Rooted In
Faith
Growing in Knowledge
SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS
PARISH SCHOOL
708 51st Street,
Western Springs, IL 60558
708-246-4454 Absence Hotline 708-292-1162
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Rooted In
Faith
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Working Guide for Parents was put together for new families to help navigate all the “stuff” that comes up throughout the year. But, it is also a “friendly reminder” for those who have been at SJC for “years”! Hopefully, this guide will help with the items that come up occasionally that can not be found in the directory or on the website; if my child would like an extra hotdog or slice of pizza on hot lunch day, is there a charge and what is it??? This reference guide is NOT a replacement for the Parent/Student Handbook or information on the website – this is your version of SJC cliff notes!
August/September
First Day of School: Students in 1st-8th grade arrive in uniform, summer uniform is allowed. All of the 1-8th grade students line up outside in the parking lot. All homeroom numbers are written down with chalk and the teachers are usually standing in front of their lines. This can be a little overwhelming. Take extra time to get there early, especially if you have more than one student that needs to find their homeroom. A lot of parents bring cameras to snap a quick picture. A favorite photo spot is by the main entrance next to the SJC cornerstone.
Kindergarten Open House: On the first day of school all Kindergarten parents (mom and dad) should attend open house. The parents stay with their kindergartener and explore the classroom, meet the teacher, and meet lots of new friends and fellow parents. While it is ok to bring younger siblings, it might be nice to have this time to focus on your kindergartener.
New Family Ice Cream Social: All new families join together for some fun and a tasty treat. It’s a great opportunity for parents and children to meet other new family to SJC. It’s a great time for all.
Open House: Absolutely plan on attending open house. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and see their classrooms. Keep in mind; this is not a time to expect to have a conference with your child’s teacher. The students may have written a note to you or created a project they want you to see. Many parents write notes back to their children. Some of the teachers will have things to sign up for in the classroom, or may give a short talk regarding special projects done in their homeroom.
Parent Association Back-to-School Coffee: This usually takes place after the all-school liturgy during the first week of school. All parents are encouraged to stop in, chat, and learn more about the Parent Association. Children are welcome.
New Family Open House: Definitely plan on attending this informative meeting. It is a great opportunity to learn about your new school and meet other new families. Representatives from the Parent Association, School Board, Athletic Association, and Endowment will be present to give an overview of their organization and answer any questions.
Band Sign-Up: Children in grades 4 to 8 are welcome to sign up for band in August. Practice averages twice per week. There are 2 concerts through out the year as well.
First Endowment Meeting: Join us for the Endowment Trust Fund kick-off meeting! If you have been around SJC for a while, bring someone new; and if you are new please join us so we can introduce ourselves! This meeting will explain what the Endowment Committee does; introduce the Trustees and committee chairs and share a little bit of our plans for the school year. Hope to see you!
October/ November
School Pictures: Individual pictures are taken for Pre-K – 7th grade. This is an out of uniform day. Most children are in “dressy casual attire.” 8th grade pictures are in December and Yearbook pictures are taken in January.
Endowment Wrapping Paper Sale: The Wrapping Paper Fundraiser is the first Endowment event of the year. This is an excellent opportunity for ALL families to support our SJC teachers. Whether it’s one roll per family or 20 rolls, 100% school family participation is our goal! Order from your kitchen table and pick the paper up at school. . .how convenient is that?!!! The paper is superb quality and suits all occasions. The Endowment is always looking for volunteers to help process orders and sort paper. Call or e-mail any of the endowment members for more information on how to help.
High School Night: An Informative night for 6TH, 7th & 8th Grade parents. Representatives from local Catholic and Private High Schools will attend.
Living Rosary: Our 7th graders become the rosary. Grades 1-8 attend this service in the church.
Book Fair: The SJC Parent Association sponsors a book fair in late October. It is held in the parish center over 3-4 days, is open to all school and parish children and families. Parents are encouraged to support this popular fundraising event by attending with their children during scheduled times. Volunteers are always welcome to help set-up or to work a few hours during the week. "The greatest gift you can give your child is the love of reading!"
