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Catholic Schools Week

 
What is Catholic Schools Week?
Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has been the annual celebration of Catholic Education in the United States. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2024 is “United in Faith and Community.” Catholic Schools Week 2024 is January 28  - February 3. Find a run-down of events and activities by day below. 
 

Theme:

 

All Week

Door Decorating Contest  - Online Voting

Homeroom classes at both the UGC and the PGC will be decorating the doors to a theme: Courageously United in Faith and Community.
 
The overall best door at each campus will win either a donut party or a pizza party for their classroom (as well as bragging rights!). 

CLICK HERE TO VOTE - coming soon! 

Service Project: Warm Feet Drive

A Sock & Shoe Drive for Refugees in Chicagoland

We will collect new socks in child and adult sizes to assist our community partners in preparing incoming refugees for our colder climate. We will also collect donations of new or like new shoes and boots in adult and child sizes (no toddler or baby shoes).

We will be donating the items collected to Roberti Community House in Waukegan, Blessed Trinity Food Pantry, and Catholic Charities Lake County. These organizations are working directly with refugee families and need supplies to prepare them for our cold weather.
Collection boxes will located in the lobby at both the UGC and PGC. Thank you for your generosity!

 

Student Council Spirit Week

Show off your school spirit with different themed days all week. Note that attire should be appropriate for a Catholic School and adhere to our casual day policy.  

  • Monday - Jersey Day
    Wear a jersey of your favorite team - local, Crusader, or professional! 4th-grade only must wear a Jersey with uniform and remove them before the Rosary in the Church.
  • Tuesday - Classroom Wars
    Homerooms will choose a theme and dress accordingly. Who did it best? 
  • Wednesday - Sweatshirt Day
    Wear your favorite high school or college sweatshirt WITH YOUR UNIFORM. Sweatshirts will be removed for Mass.
  • Thursday - Color Wars
    Wear the color assigned to your grade! 
    • 8th and 3rd -- black
    • 7th and 2nd -- white
    • 6th and 1st -- yellow
    • 5th and K -- green
    • 4th and Pre-K -- red
  • Friday - CrusaderWear Day
    Show your school spirit with CrusaderWear
     

Sunday, January 28th - United with our Faith Community


10:00 a.m. School of St. Mary Mass - Church of St. Mary

Join us for a student-led Mass! We will have students reading, singing, serving, and presenting the gifts. Come support the school and meet the parishioners who support us!

11:00 a.m.  Guild of St. Mary Donut Sunday

Enjoy fellowship with other families and parishioners in the cafeteria at the Upper Grade Center. Director of Admissions Mandy Castle will be on-site to answer any questions you may have about SOSM or re-enrollment.

Monday, January 29th 

1st Grade Showcase
United in Exploration

 
This morning, we unite to explore new territories as we learn more about the early elementary terrain. Join us for a morning of activities and experiences for families in first grade. 
 

Parent Coffee - iReady: What you need to know
9:00 a.m. - IMC

Parents are invited to join our principal, Kathy Thompson, and Director of Student Services, Janice DiVincenzo, for coffee and conversation about iReady. They will discuss the purpose of this diagnostic assessment and adaptive learning tool. Specifically, they will explain why we use it, the importance of the data, how to read the parent reports, as well as ways to support and encourage students to maximize its benefits. There will be time at the end for questions.

RSVPs are requested at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89, walk-ins will be welcomed. While this event is focused on 1st grade, any parent interested in attending is welcome.

Exploration of Planet First Grade
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. or  12:10 - 1:00 p.m.

This morning, we unite to explore new territories as we learn more about planet first grade. Parents will need to choose an arrival time for their expedition; please only choose one.

  • Arrival 9:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. 
  • After the classroom presentations, parents will go with their students to a mini-art class with Mrs. Halloran. 
  • Parents must sign up for one of the two sessions:
    - Ms. Mitchell's Class: https://signup.com/go/KvDAofT
    - Ms. Agostinelli's Class: https://signup.com/go/XBmjwGo

4th Grade Living Rosary
United in Prayer

The afternoon activities will focus on our 4th Grade as they explore their prayer life and pray a living rosary together, showing off their handmade rosaries. 

