Principal's Letter - October 12, 2011

Dear St. Monica Academy Families,

It is almost two months into the school year and we are off to a great start.  The students have  adjusted well to their new routines, classroom schedules, and teachers.  We are looking forward to a great year! 

Coming soon, the St. Monica Gala is only nine days away.  Do not miss this opportunity to assist us in our biggest fundraiser, but to also have the time of your life at this event.  It promises to be a very special occasion!  Congratulations to Sharon and Herb Bass for receiving the Rev. Cosmo Militello Catholic Service Award.  They have served our parish in so many ways over the years!  We are grateful to them for all they have done.  

We would also like to congratulate Lurvey’s Garden Center for being awarded the Spirit of St. Monica Business Award for their contributions over the years for beautifying our grounds around the school and church.  They have been so generous in supplying us with an assortment of plants over the years.    

Volunteering and participation for fundraisers is key to the success of each event.  If interested in volunteering for fundraising and any in other capacities, please let us know in the school office.  We can assign you to a specific fundraising event and assist you in completing volunteer forms.

High School Night will be held next week on October 19^th at 7:00 p.m. in Beyenka Hall.  We will have fifteen Catholic high schools on hand to provide information on their programs.  We look forward to seeing 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students and their parents at High School Night. 

New this year, our 8^th grade students will be taking the EXPLORE test in November.  ACT, Inc. develops the EXPLORE test, and it will provide valuable information regarding academic preparation for high schools.  The Office of Catholic Schools is requiring all 8^th grade students in the Archdiocese of Chicago to take this test in the fall beginning this year.

All of us are looking forward to the 4^th Annual St. Monica Garden Day, which is scheduled for this Saturday October 15^th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  This is a day that all are welcome to help keep our school gardens in good shape and to participate in various outdoor activities with the family.

The children are aware that Halloween is coming soon with school celebrations to be held on Halloween Day.  Each grade level can enjoy the day in their own way by practicing some basic safety tips.  Please make costumes simple and avoid costumes that obstruct vision or breathing.  Toy weapons, masks, dyed hair, and spray cans are not allowed in school on this day.  A parade

for younger children (preschool to 2^nd grade) will begin at 9:00 a.m. and travel outside the school if weather permits at about 9:15 a.m. on Halloween day.

In sports, congratulations to the Boys Cross Country team on an excellent 2011 season.  They recently competed against 22 schools.  Junior Varsity and current 5th grader Cuyler Majcher finished in 3rd place.  He also placed in 2nd place in the City Suburban Catholic Conference Open League Meet.  Seventh graders Scott Mitchell and Michael Killion earned 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the Varsity competition of the same Conference meet.  Great Job!

With regard to parking around the school during arrival and dismissal, please make an effort to use parking zones.  We realize that it is sometimes difficult to park at busy times, so please try to park in areas that may involve walking a few blocks.  This will only make our drop-off and pick-up times safer for our children.  Please attempt to park only in designated areas and avoid parking lot entrances and the canopy area by the church.  Our first priority is to keep our students as safe as possible.

Also, remember to follow the traffic pattern outside during arrival and dismissal time.  The following is a reminder of the traffic pattern that parents are asked to follow:  South on Nottingham, West on Carmen and North on Mont Clare.  The traffic pattern is in a clockwise direction so that students can exit or enter vehicles safely on the school-side curb.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Ray Coleman, Principal