Catholic Schools Week

First-grade teacher Natalie Agostinelli will provide parents with an insightful presentation on the 'sound wall,' a tool SOSM uses to enhance literacy skills which aligns with the Science of Reading. Learn how this engaging approach supports children in connecting sounds to letters, fostering stronger phonemic awareness and reading fluency. Discover practical tips for reinforcing these skills at home and better understand how the Sound Wall transforms the learning experience. 

Parents are invited to a conversation with Principal Kathy Thompson and Assistant Principal Clare Giannelli about the plans for a new structure in 5th grade for the 2025-2026 school year.  

Veteran teacher and Principal Kathy Thompson will highlight methods used in our classrooms daily at the School of St. Mary. She will share ways parents can supplement their child’s literacy experience at home to enhance language development and early literacy skills. This interactive presentation will demonstrate the Heggerty phonological awareness method that we use in our early childhood and elementary classrooms.

Join high school professionals from private and public institutions to gain valuable insights into what makes a successful high school student. Moderator by Director of Admissions, Mandy Castle, this discussion will focus on what the admissions team seeks in incoming students, how families can prepare their students for this important transition, the habits and behaviors of successful students, and common misconceptions. A light lunch will be provided.

Panelists:
- Brian Stith, Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein
- Faith Ekakitie, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest
- Frank Lesniak, Lake Forest High School
- Gretchen Radde & Nancy Gindo, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, Lake Forest
- Nick Bridich, Loyola Academy, Wilmette

 Discover the magic of learning centers! This informative presentation by veteran preschool teacher Mrs. Shelley Cummings offers parents an inside look at how our preschool learning centers foster essential developmental skills. Learn how these engaging, hands-on activities promote fine motor development, encourage conflict resolution, and empower children to make thoughtful choices. We'll explore how centers support creativity, independence, and social-emotional growth, creating a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Join us to see how play and purpose come together in our preschool classrooms!

Join us for an insightful presentation aimed at empowering parents to guide their teens through the challenges of the digital world.
Officer Jakob, Lake Forest Police Department: Discover practical tips to protect your family from online threats, including cyberbullying, grooming, stalking, and scams. Learn how to foster safe online practices while maintaining open communication with your teen.

This event is designed to equip parents with the tools and knowledge needed to support their teens in a safe and healthy online journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and take proactive steps for your family’s well-being.

Join our social worker, Catherine Homan, and Assistant Principal Clare Giannelli for an insightful presentation on the art of friendship. This discussion will explore the role and importance of friendships in a child’s social and emotional development. Catherine and Clare will provide parents with practical tips for guiding and supporting children in building healthy, lasting connections. Learn how to empower your child to navigate the joys and challenges of friendship confidently.

Moving from the PGC to the UGC is an exciting milestone for students and families, but it can also bring anxiety and questions. Join a panel of staff from both buildings for a conversation designed to help answer questions, ease fears, and help parents support their students through the transition. We will focus on fostering independence, managing an increased workload, developing organizational strategies, and some of the nuts and bolts of daily life at the UGC. Parents will receive a taste of what is to come and the tools needed to help set the stage for a confident and successful transition to the UGC.

Presenters: 
Mandy Castle, Director of Admission
Clare Giannelli, Assistant Principal
Andrea Phelps, 4th Grade Teacher

Parents are invited to Middle School Teachers Margaret Hogan and Jane Swanson for tips on preparing their children for Middle School. With years of experience working with middle school students, Mrs. Hogan and Mrs. Swanson 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.

Parent Coffees are open to all parents, regardless of grade. Unless otherwise indicated, they last about 20-30 minutes.

Please RSVP for the Parent Coffees that you will be attending. Walk-ins will be welcomed, but an RSVP helps us have enough chairs and materials waiting. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/YhBoZUFCmbJn598r9

8th-grade parents and their students are invited to an engaging alumni panel that will share their firsthand experience about what high school is really like. This event will provide valuable insight into the high school journey, including how they felt prepared and what they wish they had known for the next chapter. Moderated by Youth Minister Chase Hawkins, this candid conversation is an opportunity to ask questions and better understand what lies ahead!

