Panther Press
Principal News ~ July 20, 2021
Important Documents and Forms
Save the Date: First Day of School
Thursday, August 19:
Preschool 3 (T/TH), half-day (5-day) preschool, full-day (5-day) preschool, AND students in kindergarten - 8th Grade
Friday, August 20:
Preschool 4 (MWF) student
COVID-19 UPDATE
Per the directive, maks will be a parent's choice for the 2021 - 2022 school year. It is important that as we enter this new phase, we are respectful of parent's decisions and choices for their children. We as parents will set the example for the students.
We will continue to work together to keep our students safe and healthy.
What about sports?
The McHenry County Principals are working with the Catholic Education Office on the rules and regulations for sports for the 2021 - 2022 school. I fully expect that sports will be returning for the fall.
Summer Health Forms:
Kindergarten = dental, vision, physical
2nd = dental
6th = dental, physical
Athletes = sports physical
Student Illness (Handbook Update)
If a child becomes ill or injured at school the parents will be notified. When a parent cannot be reached, the person designated on the emergency form will be contacted. Students that are presenting signs of illness and are waiting to be picked up will be given a protective face covering or placed in a separate location supervised by an adult. This is intended to prevent the spread of the illness.
All students that are called in due to illness will be required to remain home for 48 hours to monitor symptoms. If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, it is strongly recommended that the child see a doctor for evaluation. If a child has seen a doctor due to illness, a doctor's note is required to return. In some cases, you will need to get a COVID test to return to school.
If a student will be absent due to illness the parent or guardian MUST call the school office and talk to an office staff member. The office member will ask the parent simple screening questions as well as document your child's symptoms.
We are still required by the McHenry County Health Department to follow the COVID-19 Exclusion Guidance form IDPH.
School Uniforms (Handbook Update)
Please note: Uniform policy does not apply to preschool. Please read the following carefully.
NEW - ALL polo shirts, fleece jackets, and sweaters must have the school logo. These items can be purchased through Land's End.
Uniforms:
Student uniform shirts must have the school logo and be tucked in always, belts worn with loops, and the entire student uniform in good condition. (i.e. no holes, rips, or open/unhemmed seams) Uniform checks will occur. If a student is not in compliance with the uniform guidelines, parents will be contacted by the teacher.
GIRLS
Blouses:
Grades K-4: white round or pointed collar oxford (long or short sleeve) or white, red, or navy logo polo shirt;
Grades 5-8: white oxford (long or short sleeve) or white, red, or navy logo polo shirt. Blouses and shirts should be tucked in at all times; no turtlenecks are allowed.
Skirts: Grades K-3: Red and blue plaid jumper. Grades 4-8: Plaid skirt or culottes. (Purchased from Dennis Uniform.) Skirt and jumper length is to be no more than 1” above the middle of the knee. Solid blue skirts or skorts are not permitted.
Slacks: Cotton twill loose-fitting plain navy-blue pants. No leggings elastic cuffs, sweat pants, or cargo pants. No logos. All slacks must be at the natural waist of the student. Belts must be worn if slacks have loops.
Sweaters/Fleece: Cardigan, V-neck, or crew in true red or navy blue. No designs or hoods. No oversized sweaters; they may not be worn below the hip line. LOGO REQUIRED
Shorts: Plain navy-blue walking shorts. Shorts should be mid-thigh in length, shorts are not being worn below the knee. No cargo shorts. Shorts may be worn year-round.
Socks: Crew socks, knee socks, tights, or legging (under the skirt or jumper) in solid black, navy blue, white, or true red. No patterns. Socks are to be worn at all times with all types of shoes. Socks must be visible at the ankle and above the top of the shoe at all times.
Shoes: Gym shoes or flat dress shoes are permitted. Shoes should be neat in appearance and tied properly, using all eyelets. No hiker shoes or boots of any kind are to be worn. No sandals should be worn. Shoes cannot light up in any way. All shoes worn by students must be fully enclosed with no open backs or fronts for student safety. Proper shoes for the gym are necessary.
Accessories: Rings, post earrings (not below the earlobe), watches, necklaces/bracelets, and religious symbols worn not in excess and in good taste are permissible. Scarves, ties, and/or smartwatches are not permitted. Nails should be of a natural length and shape.
Hair: Hair should not be distracting or covering the eyes. Hair should be neat and hygienic. Bizarre styles, stripes, names, and other designs are not allowed. Hair should be of one natural color. Distracting headpieces or extensions are not permitted.
Makeup: Makeup including eye shadow/glitter, lipstick, mascara, etc. may NOT be worn.
BOYS
Shirts: White, red, or navy logo polo shirts in long or short sleeves. Shirts should be tucked in at all times.
Pants: Solid navy twill pants only. Pants should not be rolled, pinned, or have elastic cuffs. Belts must be worn if pants have belt loops. Cargo pants are not permitted.