Confirmation Sponsors Meeting & Commitment Ceremony: Preparation for Confirmation starts in 7th grade. Students receive the sacrament in 8th grade. More information will be sent home.
Halloween Party: A chance for your child(ren) in Pre-K – 8th grade to celebrate Halloween. Pre-K & K come dressed in costume. Grades 1 & 8 ONLY, change into their costume for a parade. (8th grade buddies help the 1st graders get into their costumes). Grades 2-7 have an out of uniform day. 1st & 8th grade Parents invited to view the parade. All Grades (Pre-K – 8) have a simple class party.
Parent Conferences: This is your opportunity to meet one on one with your child’s teacher and Fine Arts Teachers. Information will be sent home. Sign up is through the SJC website.
Veterans Assembly: This assembly is run by student council for the student body. Information will be sent home regarding this year’s theme.
Speech Club: Students in Grades 6-8th are invited to participate in the SJC Speech Club. This club is moderated by parental volunteers. With the moderators’ help, students select a speech; memorize it, and practice, practice, practice. Students meet during the school day, once a week, and practice their speech and hear suggestions on how to improve their performance. There will then be a Speech night where students perform their speeches to an audience. (Parents/Families welcome). Volunteer judges will critique the students as well. Various awards are presented. Some students also go on to compete at a local Competition.
Distribution of Report Cards: First Trimester grades are sent home with your child. Report card envelopes should be signed and returned to school. 3rd – 8th grade parents watch for progress reports sent home mid-trimester. Check the school calendar for dates.
December/January
Angel Gift: Run by a committee of the Parent’s Association. This committee provides Christmas gift for each SJC school employees in the form of a monetary bonus. Information is sent to each family near Christmas time. Families are encouraged to make a donation to the Angel gift in lieu of individual gifts for each teacher. This is a wonderful way to thank our dedicated teachers and staff for all of the hard work they do on behalf of our children.
Kindergarten Christmas Play: Kindergarteners and their parents choose and make/purchase their costumes for this performance. Kindergarteners get to choose from several Nativity costumes: Mary, Wise Man, donkey, sheep, Shepherds, Angels, etc. There is usually several of each costume represented in the show. You may ask a previous Kindergarten family if you can borrow a costume used in previous years. Parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. are welcome. Kindergarteners sing several Christmas songs learned at school and recite a sentence or two which they practice at home. It is divided into an AM Kindergarten and a PM Kindergarten show (2 shows total). Great photo opportunity!!
Christmas Pageant 1st thru 4th Grade participates in this Pageant. Costumes are simple, most of which are made in school. Details of each room’s costumes are provided in notes sent home. (For example; 2nd Graders wears brown tops and bottoms). It is performed in the church itself. It usually occurs in the evening right before Christmas break. Parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. are welcome. A dress performance is held for the school children the day of the pageant. You do not want to miss this very special performance.
Christmas Service Project Parties: Grades Pre-K thru 8 participate in a special service project for those in need. Pre-K & K have a simple party 1-8 have a special snack. These projects are planned by the Room and Grade Parents under the guidance of Mrs. Bolton, the Faith Formation Coordinator. Each grade creates a gift that is then given to one of SJC’s sharing parishes. For example, one grade may wrap up mittens/hats/gloves and send them with a hand made card to children who may not have these things. Once the gift is created and wrapped, the students will have a snack and hopefully have time to play a quick game.
Science Fair: Invention Convention (Science Fair) is part of the 8th grade curriculum. Students research possibilities to enhance peoples lives and are judged on their presentation and designs. An Evening display of projects is held in the gym the evening of the convention.
Catholic Schools Week: A week full of activities. Information will be sent home with exact details. There is an open house, parent visitation and much more. Definitely make time to “pop in” on Open House day.
February/March
Year book pictures: Group and individual pictures are taken during school hours for the various activities. No preparation needed on the parent’s part.
