AGW 1/31
“Another Great Week” Newsletter from Principal Ferguson
Dear Lancer Families,
This is a long one…but full of great info…thanks for taking the time to read this week’s AGW!
Catholic Schools Week - We had a wonderful week celebrating our Catholic School this past week! We were able to continue many of our yearly traditions once again this year. *See under “Announcements” for all the highlights!
A huge THANK YOU to all the members of the SMPO Board and a host of other parent volunteers for making this such a special and fun-filled day for the kids. It was great to see all the excitement and smiling faces of the students. We are so proud of all the ways our students showed their Catholic faith throughout this year’s Catholic Schools Week!!
We want to send a big THANK YOU to all of our families who make St. Michael Parish School such an awesome school. We recognize the sacrifice it can be to send your children to Catholic School each year. Your commitment to your child’s Faith development and their overall education is much appreciated. We are proud of the traditions and long history of excellence here at SMPS. Thank you again for being a part of the future of our school!
A final THANK YOU to all the wonderful parents and students for their generous gifts for our teachers and staff throughout this Catholic Schools Week! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful community that supports our efforts at St. Michael’s.
Spelling Bee - We held our annual Spelling Bee on Monday and like every year, it was a tight competition. We really have some remarkable spellers at SMPS. The final round showcased Sophia Mendoza (5th Grade), Jack Burkly (7th Grade), Alex King (4th Grade), and Lily Mirsky (7th Grade). Ultimately, Sophia Mendoza was crowned the Champion of the 2025 Spelling Bee. She will represent SMPS in the DuPage County Private School Spelling Bee. Congratulations to all the students who made it to the final round.
TARDIES - As a reminder, the school day officially starts at 7:40 with Prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Announcements. We have seen an increase in students arriving after 7:40am each day which disrupts the start of the day. We understand that the carline can get backed up at times. Please make every effort to leave a few minutes earlier so students arrive on time. After 7:40am, students will be directed to the Main Office to receive a tardy pass before being admitted to the classroom.
Drop off begins at 7:00am each day.
NO left turn into the parking lot on Willow Ave.
Pull forward in the carline all the way up to the statue of Jesus near the stop sign…and then pull all the way up to the car in front of you…Don’t stop short.
Don’t wait for a staff member to open the door…we will do our best to help, but there are only 3-4 of us out there.
Once in the parking lot, please make sure students are ready to exit the car when the car stops…seated on the passenger side of the car, seat belt unbuckled, and backpack ready.
DO NOT drop off anywhere around campus except in the carline or in the church parking lot. Dropping off students on Willow Ave, Wheaton Ave, or Childs Street is NOT permitted at any time.
FACTs Update - Starting January 28th, the Family Portal login screens are being updated in preparation for the upcoming release of Multifactor Authentication (MFA), which is rolling out gradually. FACTS will provide more information and details soon. The login process will be divided into two steps. First, you’ll enter your District Code (STMW-IL), then on the next screen you’ll provide your Username and Password. There is no impact on the ability to log in, and existing credentials will remain the same. This update only changes the steps you see during the login process.
Please read the “Announcements” below for Science Fair awards, Future Cities awards, and winners of the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest!
Next Week is STEM WEEK!!!
Skydome Planetarium Show for Grades 5-8. Students will get to see our universe from within a mobile Planetarium inside Cashin Gym while our navigator teaches them more about the stars and planets as they appear in real-time.
Lego-inspired Engineering Days for Grades K-4. Jacob from Play-Well TEKnologies will be onsite to give students a chance to explore and have fun with Legos.
STEM Night is Wednesday, February 5th from 6:00-8:00 in the Cashin Gym. All are welcome to a night of fun with science, technology, engineering and math. We'll have so many hands-on activities to explore!. *This is not a drop off event…students must be accompanied by a parent.
Make it a GREAT day, Lancers!!!
Adam Ferguson
Principal, St. Michael Parish School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-
Rock and Jazz (mini) Concert - The St. Francis Jazz and Rock Band came to perform for all the students. Many of the members of the band were SMPS alumni and/or siblings of current students which added to the excitement.
Mass and Open House - Wednesday we celebrated an All School Mass. We had many parents and special guests join us afterwards for an Open House showcasing all the wonderful work of the students. Thanks to all who joined us to see what the day-in-the-life of an SMPS Lancer looks like!
Staff Luncheon - Thank you to the SMPO and Wendy Spindler for organizing a delicious luncheon for the staff. The food was amazing!!! It was nice to take a few extra minutes to share a meal with colleagues. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to cover the recess time with the students…much appreciated!
Buddy Activities - Throughout the week, our students gathered with their Buddies for Prayer as well as fun and games. Some classes got together to pray the rosary in the church using the Walking Rosary tiles in the Narthex. Others made rosaries for charity. And some classes got together for Trivia Games and Bingo.
FUN DAY - On Friday, the students in Kindergarten through 4th grades were able to participate in our traditional “Fun Day” activities, while the 5th through 8th grade students participated in a series of “Minute to Win It” games and activities in the gym with their classmates.
Coin Wars - Students also collected loose change and dollar bills for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
-
Science Fair - Last week, the 7th grade students presented their Science Fair projects to the judges here at SMPS at the school Science Fair. Congratulations to all students for doing such a great job! We have 10 students who are moving on to the Regional Science Fair on March 7. Congratulations to Madeline Beyer, Benjamin Carroll, Abby Egan, Quinn Foley, Reagan Florczak, Lucy Jones, Eloise Kalins, Natalie Schumaker, Jimmy Taschetta and Trent Wiedman! Congratulations to all for a job well done!
