Principal's Pad (4/24/22)
Updates for the St. Stan's Community
What's in this Newsletter?
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Here is what's new...
- A Few Words
- Gentle Reminders
- Weekly Parent Survey
- Sole Sisters After School Club
- Mother/Son Dance Save the Date
What's still here from last week?
- Spring Fundraiser: Casino Royale
- Home-Learning Hub
- CHAMPIONS Enrollment 2022-23
- Important Dates
- Covid-19 Protocols
A Few Words On...
As the leader of St. Stanislaus Kostka Academy, I would just like to share a few words and thoughts on several topics and happenings in our school community.
Casino Royale: Betting on Bright Futures Fundraiser
We are only a few short weeks away from our spring fundraiser and there is no shortage of ways for you to show your support! The best way to support the event is to buy and/or sell tickets. If every family can either buy or sell at least two tickets, we will be well on our way to making this a very successful fundraiser. To purchase tickets or donate directly to the event, you can click on this link to our website.
Families can also support the event by donating items for our silent auction and raffle. Items, their description, and an estimated statement of value can be dropped off in our main office at any time. Even if you do not have the item, please contact us to let us know that you intend to donate so that we can prepare properly.
Finally, we are asking that each family donate a bottle of red or white wine. This wine will be used during the event and as raffle prizes. Parents should bring in their wine donation to our conference room across from the Main Office. Please note that students should not be bringing these items into the school. Parents can come into the school before/after school hours. Please reach out to us with any questions.
2022-23 School Year Calendar
Although there are still many other events and happenings to be planned for next school year, I am happy to release to you our academic calendar for the 2022-23 school year. The calendar primarily focuses on the days school will be in attendance and the days it will be closed. As fall approaches, the calendar will fill up with all of the other great events that St. Stan's Academy has to offer.
Chicago Dogs "Homerun for Education" Field Trip
As the weather becomes nicer and we near the end of our school year, we want to be able to have some fun with our students as well as reward them for their hard work throughout the year. Later this week we will be sending home information and a permission slip for our Kindergarten through 8th grade field trip to see the Chicago Dogs minor league baseball team at an event they are calling "Homerun for Education." The students will get to see a game, receive an educational activity book, and watch players participate in on-field learning activities. Our school Choir Club has even been asked to sing the National Anthem before the game! Again, please be on the lookout for more information on this field trip and pray that we don't have any rain on May 10.
Gentle Reminders
Students Wearing Masks at School
If your child has decided to continue wearing a mask while at school, please see to it that they arrive at school with one and perhaps have another as a back-up. We have recently been handing out upwards of 20 masks a day before the school day even begins because students come in the building without a mask, but wish to wear one during the day. You are encouraged to continue to have open conversations with your children about whether they desire to wear masks or not. If they do, it is the responsibility of the parent to make sure that the student has a mask. We have spares in the office, but they are not meant to be the primary supply for students.
Coffee with the Principal
I hope that you can join me this Tuesday morning for our first Coffee with the Principal. Feel free to come into the cafeteria anytime after 8am, but the meeting will begin at 8:15am. We will talk about the spring fundraiser, the end of the year, and the calendar for next school year.
Tuition & Financial Aid for 2022-23
If you are in need of financial assistance for the 2022-23 school year and have not received a Tax-Credit Scholarship from either the Big Shoulders Fund or Empower Illinois, please make sure that you have filled out the financial aid application on FACTS. We will be reaching out to families to have discussions on potential assistance for next school year in the next few weeks. You must be sure to have completed the proper forms on FACTS before that time in order for financial aid packages to be completed. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or run into any issues.
Weekly Parent Survey
I would like to open more direct dialogue with the parents and families of St. Stan's Academy. I will begin hosting "Coffee with the Principal" where we can directly discuss the wonderful happenings at our school.
Please click on this link for this week's survey. I would like to know what topic(s) you are interested in discussing with me.
Ms. Brittany Galan and Mrs. Maria Randall are starting a new club for girls in 3rd - 8th grade. Sole Sisters is meant to help our young female students connect, support, and have fun with one another. If your daughter is interested in participating, please submit this form to the Main Office by Wednesday, April 27. Contact either Ms. Galan or Mrs. Randall with any questions.
Spring Gala & Fundraiser
To purchase tickets or donate directly to the event, you can click on this link to our website. Please click on this link for for a form and more information on how you can donate your time, talent, or treasure to our spring fundraiser. Print off, fill out, and return this form to the main office as soon as possible.
We are still seeking individuals willing to help out in the planning and set up of the event. If you are willing to donate your time and/or talent, please reach out to the Committee Chairs listed below as soon as possible.
