Dear St. Monica Academy Families,

Ash Wednesday and Lent:  Lent has begun!  It is a time of Prayer, Fasting, and Giving to the less fortunate.  During Lent, we want to purify our hearts and correct our faults and do better.  Please reinforce your student(s) by giving up something as they are making Lenten promises to limit junk food, sweets, or the amount of time on their phones (screen time).  Any way to show or make a sacrifice to move closer to God is acceptable during this most Holy Season.  Our students received ashes yesterday on top of their heads from Fr. Greg, Fr. Tom, and Deacon Patrick on Ash Wednesday.  Ashes were distributed in the classrooms and sprinkled on the top of their heads instead of their foreheads.  

Parent Survey (Please Complete):  Beginning this week, teachers, parents, and students across the Archdiocese of Chicago will have an opportunity to participate in the Climate, Culture, and Catholic Identity Survey utilizing the 5Essentials Survey.  To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/. 

This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school.  As a parent, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about St. Monica Academy.  The 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:  Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environments, and Ambitious Instruction.  The 5Essentials Survey will be conducted has begun.  To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/. 

Extended Care:  Some families have been inquiring about before and after care.  To register your child for the Extended Care program, please complete the Extended Care Registration Form below and return that to the school office. Then once registered please complete the Morning and/or After Care Sign-Up Genius Forms:
•    Extended Care Registration Form 
•    Morning Care Sign-Up Genius Form
•    After Care Sign-Up Genius Form

Re-registration Reminder:  Please remember to send in your 2021-2022 re-registration forms and tuition agreements on or before March 1^st for the discounted $100 registration fee.  After March 1^st, the registration fee increases to $200.

Absences:  Please continue to report any absences to the school office at 773-631-7880 and fill out the following Google Form each morning when your child is sick.  If we do not receive a call from you by 9:00 a.m., we will call you.  Please keep your child home and let me know if he or she is sick or experiencing any Covid symptoms.   

Panda Express Dine Out on February 24^th at all Panda locations.  To order for SMA's fundraiser, you must order online and use the link:  https://community.pandaexpress.com/virtual-fundraiser/events/promotions/d6643609-e8e9-a392-3c63-07e70a95f073/en/landing

Coming Soon

Wednesday, Feb. 24th             Dine Out Night Panda Express

                                                School Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.                                                              

Thursday, Feb. 25^th                 8^th Grade Graduation Picture Day (Class of 2021) in Beyenka Hall.  This is also a day for any new students to get their pictures and complete any picture retakes.

Friday, Feb. 26^th                      2^nd Trimester Ends for PreK – 3^rd Grade

Sincerely,

Ray Coleman, Principal

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