The Mothers Club of Benet Academy
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Benet Academy Library
Holy Mass in the Chapel
Before the meeting was called to order, Fr. Kucera celebrated a lovely Mass in the Chapel. The
Mass was organized by the chairmen of the Benet Moms Prayer Group, Mary Beth Sanchez and
Karen Weinewuth.
Business Meeting
President Lisa Mojica called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for attending. Fr.
Kucera opened the meeting with a Hail Mary. There were approximately 75 members present.
Lisa thanked Father Kucera and advised the members that Ms. Susie Shuma would be answering
questions later in the meeting. She also stated that if anyone also had questions for Mr. Marth,
who would be attending the October meeting, they should write the questions on the index cards
provided on each table. Lisa advised that the questions could be anonymous. She also reported
that Mr. Marth takes each question posed to him very seriously and would provide honest
answers to all of the questions. Additionally, if all the questions are not answered during the
meeting, Mr. Marth has historically submitted written responses.
Mothers Club Executive Board
Lisa asked the Executive Board for their reports.
1st Vice President – Christine Parisi
Christine explained that in the winter she would begin to determine the committee chairpersons
for next year. This month she had no report.
2nd Vice President- Colleen Brown
Colleen advised that this month she had no report.
Secretary-Lise Bozych
Lise advised that the Minutes of the August meeting were posted on the website and asked for
any corrections thereto. There were none. There was a movement to approve the August Minutes
which was seconded and the August Minutes were approved. Lise advised that she had no other
report.
Treasurer- Anne Dever
Anne advised that all was running smoothly and directed the members to the reimbursement
form available online if they needed to request a reimbursement. Anne also advised that the sale
of Sprirtwear at Back to School Registration totaled approximately $51,000.
Mothers Club Committees
Lisa thanked the Executive Board and asked for committee reports.
Benet Cares – Elizabeth Roskam and Tonia Khouri
Tonia reported that a Benet dad suffered a stroke yesterday and the family was requesting
prayers. The family may need help in the future. The mom has been very instrumental in the
Benet Chess Club and spoke to the Mothers Club about the success of the Chess Club at a
meeting last year.
Benet Moms Prayer Group – Mary Beth Sanchez and Karen Weinewuth
Karen read the poem, “Always say a prayer ASAP” and made cards with the poem on them for
members to take home. Karen advised that the next meeting of the Prayer Group is an evening
meeting on October 3rd at 7:00pm in the Chapel. The next day meeting of the Prayer Group is on
October 19th at 10:30 am in the Chapel. Lisa mentioned that she attended her first Prayer Group
meeting recently and discovered that the Group is about praying together for your children and
was a wonderful experience.
Christmas Breakfast December 11th- Judy Koziol and Kathleen Gullott
Judy had no report this month but reminded members of her sign-up sheet.
Directory – Monica Earley
Monica was not present so Lisa advised the members that the Benet Directory will be on-line
shortly; however, the Mothers Club plans to sell paper copies of the Directory as a fundraiser at
the next Mothers Club meeting. The paper Directories would also be available for sale in the
Spirit Store.
Grad Signs – Val Munson and Anne Matthews
This committee had no report this month.
Heart Screening – Janet Torrey and Marie O’Hara
Marie indicated that because this event requires many volunteers, if anyone is interested in
helping, please sign up on the sign-up sheet.
Homecoming - Week of September 17th – Maria Gulli and Molly McGinnis
Maria and Molly were not present so Christine advised of the events the Mothers Club has been
involved in to celebrate Homecoming this week:
 Decorating the entrances to the school in the “Yellow Brick Road” motif
 Bags tournament with free pizza, water and blow pops and a Dunk Tank manned by
teachers, which was a big hit with the students
 Mothers Club volunteers handed out cookies today at school, which was appreciated
 Sponsoring a photo booth at the football game on Friday (the booth can accommodate
large group photos)
Hospitality – Sheryl Athanassiades and Meike Uhler
Meike advised that the teacher lunch on September 12th was well received by the teachers. She
thanked the volunteers who brought in side salads, desserts and drinks. Meike also asked for
donations for the next event which is a Christmas Lunch. At this lunch the teachers may select
gift cards and bottles of wine. Lisa explained that the common manner in which parents thanked
the teachers at Christmas time was to donate gift cards and bottles of wine for the lunch. Meike
advised that they would like 200-250 gift cards – each valued at $10 - to merchants such as
Panera, Starbucks, grocery stores, etc. The gift cards and bottles of wine may be turned in to
