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February 7, 2020
Dear School of St. Mary Families,
Our School of St. Mary Eighth grade recently took part in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution American History Essay Contest for 2019-2020. 2020 marks the 400th Anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower and the founding of the Plymouth Colony. In conjunction with this,
the
topic of the 2019/2020 D.A.R. American History Essay Contest was The Voyage of the Mayflower.
I am pleased to announce that the School of St. Mary had three winners chosen for the American History Essay Contest: First place - Gabriella Donato (her essay was sent on to be judged at the District level). Other winners from our School are Erin O'Connor and Carolina Toro. These girls were recognized at
an awards ceremony on February 6 at CROYA. Congratulations girls!
On  Thursday, February 6, Madeline Lauritson, a photojournalism student at Columbia University, and Mrs. Hogan's niece stopped in to talk with our School of St Mary Seventh and Eighth grade Social Studies classes about her most recent assignment - covering the Iowa Caucus. Our Seventh and Eighth graders are currently studying the Constitution and the electoral process.
Madeline has a degree from Marquette University in English and History and shared with the students what motivated her to continue her education and combine her love of writing, history and photography. Madeline talked about why photojournalism is important, and the role and responsibilities of photojournalists to tell their stories in an unbiased and objective manner, and to include all voices. Madeline explained the caucus process and showed photos from Monday's events, as well as photos from the recent Chicago Public Schools teachers' strike and the Chicago Marathon. Thanks to Miss Lauritson for sharing our students, and to Margaret Hogan for arranging this!
On behalf of The Gallery and the Deer Path Art League, we are pleased to announce that artwork from a number of our students from the School of St. Mary will be displayed at The Gallery in Lake Forest for the next 6 weeks. Each year, The Gallery and Deer Path Art League partner together to display artwork from the children in the community in the restaurant for patrons to enjoy while dining. We encourage you to visit/dine in the restaurant in the coming weeks to enjoy the children's artwork and the new children inspired menu items. The Gallery is located at 202 E. Wisconsin Ave, Lake Forest.
We will be hosting a workshop for parents on Executive Functioning (EF) on Wednesday, February 12, beginning at 7:00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the UGC. EF is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage everyday life. They are critical for the successful completion of tasks throughout our lifetimes. When a person has challenges with their EF, it can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things. The presenters of the workshop are Dr. Lisa Novak, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and Dr. Noelle Pontarelli, who are co-founders of Illuminate Psychological Assessments, LLC, a private assessment practice in Wilmette. They will address the following questions:
- What specific skills encompass our executive functions?
- How do EF skills evolve at different stages of a child's development?
- How can parents and teachers determine whether a child's EF skills are adequately developed or are lagging behind?
- What interventions and resources are available for helping to strengthen a child's EF skills?
The workshop is being put on by the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Learning Differences Association free of charge. Please contact Mandy Castle [email protected] with any questions.
Parents, please join us for a coffee featuring a discussion on our Math program here at the School of St. Mary at the UGC on February 21, 2020, at 9:00 am in the Library. Our Math Department Chair, Dr. Carlini, and I will provide an overview of our current math curriculum and answer questions. Please contact Mandy Castle [email protected] for more information.
How would you like to receive a $1,000 tuition credit for the 2020-21 school year? Parents are the best promoters of Catholic education and we want to thank all of you that have recommended the School of St. Mary to your family and friends. Through our New Family Referral Program, you could receive a $1,000 tuition credit for each new family you refer to SOSM who enrolls a full-time student that is officially admitted to our school and meets all of the admission requirements as well as the rules and regulations listed below. For more information, see the New Family Referral Program information elsewhere in the newsletter!
Dave Wieters
Principal
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New Family Referral Program
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New Family Referral Program:
Would you like to receive a $1,000 tuition credit?
Parents are the best promoters of Catholic education and we want to thank all of you that have recommended the School of St. Mary (SOSM) to your family and friends. Through our New Family Referral Program, you could receive a $1,000 tuition credit for each new family you refer to SOSM who enrolls a full-time student (see Rule #3 below) that is officially admitted to our school and meets all of the admission requirements as well as the rules and regulations listed below.
Here's How It Works!
Parents or guardians will receive a $1,000 tuition credit for each new family they formally refer to SOSM that is accepted based on our current admission requirements. Tuition credits will be applied to the referring family's account after the new student has successfully completed one semester. All referrals must adhere to the New Family Referral Program's rules and regulations.
Who is eligible/ineligible to participate?
- All current parents, guardians, teachers, and staff members who currently pay tuition at SOSM are eligible to participate in this program.
- Referrals of new families enrolling part-time students are very much appreciated but are not eligible for the referral incentive program.
Rules and Regulations
- It is your responsibility to submit a completed New Family Referral Form to SOSM for each new family you refer before the new family formally applies for admission. No exceptions will be made to this requirement. Referrals may not be made retroactively. Forms are available in the SOSM Office or online at www.schoolofstmary.org.