Panelists:

• Declan Boyle '21, Lake Forest High School
• Lulu Byers '24, Carmel Catholic High School
• Jeffery Chang '24, Lake Forest Academy
• Katie-May Newman '21, Lake Forest High School
• Evie Twohig '23, Woodlands Academy
   

Bee Inquisitive Buzz Alert!

Join us this morning as we dive into the hive of discovery and explore the buzzing world of Planet First Grade! Together, we'll venture into new territories, guided by the curious spirit of our little bees.

Parents will swarm into groups, where you’ll experience a sweet symphony in a mini-music class with Mrs. Ferguson. Then, watch as our first-grade crew takes center stage to present the amazing planets they’ve built in their creative hive.

Check-In Instructions: Enter through the main doors and buzz by the reception desk to check-in.

The hive will wrap up its buzzworthy activities around 10:40 a.m. See you there, ready to Bee Inquisitive!

Get ready to buzz with curiosity as our 4th-grade poets take the stage to share their sweetest verses at the 4th Grade Poetry Slam! Join us for a hive of creativity, rhythm, and rhyme as these wordsmiths spark your imagination and leave you buzzing with wonder.

Our poets will share original works inspired by the world around them, from nature’s beauty to life’s adventures. Through their words, they’ll take you on a journey of discovery and creativity. Half of our poets will present their poetry to parents and classmates while the other half enjoys a lively music class with Mr. Manges. At 1:50, we’ll switch so that everyone gets a chance to experience both the magic of music and the power of poetry.

Bring your curiosity and join us for an afternoon of poetic flights and buzzing excitement. Let’s make it un-bee-lievable! 

Get ready for a buzzworthy showdown as the top spellers from each grade compete to become the Top Speller of SOSM! The hive will be buzzing with excitement in the UGC Gym as these bright minds show off their spelling skills.

Parents and guests are welcome to join the fun! Please check in at the reception desk upon arrival. Let’s make this a hive of activity and celebrate the sweet success of our spelling champions!

This morning, we’re buzzing with excitement to celebrate our kindergarteners and their amazing creative growth since the fall! Parents, join us in the hive for a morning of imaginative activities and a glimpse into your little one’s creative journey.
Buzzing with Creativity – Kindergarten parents will follow their students to either art class (Mrs. Sirois) or gym class (Mrs. Haubner), where creativity and movement combine in a hive of activity.  After class, everyone will gather in the IMC for a special Kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Performance, where our little bees will show off their creativity and charm!
Parents will be dismissed after the performance and will sign out at the front desk as they leave our buzzing hive. 

We’re buzzing with excitement to welcome parents to our Jr. Kindergarten hive! Join us for a morning full of creative activities and experiences that showcase the imagination and talents of our young learners.

Hive Activities:

Mrs. Kalinowski’s Class: Begin with a lively music class and then move to the classroom to enjoy a stunning student art gallery.
Mrs. Ubl’s Class: Start with a hands-on classroom experience, followed by an art class where you’ll create alongside your student.

Wrap-Up the Hive Buzz – The morning will conclude between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Please enter and exit through the main doors and remember to sign in at the reception desk upon arrival. We can’t wait to see you in our buzzing hive of creativity! 

Today, we’re buzzing into the fascinating world of 7th grade! Explore the hive of activity as we dive into what makes the 7th-grade species thrive and discover what a day in their vibrant hive looks like.

After our High School Lunch and Learn, you'll meet your student worker bees for a delicious visit to the 7th Grade Food Court, a honey-sweet creation by Mrs. Hogan's ELA hive. Fill your honeycomb plates and prepare to gather your swarm for the next adventure!

From there, we’ll buzz over to the MPR for a History Bowl showdown. Put your knowledge to the test and see if you can outsmart the hive with your U.S. Constitution trivia skills.

At the end of the day, parents can choose to swarm over to the gym for the exciting Geography Bee or take flight for the afternoon.