Parent Coffee - Executive Functioning
12:25 p.m. - MPR

Parents are invited to a Parent Coffee with Anna Williams, M.S. OTR/L, Director of Occupational Therapy Services at Mobile Therapy Centers of America, for a conversation on Executive Functioning. Anna will clarify what executive functioning is, common issues related to executive functioning and how to build these skills in your children.

RSVPs are requested at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89, walk-ins will be welcomed.

United in Prayer - 4th Grade Living Rosary
1:15 p.m. Church of St. Mary

Following the Parent Coffee 4th Grade, parents will return to their student's classrooms. Parents and students will walk over to the Church of St. Mary together. In the church, students and parents will be arranged and led in praying the Rosary by Mrs. Pacheco. Please RSVP here.

UGC Spelling Bee
2:30 p.m. Gym

The top spellers from each grade will battle it out to be the top Speller of SOSM. Held in the UGC Gym. Parents and guests are welcome! Please sign in at the reception desk on arrival. 

Tuesday, January 30th

 Jr. K & Kindergarten Showcase 
United in Growth

This morning, we are focusing on our kindergarten crew and how much they have grown since fall. Parents are invited to join us for a morning of activities and experiences that show their student's growth and potential.

 

Jr. Kindergarten/Kindergarten Parent Coffee
9:00 a.m. PGC - IMC

Parents are invited to join our principal, Kathy Thompson, and one of our kindergarten teachers, Marcy Haubner, to discuss how our teachers help the students build a sound literacy skill foundation at the School of St. Mary. They will touch on phonics, guided group work, reading textbooks, writing, as well as comprehension. Part of the discussion will revolve around what you can do at home to enhance literacy.
Please RSVP here so we have an estimated attendance.

Jr. Kindergarten Showcase
9:30 a.m. Jr. Kindergarten Classrooms

  • 9:30 a.m. After the Parent Coffee Jr. Kindergarten, parents will separate into their classes for an in-class experience. 
    • Mrs. Kalinowski's class will meet in the Music room for a Mini-Music Class before moving to her classroom to experience their Art Gallery. 
    • Mrs. Ubl's class will explore the classroom and then head to the art room for a Mini-Art Class with Mrs. Halloran.
  • Please RSVP here

Kindergarten Showcase
9:30 a.m. IMC

  • 9:30 a.m. After the Parent Coffee, Kindergarten parents from both classes will meet their students in the gym hallway for an art activity with Mrs. Halloran.
  • 9:45 a.m. After class, parents will return to the IMC  and get a seat for the Kindergarten performance. 
  • 10:00 a.m. Kindergarten Nursery Rhymes
  • 10:30 a.m. After the performance, parents will leave the IMC and sign out at the front desk. 
  • Please RSVP here.

5th Grade Showcase
United in Growth

This afternoon, we are focusing on our growing 5th-grade class as they stretch their wings to begin the move up to Middle School. Parents can expect a day of exploration into the world of 5th grade. 

Parent Coffee - Preparing for Middle School
12:25 p.m. MPR

Join our Social Worker, Catherine Homan, and Middle School Teacher, Margaret Hogan, for tips on preparing your children for Middle School. With years of experience working with middle school students, Mrs. Homan and Mrs. Hogan will provide practical suggestions and insight on what to expect as your children move up to Middle School, both academically and socially. There will be a brief time for Q&A.

RSVPs are requested at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89, walk-ins will be welcomed.

5th Grade Showcase
1:04 - 2:21 p.m.

After the parent coffee, parents will meet their students and explore the 5th grade terrain. While with their students, parents will see if they are actually smarter than a 5th-grader, as well as experience a music class with Mr. Manges.
Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/k79jhvnhAzpz1PNY8

UGC Geography Bee  
2:30 p.m. Gym

The top students from each Social Studies class will compete against each other for the top spot. Held in the UGC Gym.