Valentines Day Parties: Pre-K – 3 only. A simple party for our younger Sweethearts. Information will be sent home by teachers. Do Not Address Valentines. Have your child sign them only. This speeds time needed for distribution.
First Eucharist Parent Meeting: A very informative, mandatory meeting for at least one parent of a child making their First Eucharist to attend.
Endowment Gala: FUN, FUN, FUN! What better way to describe our SJC Endowment Gala! Parents and friends of SJC gather to show their support for our teachers and administrators through good food, great friends, and unbelievable auction items. You have the early bird raffle, the evening raffle, the silent auction ranging from kids tables, teachers’ table, sports table and wine table to a live auction/big board. The SJC teachers and staff will also be there to join in on the evening’s festivities. A MUST FOR YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR! Once again, contact an Endowment member for information about volunteering.
April/May/June
Spring pictures: This is a second opportunity to have pictures taken of your little gems. These pictures are optional and you don’t have to pay upfront. They also offer an opportunity to have a sibling photo taken. This is done before school.
Day of Preparation: This is a very special day for the 2nd graders as they prepare for their First Communion. The children participate in hands on activities that relate to the Eucharist. The children will go to different activity stations. Our Sacrament coordinators are always in need of parent volunteers for this lovely day.
First Communion: We all know that this is a special day for your child and your family. A few tips for seating. Yes, you do need to get there early. Yes, Parents sit in one section together. No, siblings do not sit with the parents. Yes, have the grandparents sit elsewhere and enjoy this beautiful Mass. Yes, some parents like to get to the church even a little earlier so they can take pictures before dropping them off in the parish center. No, do not worry. You will get plenty of pictures and the day will be perfect rain or shine.
May Crowning: This is a big day for our 2nd graders and 8th graders. The 2nd graders wear their communion attire and act as an honor guard to the procession. The girls do not wear the veil. The children change at school and they have plenty of helpers. The 8th graders wear dress clothes. Boys generally wear a shirt, tie and sport coat. The girls generally wear dresses with the shoulders covered. This is a must see for parents. Feel free to invite grandparents as well. The entire school attends the ceremony. The 8th graders receive their ribbons following the May Crowning.
Sports Physical: Everyone participating in sports must have a yearly physical. Some years a school family doctor will offer his services for a small fee and the physicals are done in school in May. This is a nice convenience.
Authors Day: This is a chance for parents, grandparents, and siblings to see many of the creative writing done by the 1st graders throughout the school year. This is really a big deal for the 1st graders and a great photo opportunity. It is always fun to go out for ice cream after. Who doesn’t like ice cream?
Awards Night: This is a special night for 8th graders and their parents only. Get a sitter for this one because siblings are not welcome. Sorry. The 8th graders receive special awards for academic excellence and service.
Memorial Games: This is an 8th grade tradition. Homerooms compete against each other in a basketball tournament. They put a great deal of work into this day and evening event. Each homeroom has a theme and they make banners and perform a dance. The entire school comes to the day activities, but the festivities run into the evening. Families are welcome to come at night for a crazy evening of fun. Food is served and there is a huge raffle. Raffle tickets are sold all week and prizes are picked this night. The money raised this evening is used for a gift to the school presented by the 8th graders.
Kindergarten & Pre-K Celebration: An event that Parents, Grandparents and siblings do not want to miss. This is a very special day for our children. The celebration is separated by morning and afternoon classes. Typically girls wear dresses and boys are in slacks and a collared shirt. Bring your cameras and some tissues!!!!!
Celebrate SJC Day: An action packed day filled with fun for 1st – 7th grade. This is an out of uniform day in which children do a short service project and spend the rest of the day socializing , having special treats, and planned activities/surprises. This is a parent run event. Many parent volunteers are needed. This allows teachers to pack up their classrooms and prepare for the last day of school. This is a favorite day for students, teachers and volunteers.
Last day of school: Congratulations you made it! This day includes the closing school liturgy and handing out of final report cards. Uniforms are worn and it is an early dismissal.
