Dear St. Monica Families,

I hope this message finds you all well and that your school year continues to be positive.  I wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for the overwhelming support during our recent Grandparents/Special Persons event.  The presence and enthusiasm of so many made this occasion a special one for our community.

Our Grandparents Day and Special Persons celebration was a heartwarming success.  Thanks to the grandparents, grand-friends, special people, and others who joined us on Friday, September 15^th.  It was a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.  We appreciate the effort many family members made to attend, and the smiles on our students’ faces were a testament to the joy you brought to the event. 

As some of you know, we have another exciting event on the horizon---The Great Gatsby Gala!  This year’s gala promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with entertainment, raffles, dinner, drinks, dancing, and more!  It’s a chance to come together, have fun, and contribute to the continued success of our educational endeavors.  This is an excellent opportunity to support our institution.  This event is meant for current families, parishioners, alumni families, and community friends. This is an important event for our school and we ask that you all consider joining us. Your attendance and support are crucial in making the Gala a resounding success.

• Find out more about The Great Gatsby Gala  

Our most recent Dine Out Night at Dino’s was a successful (and delectable) experience, bringing together families, faculty, and friends for an evening of good food and great company.  Your participation not only supported our school but also created an opportunity for our community to bond outside of the classroom.  In addition to this, it was a great fundraising opportunity.  We have another coming up, for which information was sent home in last week’s Wednesday folders.  The Buona Beef night is on September 27^th.  If you show the flier below, for in-person ordering only which includes drive-thru, but not phone, app or online orders, 20% of sales will benefit St. Monica Academy directly. The location of Buona Beef is 7343 W. Lawrence Ave in Harwood Heights.  Consider dining out next week for SMA!

• Show the Buona Beef Flier on when ordering in-person on September 27 

There is quite a bit of information in your Wednesday folders this week.  First, you will find information from Spotlight Dance Academy.  They are a community neighbor and many St. Monica Academy students have enrolled with them in the past.  If you use code:  ST.MON-SDA in the notes section of your registration, you will receive a free Spotlight Dance Academy Tee.

• See the Spotlight Dance Academy SMA offer 

In addition, you will find information regarding after-school choir enrichment with Mrs. Dalin.  This is for 5^th through 8^th grade.  Last week, we also sent out information for drama after-school enrichment.  If you have any questions about either, please reach out to Mrs. Dalin directly. 

The folders will also have fliers and information regarding the upcoming junior high dance.  This is for 6^th through 8^th graders only and all of the pertinent information is in the flier.  The dance is on Friday, September 29^th.

Also on September 29^th, for our Kindergarten through 5^th grade families, Cub Scout Pack 3943 is hosting their monthly pack night in Beyenka Hall starting at 7:00 p.m.  You will find a flier in your Wednesday folders regarding this as well.

Two important dates are coming up.  Today, September 20^th, basketball registration forms are due. An email reminder was sent out last week.  And do not forget that student council is collecting Halloween costumes through Thursday, September 21^st.     

The 8^th 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 24^th, 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. 

I am including in this email a link to our Fall Asbestos Letter .  This letter is merely a required notification to the community that briefly explains our management plan.  It is rather self-explanatory, but if you should have any questions, please let me know.  

• Read the Fall Asbestos Letter 

Our Mini-Mustangs program has returned!  We do ask that you share this no cost program with your friends and help us recruit the next group of preschoolers that will help us build a strong foundation for years to come. 

• Register for Mini-Mustangs
• Find out more about Mini-Mustangs

Remember that Friday, September 22^nd is not a student attendance date.  Teachers are engaged in professional development.  Students have the day off.  Before and after care are both closed for the day. 

A very special thank you to Mrs. Lisa Curtin who stepped into 4^th grade last week and stayed with us until today.  Her help and experience were invaluable at this time.  Also, let us welcome back on Monday, September 25^th, Ms. Courtney Wilwers who will be taking over our 4^th grade class.

Many things are happening at SMA!  Please join us in active engagement in both the school and the parish.

Go Mustangs!

St. Monica, Pray for Us!

In His Name,

Wayne Wenzel, Jr.

Principal

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