Smart Tuition Aid Applications EXTENDED to June 1, 2013

Smart Tuition payment plan Enrollment May 15, 2013

Online Processing will open on May 15^th (?) to be completed by May 31^st
(This is in lieu of Summer Process Days)

Medical and Emergency Notification Information forms printed on white paper, signed & returned to homeroom teacher by May 31^st or mailed to the school office by June 5, 2013 (part of online processing) 

Other necessary Medical information Aug 1, 2013
(See Student Health Forms under the FORMS tab of the SJC website)

Athletic Physicals Aug. 1, 2013

CANTS forms returned to the school office for all volunteers for 2013-14 Aug. 1, 2013
(See CANTS under the FORMS tab of the SJC website)

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

June 6^th – Office Closed

June 7^th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

June 10^th – June 27^th (Monday thru Thursday) 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

July 1^st thru July 25^th – Office Closed

July 29^th – August 8^th (Monday thru Thursday) 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

August 12^th – Resume regular school office hours 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

August 19^th – Office Closed

Flyer

St. John of the

Cross Parish

School 2012 – 2013

Rooted in Faith

Growing in

Knowledge

MAY NEWSLETTER

PRINCIPAL’S NOTES

Recently, Mr. Tom Clausing sent each family a letter announcing that he accepted a Principal position at St. Patricia’s in Hickory Hills. Mr. Clausing stated, “This is the most difficult professional decision I have had to make in my career, and I ask for your prayers.” He thanked the parents and the children for their support over the years. Mr. Clausing will be missed. We wish him well in his new position.

With the beginning of May, our school children may wear their summer uniform. Please see handbook for uniform code.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

State of the School
Thank you to our parents who attended the Principal’s State of the School on Thursday, April 24th. We reviewed the year, discussed the financial situation, and projected programs and changes for the upcoming year. The questions following the presentation indicated parents’ areas of concern. The PowerPoint presented can be found by clicking State of the School on the front page of the website and it will open.

Catholic Identity
Thank you to Mr. John Grossman, who met with our 8th grade and discussed a holistic view of how healthy Christian love progresses. Mr. Jim Clauer wrapped up the day with an 8th grade retreat. He challenged students to nourish the gifts received through Confirmation and continue service to others beyond 8th grade. Both speakers gave thought-provoking presentations.

Our 1st graders worked with Mr. Clauer and organized their first liturgy. With the theme of Mary in preparation for the month of May, the children learned that Mary is the Mother of the Catholic Church. They then invited their moms to sit with them during the liturgy, thereby celebrating their heavenly Mother and their earthly mother.

As our 2nd grade prepares for 1st Communion, their parents met and helped with the preparation retreat.

Safety Presentation
As she does effectively each year, Mrs. DD Kysiak organized the Safety Presentations for our students in grades 1-8. Topics varied among the different grade levels but included Stranger Danger, bicycle and railroad safety, curfew, use of safety belts, and internet safety. The Western Springs Police Department brought their expertise to a few of the sessions.

Book Fair
Thank you to our wonderful parents for organizing and running the Book Fair for the children last week. The parents did a great job. The children were happy with their new books.

MAY HIGHLIGHTS

Liturgical Celebrations
Please join us in wishing our 2nd grade God’s blessings as they prepare to receive our Lord Jesus at one of the First Communion masses. The families chose one of four times on May 4th and 11th. The children have been well prepared for the sacrament by their homeroom teachers. They understand the importance of the transformation of the bread and wine into Jesus’ body and blood. It is refreshing to be with the children on this day as they joyfully open their hearts to the Lord.

Following the children’s First Communion, the 2nd grade becomes Honor Guards for our 8th grade class at the May Crowning. This beautiful celebration in honor of our Blessed Mother takes place on 5/13/13 at 11 AM in the church. The 8th grade class receives their ribbons at the Ribbon Ceremony, just after the May Crowning. This day truly marks that the end of their elementary school years are close at hand. Our students rise to the occasion and we find them on their best behavior.

Graduation liturgy takes place on Friday, 5/31/13 at 5 PM. Then, we will gather as a school body one last time for the final liturgy of the school year on 6/5/13 at 9:15 AM. At that time, we will bid Miss Wheeler and Mr. Clausing a final adieu.

Spotlight on SJC
We invite our families to our spring “Spotlight on SJC” evening. Staff will be present to meet and greet families. It is an opportunity for parents to come into the school, visit all the classrooms, and see samples of the work that your child/ren have completed throughout the year on Wednesday, May22nd, from 7-8 PM. We will see you all there!

Puberty Presentation
Mrs. Petersen, our school nurse, will present her Girls Puberty Presentation to the 5th grade girls and their moms/or significant adult on 5/21/13 in the Parish Center at 7PM. This evening serves as a make-up session for the cancelled event on 4/17/13. The 5th grade boys attended a Hygiene/Puberty Program during religion class on Thursday, May 2nd. It was arranged by Mrs. Petersen and presented by Mr. Dolar. Thank you Mrs. Petersen!