Details to Keep the Hive Happy:
Parking: Please park in the Oakwood Lot. The Green Bay Lot is reserved for the Parish.
Entry: Use the Oakwood doors and check in at the reception desk.
We can’t wait to see you buzzing with excitement!

The buzz is on! The top students from each Social Studies class will swarm together to compete for the hive’s top spot. Join us at the UGC Gym for this bee-lightful event!

Parents and guests are welcome to join the hive! Please check in at the reception desk upon arrival. Let's make this a hive of excitement and learning! 

Join us for a buzzing morning of fun and discovery as we explore the vibrant world of preschool! Parents and little bees are invited to the Little Angels Hive for a sweet storytime led by our wonderful librarian, Mrs. Adamaski.

After storytime, parents and their little honeybees will venture through the classroom, working together on a bee-autiful take-home project. 

Tuesday/Thursday students are warmly invited to join in on this special day!
The hive activities will wrap up around 10:30 a.m.
Families will buzz home together, taking the joy of learning with them.
 

Please enter and exit through the Early Childhood (Preschool) doors and remember to sign in upon arrival.
Let’s Bee Connected and make this morning a memorable experience for our preschool hive! 

Bee Connected: A Morning of Fun with PreK-3!

Get ready to buzz into a hive of activity as we invite parents to join their little bees in the PreK-3 Classrooms for a morning full of fun and connection!

Here’s the Plan:

• Mrs. Kovavecich’s Class: Kick off the day in the gym with energetic games and activities led by FSA Sports, then buzz over to the classroom for more fun together.
• Mrs. Cummings’ Class: Spend the morning exploring the classroom hive and working on exciting projects side by side.

Wrap-Up Details:

• Activities will finish around 11 a.m.
• Half-day students will sign out in the classroom and head home with their parents.
• Full-day students will continue their busy bee day, with parents signing out at the main entrance.

Additional Notes:
Parents should enter and exit through the Main Entrance doors and sign in upon arrival.
 

Let’s Bee Connected and celebrate this special time with your PreK-3 hive! 

Join us for a special All-School Mass in celebration of Catholic Schools Week! Students from 1st through 8th grade will come together as one hive to honor our shared faith and community. Today's theme of Bee Connected reminds us to embrace the spirit of unity, love, and collaboration. Let's gather to strengthen our connection with God and each other in this joyful celebration of Catholic education! 

Bee Connected: A Day in the Hive

Middle school can feel like a buzzing hive, full of twists and turns. Today, we invite parents to step into the hive and "bee" a part of the 6th-grade community. Discover what it's like to navigate the middle school landscape by spending the day in your 6th grader's shoes!

The day begins with a Lunch & Learn, where you can connect with other members of our hive. Then, parents will join their students during 8th and 9th periods to fully experience two of the following classes:
STEAM with Mr. Byers
Art with Mrs. Antrim
Religion with Ms. Hitt
Science with Mr. Schnide

After 9th period, the hive buzzes with excitement as parents are invited to gather in the gym for the Religion Bee or head back to their adult world, carrying the warmth and insight of this special day.

Come "Bee Connected" and celebrate the sweet, vibrant community of middle school life! 

Buzz into the action at the UGC Religion Bee!

Teams of 4th-8th graders will swarm together to compete for sweet bragging rights in this hive of knowledge.

Parents and guests are welcome to join the buzz! Please sign in at the reception desk before entering the hive.  

Join us for a buzzing night of community and fun at Pack the Gym Night! The hive will be buzzing with excitement as SOSM takes on St. Norbert/Sacred Heart in an action-packed evening of basketball.

Game Schedule:

• 4:30 PM - 7th/8th Grade Girls
• 5:30 PM - 6th Grade Boys
• 6:30 PM - 7th Grade Boys
• 7:30 PM - 8th Grade Boys

Come dressed in your blue and white Crusader gear and show your hive spirit! Let’s fill the stands and create a buzz of energy to support our teams.

