Volume 1 | Issue 12

Weekly News & Updates

School Calendar

11/17 - 11/23

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Sunday

Adult Basketball Open Gym (Sign up here)

Monday

Spanish Club (K-2; After School)
Littlest Knights Practice (After School)
Basketball Practice (After School)

Tuesday

Choir Practice (In School)
Intermediate Band (In School)
Advance Band (After School)
STEAM Academy (After School)
Basketball Practice (After School)

Wednesday

Choir at School Mass (Arrive at 8am)
Beginner Band Practice (In School)
Intermediate Band (After School)
Guitar Club (After School)
RE Family Night (Evening)

Thursday

Knight Crew Practice (After School)
Parent-Teacher Conferences (After School)
Knight Crew Practice (After School)
Basketball Practice (Evening)

Friday

No School
Parent-Teacher Conferences (8am-Noon)
Knights of Columbus Turkey Shoot (7:30pm)

Saturday

Homework Help

Homework Club is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-4. Pick up in front of school promptly at 4:00. Students are welcome to come if they need help with their homework. Ms. B in Room 113 on Mondays and Mrs. Pohl on Wednesdays in Room 207.

Mr. Owen's Update

Dear St. Pius X Families,

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up! They’ll be held on the evening of November 21st and the morning of November 22nd. I always look forward to these conferences because they allow for valuable one-on-one conversations between parents and teachers. It’s a wonderful time to share insights, address questions, and gain a clear understanding of your child’s progress.

During the conferences, we’ll also review the results of the first iReady assessment, taken earlier in the year. This assessment provides a benchmark of your child’s academic skills and helps us set a strong foundation for growth. Here are two things to keep in mind as you view the initial scores:

1. The “Summer Slide”: Many students experience some learning loss over summer break, which can influence their starting score.

2. New National Norms: This year, iReady scores are calibrated with new grading norms reflecting the national learning disruptions caused by COVID-19. While our school stayed open, most students nationwide faced remote learning, which has led to a recalibration of expected scores. This means that early scores might look a bit different from past years.

With that said, we’re confident in the growth our students will make. Each child will take the iReady test two more times this year, and historically, St. Pius X students have shown impressive progress. I’m excited to see where we’ll be by the end of the year!

Thank you for your partnership and support in your child’s education. I look forward to seeing you at conferences!

Warm regards,

Dennis Owen

This Week in Photos:

Capturing our Pride in Pius

This week we had an amazing assembly for Veterans' Day. Mr. Owen and Mr. Velat gave us a Wonderful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. We were blessed to have three veteran's join us and talk to our students about what Veterans' Day means to them. Deep thank you to Mr. Joe Martinet, Mr. Anthony Tortorello, and Mr. Nick Anos.

We also caught some silly time with the preschool classes this week. Lot's of smiles and learning time caught on camera. Mrs. Kaefer class was studying the letter "H" so there was some learning about Hospitals!

Also a surprise walk through visit to some 5th graders doing calisthenics in the gym as well as a glimpse into the 1st graders 1st Holy Communion Retreat.

This Week's Photos

We’re Halfway There! Keep the Butter Braid Momentum Going!

Butter Braid sales are in full swing, and thanks to your incredible efforts, we’ve raised $5,122 so far! While we’re thrilled with this progress, we’re still a little short of halfway to our goal of $12,000. Let’s make a final push to ensure we reach our target and continue supporting the amazing programs and property improvements at St. Pius X Parish School.

What’s in it for YOU?

The stakes are high, and the competition is heating up! The grade that sells the most Butter Braids will win a catered Chick-fil-A lunch. There’s no better way to add some friendly rivalry to this delicious fundraiser while making a lasting impact on our school.

Key Dates to Remember:

Start Date: 10/21/24
End Date: 12/2/24
Delivery Date: 12/13/24

This means there’s still time to ramp up your sales efforts, share the fundraiser with friends and family, and spread the word to hit that $12,000 goal.

How Can You Help?

Share the link! Direct customers to our online order page and make it easy for them to support your student and our school.
Get social! Share the Butter Braid fundraiser on your social media and encourage others to participate.

Every Butter Braid sold directly supports the programs and property improvements that make St. Pius X a standout community of faith, service, and academic excellence.

Let’s Finish Strong!

We hit $10,000 last year, and this year’s $12,000 goal is absolutely within reach with your participation. Whether you’ve sold 1 Butter Braid or 100, every single order makes a difference.

Thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Together, we can make this year’s fundraiser the best yet!

PS: Don’t forget about that Chick-fil-A lunch for the top-selling grade! Keep the competition alive, and let’s see who rises to the challenge.

