Dear families and friends of Siena,
He is risen! Alleluia!
I hope that you and your family have had a restorative, happy Easter holiday. Our teachers and students enjoyed a well-earned break and many employees took a bit of time to rest, too. While it certainly doesn't seem like it weather-wise, we are entering into the home stretch of the school year.
The flurry of the next six weeks will bring competitions, award ceremonies, field trips, graduations, and change. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the remainder of the school year and keep learning at the forefront.
Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President, Siena
Great things are happening at our schools. We invite you to share with us on Twitter using the hashtag #sienaspirit. Here are a few highlights:
We are delighted to share our Black History Month award winners – see the infographic for more details. We were blessed to host this Siena-wide event at St. Catherine's to honor our current students, faculty, and staff.
Congratulations to all students who competed in the Siena Spelling Bee! Special shout outs to our winners:
Maksim K (1st Place) SJS, Abigail E (2nd Place), and Olivia L (3rd place) SRS from grades 1,2
Jillian A (1st Place) SLS, Erin M (2nd Place) JPIIA, Ariella C (3rd Place) OLOGA from grades 3,4,5
Scout W (1st Place), Ella H (2nd Place) SLS, Londyn P (3rd Place) OLOGA from grades 6,7,8
Our Siena Math Competition is set to roll out on April 27, featuring math teams in grades 6-8 from each of our schools, and will be held at St. Catherine's. We are thrilled to have our math interventionist coordinate this event with our schools, teachers, students, and parents.
Our first Siena Hackathon is scheduled for May 17 in the St. Catherine's High School STEM Lab from 5-6:30 p.m. Never heard of a Hackathon before? Come join us as we see some of our students showcasing their solutions to real-world problems and see the SCHS Robotics Club!
Our partnership with Gateway's Fab Lab continues to grow and our schools each now have their own 3D printer to use in classrooms.
#strongertogether,
Dr. Parisa Meymand
Chief Academic Officer, Siena Catholic Schools
You might have heard about Angel Fest, so consider this your formal invitation!
Angel Fest is a family-friendly event being held outside on Aquin Yard, right across the street from St. Catherine's High School. In addition to Cherub Fest, a kid-friendly area with games, prizes, and face-painting, there will be vendors, food and beverages, three bands throughout the day, a cribbage tournament, cornhole, the Racine K-9 Unit, alumni gatherings, silent auction items (bidding will be available online), student displays, an athletic area with the YMCA, and enough to keep your family busy on a Saturday.
Opportunities available for families, adults, and anyone over the age of 12 with parent/guardian permission.
We will work around your schedule!
FREE Angel Fest t-shirt for those who commit to volunteering before May 1!
On Friday, March 18, the OLOGA community came together for one of our own. Mrs. Dufton, an OLOGA Middle School teacher, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. On March 18, OLOGA staff, students, families, and community members came together to raise over $2,600 to be donated to the Dufton family to help offset her financial responsibilities while she receives treatment.
Please continue to keep Mrs. Dufton in your prayers.
For the last few months, OLOGA 4th grade students have been working incredibly hard practicing and memorizing their lines for the Living Stations of the Cross Presentation. On Thursday, April 7, the OLOGA community gathered together to experience the Living Stations of the Cross. As Catholics, the Living Stations of the Cross reminds us of Jesus' death before Easter. Beautiful job, Crusaders!
Father Michael recently taught St. Rita students about what a Covenant means. During the Homily, students provided ways to keep a Covenant and ways Covenants are broken. The students had very profound statements.
We love to see faith in action!
SCHS Nursing Assistant students, through our partnership with Gateway Technical College, got to attend a huge announcement from Governor Tony Evers where the state gave $20 million to build a new Medical Center in Racine. What an experience for our students!
A note from St. Vincent de Paul:
"This week we were joined by four St. Catherine's students in serving our guests. It was great to see the enthusiasm they brought in helping us serve our guests. From preparation to their flexibility in accepting changing job assignments, and the joy they showed in providing the service. We served; 23 dinners to folks picking up groceries, 49 walk-ins, seven children, 14 dinners to the senior facility = 93 Total. Thanks to all the helping hands!"
SCHS came out in support of their classmate Margarita, who is in the Youth In Governance program, by bringing donations of stuffed animals, fidgets, and lanyards. We are praying for the kids in foster care who will be receiving these donations. Great job Margarita! Thank you to SCHS faculty/staff/students for supporting the drive.
Over three evenings in March and April, incoming Siena 9th graders met with counselors and school administration for course selections. Over 140 students attended the events with their parents. As part of the welcome, several tables were set up with representatives of clubs, school activities, and athletics. A light dinner was provided.
Congrats to our six basket winners, Cecilia L., Alexandra M., Nathan S., Jasmine O., Ava G., and Noah O.
Inquiries are welcome for the 23-24 school year in grades K3 through 11. Looking for a Catholic education rich in tradition and lifelong growth? To learn more about the Siena advantage, please call (262) 812-0155 or complete the short Inquiry Form.
Consider purchasing e-gift cards through the SCRIP program. This is done online, and it is instant. You can create an account at the Shop with Scrip website.
Purchasing SCRIP e-gift cards provides a rebate back to your school and a rebate to you that can be used towards tuition, spirit wear orders, or student activity fees. Please contact your school secretary if you have any additional questions.
The City of Racine mask mandate has been lifted! While masks are now optional, we kindly ask families to keep children home if they are sick! Wash those hands frequently!
Need a COVID test? Register here for free testing at St. Cat's
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.