May Newsletter

A wise friend of mine once told me you can learn a great deal about a person’s priorities if you see his/her calendar and checkbook.   I think St. John Fisher School has been a huge priority for all of you during these last few busy weeks and will be even more so as we begin the countdown days until the end of the school year.  (When did January morph into May?) 

Thank you for all that you continue to do to make our school and your dreams for the best for your children a real priority.    The time, financial support, and overall interest you have in our school is amazing.   Complemented by the efforts and dedication of our faculty, we have much to celebrate as we move into the busiest month of the year.

Your generosity extends to our neighbors as well.   Next week, representatives from The Tolton Center and Taller de Jose, the two agencies we pledged to help with our Lenten alms, will each receive a check for $2,500.00 representing the generosity of our school and parish families. 

Thank you for continuing to model the importance of selflessness and concern to our kids. 

First Communion on Saturday morning was again a grace filled time for the students, their families, and all of us privileged to celebrate with them.   I loved hearing the girls describe their dresses with “diamonds” all over.   One saintly looking young man had a baseball injury black eye that was the perfect complement to his starched dress shirt and satin tie.  They children sang with great gusto and prayed with great sincerity.   They reminded each of us of God’s limitless love and the amazing gift each is to our lives and to our world.   The parties and shopping are stressful, but listening to the parent blessing song surely puts all of the hours of preparation into keen perspective.   Treasure the moment.   Recall it often, especially on those days when parenting can be a real challenge.

Another priority for many during the last few weeks has been our math-a-thon.   One parent told me yesterday that the parks are empty because the kids are all at home doing their math!

Thanks for your enthusiastic support for this project.   The excitement in the building when we announce the top problem solvers and homeroom winners each day is like a ninth inning rally.    Individual homeroom winners have been announced and are preparing for the live competition on May 11.   This week all are working to accumulate points from the entire room that will be coupled with points from last week’s individual competition and will determine the winning homerooms.  Please continue to encourage your student to help his room be a contender.  All will celebrate with a party on the parking lot on May 11.   Details will follow.

On Friday, May 4, the eighth graders will lead the school in a prayer service in honor of Mary.

The May Crowning is a rich tradition at SJF and is the first of several rites of passage for the class of 2012.  Please know you are most welcome to the prayer service that begins at 11:00.  Please also remember that this is a half-day session for all of the students with dismissal immediately after the prayer service.

This weekend, we will have a gallery in the back of church to display the class art work that is featured in our online auction.  Pictures do not begin to describe the detail, color, and creativity of these amazing pictures.   The auction closes at midnight on Thursday, May 10.

You will need to display the May calendar in a spot where you can check it every day.  Special events include a number of field trips for various grade levels and other special events that begin to mark the end of the school year. 

Kindergarten students will welcome their moms or other special guests to “tea” and a fashion show on Thursday, May 10 at 1:00.  (American Girl Stores have NOTHING on this special day…can diet coke be served in tea cups?)

The fourth graders will build their rockets and launch them in the park on May 24.   NASA may have closed its operation but these talented young scientists will surely help us get to Mars in the not too distant future.

Tutors from our Homework Club will help staff the Special Olympics at Soldiers Field on May 8.   I am so proud of this group of students who so generously work with our younger students each Monday and Thursday. 

The third graders culminate their study of Chicago on May 30 when they take a trip downtown and a boat ride to view the cityscape.   This trip is always a highlight of the year for the third grade class.    Pray now for good weather. 

Please check backpacks and online for information about summer offerings at St. John Fisher.   Although summer days fly, our mini courses help students stay sharp and focused. The Sunshine camps for our littlest Falcons are always great fun.

A few reminders:

            Students may begin to wear walking shorts (khaki or navy blue) starting today.

            Shorts cannot be more than two inches above the knee.

            We mailed the last tuition invoice of the year today. (DO I hear some ALLEULIAS?!?!)

            If you are unable to have full payment of all bills on or before May 15, please contact

            me as soon as possible.   We are at the point of the year when our budget is

            stretched to the limit.

Baseball games, warm weather, ragged assignment books and the temptation to get by with minimal effort can make school work a real challenge in the last month of school.  Please encourage your kids to give it their best for a strong finish.   Our students have immense potential, great creativity, and when nudged a bit, real enthusiasm to think and learn.   With your help, we want each to conclude the year with a sense of success and great accomplishment.