snack for the Valentine’s Day Parties, which will be held from 2:15-3:15 pm on Friday, February 14th. The Junior High will have service parties while they learn about Valentine the man and how this holiday began. They will not exchange valentines in school (they will do that out of school). Grade 6 students will view a movie, and then create Valentines for the children in the pediatric unit at Edwards Hospital. Grade 7 students will create flower vases and paper flowers for the residents of the Independence Village Nursing Home while hearing how the holiday has grown and changed over the years. Grade 8 students will decorate Kleenex tissue cube boxes for the residents of St Patrick’s Nursing Home while listening to the music that represents Valentine’s Day.
All students will receive a universal snack of Skinny Pop popcorn (please note that this snack is on the acceptable snack list); and grades K-5 will have their traditional parties where room parents have crafts/games for the kids. No other food is to be brought in, and students are not to bring valentines with candy included. SHPP will purchase and sort the popcorn bags for distribution.
If the junior high needs helping hands, they will ask for parent volunteers. Grade K-5 room parents should communicate with the teachers to discuss the craft/games that they have planned to ensure that it fits with the valentine exchange.
Out of Uniform Days – Benefitting the ASCA Class of 2015
The next out of uniform day is scheduled for Friday, February 14, and the theme will be pink and red. If you did not prepay for all of the out of uniform days, you may pay as you go by bringing $5 (cash or check made out to ASCA) on Friday, February 14. Please place your money in an envelope labeled with your student’s name, grade and ‘Out of Uniform’.
If you have any questions, please contact Mili Jain at mili_anand@hotmail.com or Dana Campbell at campdanaj@wideopenwest.com. The Class of 2015 thanks you in advance for your support.
ASCA Girls - Let's Go Wild! Save the Date!
The annual Daddy Daughter Dance will be held at ASCA on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 6:30 pm. Invitations will be sent home soon with more details to follow. A jungle theme is being planned for the event. Semiformal attire suggested (no costumes). If you are interested in volunteering for this amazing event or have any questions, please contact either Amy Drake at amyldrake@me.com or Regis Watson at regis1997@gmail.com.
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 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.
March Lunches
Online orders for March hot lunches may be placed on line until Saturday, February 15. Please visit https://fspro.orderlunches.com. All Saints’ school password is allsaints136.
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.
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 February 12th and 19th. The Community Outreach fairy godmothers will be waiting at drop-off and pick-up on these days only (by door 9) to collect your donations. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Zediker at jazediker@comcast.net
Naper Settlement - Juniors on the Green Parent Information Meeting
Parent Information Meeting (Mandatory) will be held tomorrow, Thursday, February 6 from 7–8:30 pm. Resolve to get involved in the New Year! Calling all children in grades 4 and 5 for the Juniors on the Green Volunteer program. From April through October, the Juniors, dressed in period clothing like petticoats and overalls, play typical games and do chores and activities of the past. What a great way for your kids to give back to the community, make new friends, “play” while volunteering, build self-esteem and so much more! Contact the Director of Organizational Resources at 630.305.5256 or email volunteermatch.org today to join in a fun, rewarding, interactive adventure!
Calling actors and actresses
Think Global Arts is a Naperville based organization with a goal of promoting peace. We have had a number of students win awards each year in their visual arts and essay contest. This spring, they will be producing a show for children. If you are interested in your child acting in the Peruvian tale, please contact Revati Natesan at revati4@gmail.com or call (630) 697-4441.
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 will be July 25 and 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.
Passion and Purpose for Marriage
This event will be presented by Dynamic Catholic at St. Margaret Mary on Saturday, February 15 from 9:30 am – 2 pm. For more event and ticket information, see the Passion and Purpose for Marriage flyer on the school website.