Principal's Letter August 25, 2010

Dear St. Monica Academy Families,

Welcome back to all of our students and families!  We are looking forward to the new school year with anticipation and opportunities to learn.  In the classrooms, we are excited about the addition of six new teachers:  Megan Cimino in 1st Grade, Amber Wakefield in 1st Grade, Julie Evans in Computer Science/8th Grade, Carrie Elko in Music/Reading, Eileen Pavlik in Band, and Cara Overholser in Spanish (a new program at St. Monica Academy).  Due to enrollment increases of about 4%, all classroom space is being utilized within our school building. 

We appreciate the support you give to us.  You make it possible for us to achieve our goal of bringing the best faith-based programs to your children.  There are many examples of families and students making things better. 

Throughout the summer, many volunteers maintained our magnificent gardens.  Inside the school, the main entrance area was upgraded with the construction of a new display wall, the result of school parents and their commitment to St. Monica Academy.  Ray Swan and Patrick Lamb donated their time, expertise, and all of the material for this project.  Kim Amati put the finishing touches on the wall and painted the beautiful artwork for the project. 

Other contributions have come to us from Anthony J. Parker, D.D.S., who donated 600 durable aluminum water bottles to every student, faculty, and parish staff member at Family Payment Day on August 14th.  This was also the date of the opening of our new St. Monica Academy School Store.  There are plans to open the School Store at other school events with a handful of the mostly green products available that include pencils, pens, tote bags, golf balls, and T-shirts.

St. Monica Academy was also a recipient of a grant from The Jordan Family Sports Foundation for the 2010-2011 school year.  We will be receiving between $3,000 and $4,000 in sports equipment to be used in our physical education and athletic programs this year.  Another large $2,500 grant was secured by Aurora Castro from Jewel/Osco to be used for green improvements to our campus.  All of these contributions are truly amazing and impact our school in a most positive way.

Lastly, the St. Monica Academy faculty formulated goals for the new school year.  The goals are listed below and assist us in improving our school every year:

Catholic Identity

1.      To provide students with more opportunities to be active members in the parish community, and gain an understanding of their roles as Disciples of Christ.  This year, the most important part of this goal is to instill the importance of attending and participating in Sunday Mass.  Each classroom will sponsor a Mass throughout the school year to strive for greater participation on Sunday for all school families.

Academic Excellence  

1.      Teachers will map curriculum across grade levels in mathematics and language arts to eliminate potential teaching gaps and strengthen core concepts to ensure student success.

2.      Teachers will use best practices to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners in an effort to strengthen student literacy skills.

School Vitality

1.      To establish a model/plan for future spiritual, fiscal, and physical growth of St. Monica Academy.

2.      To continue to instill a spirit of ownership and pride in our school and surrounding campus.

Reminder

Remember this weekend, St. Monica Parish and FSA will be hosting an outdoor Family Welcome Mass in the Church parking lot on Saturday, August 28th at 5:00 p.m. followed by a hot dog barbecue at 6:00 pm.  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 be thankful for at St. Monica Academy. 

Respectfully,

Ray Coleman, Principal