There will be pizza and concessions (cash only), giveaways, and fun activities throughout the night, so bring your family, friends, and community to celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and connection.

Let’s pack the gym and show what it means to Bee Connected!  See you there!

Bee Altruistic: A Morning of Service and Kindness 

This morning, our second-grade students are buzzing with excitement as they prepare to "Bee Altruistic" and unite in service! Parents can look forward to a hive of meaningful moments with their children.

The morning kicks off with Parent Coffee, followed by an opportunity for parents to join their little busy bees in the classrooms for mini art or gym classes and engaging small group activities related to their "Letters to God" project.

At 10:30 a.m., the entire hive will swarm to the IMC, where parents and students will work together on a heartfelt service project. We'll be creating blessing bags, filled with essential personal care items and sweet notes of encouragement, to be shared through Catholic Charities.

Together, let’s spread kindness and “Bee the Change” in our community—one blessing bag at a time! 

Get ready to buzz with excitement at our "Bee Altruistic" Career Day! This special event will inspire our students to explore how different careers contribute to helping others and making our community a better place—just like bees working together in a hive!

Over three sessions, students will have the opportunity to meet professionals from a variety of fields who embody the spirit of teamwork, kindness, and service. They'll discover how each career plays an important role in the “hive” of our society.

Students may wear Crusader Wear today with school-appropriate bottoms if they bring $1 to be donated to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Wildfire Catholic School Tuition Relief Fund.

On Crusader Wear Days, students can wear any SOSM t-shirt, sweatshirt, or jersey with appropriate skirts, shorts, or pants. Skirts that come to 2 inches above the knee are the appropriate length. SOSM Pajama bottoms or sweats, athletic wear (not leggings), skirts, or jeans without holes may be worn. No slides, flip flops, slippers, or fashion boots.

Students who do not wish to participate should wear their uniforms.

Bee a Leader: A Journey Through Time! 

Get ready to buzz through history with our 3rd-grade hive of explorers! Today, our little worker bees will don the wings of historical figures and share their amazing biographies with parents in the classroom.

Parents, you’re invited to join your busy bees on this exciting adventure through time! Half of the class will present at 9:30 a.m. Then, the entire school will gather in the gym for a "March Through Time,"—where our students will proudly showcase their historical personas for all to see. After the “March Through Time,” parents and students will return to the classroom for the rest of the presentations. 

Let’s come together as a hive and celebrate the leadership and hard work of our 3rd-grade trailblazers! 

Today, we’re buzzing with excitement as our 5th-grade class gets ready to swarm up to Middle School! Parents, get ready to dive into the hive and explore all the sweet opportunities 5th grade has to offer.

After a delightful parent coffee, you’ll join your little worker bees and explore the hive! First, settle into a buzzing literature circle, then fly over to our STEAM hive to discover the magic of our new Tinkerworks curriculum. See firsthand what these young innovators have been building and creating.
The morning will wrap up by 11 AM, but the buzz will continue all year long! 

Get ready to buzz with excitement at our 7th & 8th Grade Science Fair, where innovation and creativity take center stage! Students have been working hard to explore, experiment, and showcase their scientific discoveries—now it’s time to share their hive of knowledge with you!

Parents and families are invited to join us for an afternoon filled with fascinating projects, interactive displays, and a celebration of young minds buzzing with bright ideas. Come see how our students are leading the way in science and making a positive impact on our community—one experiment at a time!

We can't wait to see you there—let's make this event un-bee-lievable!

We're buzzing with excitement as we wrap up Catholic Schools Week with our hive’s favorite tradition—the 3rd-grade class vs. the faculty volleyball game! Will the students swarm their way to victory, or will the faculty prove they’re the true queens and drones of the court? 

Join us and see who will bee crowned the champions of the hive! 

Get ready to swarm the gym as we cap off Catholic Schools Week with a sweet showdown between the 8th-grade class and our faculty hive! Will the students bring the sting, or will the faculty prove they’re the true rulers of the hive?

Come cheer on your favorite team and see who will bee victorious in this tradition that’s sure to create quite the buzz!