End of the Year Calendar Change!
Parents, please mark your calendars!
So far this school year, school has been closed
three days due to inclement weather.
The Archdiocese of Chicago is only requiring
that we make up ONE of the three days.
Therefore, please make note of the following change:
Friday June 7, 2019 will be a FULL DAY of school
Monday June 10, 2019 will be a HALF day,
and
report Cards will be received that day.
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Congratulations SFX Scripps School Spelling Bee Winners!
It was a SNOWY afternoon, but the contestants were on fire!
Fierce competition went multiple rounds. Congratulations to our winners:
1st place: Ella Buelling
2nd place: Abby Fix
3rd place: Avarie Bernstein
4th grader to go farthest: Allie O’Halloran
On February 4, Ella Buelling went on to take 4th Place in the spelling bee at McClure Junior High, where she competed against other local school spelling bee winners. Congratulations, Ella! We are so proud of you!
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Happy 100th Day of School!
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Today, on our 100th Day of School, our First Grade Classes dressed up like Centenarians full of wisdom !!
Enjoy the delightful pictures!
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Early Childhood Falcons Welcome Mrs. Brown!
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We are very pleased to announce that joining Mrs. Mary Pancotto in PK4 Room 21 will be
Mrs. Narda Brown
. Mrs. Brown has a wealth of experience, including her most recent position with Ready Teddy at the Community Park District of La Grange Park. She continues to work at Joseph's Corner Ministry Gift Shop. Mrs. Brown's first day with the SFX Early Childhood Program was Monday, February 4th. Welcome Mrs. Brown!
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In this bitter cold weather, what better time than to think Spring!
2019 Easter Break is
DIFFERENT
than in prior years...
Easter is Sun. April 21st this year.
The students will be off the week before Easter and three days after Easter.
Class will dismiss on Friday April 12th at 3:15pm
and class will resume on THURS. April 25th
On April 23rd and 24th, Faculty and Administration will be attending classes at the National Catholic Education Association Convention which is being held in Chicago this year.
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Grades 4-6 Winter Book Discussion
Are you a student who loves to read a good book and discuss it with friends? If so, please join Mrs. Filbin for a winter book discussion. Information was sent home via email and is below. Questions? Email Mrs. Filbin at
kfilbin@sfxlg.org
Students in grades 4 & 5 will read the book
by Karena Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
Amazon review:
From
New York Times
best-selling author Karina Yan Glaser comes one of
Times'
Notable Children's Books of 2017: “In this delightful and heartwarming throwback to the big-family novels of yesteryear, a large biracial family might lose their beloved brownstone home, but win it back with an all-out charm offensive.”
The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home. Discussion will be during lunch & recess on Friday, February 22. Sign up in the LRC
Students in grades 6-8 will read the book Ghost by Jason Reynolds
A National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature.
Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s
The Great American Read.
Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down in this first electrifying novel of a brand-new series from Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award–winning author Jason Reynolds.
Discussion will be during lunch & recess on Friday, February 15
Sign up in the LRC
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Looking for a unique way to give back to SFX?
Join the School Advisory Board!
Final applications due March 31, 2019
Interested in giving back to the children of SFX? The SFX School Advisory Board is accepting applications for a three-year term on the Board. Wonder what the main functions of the School Advisory Board are? Below is a listing of the School Advisory Board primary responsibilities:
The SFX School Advisory Board is comprised of SFX school parents and/or parishioners who meet with the Principal and Pastor regularly to:
- Develop, formulate, and adopt policies which govern the operation of the School
- Review and advise on the annual budget and determine sources of funding for the School.
- Provide counsel and advise on the operation of the School
- Participate in the school's development, student recruitment efforts, and long-range plans
- Assist in achieving the goals and objectives of the St. Francis Xavier Elementary School Three-Year Strategic Plan
- Promote the School and support the School's public relations and marketing efforts
Curious? Want to know more about how the application process works? Below are some common questions people have about becoming a board member.
Common Questions:
- Do you have to have experience on a board or had a job in education? NO, you do not have to have prior experience on a school board or experience in education to apply.
