Dear families and friends of Siena,
Just like that it is Fall. We continue to adapt and find some semblance of a routine: Masses (shout-out to Fr. Ricardo for hosting St. Catherine's first all-school virtual Mass!), tests, community building, and endless sanitizing. You might get an initial chuckle out of that last one, but the cleaning done by our teachers and custodial staff--every class period, every room, every day--is no small task. Add that to class prep, synchronous learning, simultaneous engagement, and lesson planning, and it becomes clear that there is nothing easy about this year. Our educators need our prayers. Our students need our prayers. Our families need our prayers. We all need a little bit of grace.
In addition to the information in this newsletter, I'd like to call your attention to our new COVID tracker. While we must maintain confidentiality and privacy for those impacted, we will be sharing general numbers with our community moving forward.
A decision on Quarter Two learning will be shared by the end of the month. Your feedback on the mid-quarter survey was invaluable, and we will continue to make adjustment as we analyze the survey results of our families and employees alike.
Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President, Siena Catholic Schools of Racine
O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.
As we welcome the autumn months,
May the earlier setting of the sun remind us to take time to rest.
May the brilliant colors of the leaves remind us of the wonder of your creation.
May the steam of our breath in the cool air remind us that it is you who give us the breath of life.
May the harvest from the fields remind us of the abundance we have been given and bounty we are to share with others.
May the dying of summer's spirit remind us of your great promise that death is temporary and life is eternal.
We praise you for your goodness forever and ever.
AMEN
Submitted by Siena Catholic Schools Campus Minister Kristen Dahlgren. "Catholic Autumn Prayer" from Xavier University.
Members of the Board of Directors from the Siena Catholic Schools of Racine will be available to meet with you to discuss any questions that you may have about the Racine Parental Choice Program and your child’s school. These meetings, a requirement of our participation in the Racine Parental Choice Program, are an excellent opportunity to share your thoughts and hopes for the future of Catholic Education in Racine. There is no need to RSVP – you are welcome to come at any time.
November 4, 2020 and March 11, 2021 • 6-7 p.m.
SCHS Campus Ministry is accepting donations of NEW socks during the month of October. These socks will be donated to veterans in need. Interested in making a donation? Please send NEW socks to your school office in a plastic bag labeled for Socktober. We'll make sure that donations get to Campus Ministry!
The Soles Walk started in 2013 as a way for Archdiocese of Milwaukee parishes and schools to come together in one location and celebrate Catholic education, build community and raise funds that remain at each school. While we can't necessarily come together this year, a number of schools are still holding socially-distanced walks!
Every dollar raised at a school stays at that school to directly benefit students and classrooms. Each school sets their own fundraising goal, too.
Would you like to learn more? Do you want walk with your school? Click here!
Former Lt. Gov. Farrow Credits Catholic Education for Success: Catholic Herald, October 8, 2020
St. Catherine's McGee commits to UW-Green Bay: Journal Times, October 6
St. Catherine's Hunter commits to Iowa State: Journal Times, August 5
Mrs. Kristen Dahlgren, the new Siena/St. Cat's Campus Minister, came to us from Catholic East Elementary School in Milwaukee, where she was the Campus Minister for eight years. She is looking forward to building a relationship with the entire Siena Catholic School community and there's no better way than via Zoom!
If you're interested in chatting with Kristen, she'll be Zooming alongside SCHS Principal Tim Riedl on October 19 and 21. Email for additional details!
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
4:30-7 p.m.
Join us Tuesday, November 10, 2020 for a tour of St. Catherine's, including the brand new STEM labs! With COVID-19 restrictions, things will look a little different this year. We will be prioritizing tours for current Siena Catholic School families that are interested in learning more about St. Catherine's and seeing the school. Families must register in advance. Tours are limited so please remember to register early! There will be door prizes and a special raffle!
SCHS Athletics, Guidance, Technology, and the Siena Admissions team will be available to answer any questions you may have. A Meal-to-Go will be provided for the families that attend the event.
Students who wear their "It's an Angel Thing" t-shirt will receive a FREE SCHS facemask!
COVID-19 has changed everything...from how we learn and teach to how we hold meetings and simply engage with other people. We recognize that there are many people who WANT to be more involved with their child's school, but aren't exactly sure how in the time of COVID.
We're piloting a Family Ambassador program and would value your input (and participation)! It doesn't matter if you don't have a lot of time or all the time in the world, we would be happy to chat when it is convenient for YOU.
New family? Great! You probably have some different ideas!
Established family! Wonderful! You know our schools inside and out!
You just want to help in any way you can? We always need volunteers!
If you have any interest, please email us!
On Saturday, October 3, we welcomed nine individuals and one athletic team into the Alumni and Athletic Halls of Fame. Congratulations to Amanda (Sucharda) Ignasiak ('99), Peter Jackal ('77), William Letsch ('71), Timothy McGilsky ('70), Dan Peterson ('65), Marjorie Acklam Rohner ('37), Patricia (Dament) Snider ('89), Thomas Suchla ('81), Nancy Ann Wilson ('76), and the 1970 State Championship Wrestling Team.
The inductees shared fond memories they had during their time at St. Catherine's. A sense of pride filled the auditorium as each inductee gave their speech and thanked St. Catherine's for instilling hard work, commitment to service, and an amazing Catholic education.
If you would like to nominate an alumnus for our next Alumni Hall of Fame, please email kcoleman@sienacatholicschools.org for more information.
If you have ideas for the Siena community newsletter, have pictures or stories to share, or just want to say hi, you can reach us:
communications@sienacatholicschools.org (general mailbox)