Dear families and friends of Siena,
We recently had the opportunity to gather as a system for our first-ever Mission Day on Monday, January 17. I thought it was fitting that we set aside this time on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, recognizing a man who has inspired so many to make the world a better place. You'll find a recap below.
I spent some time chatting with a colleague after Mission Day; she had been assigned to a women's shelter helping to organize, clean, and move items. She said, "I went home and thanked God for all that I had. A loving husband. Food and shelter for my children. You know people are suffering, but you don't understand until you are there, seeing it in person." She's been inspired to involve her family in additional community service, and I thought, "this is why we do what we do." It was a humble beginning, but all good deeds start somewhere.
God bless,
Kimberly Gardner
Chief Advancement Officer, Siena
Thanks to all Siena employees for joining us in service to our community on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. COVID prevented us from gathering together to have an in-person Mass, but Bishop Jeff said he is looking forward to celebrating Mass with us for next year’s Mission Day.
We have received so many positive messages from our community partners: Veterans Outreach Of Wisconsin, Hospitality Center, Woof Gang Rescue, WRC (Women’s Resource Center), and Kingdom Builders. They have all said how much they appreciate the time and help provided.
We are working with students at St. Catherine’s to complete the Mercy Mats that were started at St. Lucy and St. Catherine’s. Additionally, we have been in contact with a few crocheting groups locally to see if they might be interested in helping make mats; spread the word if you know of anyone who might be interested.
We hope to build on what we’ve started this year and are joyful in having an intentional Mission Day supportive of the works of Dr. King and our pillar of service. Thank you all for helping live out our mission.
Sincerely,
Kristen Dahlgren, Campus Minister
Dr. Parisa Meymand, Chief Academic Officer
"It all starts with one act of kindness.
I lost my son to suicide in October. He was a Lieutenant Firefighter and First Responder for 21 years at Great Lakes Naval Base. He had been suffering from PTSD, as many First Responders do.
Katie J's mom (Debbie, my sister-in-law) and I had once talked about making meals for our community firehouses. God spoke through Katie and Debbie and they responded by feeding the Caledonia Fire Department, asking if I would like to go along. Debbie and Katie made a meal of tacos, nachos, chicken fajitas, snacks, soda, and desserts to feed the three stations. They were so happy that we thought of them! The department showed Katie all the equipment, how everything works, and she was even able to turn on the lights and siren on the big ladder truck. Most importantly, the experience was extremely healing for me. I believe everyone there was moved by one small act of kindness, which started with Katie.
God Bless,
Jeanne Jurkiewicz"
Do you have an act of kindness to share? No matter how big or how small, we'd love to hear about them. Email info@sienacatholicschools.org.
Say what? You read it right! Save the date for our new annual auction and social event to support St. Catherine's students. The Black & White Ball had 11 amazing years and now it's time to refresh and bring back Angel Fest on a scale fit for Aquin Yard. More details to come!
OLOGA is excited to announce a new addition to our school- a Little Free Library. It is located on the office door of Mrs. Moore, Educational Assistant, and is open to all students and staff of OLOGA.
What is a Little Free Library? “A Little Free Library is a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book or share a book. They function on the honor system. You do not need to share a book in order to take one. If you take a book or two from a little library, try to bring some to share to that same library, or another in your area, when you can.
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Our mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries. Our vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.” source: https://littlefreelibrary.org/about/
Thank you Mrs. Moore for putting this together for our OLOGA students and families!
Now is the time to apply for financial aid! Siena Catholic Schools offers financial assistance and different payment options to help make a Catholic education affordable. We also participate in the Racine Parental Choice Program. The first open enrollment to apply for this program is February 1-20, 2022. For more information, contact the Siena Admissions Office at (262) 812-0155.
Contact Zach Prideaux or Angie Peterson to indicate your interest.
