Weekly eNews

November 7, 2021

Weekly eNews

Dear St. Giles Families,

This week marks the end of the first Trimester--we made it! Even though we gain an hour this weekend, time is flying by. Please be sure to check PowerSchool to monitor your Lion’s work and contact the teachers with any questions. Report cards will be sent home on Friday, November 19th. As a reminder, there is no school this Friday, November 12th due to Staff Development.

The state of Illinois has updated the requirements for lockdown drills and no longer require unannounced drills or moving to a specific area of the classroom during the drill. New regulations read: In compliance with the School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128), each school shall conduct at least one Law Enforcement Drill (or “Lockdown Drill”) per school year. Drills cannot include simulations that mimic an actual school shooting incident or active shooter event. Drills must be announced in advance to all school personnel and students prior to the commencement of the drill. Teachers will discuss the steps of the lockdown drill with students using content that is age appropriate and developmentally appropriate.

On Tuesday, November 17th, our School Resource Officer from the Oak Park Police Department will be coming to school to supervise our required lockdown drill. Per guidance from the state of Illinois, we will not be asking students to hide in classrooms during the drill. Teachers will talk to students regarding safe practices during a lockdown situation, and we will practice response time with locking doors, etc. These are important drills for us to practice and we pray that we never have to use them. If you would not like your child to participate on November 17th, you may keep them home from school that day. Please notify the office of their late arrival or absence that day.

Have a wonderful week!

Stay safe,

Meg

St. Giles Bookfair

Scroll down to check out the annual St. Giles Bookfair! The fair runs through Friday, November 12th.

CCW Coat Drive

Forgot to drop off your extra coats and winter gear? We'll take them today at each of the drop off locations and tomorrow in the school office. Just send them with your Lions!

Staffing Update

Mr. Kelley, our Music teacher, resigned last week. We are actively interviewing candidates to fill the position as soon as possible. In the meantime, we do have a substitute teacher in the classroom and will keep you updated on the process.

COVID Vaccine Clinic

The Oak Park Department of Health will be offering a vaccine clinic for private school students on Saturday, November 13th. Sign up information is expected to be available Monday or Tuesday and will be shared as soon as we receive it.

2:1 Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship

Matching Donation Program Begins Dec. 1, 2021

The Archdiocese of Chicago has once again secured matching donors for the Empower Illinois Scholarship Program. St. Giles will receive an additional $2 for every dollar that you contribute between Dec. 1, 2021 and Jan. 10, 2022 (when funds typically run out). Here's how the program works:

1. REGISTER with the State of Illinois at mytax.illinois.gov, unless you already have an online account. It usually takes 10-14 days to receive a letter with the ID number required to set up an account, so click on the "Sign up Now!" button in the Login box to start the process as soon as possible.

2. RESERVE your tax credit for the current calendar year (2021 if you donate in Dec and 2022 if you donate in Jan.). Once your account is set up, log into your online account at mytax.illinois.gov (Empowerillinois.org will eventually take you to the same page.). Click on the link to your individual account under the "Accounts" tab. Then, under "I Want to" in the top right corner of the page, select "Contribute to Invest in Kids". Navigate through the form, selecting Cook County, Empower Illinois as the scholarship granting organization, and the amount you will be donating (to all schools). You will have the opportunity to select St. Giles when you make your donation. You will then receive your Contribution Authorization Certificate under your mytax.illinois.gov account correspondence tab almost immediately.

3. DONATE: Make your donation between Dec. 1, 2021 and Jan. 10, 2022 (So that we can get our 2:1 matching funds).

You will receive 75% of your donation that can be used as a tax credit on your Illinois tax bill. Last year, we were able to secure $50,000 in matching funds due to our generous donors which helped 17 children in need! Our goal this year is to secure the full $100,000 in matching funds available to each school. Here is a step by step guide to make your donation

Contact Michele Bibbey Business Manager at St. Giles School or Carolyn Burke, parent advocate with any additional questions.

Congratulations to our 8th grade team on their participation in the DePaul Prep Academic Bowl! Ms. Burns and Mrs. Palluzzi worked with our team before and after school to prepare for their competition. We are so proud of you!

Building Bridges

Please Join Us!

This summer we partnered with The North Avenue District, By Discovery and Code Ninjas in creating an art installation in the windows of Code Ninjas. The hard work and creativity of our 3rd-8th grade Lion volunteers has resulted in not just a wonderful collaboration but a beautiful work of art! Save the date for the upcoming dedication on Saturday, November 13th!

Middle School "Coaches" Wanted

St. Giles School's first preschool soccer league begins on Nov. 13 and we're looking for middle school students who'd like to serve as "coaches" and mentors during league play each Saturday. Parents should have received a special eNews with information and how to sign-up. The league takes place Saturday mornings from 8-9:30 a.m. and runs until December 18. There are still spots available, so if you have a student looking for service hours or experience working with small children, this is the opportunity for them! Questions? Email Sarah Yaffe: sarahpyaffe@gmail.com.

Spirit Wear Shop Restocked!

Just in time for dropping temps, the St. Giles School Spirit Wear Store has cold weather favorites and fan gear back in stock. Come check out brand-new "Lions pride" crew socks and the return of our ever-popular, cozy flannel pants! Plus, our store is stocked with SGS winter pom pom hats and other items -- and we expect to get new gear in stock in the weeks ahead. Visit and order anytime via the St. Giles School Athletic site. Go Lions!