- The referred family cannot already be in our school's database concerning a previous enrollment inquiry, have had children previously enrolled, or currently have siblings at SOSM.
- The new family must enroll a full-time Kindergarten (5K) through 8th grade student at SOSM.
- Regular enrollment criteria must be met. Final decision for family acceptance rests with the recommendation of the Principal of SOSM.
- Students must enroll and successfully complete one semester before tuition credit will be awarded.
- If a new student begins attending school after the academic year has begun, the tuition credit awarded to the referring family will be prorated based on the student's first day of attendance.
- There is no limit to the number of families that you may refer; however, the total tuition credits received may not exceed your current tuition requirement in a given school year.
- If more than one family refers a student, the tuition credit will be divided equally among the referring families.
- The referral incentive program begins immediately; however, the tuition credit will be applied in the 2020-2021 school year, after the new student has successfully completed one semester.
- SOSM retains the right to reevaluate, revise or cancel this program at any time.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Mandy Castle at (847) 295-4830 or email at [email protected]
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We are now accepting preschool applications for the upcoming 2020-21 school year!
We are excited to offer an additional section of our popular Little Angels Preschool Class. One section will meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and the other on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Families can select their preferred days in the application. Historically, this class has filled quickly, so please apply right away if you are interested.
We are also pleased to offer an All-Day Three-year-old Preschool Program next year. This class will, of course, be developmentally appropriate, including both lunch and a rest period. If you are interested in any of our preschool offerings, please follow these steps:
- Go to factsmgt.com
- Click on the Parent login on the top right corner
- Click on FACTS Family Portal (ParentsWeb) in the top right corner
- Enter our District Code: SOSM-IL
- Enter a user name
- Enter a password
If you are a current family, you already have a portal account as well as a password. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Mandy Castle at 847-295-4830.
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Click in the image to go to the site!
TCS Applications for 2020/21 School Year
TCS Donation Update: 2 for 1 TCS Matching Program
As of Jan. 28, we have eight schools that have reached the $50,000 cap. Only archdiocesan-run schools are eligible to participate in this matching program. Donations are coming in rapidly and we are over 70 percent through the match pool funds. Donations designated to a school will continue to be matched until the funds are depleted or Feb. 29, 2020, whichever comes first. There are 102 Catholic schools participating so far, but we would like to see all schools with eligible students involved in the program. It is not too late to start! Click
here
for information on how to get started. If you have any questions about the matching gift program, please contact Clare Sullivan at [email protected]
.
TCS Matching Gift Funds
The TCS matching funds will be provided to schools via the EI portal approximately two weeks after the match program closes. Donations designated to a school (pre-match) are reported currently in the EI school portal and will be available next week when Empower Illinois begins to make awards.
Donating to Empower Illinois
Next week (January 15) the Empower Illinois Scholarship application goes live to families interested in attending Catholic Schools but who need scholarship assistance. We have the opportunity to donate to help fund scholarships while also earning a 75% Illinois State tax credit; and through February 29, 2020 the 2-for-1 Tax Credit Scholarship (TCS) Gift Program is open. Any TCS donations designated to a school between now and February 29 (or until funds are depleted) are eligible for a 2-for-1 matching gift.
The process to donate is a four-phase process. It involves first requesting a letter ID from Illinois, activating your account at mytax.illinois.gov, reserving your credit and then making the donation. The details around the whole process may be found at this link:
How to Donate for Tax Credit Scholarship Program
.
We will be offering in-person guidance on how to donate from 7-8pm in the Multi-Purpose Room at the School of St. Mary on Monday evenings in February. However, to get started on the first phase, and therefore save 7-10 business days, please consider doing the following as soon as you decide to donate (to maximize potential of 2-for-1 matching gift award):
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Clic on "Request a Letter ID"; under the "Miscellaneous section:
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Enter your Social Security Number and one of the following:
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Click 'Submit' and enter and confirm your email address; then click 'OK' to submit and receive your confirmation.
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Your Letter ID will be mailed to the address on your last year's tax return. You should receive it within 7-10 business days.
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Then proceed to the second phase of the donation process: Activate Your Account
Please consider donating to Empower Illinois and designate School of St. Mary. We will be able to accept more families with generous donations, particularly if donations are completed by February 29, 2020. Please contact Mandy Castle with any questions on how to donate (
[email protected]
).
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The Lake Forest High School Hockey Association would like to notify community members that registration for 2020 Spring Hockey is now underway. Spring Hockey is open to current 8th grade boys through high school players. The 2020 Spring Program will consist of eight skill sessions and an interclub league all at Hot Shot Ice Arena in Lake Bluff from April 6th to May 27th. More information and online registration can be found at
scouthockey.com
.
