Principal's Letter - August 24, 2011

Dear St. Monica Academy Families,

Welcome back!  We are looking forward to another great school year with our ultimate goal of bringing the best faith-based programs to your children.  We are excited about all of the new families that have joined us as well as our two new teachers:  Gena Lupo in 4 year-old preschool and Katie Snyder in 4^th Grade. 

Inside the school, classrooms have been equipped with new computers courtesy of the Student Council and the FSA (Family and School Association).  Our transition to PowerSchool, our new School Information System (SIS), will be eased by the addition of these new computers.  This system is a web-based application that is accessed through an Internet connection.  Once you’re familiar with PowerSchool, you’ll be able to check your child’s grades and attendance with just the click of a mouse any time, day or night.  More information will be coming.

Other contributions of time and talent were made at Family Payment Day by faculty, parish staff, school board, athletic board, and FSA members.  Thank you to all of you who have helped us get off to a good start.

Of course, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the St. Monica Academy Gala on October 21^st.  Tickets can be purchased in the school office as well as the parish office.  The Gala is a great way to meet new families and participate in exciting raffles and auction items.

Lastly, the St. Monica Academy faculty formulated goals for the new school year.  The goals are listed below and will assist us in keeping our school current with a focus on improvement every year:

Catholic Identity

o  An increased focus on the fundamental and newly implemented Mass changes, prayers (with an emphasis on the Rosary), traditions, symbols, and teachings of our Catholic faith.

Academic Excellence

o   To strengthen teaching and learning methods to optimize student learning experiences through differentiation, RTI (Response to Intervention) strategies, and the implementation of portfolios.

o    Continued focus on curriculum mapping throughout all subjects.

School Vitality

o  Implement PowerSchool, School Reach, and the new St. Monica Academy website (www.stmonicachicago.com) to enhance home/school communication.

o  Increase student participation in SEEDS curriculum through year-round enrichment activities and stewardship opportunities. 

Reminder

Remember this weekend, St. Monica Parish and the FSA will be hosting an outdoor Family Welcome Mass in the Church parking lot on Saturday, August 27^th at 4:00 p.m. followed by a hot dog barbecue at 5:00 pm.  We celebrate our patron, St. Monica on this day.  Please join us for this special Mass and opportunity to socialize. 

With summer coming to an end and a new school year upon us, there is a lot to look forward to at St. Monica Academy.  Welcome Back!

Sincerely,

Ray Coleman, Principal