Dear families and friends of Siena,
To say that I am grateful for the positivity, grace, and understanding that has been shown during our first few weeks of school is an understatement. Our incredible faculty and staff have truly lived the mission of Siena Catholic Schools as we've adapted to synchronous teaching and learning, showing just how much they care for the students that they teach. I am blessed to lead such a dedicated group of educators.
We've weathered new procedures, have made a few adjustments, and seem to be getting into a groove. While COVID could very well force us to shift again, I am confident that our community of learners, educators, and families will tackle any additional challenges as they arise.
Thank you for entrusting your child's education to us. We take this responsibility seriously and are thankful to be partnering with you on this journey.
Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President, Siena Catholic Schools of Racine
Lord our God:
During this back to school time we entrust students and teachers to Your Divine Providence.
May Your Holy Spirit enlighten them.
Let those who teach do it with wisdom, mercy, and patience.
That those who study value and take advantage of the privilege of being able to go to school and the great effort of their families and teachers. That they put all their effort to learn and grow in knowledge and virtues; be good and supportive of their classmates; and discover their own gifts and talents. Let them know they are in Your hands, at the service of Your Kingdom, for Your glory, their sanctification, and the good of others.
Amen
Submitted by Cintia Sanchez, bilingual admissions coordinator for Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. Her children attend John Paul II Academy.
We are so happy to welcome St. Louis Parish in Caledonia as an official member of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine. Archbishop Listecki made the official announcement, bringing our total supporting parish number to 11. Fr. Yamid Blanco, pastor at St. Paul the Apostle in Racine, is also the pastor at St. Louis. We welcome our new parish family and thank them for their financial support!
Six schools, 11 parishes, one community.
Through December 31, the government is allowing Siena to give free meals to ALL students. Every single student can get the provided free breakfast and lunch. Your student can still buy extra food and drinks if they wish; a la carte items are not included.
Learn From Home students can pick up breakfast and lunch at St. Catherine's High School between 12-12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at Door 9. Kids will receive a lunch for that day and breakfast for the next day.
If you know of children who do not attend a Siena school, please let them know that ANYONE under the age of 18 can stop by St. Cat's between 12-12:30, M-F to pick up food. Kids don't have to be present, no ID required.
On August 22, over 40 donors and community partners participated in a ribbon-cutting event at St. Catherine's. The new SC Johnson STEM Lab and Perez Makerspace were constructed this summer to support engineering, biomedical, and physics classes. It's a very exciting time for the high school as Project Lead the Way grows. St. Catherine's will continue capital improvements over the next few years that will enhance the academic, spiritual, and physical well-being of its students. Read more about the Our Time is Now Campaign and how you can support the efforts.
Read the full ribbon-cutting news article in the Catholic Herald.
St. Catherine's High School opens the new SC Johnson STEM Lab and Perez Makerspace: Catholic Herald, August 26, 2020
Siena Catholic Schools notes switches between Learn From Home, Learn From School: Racine Journal-Times, September 9, 2020
During quarantine, 10 SCHS students and alumni were paired for a new pen pal program, designed to bridge the gap between St. Catherine's alumni and current students. The program was initiated by a 1960's alum that wanted to talk to someone other than her husband, given the restrictions of the Safer at Home order. The SCHS Pen Pal Program was born!
Because of its success, the program will continue each summer. If you are a St. Catherine's alumni and interested in becoming a pen pal, please contact Kaela Coleman, Alumni Relations Coordinator.
As we start out the new year, let's meet the admissions team!
From left to right: Cintia Sanchez, Bilingual Admissions Coordinator; Kory Borek, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid; Liz Wendel, Senior Coordinator of Admissions & Financial Aid
As we begin to prepare for the 2021-22 recruiting year, remember you are our best ambassadors! Spread the word on Siena Catholic Schools! Encourage new families to learn more about our Siena community! Encourage current families to consider enrolling a K3 or K4 student.
The first step of the process is completing an Inquiry Card. This will then move to an email and personal phone call from the Admissions Office. Every inquiry counts!
The Siena Admissions Office is located at 1220 Villa St. and the office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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!
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)