-
Future Cities - First of all, thank you to the entire team for a job well done! The team placed 2nd in the competition. They also earned two special awards: the ASCE-Illinois Section- Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) Floating Arch Excellence Award, and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Excellence in Mobility Technology Award. The top 3 teams in the competition are invited to attend the 2025 Chicagoland Engineers Week Awards Dinner (Washington Awards Dinner) on Thursday, February 20 at 5:30 PM at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The students will have their model on display, and they will be recognized for their project at the awards dinner. Way to go Future Cities Team!!
-
KofC Free Throw Contest - The Knights of Columbus hosted their Annual Free Throw Contest last Saturday night. Congratulations to the following students for advancing to the next round…Owen Payne (age 9) and Frannie O’Donnell (age 9), Leo Hamman (age 10), Abbey Kerger (age 10), Vera Vadakumpadam (age 11), Allison Macek (age 12), and Nate Agema (12). Best of luck to all our shooters!!
-
UPDATED:
District 200 HS Registration for 2025-2026 - We received a message from the Registrars at the District 200 High Schools that the district has pushed back the registration date for students coming to Wheaton Warrenville South. Registration is now scheduled to open on 2/3/25. Should this change again, we will let you know.
_______
This was previously in the AGW and has been sent, but if you have not yet done so, please click and read for your prospective HS:
Incoming Freshman Info (Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South) - Please click on the link for either WN or WWS to preview the necessary information for Freshman Registration for the 2025-2026 school year.
-
STEM Night is Wednesday, February 5th from 6:00-8:00 in the Cashin Gym. All are welcome to a night of fun with science, technology, engineering and math. We'll have so many hands-on activities to explore!. *This is not a drop off event…students must be accompanied by a parent.
-
🏫 The Uniform Exchange - Find Some New-to-You Uniforms 🏫
Dear SMPS Families,
Exciting news! The Uniform Exchange will be open Wednesday, February 5th to February 9th. Located on the Landing; the area outside of the cafeteria. The exchange will be open anytime the school is open, so feel free to stop by at your convenience.
This is a chance to discover new sizes if your current pieces no longer fit or are showing signs of wear. Feel free to take items without bringing anything in return. Our closets are overflowing, and we need to clear out some items.
We have all items available, with a large amount of navy and khaki pants. It's a fantastic opportunity to update your child's wardrobe!
Whether you have outgrown uniforms or are looking for some extras, we invite you to come and find what you need.
If you’re unable to make these dates, you are always welcome to come in and look through the closets anytime the school is open.
Make the most of this exchange! Happy swapping!
St. Michael Parent Organization
-
Our 1st Ignatius BOOK FAIR Coming Soon! We are SO excited!!!!
Mark your calendar: March 9-14
What makes the Ignatius Book Fair unique/exciting? It offers an incredible selection of Catholic and secular works that inspire, educate, and allow our students to explore the complementary nature of faith and literature.
Shop after Mass, in the evening, during school, and online before/after the event.
Volunteers needed, sign up coming soon!
CALENDAR
COMMUNITY POSTS
-
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS FEB 3RD
View Flyer; Click link to register
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS – Registration is open for all events!
SHADOW at SFHS – 7th & 8th grade students see classes with a student host, have lunch, and experience college prep with a Franciscan spirit.
Select days, Monday-Friday
CAMPUS TOURS (Talk & Tour) – Visit for a tour during school hours.
Select days, Monday-Friday
MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHTS
Spring Musical (show to be announced soon!) - March 13, 7:00 p.m.
Boys Volleyball – May 15, 6:00 p.m.
SPARTAN SHOWCASE, April 9, 9:00 a.m. – Introduction to the SFHS Curriculum, co-curricular opportunities and experience, and an overview of our admissions process.
7TH GRADE NIGHT, April 25, 6:30 p.m.- All 7th graders are invited to a fun-packed evening at St. Francis High School! - Meet current SFHS students and fellow 7th grade future Spartans - Participate in team-building activities - Compete in the Spartan Amazing Race.
Register for events at https://www.sfhscollegeprep.org/admissions/visit-st-francis-high-school
-
Middle School Girls Math Competition - 2.4.25 - www.rosaryhs.com/math
Class of 2029 Exam - 2.5.25 - www.rosaryhs.com/exam
Valentine's Craft - 2.7.25 - www.rosaryhs.com/valentines
Why Rosary - Attend any one of our upcoming sessions to learn more of the advantages of the Rosary Education - www.rosaryhs.com/whyrosary
-
Please Join Us!
Winter Carnival
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Noon-2:00 pm
Fenwick High SchoolSunday is Fun Day
at Fenwick!Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 2, 2025, when you and your family are invited to Fenwick’s Annual Winter Carnival.
Bring the little ones to enjoy pizza and carnival games and work out all that cooped-up winter energy in our bounce house!
The entire family is invited for a fun day at 505 Washington Blvd.
$5 per person
Children under 2 are free!
Registration is highly encouraged due to limited space.Contact Dawn Swanson with any questions.
Fenwick High School is owned and sponsored by the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
💛 THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK! 💛
Find NEW announcements for this week by looking for the *
The AGW is an internal newsletter only available to St. Michael families. It may not be redistributed in part or whole in any manner without permission.