Charger Check-In
September 14, 2023
A Note from Ms. Owens
We are enjoying some lovely weather this week. It is fabulous to have classroom windows open, for teachers to take students outside for lessons and for students to have outdoor recess. Having that unstructured time recess time to play with classmates, read a book or sit and talk with friends is a much-needed break for children. And it's even better when we can go outside. I know we are going to have a good Friday!
Next Friday, September 22, students will not have school as all faculty will participate in an Archdiocesan-wide Professional Development Day.
Please note that there is a change to the school calendar. There will be NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, November 22. This is the day before Thanksgiving.
Students in grades K-8 will move to regular school uniforms on non-gym days beginning Monday, October 2.
- This link will take you to a PDF of the Schoolbelles Uniform Buying Guide for 2023-24. This link will take you the online ordering page for Schoolbelles. St. Catherine's school code is s0775ta
- PE uniforms and regular school uniforms can be purchased at Schools Are Us [3146 West 111th Street, Chicago (773) 779-0172]. They do not offer online sales.
Although this isn't the first Friday of the month, I want to share this article with school familes, "They Lost Their Kids to Fortnite" from Maclean's, a news magazine out of Canada. The article was published in July 2023. So many of our students play Fortnite, and I know from conversations with several of them that they regularly stay up playing the game until 2 or 3 in the morning and then they are exhausted for school.
A Bit More News...
- For families who purchase hot lunch, please note the ordering window closes at noon the Monday before delivery. This is a change. It allows our vendors to better staff and prepare the food orders.
- Chargers United will be meeting on Monday, September 18 in Kane Hall at 7PM.
- We have so many ways for SCA students to fulfill their love of music and share their gifts. Check out information on Chimers and Choirs near the bottom of the Check-In.
- Thank you to everyone who participated in Monday's Eat & Earn at Lou Malnati's! You're love of pizza and SCA raised $257.20.
- FSA's next Eat & Earn is Monday, September 25 at Andy's Frozen Custard (9507 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn).
- School families can purchase tickets for FSA's Homecoming Party. There is more information available further down in the Check-In.
- Our Toddling Chargers program is up and running. Families can now pre-pay so they don't need to worry about bringing $5 each week. Scroll down for more details.
- If you know of an SCA family who owns a small business that we can publicize here to help support them, please reach out to me via email. Scroll down to see local businesses we can support.
Hot Lunch Has Started
We have had two weeks of hot lunch so far this year. School families as well as faculty and staff can place their orders with My Hot Lunchbox. Remember that ordering closes at noon the MONDAY before the hot lunch will be delivered.
This year's participating vendors are McDonald's, Baracco's Pizza, Brown's Chicken, Great American Bagel and Culver's.
What is it?
Once the program begins, school families have the option of ordering their child(ren) a hot lunch from a local restaurant. At St. Catherine, this program is available on Wednesdays. All ordering is online.
- Families with accounts should log into their account and updated their child's classroom for this year.
- Families that didn't participate in the program last year and would like to this year can create an account.
Picture Day - Wednesday, September 20
Toddling Chargers
GOOD NEWS!!! Families can now PRE PAY for Toddling Chargers!!
- $50 cash in a labeled envelope (provided) will get you entry to Toddling Chargers for the semester (until 2024)! This price includes 2 sessions for free!!!!
- Prepayments will be collected and marked off each week upon entry. Payment does not roll over to next semester (2024) at this time.
- We can't wait to see you FRIDAY at 8:20!!
A Note from the Nurse
Please be aware that in accordance with Illinois state law, a valid Certificate of Child Health Examination must be submitted to St. Catherine no later than October 15. Again, this is only for those students mentioned in the above paragraph.
Welcome Mrs. Sandra Bustamante - Coordinator of Family Faith Formation
Sandra’s Favorite Saint Quote:
“When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus.”
-St. Rose of Lima.
To the community of St. Catherine of Alexandria:
I would like to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Sandra Bustamante, and through this article you will find a small biography of who I am. I was born in Lima, Peru, and when I reached the age of traveling, I moved to Munich, Germany where I spent several years with my sisters. My dad has passed away, and my mother still lives in Lima, Peru. I come from a big family and I am the youngest of eight siblings. I am married and we have a 10-year-old son.
My ministry in Catechesis started when I was very young. I loved to attend Sunday School and was very involved in Confirmation classes/retreats. I have always been in touch with parish life. When I came to the United States, I joined the community of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr, in Posen, in Vicariate VI. I started my studies to become a Catechetical Leader. The Deanery team nurtured me in the different ministries a parish has, for that I am truly grateful. I have worked at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Chicago, and lately at All Souls Parish in Lansing as Coordinator for Religious Education and Pastoral Associate. I worked to develop faith formation opportunities for both youth and adults through classes, retreats, and conferences. I am convinced of the importance of religious education in shaping and forming individuals, families, and our culture.
Being a part of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish is very exciting for me. I personally I believe
that God already has a plan for each of us and that no matter where we go, God is always showing us which path to follow. I am grateful to Fr. Dennis for the opportunity he has given to me and I am happy to join the community of faith here.
I kindly ask for your understanding, patience, and prayers during this period as I settle in and get to know all of you and the parish.
—Sandra M. Bustamante
The Sunday Collection
Visit the link below to set up your recurring contribution. Donors can change the amount of the contribution or pause it at any time.
Ways to Support Our Local Small Businesses
If you know of an SCA family who owns a small business that we can publicize here to help support them, please reach out to me via email.
So Many On-going Ways to Support St. Catherine!
Upcoming Events
Friday, September 15
- All-School Liturgy & Student Council Inauguration at 8:30AM
Sunday, September 17
- Catechetical Sunday Mass at 9:30AM
Wednesday, September 20
- Picture Day (all grades, PK3-8)
Thursday, September 21
- Tuition Exclusion Day for September
Friday, September 22
- No School - Archdiocesan Professional Development
Saturday, September 23
- Football and Poms Mass at 4PM
Sunday, September 24
- All-Parish Family Mass & 6th Grade Bible Blessing at 9:30AM
- Homecoming
Monday, September 25
- Pediatric Cancer Awareness Dress Down - $1 donation requested
- 7th Grade Parent/Student Confirmation Meeting in church at 7PM
Tuesday, September 26
- Athletic Board Meeting in Kane Hall at 8PM
Friday, September 29
- All-School Liturgy at 8:30AM
Sunday, October 1
- Bitty Basketball & Flag Football Mass at 9:30AM
About us
Website: www.scaoaklawn.org
Location: 10621 South Kedvale Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL, USA
Phone: 708-425-5547
Facebook: facebook.com/scaoaklawn/