- How much time is this commitment? We meet once per month plus 1-2 supplementary meetings each month. Plan for approximately about 6-10 hours per month.
- Do you have to have a child at the school to apply? NO, we encourage parent (guardian) of a Religious Education student, young adult parishioners and alumna/us of SFX. Candidates need not be parents.
- How does the application/selection process work? There is a one page application, 1-2 face-to-face meetings with the members of the Board and then the Board votes on the slate of applicants.
- I’m considering applying but I am still uncertain. What if I want to know more before I apply? You can talk to the School Board President, Katie Mulcahy, or the chair of the School Board selection committee, Matt Duffy, before you formally submit your name to the process.
***** FINAL APPLICATION DEADLINE 3/31/2019 *****
To receive an application, for more information regarding the application process and timing, please contact School Board member Matt Duffy at m.duffy@nonnis.com, 708-280-1995. The application and more detailed information about the Board can be found on the St. Francis Xavier School Website http://school.sfxlg.org/parents/school-board/. Please remember that all submissions for candidacy are valued and will be reviewed. We look forward to receiving your application!
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School Advisory Board Committee Descriptions
Catholic Identity Committee
The purpose of the Catholic Identity Committee is to work with the Principal to ensure that school programs and policies reflect the mission of the school: to provide students with academic excellence centered in the Catholic values of prayer, learning and service.
Strategic Planning Committee
The mission of the Strategic Planning Committee is to ensure that the goals and objectives set by the school Strategic Plan initiative are developed and revised as necessary and are met on a timely basis. This committee also looks to the future to anticipate what needs may arise and sets a clear plan and vision on how to meet those needs.
Finance Committee
The mission of the Finance Committee is to assist in the development of the annual budget for review by the full Board and assist in long-range financial planning for the school.
Development Committee
The mission of the Development Committee is to ensure the future of the school by encouraging diverse, long-term sources of school funding. The committee, in collaboration with the administration, develops relationships with alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, parishioners, and friends of the school. The committee also seeks funding through other sources, including grant writing, need-based student scholarship tuition assistance, and enrichment programs and activities. Additionally, the committee collaborates with the Board Finance Committee and parish Finance Council for planned giving and capital campaign initiatives.
Marketing/Communications Committee
The mission of the Marketing/ Communications Committee is to assist the school administration in sustaining and increasing enrollment at St. Francis Xavier Parish School. Through marketing, PR and internal communications initiatives, the committee strives to increase awareness and provide information for current families, new families, prospective families, and parishioners. This includes the school’s offerings, daily happenings, and strategic plans. In collaboration with the Development Committee, alumni are also a target audience.
Ad Hoc Committees
The Board chairperson may form ad hoc committees to meet a specific objective at a given time. Ad hoc committee members are selected because they are knowledgeable, service-oriented and possess expertise needed by the Board
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St. Francis Xavier School, LaGrange, IL
Parish School Job Opening!
Please contact Principal Sharon Garcia
sgarcia@sfxlg.org or 708-352-2175
* Arrival time can be adjusted
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Part-time School Receptionist
7:45am*- Noon Monday - Friday
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Building Our Future
Goal: $150,000 and 100% participation
THANK YOU
to the families who have donated so far to Building Our Future!
Every Dollar Counts!
Many companies have the program and most will match 1:1. In addition, spouses can each request a match on one donation which could potentially triple the donation amount!
Building Our Future is a fund that has a 100% return rate to SFX. We must collect at least $150,000 this year to close the gap between the tuition charged and the cost to educate. This is a large number, but it's not insurmountable. We will be sharing regular status updates on how we are progressing as a whole toward achieving our targeted goal.
Families can choose to support this fund in a variety of ways: electronic fund transfer; credit card; or check.
Please consider establishing an automatic monthly payment as a quick and easy way to donate to Building Our Future. For example, if you arrange to have $150 withdrawn from your account beginning this month and ending in June - you will have donated over $1,000 in a 'painless' way! Truly - every dollar counts!
Thank you for believing in Catholic education.
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Attention Parents, please return your registration forms for the 2019-2020 school year!
