Back to School 2019

Welcome Back Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year! It is with much excitement that I write this year’s “Welcome Back” wish to all of our students, parents, guardians, staff and community members. While some of you might be sad that summer vacation is over, there is always a certain air of excitement about the start of a new school year that is hard not to get caught up in. And although I have certainly enjoyed the somewhat quieter and more serene pace of summer as a chance to get to know St. Luke School, I truly can’t wait to begin the new school year as part of the St. Luke community. The best thing about working in education is that each year presents itself with the opportunity to start again with a renewed sense of purpose as the new school year brings with it the promise of good things to come. So as I turn the calendar to August I once again feel a sense of excitement and eagerness of all of the wonderful things that lie ahead for the St. Luke community. I am hopeful that as you read through all of the back to school information you all feel that same sense of excitement and anticipation as we await the beginning of what I know will be another great year at St. Luke School! Angels Among Us  We embrace this new theme from the Office of Catholic Schools. We truly do rely on the love and strength given to us by many angels in our lives. We come together to be those angels for those around us and to work together to make our community a place where God’s love lives and grows each day. There are many wonderful things on the horizon as we begin the 2019-2020 school year! If you have any questions regarding this information please do not hesitate to give the office a call. Enjoy the last days of summer vacation. The entire St. Luke staff and I are looking forward to seeing all of you on the 19th! Principal Julie Martin

Staff Updates This year we are pleased to welcome new staff members to St. Luke School: We are happy to welcome Ms. Stephanie Santucci as our new 5th grade teacher. Ms. Santucci will be working with Mrs. Rose Mantucca and is excited to join the 5th grade team. Stephanie is a recent graduate of Illinois State University and had a wonderful experience student teaching 5th grade students in the Skokie School District. Mr. Mark Chamberlain joins our wonderful middle school team and will be teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade math. Mark has served as a middle school math teacher both in the Chicago Archdiocese and in public school. He is currently enrolled in the Masters Program at Governor’s State University, with a specialization in Mathematics Education. He is very excited to meet our middle school students. Ms. Cynthia Rutledge is our new music teacher. Ms. Rutledge comes to us with over 6 years of teaching experience in the elementary and middle school music classroom. She is very excited to begin working with our students in class and in the other wonderful music related activities throughout the year. We welcome back a familiar face to St. Luke School. Ms. Lia Slepicka will join us once again as our PE teacher. Lia did an amazing job filling in during the last couple months of the 2018-2019 school year and is thrilled to be back in this position for the upcoming school year and excited to work with the wonderful students at St. Luke. We are also pleased to welcome Mr. Julio Montano Montenegro as our new Spanish teacher. Senor Montano comes to us with a number of years serving as a Spanish teacher. He is looking forward to teaching his native language to our students. We have a few internal moves to share as well: There will be a change in the grade levels that receive Spanish instruction. Moving forward, Spanish classes will be offered for grades 5-8 only and we feel it is the best use of instructional time for our students. With this focus on language instruction in our upper grades, students will be better prepared for future Spanish instruction in high school. We are happy to share that the students in grades 1-4 will be offered more computer class minutes in place of Spanish instruction for the upcoming year. As was stated in the above welcomes, Mrs. Rose Mantucca will be making a move from 1st grade to be part of our 5th grade team. Mrs. Danielle Coduti makes the move from 5th grade to join our middle school team. Mrs. Coduti will be teaching Reading/Language Arts and will be an 8th grade homeroom teacher. Mrs. Diane Ryan will be making the move back to 1st grade. Mrs. Ryan is excited to be working with first grade once again.

Classroom Lists Classroom lists and teacher assignments will be emailed to families later this week.

Back to School Photo Bash Please join us for the annual Back to School Photo Bash on Monday, August 19 before school. There will be photo props for the kids and coffee for the parents. Our new Principal, Julie Martin will be on hand to welcome everyone on the first day.

Uniform Reminders Warm weather will be with us for the first few weeks of school and the summer uniform policy is in effect. Here are just a few reminders about summer uniforms: Navy blue or khaki shorts may be worn. All shorts must be knee length and have no outside cargo pockets. Uniform shirts must be worn with the shorts. Gym shoes are permitted with the summer uniform. If a student chooses to wear the regular uniform (pants, skirts, jumpers) then dress shoes must be worn. Socks should be solid navy, black, or white. Athletic socks and no show socks are acceptable but they must match in color. Another uniform reminder: students are not allowed to wear smart watches to school.

Parent/Student Handbook The Parent/Student Handbook has been updated for the 2019 - 2020 school year. We ask that all families review the Handbook and submit the completed Acknowledgement Form to the school office no later than Friday, September 6.

Last Call for Soccer and Cross Country Registration (Grades 4-8) The deadline for soccer and cross country registration is today. All late registrations will be charged a $20 late fee uniforms are not guaranteed for the start of the season. Click here to register.

Cyberbullying Parent Workshop August 19 St. Giles School is hosting a parent workshop on Monday, August 19 at 6:30 pm. The workshop, 'Protecting Children in a Hyper Digital Age', is open to the public. Click here for more information.

Ice Cream Social Thursday, August 22 The annual back to school ice cream social and chalk party will be held on Thursday, August 22 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on the school parking lot. Please join us for sweet treats, music, and lots of fun!

Back to School Message from the Cardinal Cupich The Archbishop of Chicago shares his best wishes for the new school year. Click here to read his message.

Looking Ahead August 19 First Day of School: Grades 1 - 8 (8:00 am - 1:30 pm dismissal; no EDS) Drop in Day: Preschool and Kindergarten (9:00 - 10:00 am) Back to School Photo Bash August 20 Begin Regular Schedule for All Grades August 22 Ice Cream Social August 29 Curriculum Night

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