Dear St. Monica Academy Families,

Once again, I hope this message finds you well.  I am delighted to remind you of several important upcoming events that will continue to strengthen our school community bonds and provide opportunities for you and your family to engage in your child’s education.

First, it’s important to remind you of Back to School Night.  This is tonight!  It is a fantastic opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers, explore their classrooms, and gain insights into the upcoming academic year. You’ll learn a bit about the curriculum, classroom expectations, and how to support your child’s learning journey.  This is an important part of the core value of unity; remembering that “parents are our partners” and “teachers are our teammates” in the education of these students.  Back to School Night begins in the St. Monica Church.  Appropriate decorum is expected.  

Second, please do not forget that we are inviting grandparents (and special family members) to join us on Grandparent’s Day, this Friday, starting at 8:30 a.m. for Mass.  This event celebrates the valuable role grandparents play in our students’ lives.  It’s a chance for these family members to experience a bit of a school day, meet teachers, and create cherished memories together.  After Mass, grandparents will be invited into the school to spend some time with their grandchildren.  If those individuals are here for multiple students, the school personnel and student council will direct them from one class to another.  After some time in the classrooms, these very special people will be invited to Beyenka Hall for hospitality to share in coffee and breakfast snacks with me, some other members of the school staff, and various student council representatives.  

Remember, your family’s involvement in your child’s education is invaluable.  We look forward to seeing you there.

In addition to these two events, the 8th Grade Confirmation Candidates and their parents/guardians are invited to join us at St. Monica Church for the Confirmation Rite of Enrollment on Sunday, September 24th, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass.  Sponsors are not required to attend.  We do ask that you please arrive by 8:45 a.m. and the candidates will sit together.  Immediately following Mass, the group will walk over to Beyenka Hall for a Confirmation preparation meeting with our Coordinator of Religious Education, Mrs. Sharon Kells.  On this date, you will receive a folder containing all the Confirmation information, forms, and due dates you will need for the upcoming months.  Remember, Confirmation is scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024.

Moreover, I want to mention that recently I spoke to our junior high students about their possible participation in the Academic Bowls and Academic Challenges that will be coming up in the next few weeks and months.  Multiple Catholic high schools from across the city organize these, and I would like your help in encouraging the young men and women in our middle school classrooms to join and compete.  Mrs. Ronchi is helping to organize these, but one thing about me that you will quickly learn, is that I love the spirit of competition and think our students at SMA can “make some noise” with their participation and potential success in these competitions.  We speak about excellence, always and everywhere, and what a great way to attempt to show this.  

Last week, Father Greg and Deacon Pat spoke to our 4th through 8th grade students about the possibility of being altar servers.  Letters were given to those who expressed interest, extra copies can be found in my office.  This is an important service that our students can provide to our parish.  In addition, this service demonstrates the importance of our Catholic Identity at St. Monica Academy.  And, of course, it demonstrates that we are a Gospel-driven environment.

There are two further events this week that are great community builders.  On Friday, we will hold our movie night at 7:00 p.m.  The feature is The Super Mario Bros. Movie.  And, on Saturday, our Parents Night Out event will be held at Firewater.  I strongly recommend your attendance for these great activities.

There is also a fall dance for the SMA junior high students on Friday, September 29th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  This is sponsored by the Athletic Board.  The cost for each student is $7.  A flier will be included in Wednesday folders.

And finally, the Mustang C.I.A. (Community in Action) has the goal of creating fun and memorable activities for our students and families.  In the past, they have hosted movie nights, trunk or treat, breakfast with Santa, and the like.  But they need your help!  Please use this link to sign up for any of a number of events.  It is a great way to get involved.  You must be Virtus trained to volunteer at any and all school functions and events.  

Go Mustangs!
St. Monica, Pray for Us!
In His Name,
Wayne Wenzel, Jr.
Principal 

Like us on Facebook for daily news and events facebook.com/stmonicaacademy

Back to School Night, TONIGHT, Wednesday, September 13
Meet your child’s teachers, explore their classrooms, and gain insights into the upcoming academic year. Learn about the curriculum, classroom expectations, and how to support your child’s learning journey.  This is an important part of the core value of unity; remembering that “parents are our partners” and “teachers are our teammates” in the education of these students.  Back to School Night begins in the St. Monica Church.  Appropriate decorum is expected.


Grandparent's Day is Friday, September 15
Join us on Friday, Set 15 for Grandparents Day at SMA! It starts with a special mass at 8:30 am, and then after mass, grandparents are invited into the classroom for some fun activities and end the day with refreshments in Beyenka Hall.

 
The Super Mario Bros Movie, Friday, September 15
Mark your calendars - Fri, Sept 15 is SMA Outdoor Movie Night featuring The Super Mario Bros Movie. Gates open at 7 pm, and the movie starts at dusk. Bring your chairs and blankets, and meet us in the SMA parking lot. Entry is free, and concessions are available for purchase.

 
Get your Tickets to The Great Gatsby Gala
Come dressed to impress for an evening of dinner, drinks, dancing and more! Tickets are $100 per person, $125 if purchased after Sept 21, 2023. $1,000 for a table of ten and includes dinner and an open bar. It doesn't stop there, join us for raffles and entertainment as you support St. Monica Academy. 
 

When: Saturday, October 14, 2022, 6pm-11pm
Where: White Eagle, 6839 N Milwaukee Ave Niles, IL 60714

Tickets: Early bird before Sept. 21, 2023 $100 per ticket. After Sept 21, $125 per ticket
Order tickets using the QR code above, this credit card purchase link  or the pdf ticket form.

Questions?: smafundraising@stmonicachicago.com

Ever Wanted to Join the C.I.A? Here's Your Chance
The Mustang C.I.A. (Community in Action) has the goal of creating fun and memorable activities for SMA students and families.  In the past, they have hosted movie nights, trunk or treat, breakfast with Santa, etc. and they need your help,  please sign up to lend a hand.  You must be Virtus trained to volunteer at any and all school functions and events

• SMA Community in Action Sign Up
• Family Activities and Fundraising Calendar