We're not done yet… a couple more tidbits to keep you informed!!!!!!!
Church Liturgy: Throughout the year students will attend liturgies. Parents are encouraged and welcome to attend! There is an Opening School Liturgy the first week of school. Students are encouraged to bring a canned good to church (each and any time they attend throughout the year) to donate to our sharing parishes. Some masses will include the entire school, while others are for just specific grade levels. Usually, the Kindergarten classes do not attend masses until November. Keep in mind that the afternoon Kindergarten misses any morning masses, but parents are encouraged to bring their children to the morning liturgy.
Garbage Free Lunches: Each Wednesday is Garbage Free Lunch. Students are asked to bring lunches in re-useable bags, plastic containers…in order to help our environment.
Gym Uniforms/Gym Bags: Students in Grades 2-8 change into gym uniforms. The shirts/shorts/gym bags order form is in the registration packet. Many parents will put an extra pair of gym shoes into the gym bag and leave them at school throughout the year. This way, no one worries that they don’t have their gym shoes on a gym day. Also, gym bags and uniforms can be used the following year. The kids have gym class twice a week. Please label your child’s uniform and remind the kids bring them home for washing.
Math Club: Math Club is an opportunity for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to prepare for math and academic competitions offered by local high schools. Math Club meets once a week for an hour from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The goal of the Math Club is to make math fun and challenging. All 7th and 8th graders are encouraged to sign up for Math Club in September when sign up sheets are sent home. Sixth graders begin Math Club in January. Math competitions are usually held on Saturday mornings at local high schools. Math Club is open to all students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade at St. John of the Cross School.
Mileage Club: Mrs. Bak keeps the kids running and walking! Primary grade children are invited to walk or run the track at recess. Kids count their mileage and earn “mileage club feet” from Mrs. Bak.
Out-of-Uniform Days: It helps to mark your calendar for all of these days. Some of these days the students will be asked to dress in a certain theme-Chicago Bears, Cubs colors etc…This information will be sent home by the homeroom teachers and is on the website. Some clothing/foot wear is never allowed-check the handbook for details.
Parent Nights: During the fall a parent meeting takes place for each grade level. The meetings will be held in the Parish Center and last One hour 700-8:00pm. Early in the school year parents will receive a communication sheet for topics on which you want information at these meetings. These meetings are related to curriculum and procedures not specific child or personal issues.
Port Sandwich Making: Throughout the year each of the grade levels are asked to participate in Port Sandwich Making. The students are asked to donate sandwich making supplies and stay after school (@45 minutes) and help make brown bag lunches donated to the poor. Homeroom teachers will notify each student what they are asked to bring in and their specific date to make the lunches. The various dates will also be on the website. Attendance is optional. Parents are invited to help.
Registration Packet: Registration packets are distributed to the eldest or only children in June. Packet materials are completed and returned to the SJC office during the summer months. The packet contains critical information such as the school calendar, tuition statement, family emergency card, order forms for milk, year books and gym bags, and information on volunteer opportunities. Don’t miss out on this important info!
School Board Meetings: School Board meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday 7pm in the Parish Center. The meetings are open to all SJC parents. Minutes and agendas from the school board meetings are posted on the SJC website.
Sr. Anastasia Fund: This education fund (in honor of Sr. Anastasia, First Principal and First Catechist) supplies much needed assistance to families with financial need within our Parish. The goal of the Sr. Anastasia fund is to assure that financial need will never be a reason for any parishioner to avoid sending their children to the parish school or any of our programs for the young. It is a great blessing to have a solid, growing fund that assists in the Christ-centered formation of our youth. Contributions are always welcome.
SJC “Buddies”: Students in grades 1st-8th have a ‘buddy’ grade. Students are paired up and meet at various times of the year, in their classrooms. They may read stories with their buddies, create an art project…or just visit together. 1st and 8th, 2nd and 6th, 3rd and 5th, 4th and 7th grade are matched up. There is no set schedule for visits. However, at the end of the school year, the 1st grade and 8th grade have a buddy lunch. At this lunch, the 1st graders bring in a lunch for their 8th grade buddy. Teachers will send home more information about this event…including some suggestions on what to bring for lunch. No gifts are allowed to be exchanged between the buddies.