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Click on the image to see the Raffle's Rules and Regulations
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Thank you to everyone who has donated wine or a cash donation to help us
Stock the Wine Cellar for the St. Mary's Gala! We've started an eclectic collection of wonderful wines, but we still have some work to do! Please consider contributing in the following ways:
Visit
Courtyard Wines any time at
590 North Western Ave in Lake Forest
and let them know you are purchasing wine to be donated to the wine cellar. They are offering a 15% discount on any bottles you purchase.
You can also order wine from
Wine Brokers - call them
directly (
847-830-0501
) to select a bottle and use your credit card. Wine Brokers will hold the wine and provide it to the committee to add to the collection.
Give your cash donation to volunteers after Mass on
Sunday, February 9! The cash will be used to purchase wine on your behalf.
Look for volunteers in the school drop off lines at the
PGC and the UGC on February 7 and 14! Volunteers will be collecting wine donations and cash / checks.
Every contribution is meaningful and we thank you for your generosity!
Your 2020 Gala Planning Committee
#lovestmarys
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School of St. Mary Parents' Association
Father - Child Night of Service at Feed My Starving Children
Who
: School of St Mary Fathers & Children. Recommended for 2nd graders and up. See minimum age and required adult/child ratios below. Space is limited.
What:
Join your fellow Dads for a night of community building and service! Help turn hunger into hope by packing nutritious meals.
You'll hand-pack rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals for shipment to the neediest children
around the world.
When:
Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Feed My Starving Children -
742 East Park Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
How
: Registration is 100% on-line and easy. Simply use the following link to find our session & register:
Space is limited!
The minimum age for volunteering is 5 years old. For safety reasons, children under the age of 5 are not allowed to participate in packing sessions.
For Dads bringing multiple children, FMSC requires the following adult to child ratios:
- Grades K-2: 1 student to 1 adult
- Grades 3-6: 3 students to 1 adult
- Grades 7-9: 4 students to 1 adult
- Grades 10-12: 5 students to 1 adult
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Alumni Committee
We are looking for parents to be a part of our Alumni Committee! Help us grow our Alumni database, you don't have to be an alum to be a part of this committee, just a willing parent! Sounds like you? Please contact John & Rose Hancir at:
[email protected] or [email protected]
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The Parent Association is looking for parents who volunteers for some end of the year volunteer activities!
We are always looking for parents who want to be a part of the Parents' Association who have ideas on how to bring the community together both socially as well as to raise funds for our Annual Fund
Interested!?! Please contact John or Rose Hancir at:
[email protected] or [email protected]
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Click on the image to register online.
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Shadow Days for Carmel Catholic, Loyola Academy, Regina Dominican & Woodlands Academy
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- Friday, February 7th
- Used Uniform & Crusader Wear Closet Sale, 3:45-4:30PM
- Pinewood Derby Set Up: PGC Gym, Cafeteria, 6:00-8:00PM
- Father-Daughter Dance, 7:00-8:30PM
- Saturday, February 8th
- Pinewood Derby: PGC Gym, Cafeteria, 7:30AM-Noon
- 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat, UGC, 12:30-6:00PM
- Sunday, February 9th
- UGC Choir sings at 10AM Mass
- Wednesday, February 12th
- PGC Mass 9:10AM
- Executive Functioning Presentation, UGC 7:00-8:30PM
- Basketball at SFX
- 4:30 - 6th boys
- 5:30 - 7th boys
- 6:30 - 8th boys
- Basketball vs SFX
- 4:30 - 6th Girls
- 5:30 - 8th Girls
- Thursday February 13th
- Carmel Catholic High School: Spiritus Speaker Series, 6:30-8:30PM
- Friday, February 14th
- Valentines Day Classroom Parties at PGC, and for 4th and 5th Grades at the UGC
- Monday, February 17th
- No School- Presidents Day
- Wednesday, February 19th
- PGC Mass 9:10AM
- Early Dismissal Day: PGC - 2:00pm; UGC - 2:21pm
- Basketball vs OHLP
- 4:30 6th Girls
- 5:30 8th Girls
- Basketball at OLPH
- 4:30 - 6th boys
- 5:30 - 7th Boys
- 6:30 - 8th Boys
- Thursday, February 20th
- 5th Grade Field Trip - Field Museum 9:00-3:20PM
- Cub Scout Pack Mtgs: MPR, UGC Cafeteria 6:30-7:30PM
- Friday, February 21st
- Sunday, February, 23rd
- 3rd graders attend 10AM Mass
- 2nd Grade 1st Communion Parent Meeting, 1:15-2:15PM
- Monday, February, 24th
- 2nd Grade 1st Communion Parent Meeting, 7:00-8:00PM
- Basketball
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AmazonSmile
is a website operated by
Amazon
with the same products, prices, and shopping features as
Amazon
.com. The difference is that when you shop on
AmazonSmile
, the
AmazonSmile
Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the School of St. Mary.
To use amazon smile go to smile.amazon.com and then select School of St. Mary Lake Forest, IL as your organization of choice.
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