October 14, 2021

Dear Families

No Parking Zones

Parents – please! Do not park on either side of Kilbourn whether you are dropping off or waiting for your child to come out of school. The church lot is organized for parking and quick exiting after all the children are safely in their family’s vehicle. Kilbourn is never to be used for parking. Thank you for helping keep all our children safe.

Parent Conferences

Our first of two, parent conferences will be held Tuesday, November 23rd, from 1-7PM. Please mark you calendars now and reserve the date.

Vaccination Update

Anyone who received their vaccination from the clinic held at SMS on September 24th is eligible for the second dose tomorrow. The nurses will be in the south church lot from 9-1PM. All coaches and volunteers must provide proof of vaccination or weekly testing before being allowed to work with children effective 10/31.

Holy Fire

Our 8th grade students will be participating in a different Confirmation retreat format. The students will be part of the Holy Fire program presented via ZOOM on November 5th (RE students will participate on 11/6). Holy Fire features engaging music, dynamic speakers and powerful moments of prayer, worship and community for young people. This year, Holy Fire will feature a diverse lineup of speakers that help young people process and respond to the tumultuous events of 2020 and 2021 as missionary disciples. The students will also participate in morning Mass.

Vacations

If at all possible we kindly ask you not to schedule any family vacations during the academic calendar. Plan your travel and family visits on the days when school is not in attendance. It is difficult for the children to make up missed lessons or to adapt to the learning when there is a gap in the information due to absenteeism.

Uniforms

Students are not permitted to wear Spartan wear or sweatshirts with their school uniform. A simple blue cardigan is acceptable. These may be purchased from School belles on 79th and Harlem. We also have a pullover fleece that the students find quite comfortable. These are available from the office for purchase. Call Mrs. Villegas @773.767.6160.

Blessings,

Mrs. Usauskas

October 7, 2021

Dear Families

Covid Update from OCS

We received communication from the Office of Catholic Schools that on the average, our schools are experiencing only one or two confirmed cases of COVID among the staff and students for the 21-22 year. Our efforts to maintain a healthy environment is paying off with regards to the well-being of all who attend. Thank you for helping us keep our school environment safe.

Good Sportsmanship begins at HOME

Parents – please remember that the education of your child is a partnership. Whether it be their faith, academics, or athletic skills, we need to work together. So much of their learning begins right in the home. You can be sure; the children are watching you – even when you are unaware. Please set good examples in all aspects of their lives. It is easy to get excited during a sporting event, but it is just that. The game is an event in their life – how you react shapes theirs.

Virtus Updates

Any parent or family members who plan on helping as either a volunteer, coach, or lunch assistant must be Virtus approved and active. If you have any missing forms by the end of this month, you will be deleted from our roster. We are being audited and must update everyone’s file.

FSP

Tomorrow is the deadline for the November food service orders. Please be sure to have your child(ren) turn the order in. We are hosting a pizza day on October 21st. Order forms will be sent home as this is separate from FSP. Children must order and pay for their pizza ahead of time. No extras are provided.

Welcome Ms. Catherine Reilly

We would like to extend a warm St. Mary’s welcome to Ms. Catherine Reilly to our Elementary program – 5th grade. She has previously taught in Spain and the state of Virginia. You will find her teaching reading to grades 3, 4, and 5.

Coat Drive

All students at St. Mary Star of the Sea will receive a new coat from our patron. There is a form in today’s green envelope to indicate the size you would like for each of your children. Please return these by Tuesday, October 12th – the latest.

Blessings,

Mrs. Usauskas

September 30, 2021

Dear Families

All School Liturgy

The students will be celebrating Mass tomorrow, Friday – October 1st at 8:30. Our second-grade children have helped prepare the celebration on the Feast of Guardian Angels. All are welcome to join us in Church.

St. Mary Family Association SMFA

Tuesday, October 5th is the next SMFA meeting. Please join our school families at 7PM. Everyone is a member – there is no fee to join. Your participation is a great way to demonstrate school support. The ZOOM link is provided on the reminder flyer.

Virtus Updates

Any parent or family members who plan on helping as either a volunteer, coach, or lunch assistant must be Virtus approved and active. If you do not have this or were inactivated over the past year and a half due to COVID, you can call the school office for assistance or email Mrs. Villegas at office1@stmarystaroftheseaschool.org. Please do not wait until the day before you wish to assist in the classroom or school. Responses from OPGC who oversees this project has so many schools to help with verification efforts.