Play
Students in grades 5-8 perform in the play Alice in Wonderland, scheduled May 10th at 7 PM, May 11th at 7 PM, and May 12th at 2 PM. Students are very excited about presenting their talents in this year’s production. We welcome Miss Andera Gail as the director of the performance.

Terra Nova
Parents will receive their child/ren’s Terra Nova test results later this month.

Other Activities
Many field trips, activities, and events are scheduled in the month of May. We encourage our families to refer to our school calendar for pertinent information pertaining to those activities or events significant to your child/ren. Besides the field trips, such events include the band/choir concert, Student Council elections, Memorial Games, 1st Grade Author’s Day, Baton Show, Kindergarten Fun Day and Kindergarten Celebration, Preschool Picnic.

REMINDERS TO PARENTS

Registration for the 2013-2014 school year should have been completed by 3/1/13. To guarantee your child/ren a place in the classroom, a $75.00 registration fee was due for each child. If you have not yet taken care of it, please do so ASAP. If you are not returning, please contact Miss Zita Wheeler in writing immediately.

Smart Tuition
The tuition letter also contained information about Smart Tuition. The families sign up lasts until 5/15/13. Be sure to follow the instructions and sign up for Smart. All families must sign up.

Thank you
We thank Dr. Cloddagh Ryan for handling the sports physicals for the students in grades 4-8. She gave of her time to help defray any costs with a minimal fee that families would incur with a doctor’s visit. The money raised will be utilized to fulfill the nurse’s office needs.

School Advisory Board Elections
Our School Advisory Board elects three new members to serve for a three year term. The Board members advise the Principal on matters such as finance, marketing, and public relations. The elections take place through the parish. The candidates will be listed in the parish bulletin before the election takes place late in May. Please check your parish bulletin for the details.

CALENDAR OF KEY MAY EVENTS

1 12:30-3:30 – Sports Physicals in gym
2 9 AM – 5th grade boys hygiene class
6:15 – 8:30 PM – First Communion practice, church
4 11AM and 2 PM – 2nd grade First Communions
6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week
7 LT Fitness Day
8 11-11:30 AM – Port Sandwich Making, Kindergarten
9 LT Fitness Day
2 PM – Play Rehearsal, School Assembly
6:15 – 8:30 PM – First Communion practice, church
10 7 PM – Play, gym
11 11AM and 2 PM – 2nd grade First Communions
7 PM – Play, gym
12 2 PM – Play, gym
13 11 AM – May Crowning/Ribbon Ceremony, church
7 PM – Athletic Board Meeting
14 Architectural Field Trip, grade 7
Morton Arboretum, grade 1
15 2 PM and 7 PM – Band/Choir Concert, gym
17 Memorial Games
Out of Uniform
20 9-12:30 – Field Trip, grade 3, Rialto Theater
21 9:15 AM – Student Council Elections
Pre 3 and Pre 4 – Field Trip
2:30 PM – Baton Show, gym
7 PM – School Advisory Board Meeting, PC
7 PM – 5th grade girls Puberty Program, PC
22 9-12 noon – Choir Field Trip, Seussical
7 PM – Spotlight on SJC
24 8th grade trips to Great America
1 PM – Author’s Day, MPR
27 MEMORIAL DAY – NO SCHOOL
28 9:15 AM – Awards Ceremony, all school, gym
7 PM – 8th grade Awards Ceremony, gym
30 Report Cards to 8th grade/last day of school
Pre 3 Picnic
31 Kindergarten Fun Day

The above poster hangs throughout the building reminding the children of the 3 ‘R’s – Ready, Respectful, Responsible.

The above poster hangs throughout the building reminding the children of the 3 ‘R’s – Ready, Respectful, Responsible.

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Join us at our end of the year liturgy on June 5, 2013 at 9:15 a.m. when we will present Miss Wheeler with a scrapbook of these special memories.

Miss Wheeler who has been the heart of St. John of the Cross Parish School for forty eight years will be retiring in June. She has shared her faith and love of learning with over 4000 students. To honor Miss Wheeler for her years of commitment and vocation, the school is establishing the “Zita Wheeler Tribute Fund.”

Who will the fund serve?

Miss Wheeler’s primary focus has always been for the care and well being of the students at St. John of the Cross Parish School. Gifts to the Zita Wheeler Tribute Fund will help to continue to enhance the safety and security of our students, no and for generations to come.

Please consider a gift to continue to carry on her love, smiles, and legacy to St. John of the Cross Parish School by making a donation in her name.

Share Your Memories

Please take a moment to share something special for Miss Wheeler.