Wednesday, January 31st

Preschool Showcase 
United in Play


This morning, we will be exploring the colorful and exciting terrain of preschool. Parents can expect a morning of fun, learning, and a lot of play! 


Preschool Parent Coffee: The Importance of Play
9:00 a.m. Early Childhood Great Room

Parents are invited to join us for coffee and conversation with Dr. Jacintha McLaughlin. Dr. McLaughlin is a Clinical Psychologist and SOSM parent who will be speaking on the Importance of Play in child development.

RSVPs are requested at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89, walk-ins will be welcomed.

Little Angels Showcase
9:30 a.m. Classroom

Immediately following the Parent Coffee, parents are invited into the Little Angels Classroom for a storytime experience with our librarian, Mrs. Adamaski. Following storytime, parents will explore the Little Angels' classroom with their children and do a project to take home.

Tuesday/Thursday students are invited to join us on Wednesday for the event. RSVP's are requested: https://forms.gle/3z14Q9mx3zwSbFBp7

PreK-3 Showcase 
9:30 a.m. Classrooms

Immediately following the Parent Coffee, parents are invited into the PreK-3 Classrooms for fun and activities. Each class will participate in a Mini-Spanish class with Sra. Gonzalez. The morning will finish around 11 a.m. 

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/3z14Q9mx3zwSbFBp7.

All School Mass
10:00 a.m. Church of St. Mary

Students in first through 8th grade will celebrate Mass together.

6th Grade Showcase
A United Community

The terrain of middle school can be bumpy. Today is all about learning to traverse that terrain. Parents are invited to spend the day in their 6th grader's boots and see what life is really like in middle school. 

6th Grade Parent Coffee - Online Safety for Middle School Students
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Parents are invited to join Security Expert Michael Verden for coffee and conversation on Online Safety for Middle School Students. This presentation hopes to provide participants with helpful information and prevention tools for parents and share resources and information for children on what to do if something happens. We are humans, and we are all doing our best to create a safe space for children so that they can feel supported.

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/nFoQbVc87jaBSP9u9

6th Grade Showcase
1:04 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

After the parent coffee, parents will meet their students in their 8th & 9th period classes to fully embrace the 6th-grade experience. All parents will go to one special ( either PE or Art) and a Math Class. After 9th period, parents can choose to join us in the gym for the Religion Bee or be dismissed back into the adult world.

Please RSVP here, so we have enough chairs.  

UGC Religion Bee
2:30 p.m. Gym

The top students from each class will compete against each other for the top spot! Held in the UGC Gym.

 

Thursday, February 1st

2nd Grade Showcase
United in Service

This morning, we focus on our second-grade students as they prepare to Unite in Service. Parents can expect a meaningful morning with their students.

 

2nd Grade Parent Coffee 
9:00 - 9:30 a.m., PGC - IMC

Parents are invited to join second grade teacher Carol Teitz in her classroom and learn why we establish the homework routines in second grade. Mrs. Teitz will discuss the famous Bring Everything Everyday (B.E.E). Binder, executive functioning skills for second grade, and how parents can partner with SOSM to build school skills for life with their children.

Please RSVP at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89, and of course, walk-ins will be welcomed. While this event is focused on second grade, all parents are welcome.

2nd Grade Showcase
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Following the Parent Coffee, parents will join their students in the classrooms for mini music classes and small group activities related to their Letters to God project.

At 10:30 a.m. both classes will move to the IMC and work in parent/child groups on a service project. We will be making blessing bags containing personal care products for distribution through Catholic Charities. Each bag will contain essential toiletries as well as notes of encouragement from the students.
 

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/AU9NqwZebqv7ZJkg9 so we have an estimated attendance.

UGC Career Day
1:50 Throughout the UGC

Community members from various backgrounds will be visiting with students to talk about their careers. Three sessions will be held starting at 1:50 p.m. 

Friday, February 2nd

3rd Grade Showcase 
United Through Time

 

Today, we become time travelers exploring the lands of worlds of those who have come before us with our third-grade travelers. Parents will need to choose a morning or afternoon session from the RSVPS sent by their teachers. 

