Principal's Letter October 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 11:12AM 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
Principal's Letter August 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 11:09AM 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