St. Pius X Butter Braids Online Order Site

Get Ready to Shine: The Annual St. Pius X Fundraiser Gala is Coming!

Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable evening! The Annual St. Pius X Fundraiser Gala is right around the corner, and this year, we’re pulling out all the stops with a Casino Night Extravaganza!

Our gala has always been a cherished tradition—an opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate our shared mission, and support the incredible students and programs of St. Pius X Parish School. This year, we have set an ambitious but achievable goal: to raise $150,000 to continue enhancing the exceptional educational experiences we provide. We know, with your help, we can reach this milestone and make an incredible impact!

Exciting Auction Items Await You

Our live and silent auction will be a highlight of the evening, featuring an array of amazing items and experiences, including:

Free Braces from Clark Dental
Notre Dame Football Tickets
“Principal for a Day” Experience
"Athletic Director for a Day" Experience

And that’s just the beginning! You’ll have the chance to bid on these and many other treasures while enjoying the thrill of the casino floor.

What to Expect

Our Casino Night theme will make the event even more spectacular. From blackjack to poker, the gambling events will be a key part of the evening, tying into one of our most exclusive auction offerings (to be revealed soon!). It’s a perfect way to take a chance on fun while supporting a great cause.

Tickets Coming Soon

Keep an eye out—tickets will be available soon! This is a night you won’t want to miss, so gather your friends, dress to impress, and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime.

We Need Your Help

Our Auction Committee is still looking for additional auction items and sponsors to make this event even more extraordinary. If you have leads, ideas, or want to contribute, please reach out to us at gala@stpiuslombard.org. Whether it’s a unique item, a service, or a sponsorship, every contribution helps us get closer to our goal.

Together, we can make this year’s Gala the most successful one yet. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your unwavering support of St. Pius X Parish School. Let’s roll the dice and make a difference!

Contact Information

Email: gala@stpiuslombard.org

We can’t wait to see you there! Keep visiting our event website as information will continuously be added

Kickstart the Gala with "Painting with Paul"

Get ready for a creative evening of fun and fundraising! To help cover the essential startup costs for our upcoming Gala, St. Pius X’s very own Mr. Paul Velat is hosting his popular "Painting with Paul" Wine and Dine Painting Event. This intimate gathering is a perfect way to unwind, enjoy great company, and channel your inner artist—all while supporting a great cause. The event is B.Y.O.B., but we’ll provide the finger foods, canvases, and painting supplies to bring your masterpiece to life. With space limited to just 15 participants, spots will go fast—so don’t wait to secure yours! All proceeds will go directly toward ensuring the success of this year’s Gala.

Buy Ticket to Painting with Paul Event

St. Pius X Annual Gala Website

Calling All Parent Volunteers: Lunch Helpers Needed!

We are looking for parent volunteers to join our Lunch Helpers team and make a difference in the school day! Volunteering as a Lunch Helper is a small commitment that has a big impact, supporting our teachers and staff and helping ensure a fun, safe, and organized lunch experience for our students.

Whether you have little ones in Preschool or students in 8th grade, there are opportunities to lend a hand. Lunch Helpers assist with supervising, helping students with meals, and fostering a positive environment for all. It’s also a fantastic way to get involved and see your child and their classmates in action!

If you’re interested, please sign up using the links below:

Thank you for your support in making each lunch period enjoyable for our students. We couldn’t do it without you!

Save on Tuition with Manna Gift Cards!

Need to grab groceries, fill up your gas tank, or treat yourself to a meal out? With Manna, you can earn credits toward your St. Pius X tuition while shopping!

Here’s how it works:

Sign up for a Manna account here.
Place your order by 11:00 a.m. every Monday.
Receive physical gift cards on Thursdays, sent directly home.
Get eGift cards instantly for on-the-go purchases.

Plus, a percentage of the face value of each gift card you buy is credited directly to your SPX tuition. It’s a simple way to save while supporting our school!

Have questions? Contact us at: manna@stpiuslombard.org

Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest

The Knights of Columbus are once again sponsoring their annual "Keep Christ in Christmas" poster contest, inviting all students to participate in celebrating the true meaning of the season! This year, the contest has expanded to award prizes across multiple grade levels: Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, and Grades 7-8.

To enter, students should create a poster that includes the slogan “Keep Christ in Christmas” and visually represents the story of Jesus' birth. Creativity is encouraged, allowing each artist to illustrate this theme in their own unique way.

Mr. V has already provided students with 11x17” paper for their entries. Posters must be submitted by December 6, along with the attached entry form.

We look forward to seeing the beautiful artwork our students create to honor the birth of Christ this Christmas season. Good luck to all our young artists!