Siena Catholic Schools Accepting Enrollment Applications for the 2022-23 School Year
Applications are being accepted for the 2022-23 school year. To inquire about grade availability please complete the Inquiry Form. A member of the enrollment team will reach out and explain the enrollment process and financial aid options. If you have immediate questions, please call (262) 812-0155 or email admissions@sienacatholicschools.org.
Siena Catholic Schools Financial Aid Program
Beginning February 1, 2022 all current and prospective families may apply for financial aid for the 2022-23 school year. Your 2021 income information will be needed to apply. Siena Schools covers the $35 application fee for you! If you have questions or concerns about the financial aid process, contact Kory Borek, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, by calling (262) 833-5517 or by email at kborek@sienacatholicschools.org.
Racine Parental Choice Program Renewal begins February 1, 2022
Families currently participating in the Racine Parental Choice Program will need to renew their tuition support through the Department of Public Instruction during the February open enrollment which runs February 1-22, 2022. Once the online application is complete, supporting documentation (proof of residency for continuing students and proof of residency and income for students new to the program) must be turned in to either your school office or the financial aid office located at 1220 Villa St. before the February 22, 2022 deadline. If you need help with the application, school office administrative assistants are able to assist or you can stop by 1220 Villa St. Questions? Call the Financial Aid Office at (262) 812-0155 for assistance. Para preguntas o ayuda traduciendo a español, por favor contacte a Cintia Sanchez al 262-753-1471.
2022-23 Tuition Contracts Coming Soon!
Tuition contracts for the 2022-23 school year will be available mid-February with a March 5, 2022 deadline. Watch your email for your invitation to sign into Enrollment Management to sign your new contract(s) for the upcoming school year. If you need help with your login or password, please contact Kory Borek, Director of Admissions &. Financial Aid at either (262) 833-5517 or kborek@sienacatholicschools.org. Para preguntas o ayuda traduciendo a español, por favor contacte a Cintia Sanchez al 262-753-1471.
Join us for one (or all!) of our listed Open Houses, and discover with the right foundation, our students grow in mind, body, and faith while promoting environments of academic and behavioral excellence. www.sienacatholicschools.org
The St. Catherine's Foundation is proud to offer two new scholarships for the upcoming school year. The deadline to apply for these new scholarships is February 11, 2022.
Catholic Education Multi-Student Scholarship
The Catholic Education Multi-Student Scholarship is for families who have multiple children at St. Catherine’s High School or have a student at St. Catherine’s High School and one or more students at one of the five other Siena Catholic Schools. This scholarship was generously provided by the St. Catherine’s High School Foundation. The Foundation supports Siena Catholic Schools and wants to help lessen the tuition burden on families with multiple students within the system. Please note, this scholarship is only available to students at St. Catherine’s High School.
This annual scholarship could be a maximum of up to $3,000 for St. Catherine’s High School students who have a sibling at St. Cat’s or have siblings at one of the five other Siena Catholic Schools. This scholarship is an investment in Catholic education, and the Foundation wants to do what it can to support families that have multiple children in Catholic schools.
The Four Pillars Scholarship represents the standards of life that Dominicans live by: STUDY, PRAYER, SERVICE, and COMMUNITY. St. Catherine’s High School was built upon these pillars, and the St. Catherine’s High School Foundation believes that these Four Pillars are essential to your education. Study, prayer, service, and community are all qualities that represent a St. Catherine’s graduate. Your time spent at St. Cat’s should sow these Four Pillars for a bountiful life in continuing education, career, community, and the church.
This annual merit-based scholarship, open to incoming 9th graders and rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders, could be a maximum of up to $4,000 for a St. Catherine’s High School student who exemplifies the Dominican Four Pillars.
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.
All Siena students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to wear masks at this time. In the event that a positive case is reported, masks greatly diminish the need to quarantine, thus keeping students in school learning.
Families are required to supply clean masks to their students daily.
The 2020-21 Siena Catholic Schools of Racine annual report is now available. We hope that you enjoy the publication!
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.