Mrs. Shuma or brought to the next Mothers Club meeting. There also is a sign-up for helping
with food/decorating/ cleaning up.
Mother/Son Casino Night - February 23rd – Laura Uher and Julie Mudge
Laura and Julie were not present so Christine advised that this group is still working on the
details of this event. There will be a sign-up sheet for volunteers at the October meeting.
Mother/Daughter Event – January 27th – Karen Flavin and Sandy Szymborski
Karen advised that 22 moms have volunteered to help with this event and they are in the process
of coordinating a meeting time. Karen advised of the new date of the event - January 27th –
because the original date was the day after Turnabout. This event is open to all grades.
Mother/Daughter Fashion Show - April 21st – Julie Kelliher and Jeanine Jelinek
Julie and Jeanine were not present so Lisa advised that this event is for Juniors/Seniors and their
Mothers/Grandmothers. Every interested senior girl models.
Mother/Son Communion Brunch - April 14th – Penny Kalebich and Wendy Durkin
Penny and Wendy were not present so Lisa advised that this event is for moms and their Junior
and Senior sons. Lisa indicated that there was a sign-up sheet for volunteers.
Spirit Store – Lori Henert, Mary Genovese and Leticia Tassone
Lori thanked all of the members who have helped with Spirit Store sales. Lori requested
additional volunteers for sales of sprit wear at the Homecoming football game and Alumni
Reception, as well as during the year. Lori advised that students may volunteer as well and that
boys are especially appreciated to transport the sprit wear. NHS hours are available for the
student volunteers. Lori described the location of the Spirit Store by the St. Joseph main entrance
and the new hours to be Tuesday, 2:00-4:00pm, and Thursday, 11:00-1:00pm. Once the new
storage space is open, volunteers will be needed to move the merchandise. Lori advised that sales
of spirit wear were approximately $60,000 last month! Lisa thanked the committee for their hard
work. Lori indicated that there are letterman jackets for sale that could be a great Christmas gift.
It was suggested that the Sprit Store be open before the November meeting to allow for
Christmas shopping. Lori also reminded the members that spirit wear may be ordered on line and
picked up in the Spirit Store.
Used Books – Karen Funk and Christine Cackovic
Marie O’Hara was a chairperson of the Used Books Sale last spring and advised the members
that the committee raised over $69,000. This was a record year for sales, but also included
approximately $15,000 in sales from Mr. Leffler’s stockpiled books. Marie explained the change
to consignment from a credit-based sale. Most of the books collected sold. Lisa thanked the
committee for all of the thought and hard work that went into the revamping of this process.
Marie advised that volunteers were needed, especially someone with computer skills.
Website/Concussion Screening – Julia Cziesla
Julia was not present and Lisa thanked Julia for all of her work in connection with the
concussion screening.
Yard Signs – Mary Tuttle and Kim Welsh
Mary indicated that they have sold many yard signs for the fall organizations and that pick up
was occurring this week.
Past President – Clare Nelson
Clare indicated that she took pictures of every attendee to the August meeting to create a picture
collage to enable everyone to “put a name with a face” and create a closer community. Clare
asked members to write their name on their pictures if necessary, and for any new members to
see her to get their picture taken.
Auction Dinner – November 10th – Susie Fisher- Manager of Development Special Events
Susie advised that the Auction Dinner invitations have been mailed and that the committees are
hard at work. Susie explained that the Mothers Club is sponsoring the teachers’ tickets and asked
for donations in any amount towards this sponsorship. She explained that there was a meeting
tomorrow to discuss donations, but that the Auction would include one big party and 6-8 smaller
parties for bidding. Susie requested that members please donate baskets (any size, color or shape)
to be used for packaging Auction items. The baskets can be brought to Susie's office (1st floor,
Benet Hall).
New Business
1) Lisa asked members to submit questions for Mr. Marth to answer at the next meeting.
2) Lisa advised that Terry Nadolski is looking for one or two moms to track down contact
information for possible attendees at the local schools.
3) Lisa advised the members of the wonderful Glenbard Speakers Series and mentioned that
she brought brochures which describe all of the speakers. In particular, renowned
speaker, Michael Bradley, would be speaking in November.
Old Business
1) Lisa thanked those committees who have already completed events.
Ms. Susie Shuma – Dean’s Office
Lisa introduced Ms. Susie Shuma of the Dean’s Office – the “go to” person at Benet. Ms. Shuma
advised that she is a graduate of Benet, has worked in the Dean’s Office for 15 years and loves
everything about Benet! She thanks God everyday for her job.
Ms. Shuma answered the following questions:

