AUGUST 2023
News From Siena
Dear families and friends of Siena,
I am thrilled to begin this new school year with all of you, our faculty, staff, and especially our students. The work that has occurred over the summer months, from professional development to cleaning and repairs to thoughtful planning, has energized our team and we are ready to bring that excitement to 2023-24.
With new principals (welcome Mrs. Amanda McCauley at St. Sebastian and Ms. Beth Woodward at St. Rita!), new faculty, and new staff, I thought it was appropriate that our theme for the year bring us back to St. Catherine of Siena. "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." Whether you are a student, a parent/guardian, or Siena employee, I think that this quote can inspire us all in this new school year.
In appreciation,
Dr. Sue Savaglio-Jarvis
President, Siena Catholic Schools
P.S. Follow Siena on Facebook and get an inside view of our schools through "Dr. Sue's View." Videos are frequently uploaded that illustrate the best our schools have to offer.
Mission: Possible!
When I think about the mission of Siena Catholic Schools, I approach it in a few ways. One, how we need to be active in our faith, and two, how Catholic education requires continuous support.
This month I ask you to ponder this as a parent/guardian, and/or educator:
How can you support the faith development of our students?
How do your actions illustrate love and kindness for others as Jesus did?
Dr. Sue
2023-24 Academic Calendar
You can download the calendar here.
Finalized special event dates will be communicated as they become available!
Looking for your school's Google calendar? They can be found here:
Quick Notes
There are a number of important dates coming up! Check your calendar today: if you're available to volunteer, please email the addresses below!
First day of school: August 22
Party on the Pavement: September 16 (VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!)
Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Day: October 8
Walk for Catholic Education (SOLES Walk): October 14
St. Cat's Alumni Hall of Fame: October 28 (VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!)
Congrats to student Heaven T. for representing St. Catherine's High School at a recent Rotary Club meeting. The August meeting recognized Racine High School World Affairs Seminar (WAS) recipients; we are so proud of Heaven for positively representing the Angels!
Congratulations to everyone at John Paul II Academy Racine! The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Office for Schools has once again bestowed JPIIA Exemplary Status in Educating the Whole Student. This status is valid through the 2027-28 academic year and recognizes the school for their work in guidance and wellness services, extracurriculars, classroom instruction, and professional development, among other categories.
Greetings from Dr. Parisa
Hello Siena Family,
We are so excited to welcome back our students on August 22nd! Our schools received many new materials over the summer for our students to enjoy! Some highlights include:
A social studies program that is engaging and helps bring learning alive for our K-8 students
Wisconsin history resources as our students learn more about our great state
An increase in Project Lead the Way courses at St. Catherine's and at all Siena locations in grades 6-8
New math textbooks at St. Catherine's to help build successful math skills
New English books and curriculum at each grade-level at St. Catherine's
Phonics books to help our early learners
Middle school health books that align with the National Health Standards and focus on 10 critical health skills
Books galore: Classroom library, SEL, and STEM books at our elementary locations
Coming back to school is an adjustment for us all. Establishing routines that include getting enough sleep, planning in advance what to wear, arranging transportation, and where and when homework should be done can help ease the transition back to school for families. If you or your child have questions, reach out to their teacher in-person, via email, or a phone call. Please realize that our teachers are busy teaching during the school day, so it may take them a day to get back to you. Thank you for your continued partnership as we start this year.
With gratitude,
Dr. Parisa
School Nutrition Program
Looking for breakfast and lunch menus? Did you know that you can view the breakfast, lunch, and snack menus online AND via the Taher app? All menus are located here...just click on the correct school on the upper right. You can download the Taher app here (Apple) and here (Android).
In addition to menus, extensive information about Taher and our school nutrition program can be found on the School Nutrition Website
Free and Reduced Meals application: https://sienacatholic.familyportal.cloud/
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Hello, St. Sebs!
After years of planning and months of hard work, we are proud to welcome (back) St. Sebastian STEM Academy to Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. St. Sebastian School closed in 2012 but has reopened as a STEM-focused school, starting with grades 3K, 4K, and 5K. We will add grade 1 in 2024-25, grade 2 in 2025-26, grade 3 in 2026-27, and so on through grade 8.
Led by Mrs. Amanda McCauley and spiritually guided by Fr. Thomas Vathappallil, we can't wait to see our young learners reach new heights.
Note: as part of St. Sebastian Parish's 50th anniversary of their church building, Archbishop Jerome Listecki will be celebrating Mass at St. Sebastian on Sunday, September 24 at 9:15 a.m. The Archbishop will also bless the "new" school. Breakfast/refreshments will be served after Mass and all are welcome! Additional information will be shared soon.
News & Notes, Resources
Siena is looking for Substitutes: If you or you know someone interested in becoming a substitute, please contact bschurman@sienacatholicschools.org.
If you have ideas for the Siena community newsletter, have pictures or stories to share, or just want to say hi, you can email me at kgardner@sienacatholicschools.org.