Keep Christ in Christmas Entry Form

Service Hours Made Simple with SPX Service Society

Looking for ways to fulfill your service hours? The SPX Service Society has you covered! Acting as a central hub for community outreach, the Service Society offers numerous opportunities for confirmandi, students, and families alike to volunteer and make a positive impact.

Our newest opportunity comes from the SPX Art and Environment Committee, which is looking for extra hands to help decorate for the holidays! This is a great way to spread Christmas cheer while earning service hours in a hands-on, creative setting.

In addition to holiday decorating, the Service Society’s site features various other ways to get involved. Whether you’re interested in volunteering with local charities, assisting at events, or joining seasonal projects, there’s a place for everyone to contribute.

With easy-to-access options, fulfilling your service hour requirements has never been more convenient. Embrace the spirit of giving this season, and join us in making a difference! Visit the Service Society page to view all current opportunities and sign up today.

SPX Service Society Website

SPX Student Council Fundraiser for Hurricane Relief

Send your student with money to buy baked goods at lunch!

Cheer On Our St. Pius X Dance Teams!

Our St. Pius X Dance Teams are gearing up to bring high energy and skill to the court with their exciting performance routines! From our youngest dancers to our Knight Crew, these talented athletes have been working hard, and now it’s time for them to shine. Mark your calendars and come out to support our dancers at these fantastic events!

Littlest Knights Halftime Performance: Catch our adorable Littlest Knights as they perform at halftime during the 6 PM basketball game on December 6 at St. Pius X!
Knight Crew Halftime Performance: Stay for the 7 PM game on December 6 to watch the Knight Crew dazzle the crowd with their halftime show, also at St. Pius X!
Knight Crew at the Windy City Bulls Game: The Knight Crew takes the big stage at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates on December 15! Don’t miss their performance during the Windy City Bulls game at 2 PM—an amazing opportunity to see our dancers in action!

To join us for the Windy City Bulls game and cheer on the Knight Crew, you can purchase tickets using this link: Windy City Bulls Tickets. For any questions about tickets, please reach out to Sarah at spxdance@aol.com.

Thank you for supporting our St. Pius X dancers, and let’s make some noise for the Knights Dance Teams!

Buy Tickets to the Windy City Bulls to See our Knight Crew Dance Team

St. Pius X Knight Athletics Special Spirit Wear Collection – Just in Time for Christmas!

Get ready to show your Knight pride with our exclusive, limited-edition St. Pius X Knight Athletics Spiritwear! This special collection features athletic-inspired gear perfect for players, fans, and families alike. It’s a unique opportunity to grab high-quality items that celebrate our Knight spirit, just in time for the holiday season.

From cozy hoodies to performance tees and accessories, there’s something for every Knight in this collection. Perfect as gifts or for your own collection, these items are available for a limited time, with guaranteed delivery by Christmas. Don’t miss out on the chance to add a little extra Knight pride to your holiday season!

Orders can be placed online. Visit our Spiritwear store today and secure your favorite items before they’re gone. Let’s keep the St. Pius X spirit strong—order now and make this Christmas one to remember!

St. Pius X Knights Athletics Spirit Wear Limited Offerings

Stay Connected with the PSA

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Family Knight Out: Ornament Painting and Pictures with Santa! It was a wonderful evening, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of Brittney Conway and Emily Kinney along with the volunteers who helped during the event.

As we head into Thanksgiving, please consider donating items to Stock the Lounge for our amazing teachers—we’d love to spoil them before the holiday break!

Important Dates:

11/21 & 11/22: Stock the Lounge | Staff Appreciation
12/06: Santa's Secret Shop (volunteer link)
12/10: Teacher & Staff Christmas Luncheon
12/10: Knights out to Dinner: Triano's
12/12: PSA Meeting @ 7pm
12/20: Christmas Classroom Parties
12/20: Junior High Christmas Happenings

Donate to Stock the Lounge!

Lastest PSA Newsletter

Children's Mass

Periodically throughout the year, Religious Education students and St. Pius X School students serve as Lectors, Gift Bearers and Readers of the Prayer of the Faithful (petitions). During these Masses, the homily is tailored for children and families.

Please sign up your children to help in a role of your choice for the appropriate Mass. After you've signed them up and as we get closer to the date of the Mass, you will be emailed with more detailed instructions according to the role you've chosen for your child. In addition to receiving these instructions, we also ask that you arrive 30 minutes before the Mass so that your child has the opportunity to rehearse.

Thanksgiving Food Drive: Giving Back to Our Community

As the season of gratitude approaches, St. Pius X Parish School is once again supporting the St. Vincent de Paul Society with our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. This drive helps feed the hungry in our community, including those in our own parish. We invite each grade to participate by focusing on one essential item:

Grade-Level Donations: