Dear St. Monica Academy Families,

I hope this message finds you all well.

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that we continue to participate in Catholic Schools Week! This celebration holds a special place in our hearts as we come together to recognize and appreciate the unique contributions of Catholic education.

Catholic Schools Week is a time to celebrate the rich tradition of excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement that defines our Catholic schools like St. Monica Academy. It is a moment to reflect on the values that guide us---values rooted in being Gospel-driven, excellent, and united. Within these, we know we are grounded in our faith, compassion, and service to others. This year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week is “United in Faith and Community.” I have said this often, our community is important to me as Principal, and should be to all of you. Our community is part of what makes this institution strong from Pre-Schooler to Pastor. We should always remember the words found Proverbs 27:17: Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens another. 

Throughout this week we have engaged in a series of activities and events that highlight the various facets of our Catholic education. On social media, you probably saw #WhySMA…well, hopefully, you can help spread the word by liking and forwarding these posts. I can answer #WhySMA in so many ways, and hopefully you can too. 

As we embark on this week of celebration, let us remember the dedicated educators who tirelessly work to instill character, knowledge, and faith in our students. And let us also express our gratitude to the parents and guardians who entrust us with the education and spiritual development of their children. 

Here is the remainder of our Catholic Schools Week schedule:

• Wednesday, January 31
  • Appreciation Day, Mustangs join to thank those who help our community.
• Thursday, February 1
  • Decade Day, dress like your favorite era ,70’s, 80’s, and 90’s
  • Drop everything and read with buddies.
• Friday, February 2
  • “Souper” Bowl, donate a can of soup for one of many associated food banks.
  • Field Trip Day, all students will be on a field trip based on grade bands.

As we begin moving into a greater STEM focus, Mr. Wiechert is asking for donations of Lego bricks. Please consider filling up a sandwich bag or gallon bag of those bricks to send with your student(s) for Mr. Wichert. 

Last week, we sent home a considerable amount of information regarding after-school enrichment activities and organizations. It is important that we encourage our students to consider these. In addition, there will be more information coming today with two more enrichment opportunities. 

Mr. Weber recently sent an email regarding Math Club. Math Club is tentatively scheduled to begin on February 7 and is available from the end of school until 4:00 p.m. in Beyenka Hall for students in grades1-8. Junior High students can participate or act as mentors. It is important to note that this is not intended as a replacement for aftercare. This is a legitimate math club that can be taken advantage of by families. More information will be forthcoming.

I have received numerous inquiries and questions surrounding St. Monica Academy’s summer activities and plans. Currently, since this would be a new endeavor, we are in the planning phase, and have been for some time. This is something I want to provide at St. Monica Academy, as it is my goal to have this institution active 12-months of the year. We are looking for your feedback, please complete this survey and make sure we hear from you. A crucial piece is finding the right personnel to run this program, and first up we need to find and hire a Summer Program Director (which, if anybody is interested or you know of someone who might be, please let me know). I know other Catholic institutions and some local park districts have already sent out registration information for their programs. I hope to have information and say whether this is a "go" or not within the next two weeks. However, if you feel it is in your best interest to sign-up at one of those other institutions or parks, this is completely understandable. 

• Complete the St. Monica Academy Summer Program Survey

Lastly, we have discussed the possibility of St. Monica Academy joining the ranks of many Catholic schools, not just in the Archdiocese of Chicago, but across the nation, in requiring a volunteer obligation per family. A letter will be sent home regarding the importance of this. However, before any decision is officially made, I will be organizing “focus group” meetings that will be based on grade band to discuss this proposal and the letter. The first focus group meeting will be on Monday, February 5 in Rzany Hall starting at 6:30 p.m. for families of grades PreK-2.  The second focus group meeting will be on Wednesday, February 7, also in Rzany Hall at 6:30 p.m. families of grades 3-7.

As always, visit the St. Monica Academy website to sign up for volunteer opportunities and to read about the importance of our fundraising efforts.

Go Mustangs!  

St. Monica, Pray for Us!

In His Name,
Wayne Wenzel, Jr.
Principal