SJC Spirit Wear: Sweatshirts, t-shirts, flannel pants, gym bags, fleece jackets, nylon drawstring sport bags, and much more will be available for your purchase. Youth and adult sizes will be available. Order forms are found on the school's website. Complete the form, send to the office, and have your SJC items within a few weeks or less! Support Saint John of the Cross! Go Wildcats!!
Snacks: Students in 1-4th grade are allowed to bring a snack to school. These are usually eaten while the students are completing class work so it is suggested that snacks be healthy and not too messy. Homeroom teachers will give you specific guidelines about this.
Uniforms: It’s a good idea to put in your Land’s End uniform order early in August. Keep in mind that students are allowed to wear their summer uniform through September…so you have a little time until the regular uniform is needed. Gym shoes are allowed with the summer uniform. Summer and Regular uniforms are allowed in church.
The Lands End website has all of the school uniform information you need. On the website you will see a box that asks to type in your school’s preferred code, listed below. A pdf. file will then come up listing all of your choices. For example, if you need to purchase boys school pants; you will have 6 choices-elastic waist, plain front corduroy, pleated front chino etc. All of these choices are acceptable-just choose the one you prefer for your child. Keep in mind that some children prefer to wear short sleeve shirts through out the year, while others prefer long sleeve. The summer uniform stays the same through out 1-8th grade. In 4th-8th grade the uniform code changes. The girls wear skirts, instead of jumpers. (Girls in 4th Grade have the option to wear the skirt or the jumper) The boys wear oxford style shirts, instead of polos. Get exact details in the Parent/Student Handbook.
LANDS’ END/SCHOOL: 1-800-469-2222
Website: landsend.com/school This site has everything you need to know about SJC uniforms.
The SJC PREFERRED SCHOOL #: 900081209
The School Logo#: 0328507K
SJC Uniform Plaid: HPN, Hunter/Classic Navy Plaid
Virtus Training: Definitely get your Virtus Training/Background check as soon as possible. All parents must have Virtus training and an Archdiocese background check to work with the school children. Details are on the website. This is strictly enforced at SJC.
Water Bottles: All students are allowed to have water bottles throughout the day. It is asked that the bottles have snap lids and must be see through. Remind your child to bring it home so it can be washed. Water bottles can also be purchased on the school supply order form, found in the registration packet.
Woman’s Breakfast Club: Young mothers gather together monthly to enjoy the blessings of friendship and to renew themselves spiritually, emotionally and intellectually through informative speakers, discussions, and hospitality. This group meets in the Parish Center on the second Tuesday of each month during the school year at 9am. Babysitting is available. Look for information in the Church bulletin.
Opportunities for Parents
Athletic Association: The SJC Athletic Association is designed to be representative of the Christian values in life. The Board oversees all aspects of the school’s sports programs: basketball, volleyball, cross country and track. The complete handbook is located on our website.
Endowment: Imagine, if you can, making a conscious decision to accept a salary from your employer that is less than you know you are worth. What would prompt you to do so? In the case of our teachers, at least one answer is a strong dedication to teaching in an environment that espouses Catholic values. Our teachers believe that St. John of the Cross Parish School is the type of environment in which they can have the greatest impact upon the greatest number of children. Whatever their reasons, each of these individuals has made a great personal sacrifice to teach at SJC. We strive to bridge the gap of disparity that exists between salaries of our teachers and those in the surrounding public school districts.
The Trust Fund strives to provide a monetary inducement to attract and retain quality teachers and to show our appreciation for our teachers’ dedication and commitment to our children’s education.
The gift amount is fluid from year to year, based on the Endowment’s fundraising and investment performance.