Student illness

If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school office and report this to Mrs. Lane @ 773.767.6160 in the morning. You can request your child’s homework be sent to the office for pick-up after 3PM. When students need an early dismissal for medical or personal family matters, it is helpful if you alert the office. The teacher is notified and the student can be prepared.

Welcome Mr. Tim Haynes

We would like to extend a warm St. Mary’s welcome to Mr. Tim Haynes to our Middle School program. He comes to us from Rose Educators with 9 years of teaching experience. He is assigned to the 7th grade and will be teaching reading to 6th, 7th, & 8th graders.

Blessings,

Mrs. Usauskas

September 23, 2021

Dear Families

World’s Finest Chocolate

St. Mary’s school will be hosting a World’s Finest candy bar sale during the month of October. These are a community favorite and sell quite well. 45% of your sales will count towards your fundraising total. Each family is asked to sell one box. Watch for the letter of commitment coming shortly.

FSP - Lunch and Breakfast

Families please - there is limited extra food during each lunch period. Instruct your child(ren) to alert the teachers if they forgot or did not bring food in anticipation of getting a hot lunch. During the past week, we had a few children not ask for anything. The teachers pass out the selections according to the sheets prepared by FSP. Your selections are recorded carefully - but human error can occur. If there is a problem, contact Mrs. Chabot through the school office. Verification of your original order is kept by the FSP (Food Service Professionals).

No School Tomorrow - 9/24

Students will not be in session tomorrow, Friday September 24th. The teachers will be participating in an Archdiocesan system wide professional development day. Two topics they will be exploring is the iReady test and a spiritual reflection on Practices for Challenging Times: Caring for Mind, Body, and Soul. Other selections include racism, social emotional learning, Everyday Math and literacy.

Vaccination Requirements

Volunteers & coaches wishing to work with the students will need to provide proof of vaccination or weekly negative COVID PCR test results beginning October 31st to Mrs. Usauskas. I will be keeping proof/records in a file. If you wish to get vaccinated at this time - a free clinic will be held in the south parking lot tomorrow (Friday 9/24) from 9-1. Appointments can be made @ CIMPAR - Mobile Events (juvare.com) Walk ins welcome! Although all the details have not been released – if you have questions, feel free to reach out to me. 

Blessings,

Mrs. Usauskas

September 16, 2021

Dear Families

Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” The next is to “love one another as you would love yourself.” Both of these are equally important, but I would like to focus on the later of the two. Lately, I have observed many parents talking unkindly or being unnecessarily aggressive with teachers and staff. I am asking everyone – teachers, staff, parents and children alike to step back and think about the other person. How are your words and actions affecting them? Is the manner in which you are approaching this situation helpful or hurtful? It has been over a year since most of us have been together and what a difficult year it has been! Let’s all take a deep breath and restart ourselves in a more positive direction.

I am still actively searching for a 5th and 7th grade teacher. It is unfortunate that both teachers needed to step back for medical reasons. Please help me in my search. Do you know of someone who would be great at SMS? I would appreciate any leads you provide. I have reached out to the OCS web site, universities, Indeed and alum.

Next week Friday is a system wide staff development day. The children will not be in attendance. There will be a free COVID vaccination clinic in the church parking lot from 9 – 1PM. Please take advantage of this event if you or anyone in your family over 12 are not already vaccinated. The second dose will be given on Friday, October 15th.

Anyone who ordered PE uniforms should have received your items. Please be sure your child follows the guidelines for class attire. This constitutes part of their grade.

Just a reminder, unless your child is vaccinated and you travel out of state, you must keep you child(ren) home for a ten-day quarantine period. All of the 50 states are now considered under travel restrictions. We do enforce this policy.

Blessings,

Mrs. Usauskas

September 9, 2021

Dear Families

Thank you to all who attended last night’s SMFA meeting. Please remember to mark your calendar now for the October meeting. They are held the first Tuesday of each month – in this case October 5th.

The Sports Association is looking for officers and volunteer coaches. Our sports program has historically been very successful. This happens because of the commitment from our families. Please refer to the flyer in today’s envelope regarding how to inquire or apply for these positions.

