Dear Parents/Guardians,
5.4.2010
The last 5 weeks of school at St. Sylvester are extremely eventful. Parts of today’s letter highlight
just some of the many events and activities featured in the upcoming weeks.
Open House
Thank you to all who attended last Sunday’s Open House. It was a successful day and a good chance for us
to showcase our school’s programs while looking ahead to next school year. I hope it was an informative time for
all who were here.
Recall that if a new family that you refer to St. Sylvester School enrolls for next year, cites this on their
registration form, and stays for the year, you will receive credit for May of 2011’s tuition.
Science Discovery Fair
A warm thank you and congratulations to all of the students and teachers for all of the time and effort that
went into a very successful Science Discovery Fair. There are several individuals deserving of thanks. First,
particular appreciation goes to Mrs. Garber, Mrs. Gilmore, and Miss Jones who were on the planning committee and
helped organize the whole fair and coordinated the outside efforts of our judges. The judges too deserve our thanks
for their time and hard work. They are: Mr. Steve Lindo, Mr. Frank Aguilar (class of 1999), Ms. Elle Olszewski,
and Mr. Scott Gilmore.
There were several winners in each class and their names are listed on the back of today’s letter.
First Communion
This Saturday at a 10:00 Mass our 3rd grade students will receive their First Communion. This special day
in our students’ young lives is a byproduct of much work and preparation and we thank Mrs. Lindo and Miss Jones
for their guidance.
1st and 2nd Grade Play - Rumpus in the Rainforest
We are very excited to share some details about our 3rd annual school play. Since 2007-08, Mrs. Gilmore’s
and Miss Graber’s 1st and 2nd grade classes have put on impressive and fun plays. This year’s play is called
“Rumpus in the Rainforest”, and will be performed at 12:45 during school on Wednesday, May 26 and again at 6:30
in the evening on Thursday, May 27. Families of students in those classes will receive information from their
child’s teachers regarding costumes, tickets, etc. All tickets will go on sale in the front office soon.
Showcase and Awards Night
On Thursday, June 3rd we will host our end-of-the-year Showcase and Awards Night during which we
recognize particular achievements from throughout the year while providing each class with an opportunity to show
off something they learned or developed. There will be class songs, Peacemaker Awards, Effort and Achievement
Awards, Honor Roll, Volunteer Award, etc. and a nice chance to reflect on what has been a very successful year for
St. Sylvester School.
Marian Month of May
May is the month for special devotion to Mary within the Catholic Church and we will join in by holding a
living rosary on May 12 for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. It is a unique way for students to serve as
leaders and to experience a different and peaceful form of traditional prayer.
Our 3rd and 4th graders will participate in our annual May Crowning on Sunday, May 16 at the 11:30 Mass.
They will be dressed in their First Communion outfits and will be featured in this classic Catholic practice.
Volunteer Opportunities – Please contact the school office if you are interested
~ We are in need of someone to enter some school data onto a Microsoft Word document. This can be done outside
of school (at home, work, etc.). ~ At least 10 volunteers are needed to help with our upcoming alumni appeal
fundraiser. May 18, 19: 5:00-7:30 ~ Helping with set-up and take down for Awards Night, School Play, etc.
Summer Program
We are happy to see how many people are registering for the summer program. We anticipate 6 full
classrooms so register today! A schedule of field trip sites and dates will be confirmed and shared shortly. If you
have any questions or need more information please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Bennett at 773-772-5222.
Important Dates: Friday, May 7 – Progress Reports Sent Home; Friday, May 7 – St. Jude Math-a-thon Money due;
Friday, May 14 – May Tuition Due; Friday, May 21 – Payment for Outstanding Volunteer Hours Due; Payment of
fundraising balances due – Friday, May 21
2010 Science Fair Grade Level Winners
(In alphabetical order)
1st: Sirena Barragan, Marianela Figueora, Aidan Pinero
2nd: Anita Gandara, Anayah Gutierrez, Alexis Ramos,
3rd: Kevin Alcantara, Nicholas Navarrete, Jessica Reynolds
4th: Jovany Gutierrez, Isaac Soto, team of Mason Sotomayor and Christopher Yepez
5th: Isaac Herrera, Andy Mendez, Natalie Ortez-Arevalo,
6th: Ashley Aguilar, Bryan Barocio, Paul Hayes
7th: Noel Lewin, Ariana Rivera, Monica Torres
8th: Jonathan Figueroa, Alex Garcia, Luna Leverenz
Opening up the school Thursday evening for all to see the Science Fair was a big success. Over
150 people came out to see the projects and to hear from some of the student presenters. Thank you to all
who volunteered that night and to all who came out to see the students’ work.
Pictured clockwise from top left: Overview of gr. 1-4 projects, families visiting on Thursday night,
Science Fair judge Steve Lindo assessing 7th grader Monica Torres’ project; 2 preschool class’ projects
and posters