Parent Association: The Parent Association is an organization of 19 committees working together to support the students and teachers at St. John of the Cross Parish School. Each committee has a chairperson who oversees the members as they carry out the duties of that particular committee. The efforts of the Parent Association help keep tuition in check and offer educational, spiritual and social opportunity at St. John of the Cross. Parents are encouraged to attend monthly meetings as a way of being informed of events directly related to the students. Parents are also welcome to volunteer on any committees that interest them. Meetings for the Parent Association are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Center. Check the school’s website for a list of committee chairs and meeting minutes.
Parent Association committees include the following: others are listed in calendar order.
Field Trips: This group works to find appropriate outings in the area that correlate with the curriculum.
Food For Thought: This is a program started to raise money for the school. About every other month a local restaurant hosts a night for SJC families, where they donate a certain percentage of the night’s sales back to the school. All you have to do is show up at the listed restaurant on the designated night and say that you are from SJC. Look for the line-up on the SJC website. Details and sometimes flyers are sent home as reminders. A great way to support the school!
Good Will: This group Organizes and coordinates support for families in need.
Manna: This is a year-round program, run by Parent Association volunteers, that allows you to reduce your tuition AND help the school just by shopping as you normally would. Truly a win-win situation! Merchants in the program have agreed to sell their gift cards to us for a discounted price. You pay the face value of the gift card and we credit your tuition account with 70% of the discount. (The other 30%, less our minimal expenses, goes to the school.) Order by Tuesday morning and receive your gift cards on Thursday afternoon. (Hint: Lands End certificates are available at a 15% discount; start saving as you buy uniforms!)
Market Day: Parents are able to order food items that are delivered once a month to the parish center. The school receives a profit from items sold.
Room Parents: All parents should receive a letter and/or phone call from their child’s room parent sometime in September. These are also the parents to call if you have a specific question about activities going on in your child’s homeroom. These are the parents that will organize volunteers for the homerooms. If you are interested in being a Room Parent or Grade Parent look for the information in the Registration Packet.
School Supplies: Ordering the pre-packaged supplies is definitely the easiest way to go. The supplies will be sent to your child’s homeroom. The SJC pencil case can be used from year to year. Kindergarten through Grade 2 uses the SJC book bag. These can be used year after year and can be purchased on the School Supplies supplemental list. Information and an order form is sent home and posted on our web-site in May for orders for the following school year.
Social Committee: This group plans fun social outings for kids in grades Pre-K – 4th grade. The social activities take place after school and on weekends. Social events are also planned for parents and families. Information will be sent home. This is a great volunteer opportunity.
Special Lunch Days: Each month their will be a special lunch day. The dates are on the SJC website. On pizza day a cheese pizza is served with soda, chips and ice cream. On hot dog day a hot dog is served with chips, ice cream, and chocolate milk. (The drinks/desserts can vary). If supplies last, a second (hotdog $1/pizza $2) can usually be purchased. If these are not your child’s favorite, they can bring their own lunch.
SJC Women’s Club: St John of the Cross Women's Club is an organization for all women of The Parish. Our purpose is to further the spiritual, educational, social, financial and family interest of our parish and our community. Our common bond is our faith and our desire to serve our parish. We help raise funds for the parish including the church, school, youth catechesis programs and for Catholic scholarships. We further support many local non-profit charities and international organizations that help families, especially women and children. Our primary annual fundraisers include the Garage Sale in June, the Fall Fashion Show and the Flower Sale in May.
By Parents for Parents was put together by parents for parents to help our new families. This book is just a short snap shot of the events for the school year. Closer to when the events take place more information will be communicated with you as it pertains to your child(ren)’s grade. For more detailed information please consult your Parent/Student Handbook or our website at www.sjcpsinfo.org.
If there is something that comes up during the year that is confusing, please do not hesitate to call your child’s Room Parent or Grade Parent. They will always be happy to help you.
Our Grade Parents, Administrative staff and faculty are always eager to help answer any questions or clarify information for you.
The families of Saint John of the Cross Parish School look forward to getting to know you and wish you and your family a successful year.
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