What should you do if your child is late?
Call her via Benet’s main phone number 630-969-6550 and, if necessary, leave a
message explaining the situation.

What should you do if your child must leave early?
Have your child bring her a note explaining the situation. You do not have to call her.

What is the difference between an excused and an unexcused tardy?
An excused tardy is for a viable reason ie sleep in because sick. An unexcused tardy is for
a non-viable reason ie overslept, snow/rain. Each student is given a free unexcused tardy.
Three-four unexcused tardies result in a detention where the student must sit in Ms.
Shuma’s office first period. DO NOT lie about the reason for tardiness. The teachers are
able to check to determine why a student was tardy. Mr. Wiora is working on a system to
reduce the traffic in the parking lot.

What is the best way to encourage a student to get involved?
Encourage your child to find a friend to accompany him/her to a club meeting. There are
so many activities at Benet for a wide variety of interests.

Have you noticed any changes in the students during your 15 years at Benet?
The students are much savvier about technology. All in all, the Benet students are eager
to help and are nice kids; which makes her job easier. They know they can ask her for
help and if she does not know the answer, she will find out. She has been known to lend
students money, school supplies and snacks.

Do you have any advice to help a child through high school?
Parents should be there for their kids. They should understand that Benet is a great
school – as evidenced by the many students who come back to visit once they have
graduated. Don’t text your child at school – she will give them a note to call her and will
pass along your message.

How do you remember all of the students’ names?
It is a gift from God. She tries to associate the student’s name with something the child
likes.

What if a student has a problem with his/her uniform or forgets a tie?
She has extra ties, pants, shirts and belts that the students may borrow and hopefully
return. If you have any ties you would like to donate to her, she will take them. If a girl
has a hole in her tights, she may go see Ms. Shuma who will sell the girl a pair of new
tights and the cost will go on the student’s tuition bill.

Is there a lost and found?
Yes, she has a closet in her office and there is another lost and found in the gym. Please
write your name on everything! If she sees a name, she will return the item to the student.

Have the seniors already paid for their caps and gowns?
Yes, the Jostens form is to order additional items and provide a student’s height and
weight for the gown sizing.

Can we bring in items that our child has forgotten?
Yes, she will try her best to give them a message that the item is in the office.

Can we bring in food to celebrate a student’s birthday?
Yes, you could bring in cookies, pizza, etc. to the office to be brought to the cafeteria.

Are yoga pants allowed for a slop day?
No - also, no shorts or shirts with alcohol references.

What is a good way to find out what is going on?
You can sign up on- line to receive the Daily Announcements.

What if my child drives a different car to school one day?
Stop by the Dean’s Office to get a purple form to put on your car.

Do I need to come into the Dean’s Office to sign in/sign out my child?
No, just send a note with your child.

Where should I park if all of the Visitor spots are taken?
You can park in the circle by St. Joseph or, if later in the day, an open student spot. You
can also park along the back driveway. Do not park in the fire lane.

What if my child was absent all day and I forgot to call in?
Send a note with your child.

If I am going to the Prayer Group do I need to sign in?
Yes.
Lisa thanked Ms. Shuma for all of the things that she does for the school and for coming to the
meeting to answer questions. She gave her a small thank you gift.
Closing Remarks
Lisa reminded the members to submit questions for Mr. Marth to answer at the October meeting.
She asked Fr. Kucera to say a prayer in closing. Lisa ended the meeting by thanking the
attendees and inviting them to return for the October 17th meeting.
Upcoming Meetings
October 17th
November 14th
January16 th
7:00pm hospitality 7:30pm meeting (library)
7:00pm hospitality 7:30pm meeting (library)
7:00pm hospitality 7:30pm meeting (library)
Adjournment and Raffle Gift
Prior to President Lisa Mojica adjourning the meeting, she thanked Colleen for the delicious
treats and for creating the Good Night Raffle Gift. The gift was awarded and the meeting was
adjourned.
The next meeting of the Benet Mothers Club is Wednesday, October 17th at 7:30pm in the
Library.