Sweaters/Fleece: Cardigan, V-neck, or crew in true red, or navy blue. No designs or hoods. No oversized sweaters; they may not be worn below the hip line. LOGO REQUIRED
Shorts: Plain navy-blue walking shorts. Shorts should be mid-thigh to knee in length. Shorts are not being worn below the knee. No cargo shorts. Shorts may be worn year-round.
Shoes: Gym shoes or flat dress shoes are permitted. Shoes should be neat in appearance and tied properly, using all eyelets. No hiker shoes or boots of any kind are to be worn. No sandals are permitted. Shoes cannot light up in any way. All shoes worn by students must be fully enclosed with no open backs or fronts for student safety. Proper shoes for the gym are necessary.
Accessories: Watches and religious symbols worn in good taste are permissible. No earrings. Plaid ties in school may be worn. Smartwatches are not permitted.
Hair: Hair should not be distracting or touching the eyebrows. Hair should be neat and hygienic and not longer than the top of the shirt collar. Bizarre styles (shaved heads under longer hair), stripes, names and other designs are not allowed. Hair should be of one natural color. The school will provide bobby pins if necessary. Facial hair is not permitted.
Socks: Crew socks, knee socks in solid navy blue, white, or true red. No patterns. Socks are to be worn always with all types of shoes. Socks must be visible at the ankle and above the top of the shoe always.
General
The school reserves the right to decide whether certain attire, accessories and hairstyles are appropriate for its students.
If for some reason, a student needs to be out of uniform, please contact the school principal prior to your child coming to school. If approved, the student will be given a pass to show the teacher.
Pre-School
Appropriate school/play clothes, socks, and shoes. Shoes must be fully enclosed and safe for outdoor/indoor play. All children MUST BE potty trained before entering the 3 or 4-year-old program. Children are expected to be able to take care of their own bathroom needs.
Supply Drop Off (August 17, 2021)
We are excited to welcome 31 new students to our school family. On this day we will also have a new family orientation, held in the school gym.
Student Supply Drop-off and Meet the Teacher times:
3:00 - 3:30 - Families A - G
3:30 - 4:00 Families H - M
4:00 - 4:30 - N - Z
4:30 - 5:00 NEW FAMILY SUPPLY DROP-OFF
5:00 - 6:00 NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION (Location:TBD)
2021- 2022 Staffing Changes:
This year our middle school will have some changes to teacher placement. The following changes have been made in the middle school:
- Ms. Palazzolo will be teaching 6th-grade homeroom/religion and middle school literature.
- Mrs. Peterson will be teaching 7th-grade homeroom/religion and middle school social studies.
- Mrs. Straeten will be teaching middle school science and technology.
These changes have allowed us to maintain the integrity of the middle school program and provide a complete middle school experience.
Our 7th and 8th-grade students will have gym class 4 days a week and will have technology integrated into subject area learning/projects.
Finally, we welcome Mrs. Narusis to the team as our Office Manager.
Help Wanted: First Aid and CPR Training
Stewardship Hours: Volunteer Opportunity
The great thing about this stewardship opportunity is that you make your own schedule. You can come in the mornings, evenings, during the week or weekend. It is really up to you and your availability
Please reach out to Mrs. O'Hearn if you are interested in volunteering in the gardens.
Roof Donations - UPDATE
We have collected $30,323 for the roof - this is the total amount collected from school families, Polish School, Religious Education, and parishioners.
IF YOU HAVE NOT DONATED - Please consider supporting the school roof fund. You can give as little or as much as you can.
We are so grateful for those families that have already contributed to the fund.
Help double or triple the impact of your gift!
Does your employer match your contributions?
Your employer’s willingness to match your charitable contribution to St. Margaret Mary School, through employer matching gift programs, is a free and easy way to multiply your overall support for our school.
Whether you have already donated, or you’re still considering a donation, a simple way to maximize your contribution is through employee giving programs.
Many corporations match employee and retiree donations to St. Margaret Mary School. Thank you for checking to see if your company offers this valuable program!
To learn more about how your employer matching gift works, please click here for this short 40-second explanatory video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9vNBry9qPY
How to Donate:
Option 1: FACTS Account
- Complete the Google Donation Form and indicate the amount you would like to donate. https://forms.gle/yxw3tEKeBkY8qxjZ7
- Your FACTS account will be charged.
Option 2: Give Central
- You can donate through our parish website: www.saintmargaretmary.org.
- Please go to Donate now Give Central https://www.givecentral.org/location/260/allevents. There is the option: School Roof Repair.
Option 3: Cash or Check
- You can send cash or check donations directly to the school.
Every donation matters, and we will be grateful for this. It will help us solve this difficult situation, and we will not need to take a loan, which is always a significant problem.
Please help us now, and help our parish, which is the great family we build together.
Home and School - Open Positions
Contact Us Directly
Email: bohearn@stmmschool.com
Website: www.stmmschool.org
Location: 119 South Hubbard Street, Algonquin, IL, USA
Phone: 847-658-5313