October 30, 2013
Dear Parents,
I would like to thank our parents and teachers who are working together to provide a special
celebration at tomorrow's Halloween parties. We also thank those of you who are able to
attend the parade of costumes. Our students are eager to show them off!! We are proud of
our seventh graders who do not have an "official" party, but instead, will volunteer their time
to visit the residents at Westmoreland Nursing Center. It has been a long-standing custom for
the seventh grade classes to visit Westmoreland for the purpose of singing silly songs
connected to the observance of Halloween. Songs replete with black cats, pumpkins, ghosts,
and the like are retro-fitted to familiar folk songs and Christmas carol tunes. The students
spread a lot of cheer and goodwill with their annual pilgrimage to Westmoreland.
PGC Halloween Parade-1:15 p.m., PGC Parties-1:45 p.m.
UGC Grades 4-6 Halloween Parade-2:15 p.m., UGC Parties-2:40 p.m.
Fourth Grade Retreat
Our 4th graders met with Brianna Eisen, our social worker, on Tuesday for their retreat. The
retreat focused on peer relationships. Students had an opportunity to have group discussion
on how relationships work between each other and how they can foster relationships with
others. They performed various team building tasks and got to show off their acting skills
through skits that revolved around the lessons of the day. Students also took time at the end to
reflect on what they learned and how they could apply it to everyday life.
Dress for the Weather
As our weather becomes cooler, we want to remind parents to be sure students are dressed
appropriately for outdoor play. Students have outdoor recess whenever the temperature is
above 15 degrees.
Drop off and Pick up at the UGC
As you may know, we ask that all UGC students be dropped off curbside (east side of the
orange cones) and picked up afterschool in the Oakwood parking lot. The Green Bay Road lot
is congested with cars parked and moving from the 8 a.m. Mass in the morning and not
supervised in the afternoon. There is no supervision in Green Bay Road lot, and due to its size,
as well as the limited number of handicapped parking spaces, this is not a safe location for
students to be dropped off or picked up. Please drop off and pick up only in the Oakwood
parking lot.
Staley Da Bear, Chicago Bears (Check out the attached pictures !)
First and Goal School Program: How To Score A Touchdown For A Healthy Life!
Last Friday, The Chicago Bears proudly presented a most informative, hands-on, educational school
health show to our students! First and Goal was created by Staley Da Bear, the team's official mascot, to
educate today's youth about the benefits of living a healthy life. Staley and his MC shared ways we can
live a smarter and healthier life.
The Message: How to score a touchdown for a healthy life!
This program taught the students the 4 downs to scoring a healthy touchdown in the game of life. The 4
downs are as follows:
1st Down: Eat Healthy
2nd Down: Drink Plenty of Water
3rd Down: Get Plenty of Rest
4th Down: Keep Physically Active
***Information regarding Staley's 6 week Fitness Challenge will be forthcoming!***
All Saints Day and All Souls Day
In observance of the Solemnity of All Saints Day on Friday, November 1, we will be attending
Mass together at both the PGC (9:30 a.m.) and UGC (2:40 p.m.). Parents are invited to attend
either of these Masses. On Saturday, November 2, All Souls Day, please remember and pray for
the deceased members of our faith community.
In Focus Newsletter on the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic School Website
We encourage all parents to subscribe to the In Focus Newsletter on the Archdiocese of
Chicago Catholic School Website. http://schools.archchicago.org/blog/
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION- SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD AS A READER
Check out this month's articles which are designed to help parents encourage and support
reading at home.
Encouraging Reading in Older Students
http://schools.archchicago.org/blog/encouraging-reading-in-older-students
Supporting Reading Skills of Young Children
http://schools.archchicago.org/blog/supporting-reading-skills-of-young-children
Wrap & Wreath Sale
Our second Annual Wrap and Wreath Fundraiser is well underway. Please refer to the
brochure that went home in your child's back pack last week. 50% of the profits return to the
school.
Sell Dates: October 15- November 1
Delivery Dates: November 25-26
Helpful Link for Innisbrook Student Registration
http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cI6o3zVKPR
Service Project-Eighth Grade &Second Grade
The final totals are in! The students working on this service project raised $935 for Catholic
Charities services for veterans! The student created thank you cards are on their way to the
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago.
Congratulations to our second and eighth grade students, parents and faculty on a job well
done! Our students should be very proud of the difference they have made in the lives of those
who have served our country.
Parents' Club-Jump America
Looking for something active your children can do next Friday after the half day dismissal??
Jump America (owned by 2 of our St. Mary's families), located in Gurnee, has a special offer for
the parents to restore some sanity after the Halloween craze! Let your kids get their wiggles out
while having fun with their friends! Jump America will offer a "bounce back" of revenue to SMS
for a portion of sales next Friday, November 8. Jump America information may be found on
their website at www.jumpamerica.com
Hearing &Vision Screening
Hearing and vision screening will be held at the school of St. Mary on November 7 and 8.
Children in Preschool, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third and Special Education will receive a
Hearing Screening.
Hearing and vision screening will be held at the school of St. Mary on November 7 and 8.
Children in Preschool, Second, Eighth and Special Education will receive a Vision Screening.
Vision Screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision evaluation by an eye
doctor. Your child is not required to undergo a vision screening if an optometrist or
ophthalmologist completed and signed a report form indication that an examination has
been administered within the previous 12 months. If applicable please provide your school
with a copy of your child's eye examination.
As always, if I can be of assistance to you or your children in any way, please contact me at 847234-0371.
Have a great rest of the week!
For our children,
Venette Biancalana, Ph.D.
Principal
Attachments
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