- Outreach & Advertising - Ania Czupta (708-925-5729 / aczupta@gmail.com)
- Food/Drink/Decoration - Jennifer Thayer (312-244-0529 / jennibelle7@gmail.com)
- Silent Auction - Claudia Zuno (312-656-0529 / claudia@zunophoto.com)
Champions Enrollment for 2022-23 School Year
Home-Learning Hub
Upcoming Events & Important Dates at St. Stan's
Coffee with the Principal - April 26
Parents can stop in for a cup of coffee and a chat with Principal Vickman starting at 8:15am in the cafeteria.
First Communion - April 30
Our students will be receiving the sacrament of First Communion on Saturday, April 30. The Mass and sacrament will begin at 3pm in the afternoon.
Spring Gala & Fundraiser - May 7
Our spring gala/fundraiser is Casino Royale: Betting on Bright Futures. Please join us for food, fun, and fundraising to help support St. Stan's on Saturday, May 7.
Chicago Dogs "Homerun for Education" Field Trip - May 10
We are planning on bringing of Kindergarten through 8th grade students to a Chicago Dogs baseball game on Tuesday, May 10. The team will provide educational programming for students on the trip and during their game.
Athletics & Extracurriculars
Champions Afterschool Program
All K-8 families wishing to use aftercare services must register with CHAMPIONS as soon as possible. Use this link to enroll and begin the registration process. For a look at the CHAMPIONS program and what it has to offer, please click on this link. Any other questions should be directed to the CHAMPIONS Area Manager, Paula Short. She can be contacted at pshort@discoverchampions.com or 847-850-9817.
All families of a PK student should contact Ms. Abby Torres at atorres@ststanschicago.org to schedule your days of care and plan for payment. Tuition rates will be the same as the CHAMPIONS program since all students will have similar access to the same resources.
Covid-19 Protocols & Guidelines (as of 1/30/22)
Fully Vaccinated Status
The CDC defines fully vaccinated individuals as those who have done either of the following:- have received a booster of vaccine
- have completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
- have completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months.
5-Day Isolation/Quarantine
The updated CDC quarantine guidance requires the following:
- If someone tests positive for COVID, regardless of vaccination status, the individual must:
- Isolate for a full 5 days regardless if symptoms are present or not and regardless if symptoms resolve before the 5 days are complete.
- For symptomatic people, Day 1 is the first full day after symptoms develop.
- For asymptomatic people, Day 1 is the first full day after the positive test is administered.
- The individual must be fever-free for 24 hours before leaving isolation. The 5-day rule still applies, but if a fever is present after 5 days, the individual must remain isolated until fever-free for 24 hours.
- There is no need to test before leaving isolation. While individuals could remain COVID positive for some time, they are no longer contagious.
- Isolate for a full 5 days regardless if symptoms are present or not and regardless if symptoms resolve before the 5 days are complete.
- If a vaccinated individual is a close contact with a positive individual:
- There is no need to quarantine at home as long as the vaccinated individual is not symptomatic.
- Testing is recommended 5 days after exposure OR if symptoms develop.
- If an unvaccinated individual is a close contact with a COVID-19 positive person:
- The individual must quarantine at home for 5 days.
- Testing is recommended 5 days after exposure OR if symptoms develop.
Test to Stay Option
Students who are deemed to be "close contacts" to positive Covid-19 cases have the option to either quarantine for 5 days or "test-to-stay" in school. This is being done in the interest of allowing our students the best opportunity to continue their learning uninterrupted while also providing safety measures to prevent virus transmission. Please note the important details below:
- Any test being used as part of the "test-to-stay" protocol must be administered by a clinic, doctor's office, or pharmacy such as Walgreen's or CVS. Home tests administered at home will not count as valid.
- A home test may be used only if it is conducted in the presence of a school official (the Principal or Administrative Assistant) at the beginning of the school day. If the test shows a negative result, the student may remain at school so long as they are not showing any symptoms.
- The "Test-to-Stay" protocol will not apply should I see it necessary to quarantine an entire classroom due to overt spread of the virus.
We continue to follow the state classifications designated in the City of Chicago Travel Advisory.
- Domestic Travel to an “Orange” State:
- Fully vaccinated students/teachers/staff do not need post-travel COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine as long as they are not symptomatic and provide proof of vaccination.
- Unvaccinated students/teachers/staff must quarantine for 5 days OR provide proof of a negative test, taken after travel and as close to the start of school as practical, but no earlier than 72 hours prior to returning home. Persons must quarantine until a negative test is received. If the test result is negative, no further quarantine is required.
- International Travel:
- The CDC currently requires a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery to board a plane to the United States. Because of this requirement, no quarantine is required upon arrival, regardless of vaccination status.
Contact Us
Email: Office@StStansChicago.org
Website: https://ststanschicago.org/
Location: 1255 North Noble Street, Chicago, IL, USA
Phone: (773) 278-4560