Principal's Letter October 20, 2010

Dear St. Monica Academy Families,

The unseasonably warm temperatures are a pleasant surprise to the unpredictable Chicago weather.  Hopefully, we can enjoy the outdoors as long as possible.  We’re also enjoying the first two months of school.  Everyone has adjusted to their new routines and classroom schedules in these early months of the school year. 

Last Friday night, the St. Monica Gala was held, and it was a festive evening.  Congratulations to the Hilger Family for receiving the Rev. Cosmo Militello Catholic Service Award.  They have served their parish, school, and community in so many ways over the years!  We are grateful and fortunate that they are a part of the St. Monica Family.  Congratulations again!

Thanks to all of you who attended the Gala!  A special thank you to Sharon Bass, Lettie Salamone, and Julie Brenner for working so hard to organize this extremely important event.  Of course, the Gala is the biggest event and largest fundraiser of the year. 

Several other fundraisers will return this year including “Lunch with Santa” on December 4th and Mardi Gras on March 4th.  The Holiday Gift Shop will also be open on December 3rd and 4th.  Details will be sent home to parents.  Volunteering and participation for these fundraisers is key to the success of each event.  If interested in volunteering, please let us know.  We will be sending requests for volunteers for specific events and duties in the communications folders.

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

All of us are looking forward to the 3rd Annual St. Monica Garden Day, which is scheduled for Saturday October 23rd.  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 keenly aware that Halloween is coming soon with school celebrations to be held on October 29th.  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 2nd grade) will begin at 9:00 a.m. on this day and travel outside the school if weather permits. 

In sports, congratulations to our Junior Varsity Boys Cross Country team on an excellent 2010 season.  The J.V. Boys began the season with a 1st place finish at the City Suburban Catholic Conference Open League Meet, where they competed against 15 other schools with more than 200 boys competing.  The J.V. Boys team finished the season by capturing 1st place again in the City Suburban Conference league division championships. 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 these 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, please remember to follow the traffic pattern outside during arrival and dismissal time to increase student safety.  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.

Lastly, I would like to thank Judy Nowak for her service to St. Monica Academy as school secretary over the years.  Mrs. Nowak will be retiring at the end of next week.  She has served in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 18 years at two schools, the last 10 years at St. Monica Academy.  Judy has shown great dedication to St. Monica Academy and its students, and I will truly miss her.  I want to personally thank Judy for everything she has done, and the unlimited support that she has given.  Judy, you have been a consistent voice and presence to us all.  May God Bless you in your retirement! 

Sincerely,

Ray Coleman, Principal