Last week an application came home for the FSP program. If you do not wish to fill in the form, you still can help the school with receiving Federal Funding by writing “NO THANK YOU” across the form, signing and returning it to school. This is considered a completed form and we are credited for each one returned.

Please remember all medical and release forms are now due in the office by tomorrow.

A few fundraising opportunities will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. SMS will be hosting an AFFY Tapple (Taffy Apple) and World’s Finest Chocolate bar sale. These are two great opportunities for you to fulfill your $225 fundraising obligation. Details will be sent home soon!

The children are completing the first assessment on the iReady testing program. Each child will have individualized results programming for both reading and math lessons. It is important that the children spend at minimum 45 minutes per week on these tasks. If you need help with passwords or accessibility, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9-11, we continue to pray for peace in our community and the world.

Stay well,

Mrs. Usauskas

September 2, 2021

Dear Families

COVID continues to reach into our lives in ways we never saw coming! The most recent is a teacher shortage affecting the placement of classroom educators. This has directly impacted our 5th and 7th grade.

Mrs. Beltran has asked to be released from her contract and we are in the process of replacing her. The lessons are being developed by the administration and are continuous with our Archdiocesan standards/ Common Core. There are only two people – to date, who have assisted in the classroom – Mrs. Coleman and Mrs. Brill.

Mrs. Zygadlo is on medical leave until September 11th. It is our hope and belief she will be returning after this date. Mrs. Bigeck has been the sub in this room. Again, lesson plans are being devised in a contiguous manner with the goals and objectives of the Middle School students. In both cases, Big Shoulders has assisted us in devising academically excellent lessons for the children.

If you know of someone who may have retired and is thinking “I wish I was back in the classroom,” or someone who is looking to reenter the field of education after being an at home parent – please advise them that we are looking for excellent people. I appreciate your help in locating a new teacher.

Mr. Houlihan and I are working very hard to rectify this situation as quickly as possible. The children are being educated using best practices and materials. I will update you as things progress. Thank you for your patience.

Please-ALL parents –

The bells are

• 7:40 AM Enter
• 7:50 AM Tardy
• 2:45 PM Classes are over, prepare for home
• 3 PM Dismissal

Stay well,

Mrs. Usauskas

August 19, 2021

Dear Families

Tomorrow marks the end of the first week of school. I am so proud of the students and enjoy watching them come happily into the building. Many new friendships are blossoming; learning is happening across the grade levels.

There is some confusion regarding what time the children are to arrive at school. All children no matter what grade level should be entering the building at 7:40. The second bell rings at 7:50 to start the day. This is also the tardy bell. I realize I was not clear in my communication and apologize for any confusion.

In summary – the bells are

• 7:40 AM Enter
• 7:50 AM Tardy
• 2:45 PM Classes are over, prepare for home
• 3 PM Dismissal

Specials begin next week. The students will receive instruction in Spanish, Music, Computer, PE, and Health. Students who do not have a PE uniform may order it through the school, or directly from Ray’s t-shirts @ 6134 S. Pulaski. You will find the form in the communication envelope. Mrs. Bigeck has given permission for the students to wear spirit wear shirts and joggers while waiting for their uniforms to come in or a plain t shirt.

Lastly, at dismissal please remain in your cars in the church parking lot. Do not gather by the school’s silver doors as it distracts the children. We all want the safety of our children to be first.

​​

Thank you,

Blessings

Mrs. Usauskas

August 12, 2021

Good Summer’s Day,

As we wind down our final vacation days, I wish to thank you to all who were able to join our family orientation and teacher open house. There are some COVID updates I would like to share.

• Students will not be required to have a temperature check, but will have their hands sanitized before entering the classrooms.
• All children, staff, and guests must wear a mask over their nose and mouth while in the building.
• Classrooms will be thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day. The teachers/children will do periodic cleansing of the desks, door knobs, and areas frequented by the homeroom/advisory children.
• Students will not share classroom materials. Please be sure your child(ren) have adequate pens, pencils, crayons, etc.
• Lunch occur at three different periods and three locations. Students will sit at a 3 ft. distance – never across from one another. Tables will be sanitized after each lunch period.
• Students will be allowed to work in small group settings with distancing. They may face one another – as opposed to 2020-2021 academic year.
• Bathrooms will be sprayed after each class use, although not currently mandated.
• Return OCS COVID Pledge to office or child’s teacher.