3rd Grade Parent Coffee
9:00 a.m. PGC - IMC

Curious and/or nervous about growing into the Upper Grade Center? Please join Director of Admissions Mandy Castle for a sneak peek of how the first few weeks at the Upper Grade Center look upon return in August. We will discuss transitions, procedures, and daily life at the UGC. We will have time for questions.

Please RSVP at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89, and of course, walk-ins will be welcomed. While this event is focused on third grade, all parents are welcome.

3rd Grade Showcase
10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.

Parents are invited to join their students and travel through time with the 3rd-grade class. Students will be presenting their biographies to parents and classmates. There will be two-time slots, and space is limited. Teachers will email RSVPs for time spots. Options are:
- 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

We close out Catholic Schools Week with the well-loved tradition of the 3rd-grade class taking on the faculty in a volleyball game! See who comes out on top!

Friday is dedicated to exploring the vast terrain of middle school! The morning will focus on a better understanding of the 7th-grade species and what a day in their habitat is like. The afternoon will focus on the 8th grade, a migratory group getting ready to head out to the next territory.

7th Grade Parent Coffee - TBA
8:45 - 9:15 a.m. UGC - MPR

Parents of 7th graders, please join us for a unique presentation on how SOSM students leave St. Mary's with a strong grounding in grammar. Mrs. Fox, a veteran teacher and one of the secrets of our success over the years, will talk for a few minutes about how and why we teach grammar to our middle school students. Don't miss this Catholic Schools Week opportunity!
 

Please RSVP at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89

7th Grade Showcase
9:21 - 10:30 a.m.

Following the Parent Coffee, parents will meet their students for 2nd and 3rd-period classes (33 min. each). All parents will experience an English Language Arts class followed by either Religion or Art. You will be accompanied on your journey by veteran middle school guides: Mrs. Hogan, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Tazioli, and Mrs. Antrim.

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/YCkTjn6tPGYEaXw5A. Walk-ins are welcome, but an RSVP ensures we have enough chairs in the classrooms.

8th Grade Parent Coffee: Faith Life after SOSM
12:28 - 1:01 p.m.

What will your child's faith look like when they leave the School of St. Mary? Parents are invited to join  Youth Minister Chase Hawkins for coffee and conversation on faith life after SOSM. Chase will discuss encouraging faith in your children, how the Church of St. Mary supports you and your children, and all about COR - what it is, how to get involved, etc. There will be time for questions.

Please RSVP at https://forms.gle/1qAWVbdhj9GQDkD89, and of course, walk-ins will be welcomed.


8th Grade Showcase
1:04 - 2:15 p.m.

Following the Parent Coffee, parents will meet their students for 8th and 9th-period classes (33 min. each). All parents will experience a Reading class along with either English Language Arts or PE. You will be accompanied on your journey by veteran middle school guides: Mrs. Fox, Mr. Knotek, Mrs. Tazioli, and Mrs. Hogan.

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/JvJ2PjxsjMSDkDRw9. Walk-ins are welcome, but an RSVP ensures we have enough chairs in the classrooms.

We close out Catholic Schools Week with the well-loved tradition of the 8th-grade class taking on the faculty in a volleyball game! See who comes out on top!


Catholic Schools Week 2024

January 28 - February 3


Every mission is possible with faith, excellence, and service!

PGC Schedule:

Monday: 1st Grade

United in Exploration

Tuesday: Jr. Kindergarten & Kindergarten

United in Exploration

Wednesday: Little Angels & Prek-3

A United Community

Thursday: 2nd Grade

United in Service

Friday: 3rd Grade

United through Time

UGC Schedule:

Monday: 4th Grade & Spelling Bee

United in Prayer

Tuesday: 5th Grade & Geography Bee

United in Growth

Wednesday: 6th Grade & Religion Bee

A United Community

Thursday: Career Day

United in Service

Friday: 7th & 8th Grade & Volleyball Game

United through Time