Principal's Pad (1/16/22)
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
- i-Ready 2nd Diagnostic Test
What's still here from last week?
- Home-Learning Hub
- Important Dates
- Covid-19 Protocols
- CHAMPIONS After-School
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.
With the accumulation of snow and ice this winter, it is understandable that many parents may need to assist their child(ren) to/from the school entrance at the start and end of the day. I ask, however, that if you need to exit your vehicle in any way to assist your child(ren), that you first park your car in a parking space or against the curb in the circle driveway. Even if parents are getting out of the vehicle to simply open the car door or unbuckle a child, it can still cause significant traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons.
I also hope that every parent can speak with your child(ren) about safety in the parking lot and driveway during these busy times. I sometimes see students running to a car and weaving between several vehicles to do so. For safer pick-up options, parents can park in the Church parking lot, meet your child(ren) up near the entrance of the school, and walk them safely to your vehicle.
Lost & Found Items
Over the last month, we have accumulated a large number of items in our "Lost & Found" area. Unfortunately, it seems that our students are doing far more losing of their belongings than they are finding. This past Friday, we placed all of these items in the lobby near the main entrance and encouraged our students to search for their things. As you can imagine, however, some of our students cannot remember what they have lost, so we still have a significant amount of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, and lunch boxes remaining.
I want to give parents the opportunity to search for missing items as well. You are welcome to look through the "Lost & Found" on Tuesday, January 18. Any items not claimed after Tuesday will be donated to those in need. Please contact the office if you have any questions.
Wellness Day Survey Results
Thank you to those families who participated in last week's Parent Survey regarding choosing a date for our first Wellness Day later this winter. Since 65% of respondents chose Friday, February 18 as the ideal date, that will be our day off of school to focus on physical, mental, and/or spiritual wellness. This will result in a 4-day weekend because of our observance of the Presidents' Day holiday on February 21. I truly appreciated the feedback from families and hope that more of you will respond to future survey questions.
Gentle Reminders
No School - Monday, January 17
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we will not be having school on Monday, January 17. Classes will resume at 8am on Tuesday.
Completing Tax Credit Scholarships
Thank you to everyone who applied for a Tax Credit Scholarship through Empower Illinois and Big Shoulders Fund this past week. Please remember that each organization will be reaching out to you via email to complete your application. Applicants still need to upload tax and income information in order for the process to be complete. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We will do all we can to help.
Weekly Parent Survey: Covid-19 Testing
i-Ready 2nd Diagnostic Test & Spirit Week
It’s hard to believe that we’re already preparing for the second i-Ready Diagnostic Test which will be taken the week of January 24-28. The second Diagnostic is an important benchmark for understanding your child’s growth, which is why it’s so important they try their best. These results allow us to better support them in achieving their growth goals for the year. The most important thing we can do is prepare students and motivate them to put forth their best effort.
Here are a few things you can do to help support your student:
- Make sure they get a good night’s rest before taking the Diagnostic
- Talk to your child about why the second Diagnostic is important and that it will help teachers to provide better, individualized instruction
- Let them know you’re excited to celebrate their progress
We will be having an i-Ready themed spirit week during the week of the Diagnostic. We hope that this will not only make the week exciting for students, but also encourage them to do their best on the test.
- Monday, Jan. 24 - "School Spirit" - St. Stan's Gear, Red, or Black and Jeans Day
- Tuesday, Jan. 25 - "Put on Your Thinking Caps" - Crazy Hat Day
- Wednesday, Jan. 26 - "Dress Like Plory" - Wear Orange Day
- Thursday, Jan. 27 - "Dress Like Snarg" - Wear Blue Day
- Friday, Jan. 28 - "Dress for Success" - Dress-up / Sunday Best / Mass Uniform
Students learn best and show the most growth when their families are engaged and involved in their learning. Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s learning and your support of our teachers and the school.
Scholastic Book Fair: January 24-28
Home-Learning Hub
i-Ready Family Resources
Social Media for Parents
Upcoming Events & Important Dates at St. Stan's
No School: MLK Day - January 17
On Monday, January 17 there will be no classes in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Please be sure to take time as a family to learn more about his amazing life and contributions towards achieving racial equality in the United States.
Scholastic Book Fair - January 24-28
We will be hosting our second Book Fair from Monday, January 24 to Friday, January 28.
Catholic Schools Week - January 31 to February 4
Our school will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week from Monday, January 31 to Friday, February 4. We want to recognize all of the things that make Catholic schools great such as our students, our teachers, our families, and our service to the community.
Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser - February 4-8
We will be having a virtual fundraiser through Double Good Popcorn beginning on Friday, February 4 and running through Tuesday, February 8. Please be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.
Champions: A New 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 1/3/22)
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.
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.
Athletics
If you are interested in helping coach or in having your son/daughter involved in athletics at St. Stan's, please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Ryan Reed, via email at rreed@ststanschicago.org
Contact Us
Email: Office@StStansChicago.org
Website: https://ststanschicago.org/
Location: 1255 North Noble Street, Chicago, IL, USA
Phone: (773) 278-4560