I apologize for any concerns you might have had regarding this year’s policy. I take my role seriously and do not want any harm to come to our precious children. If the situation/data warrants – I will adjust any policies to comply with the Archdiocese and IDPH. Please keep the 28th of August open. Many of you have already volunteered for the Fish Rush Vegas Night being held in the south parking lot. If not – know you could use volunteer time to comply with the 12 hours required. Or, maybe you would like a night out! Come join the fun!

Important dates:

• August 13 School supply drop off; PE uniform order
• August 17 First day of school (11:30 dismissal) Full uniform required Breakfast will be served
• August 18 First full day of school; Extended Day and lunch program begin
• August 25 1 PM dismissal – teacher in service
• August 28 Fish Rush Vegas Night 6 PM until Midnight

​

Stay well,

Mrs. Usauskas

June 3, 2021

Dear Families,

As we draw a close to the 2020-2021 school year, we wish the best to a few of our teachers: Ms. Pabello, Mrs. Zaragoza. And Mrs. Zaworski. Saying good bye is always hard, but after 21 years it is nearly impossible... Ms. Bobko we wish you success in your new academic endeavors.

Our summer program has a hand full of openings and starts this Monday. Class size is limited to 10 per class. The children must still wear a mask, but we are able to use the classrooms and provide meals – both breakfast and lunch. Please call the office to register @ 773.767.6160.

Summer office hours begin tomorrow. They are Monday through Friday 8-2. If you need to meet with myself or either of the office ladies, outside of these times, please call for an appointment.

There still are many left over school supply kits from this year. If you are interested in purchasing one for $25, please come directly to the school office. Kits do not include wipes, paper towels, nor Kleenex.

Lastly, thank you - parents for all the support, prayers, and trust you lent to myself and the staff this year. It was a journey none of us anticipated nor navigated previously. Despite the loss of traditions and activities, there were many lessons learned and new ideas gained. It was truly an example of when God closes a door, he opens a window of opportunity. We just need to be receptive.

I would like to close with a prayer for all of the children and your families for a safe summer...

Dear Parents and Students,

Take time to have hope, you are a child of God.

Let's put ourselves into the hands of the Lord, and pray that God will bless us and our families during the wonderful months of summer.

May we all help make our home a place of relaxation, joy, love, peace and safety. ... We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Stay well,

Mrs. Usauskas

May 27, 2021

Dear Families,

Congrats to the class of 2021. Tonight, is their night! These students have accumulated over $34,000 in scholarships for continued Catholic Education. We wish you well – may God continue to bless you and your families in your continued endeavors.

There was a typo on the academic calendar for 20-21. The last day of school is Thursday, June 3. The children will leave the building at 11:30. Sorry for the confusion.

If you have a uniform with many days of wear still in it, please consider donating it to the school. Many times, we have transfer children or student who just went through a growth spurt and need a replacement piece. We ask that you wash it and if the size is not visible – please put a tag stating its size.

Children are expected in complete uniform on the first day of school – August 17th. Please look in the handbook found on the SMS website for details. Haircuts, two toned hair, shoes, make up, belts, socks, and jewelry are often compliance issues. Please look these items over carefully so that we are all on the same page with school policy.

We have left over school supply kits from this year. If you are interested in purchasing one for $25 cash only, please come directly to the school office. Kits are on first come, first served basis. Don’t delay. Kits do not include wipes, paper towels, nor Kleenex.

Lastly, our summer program has changed to a face to face venue. The children must still wear a mask, but we are able to use the classrooms and provide meals – both breakfast and lunch. The Grab and Go program will also begin on June 7th.Your June calendar has all the details.

Our summer office hours are Monday through Friday 8-2 beginning June 7th. If you need to meet with myself or either of the office ladies, outside of these times, please call for an appointment.

Stay well,

Mrs. U.

May 20, 2021

Hello,

With just two weeks of school remaining, I ask that we all remember to adhere to protocol and safety measures. Despite what the governor has suggested regarding masks, we are continuing to wear them in school as well as adhere to social distancing. The OCS has requested we continue to follow the CDC guidelines that were established in the fall. Please reinforce this procedure with your children.