Don't delay! We have opened registration to new families and are quickly approaching wait-list status for 2019-2020 in both PreK 4 and Grade 3.
Current students cannot be guaranteed enrollment if we have not received your registration forms. With the exciting move of Early Childhood classes back "Under One Roof", space will be limited and we will not be opening any additional classrooms.
If you have any questions, please contact School Secretary, Mrs. Peggy Evans (708) 352-2175 or pevans@sfxlg.org .
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Jimmy John's Fundraiser 2/6/19
Father / Daughter Event
2/17/19 6 pm - 8 pm
Thursday 2/28/19
6:30 pm
Project Connect
Social Media for SFX Parents
Unity Hall
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With the weather expected to be much colder next week, there will be more students driven to school.
PLEASE REVIEW & SHARE WITH ANY GRANDPARENTS OR CAREGIVERS WHO MAY BE DRIVING TO SCHOOL !!
DROP-OFF REMINDERS
1.The lead car needs to be pulled up as far south as possible.
2.Students must exit the car ONLY on the west (closest to the school lot) and instructed to walk along the fence until they are able to safely enter the school lot.
3.Parents / caregivers should not exit their cars. Students should be ready to exit the car quickly.
4.There is absolutely no double parking.
5.Cars cannot idle or stand. If your child requires additional time and/or help exiting the car, please park on the street or find a space in the lot.
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Online Athletic Calendar
Come to the Games!
See home & away for all sports in a single location through this link:
For information on the run download the app for your phone from the AppStore!
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Introduce a girl to
STEM day
Presented by Lyons Township GEMS
When: Sat, Feb 23 10:00 am until 1:30 pm
Where: LTHS South
Who: 5th - 8th gr. girls
Cost: $25 per girl
Do you have a daughter that is curious about opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math? If so, them please come join us to learn why STEM girls are awesome!
https://lths.revtrak.net/Activities/Activities-GEMS/#/list
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Click & Clap is our year-round positive recognition program allowing families to acknowledge special moments, and thank a SFX faculty or staff member for something they have done that has left a positive impression on a student or family in a special way.
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Use SFX ID # 70032987
at Office Max - program is valid all year long!
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Question
: I buy almost everything for our home and at work through Amazon/Amazon Prime all year long. How can I be sure that St. Francis Xavier Parish is receiving a donation from Amazon from my purchases?
Answer
: The regular Amazon site does not donate.
Do all your regular Amazon shopping at
AmazonSMILE
with St. Francis Xavier Parish selected as your chosen charity.
AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to St. Francis Xavier Parish!
The easiest way is to BOOKMARK and always SHOP using this link!
Bookmark the link! Your purchases can make a difference!
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Girls are growing taller. It's time to check skirt length!
Boys, it's time to check hair length & put your belt on!
Teachers are enforcing the Dress Code!
The SFX Dress Code can be found starting on page 24 in the Parent/Student Handbook!
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Calling all SFX athletes! The Spring Sports season is just around the corner and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun! 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders…
It’s not too late to sign up for a fun season of Track & Field. There is something for everyone - sprints, hurdles, javelin, high jump, middle distance, shot put, long jump, triple jump, discus and relays. Practices begin in March. Tell your friends!
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Boys Volleyball is a short, fast season. If your son’s never tried the sport, now’s the time! The athletes gain an appreciation for a sport they might not be that familiar with while having a great time competing with their classmates. Team evaluations will be held late February/ early March.
Please contact Tammy Bauer sfxad@sfxlg.org if you’d like to register your student-athlete or would like additional information about the SFX spring sports season.
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Looking for Yearbook Photos!
TreeRing Links:
If you use the links below, you'll need to use your TreeRing sign-on used to order yearbooks.
7th and 8th Grade Social:
Cheerleading (7th Grade):
Boys Basketball (all grades):
Girls Volleyball (6th, 7th, 8th):
Boy/Girl Scouts
:
Girls Basketball (7th):
Fortnightly:
Alternatively, you can upload to our google drive:
Thank you for taking the time to share your pictures which MAKE our yearbook.
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