If you have business in the school, we ask that you be ‘buzzed’ by the office before entering. Lately there have been situations whereby people have entered as someone exited the building and no one was aware of their presence. This was a source of frustration for both the parents and office that could have easily been avoided.

Tuesday and Wednesday, next week, are our Walk-A-Thon and Field Day’s. I am aware many of you have completed your fundraising goals for 20-21. Please recall, we lowered the fee by $25 per family which added to our deficit. If at possible, making the $10 donation will help us as we look to purchase new religion and language arts books for the fall.

I am waiting for confirmation on having a COVID Vaccination Bus be assigned one day in the new two weeks outside of the school. As you are aware, children 12 and older may receive the vaccine. I am hopeful we will be able to provide the convenience of having this service for you and our community. Students must be accompanied by an adult.

Lastly, children who have qualified for Title I services in the 20-21 academic year, may sign up for fine arts and dance this summer. Class schedules are not yet available, but I can inform you they days are Monday – Thursday – June 7 – 24. The sessions will fall between the hours of 8:30 – 12:30. Please call the office if you are interested in having your child(ren) enrolled in these lessons.

Enjoy our summer like weather weekend!

Mrs. U.

May 13, 2021

Spring Greetings to all our families,

Last week there was an application form for our summer program. Please, if you are interested in having your child participate, send it in ASAP. We only have two staff members facilitating the program and as such space is truly limited.

We are looking for a structure for the e-learning students for 2021-2022. The preferable practice is to provide a face to face education. The Office of Catholic Schools and St. Mary’s has proven we can do this safely and will continue to do so. If your child is currently an e-learner and has a documented medical need to remain as one, could you send me a quick note stating so. We are investigating our options and will relay them to you as they unfold. As previously mentioned, it will not be simultaneous learning with the SMS teacher, as formatted this year. Most likely, it will involve a third-party vendor such as Catapult.

Mr. Gula, our beloved band instructor is looking for the 3rd graders to begin lessons this summer. If your child expressed interest from the meeting that took place introducing them to the variety of instruments in band – please do not hesitate to call the office or email me for further details.

The students will be participating in the walk-a-thon as well as field days on the 25th and 26tth. All students will be outside – no matter the pledge level.

Lastly, do you know any families with a preschool aged child? The cost of preschool in Illinois is ranked 9th (out of 10) in the United Stated States for highest cost – an average of $12,795. Tuition for one child is only $5425! This is a faith filled education with a licensed teacher and aid. Best practices are implanted throughout a creative play and academic program. Please refer them and receive a $500 discount off your tuition.

Stay well,

Mrs. U.

May 6, 2021

Good Day St. Mary Families,

Congratulations are in order for three of our Middle School children. The students completed city wide with hundreds of other children in an essay contest entitled “2021 Do the Write Thing Challenge, Stop the Violence.” The following students were selected as one of the top one hundred finalists: Grade 7: Angelina Luevano, and Grade 8 Alicia Raymond and Julian Velazquez. Congrats! On June 8th, the city will release the names of the top two finalists to go on to the national competition.

Friday, May 7th, marks the beginning of our 8th grade journey to commencement with our annual Class Day celebration. During this celebration the student will receive their school ribbon identifying then as a potential graduate. Please keep the class of 2021 in your prayers as they begin their matriculation to high school.

Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? St. Mary’s annual flower and vegetable sale is this weekend in the rectory garage. The children will be going on Friday – May 7th with their class. If you wish to get all your flowers for your baskets and vegetables for your garden plan to stop by Saturday from 8am-noon.

Our annual summative assessment begins this Monday, May 10. In place of the ACT ASPIRE test, the students will be taking the spring iReady test. Please see the green envelope for a letter further explaining this action.

Happy Mother’s Day to all who have provided care to someone this past year, moms, grandmothers, and aunts.

Blessings,

Mrs. U.

April 29, 2021

Hello St. Mary Families,

It is feeling like summer as I write this update with 80 plus degrees out my window! We still have volumes to accomplish before summer break, so I begin.

I am looking for one or two more parents to go to Springfield on Monday the 17th to lobby for an extension of the Tax Credit program. We will also be asking Governor Pritzker not to cut the percentages allowed for donors. If you have been the recipient, are currently one, or on the waitlist – please seriously consider joining us. We need to make our message heard. We need this program to survive. Many of our children will leave St. Mary’s if it is not in place. Do not let the sun set on this program.

Congratulations to our band students who participated in the Archdiocesan Solo Contest held, Saturday, April 17th. Receiving an excellent rating (silver medal) was Adrian Ramos in grade 6. Two students received Gold medals – a superior rating. They were Alexa Munoz – grade 7 and Louise Dzik in 8th grade. Great work, we are very proud of you!

Next year, SMS plans to reopen for face to face learning. The teachers will be in their classrooms facilitating lessons. They will not be simultaneously conducting e-learning lessons. I state this so that you could plan according. Please, if your intentions are to have your child be taught by our staff they must be enrolled in the school program.

Lastly, I can not encourage you any more strongly than I have previously. If you anticipate the need for financial assistance, you MUST apply through FACTS. The Office of Catholic Schools reviews these applications and will advise the amount of money your family may be eligible for if funding prevails. Do not put this task off! Once the funds are depleted, they are gone.

Stay well,

Mrs. U.

April 22, 2021

Dear Parents,

Don’t let this important scholarship program drift off into the sunset!

Under the “Invest in Kids” program, a state tax credit is available to individuals or businesses for donations made to authorized organizations. Those organizations then use the money to fund tuition scholarships for eligible students to attend a school of their choice.

State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, says Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed nearly cutting the credit for the “Invest in Kids” program in half, from a 75% to a 40% credit, calling it a corporate loophole that should be closed.

The program was launched for an initial period of just five years. As we enter the sunset period of this program, families need to push back on the Governor’s proposed budget cuts, which would weaken the program and potentially harm fundraising.

Please write your state representative and inform them of the need for this program. The office can assist you in identifying to whom you should direct your correspondence.

We are looking for recipients of tax credit scholarships, both Big Shoulders and Empower IL, to lobby in Springfield during the month of May. I ideally need 5 adults to carpool for the day trip at a date to be selected at the groups’ convenience. Please contact me if you are interested and can support this endeavor.

I would also ask if your family is currently or will be the recipient of a tax credit scholarship next year, to have your child(ren) make a poster, write a letter, or create a short video stating its importance to their attending St. Mary Star of the Sea School. Please have these testimonials to the school office by May 3rd.

Blessings,

Mrs. U.

April 15, 2021

Hello again!

It seems like ages since I wrote you my weekly update. First and foremost, I wish to thank Mrs. Evans and Ms. Bobko for the outstanding job in keeping the school up to date and running smoothly. The teachers and students continued in true St. Mary fashion by adhering to their studies and classroom protocol. How blessed we are to have such a magnificent learning community.

This is an important time of the year for all families interested in applying for financial aid for 2021-22. NOW is the time to apply on Facts Grant and Aid. Decisions for awards are being made over the next few weeks. If you prolong applying, there may not be funding left to give. Please don’t delay.

We will be hosting an e-learning summer program for the younger students in June. Details will be released shortly. The dates of the program are Monday – Thursday, June 7-24th. Subjects include reading, math, fine arts, and possibly dance.

St. Rita High School is offering bridge – COVID catch up classes. The classes are for 6th , 7th, and 8th graders who may need extra help in English, reading, and math. For more information and cost, please check the link https://www.stritahs.com/ccc

Last, as we begin preparations for the 2021-2022 school year, the question arises whether or not families wish to have the school supplies purchased in kits for their children. We have assorted grade levels left over from this year and can be purchased while they last. Please contact the school office for pricing and reserving your kit(s).

Blessings,

Mrs. U.

During Mrs. U's recovery, the update is being supplied by Ms. Roberta Bobko and Mrs. Rose Evans... 

April 1, 2021

Easter Greetings St. Mary’s Families,

We wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your families Blessed Easter. We hope you all have a relaxing, fun, and healthy Easter break. We are looking forward to Mrs. Usauskas returning to us after break as well!

We would like to ask all of our e-learning families to take some time over the break to review the elearning contract that was signed when your child/children started e-learning. This contract was created to be sure that everyone was doing their part and taking responsibility for the decision to enroll your child in e-learning. While we don’t mind supplying copies of the work in an emergency situation, the amount of printing we are doing for e-learning is becoming overwhelming. If you don’t have the required technology at home, (printers, scanners, computers etc.) we would encourage you to consider returning to the classroom. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following e-learning protocols.

Finally, because of the situation we have been enduring since last March, the Archdiocese of Chicago has decided to forgo ASPIRE testing this year. This is a decision that has been made in many school districts both private and public. IAR testing will be taking place for students who receive tax credit scholarships, but there won’t be any formal standardized testing this year.

Happy Easter to all!

Ms. Bobko & Mrs. Evans

During Mrs. U's recovery, the update is being supplied by Ms. Roberta Bobko and Mrs. Rose Evans... 

March 25, 2021

Greetings St. Mary’s Parents and Families,

We just wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that this Sunday is Palm Sunday. We continue on our Lenten journey to the holiest week of the year. This is a good time to talk as a family about the sacrifices those we love have made for us, and how we can sacrifice to help others. We know that Catholic education is a sacrifice. We know how much you give up to give your children a faith based education. We are grateful for this as well as the other sacrifices you make for your children.

Easter Break begins next Thursday, 4/1, at 3:00 P.M. Please take some time to relax and enjoy this additional time with your family. As always, do everything you can to stay safe and healthy!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Ms. Bobko & Mrs. Evans

February 18, 2021

Good Morning Parents,

Some of you may have heard, I had serious heart surgery this week. I was lucky in that I was tested when I was, preventing permanent damage. I will be working from the side lines. As soon as I am able I will be back at SMS. I hope it won’t be a long absence, but due to the gravity of the ailment, I must listen carefully to my body. Please keep my family in your prayers as they assist me in my recovery. I will miss seeing your children each day.

Over the next few weeks the children will be continuing to honor the Lenten promises. Ask them about what they pledged to God in all three areas of almsgiving, prayers, and fasting.

When you receive a link to the CCC survey, please take a moment to complete. I appreciate your feedback.

Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Evans, our assistant principal or Ms. Bobko, our testing coordinator for assistance in my absence.

Stay well,

Mrs. U.

February 11, 2021

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope you have had the opportunity to view some of the press our school has been given. The media has focused on our school because of our success with COVID protocol and our iReady scores being above the National norm! Today the school was featured in the Chicago Tribune and has also been on Telemundo, ABC 7, NBC 5, and WMAQ.

We are very excited to also inform you that one of our students, Samantha Raymond will be the Friday forecaster next week 2/19. She will appear via Zoom with WGN’s Paul Conrad at approximately 6:25 AM. We are very proud of you Samantha.

Please remember that the deadline to reserve your child’s seat for the 2021-2022 school year is next week Friday, the 19th. We are happy that there has been a heavy volume of calls regarding transferring students to SMS. There are several grades that are near or at capacity if everyone returns… please do not hesitate to reregister.

If there is a financial reason that makes it difficult to reregister, please call to discuss your personal situation. At this time, per OCS, we are proceeding as if all students will be in school next year – God willing!

Lastly, Mrs. Chabot is making a final request for the return of your family’s Free and Reduced Lunch Applications. Remember, you can put your name on it and write “NO THANK YOU” if you do not wish to complete the form. The most important part of this activity is the closer we get to 100% returned the better we stand to receive financial grant assistance.

Stay well,

Mrs. U.

 November 12, 2020

TURKEY TROT CANCELLED!

Dear Parents,

Due to COVID Concerns, the Turkey Trot will be held – hopefully – come spring. If you have sent in a pledge, the money will be returned. We will be holding a Home Run Inn pizza day for lunch. Forms will be coming home very soon.

By now you should have signed up through each of your child’s homeroom teachers for a parent conference. Conferences are being held via ZOOM and it is your responsibility to sign up for each child with their teacher/advisor. If there is any questions or problems – call the office. The two ladies are wizards at problem solving.

Honor Roll will be held on Monday November 30th via ZOOM. If you do not log in with your family name, you will not be admitted. Parents who use their child’s iPhone or simply Samsung etc. will not be admitted. This is for the safety and security of those involved. The link will be distributed that morning.

Surveys regarding the use of extended day during the two-week remote learning after Christmas are due Tuesday 11/24. Please take the time to complete if applicable.

Students in grade 8 wishing to take the Catholic High School placement exam – must register. In years past this was not a requirement. Some of the schools are offering an online test. Please check with the Catholic School you are considering for details.

Stay safe and well,

Mrs. U.