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Letter From Siena
Letter From Siena
Dear families and friends of Siena,
Tiny hints of spring have finally reached us, including buds on the trees, some bulbs peeking through the earth, and the occasional warm weather day. I don't know about you, but I want to get out into my garden now!
Just as Lent is a season of preparation, we have been busy making preparations in schools, too. Testing continues for many, helping educators and parents understand how we can best support our students. Students engage in reconciliation, bringing very real challenges to our priests and to God, while our second graders prepare for their First Communion. Many find it hard not to look ahead, whether that be to Easter break, graduation, or even the summer months. But it is important to take each step placed before us, none out of order or skipped. Just as we are asked to do during the season of Lent, we have so much to reflect on and work through before the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President, Siena
The Month In Photos
The Month In Photos
Happy March!
I wanted to provide some updates from Siena on some of the great news happening at our schools and invite you to share with me on Twitter using the hashtag #sienaspirit. Here are a few highlights:
We are working to fully implement Standards Based Grading at the 3K-8 grade levels next fall. All families should have received an introductory email and we are working on hosting parent nights this spring.
Student wellness and mental health continue to be priorities. We are blessed to have added a school counselor at St. Rita and St. Lucy.
St. Rita, St. Lucy, St. Joseph, Our Lady of Grace, and John Paul II Academy each received a 3D printer through a grant we received this past month. We are excited to have our students explore more interactive learning and provide our students with skills that prepare them for the workforce. We have several teachers attending conferences this spring to learn more about STEM. We have partnered with Gateway and their Fab Lab has now visited two of our schools to date.
We are looking to strengthen literacy as a system-wide approach and are planning a new textbook adoption for the Fall of 2022. We understand the importance of literacy as a foundational piece in a child's education.
I am enthused with these developments as we continue to learn and grow together.
With gratitude,
Dr. Parisa Meymand
Chief Academic Officer, Siena Catholic Schools
St. Joseph School - Catholic Identity
St. Joseph School - Catholic Identity
Our Catholic Identity is an important part of the community at St. Joseph School. Our students and staff attend Mass every Wednesday together. We are blessed to have our students as servers for our weekly school Masses. Each month our school participates in the Rosary, Adoration, Benediction, and a service opportunity during an out-of-uniform day. We also come together as a school community during Holy Days of Obligation and Feast Days.
The students in grades three through eight have the opportunity to read the Mass Readings, Psalm, and Petitions. During the Homily, Father Steve helps the students to be involved by asking questions and having students come to the Altar to help explain the readings in a way that the students can relate to. We are grateful for the opportunities to pray together as a school and show God's love to all.
St. Rita Happenings
St. Rita Happenings
Our families are reading books to our 4K students and sharing them via video! Pretty cool and all because of Ms. Bev and the amazing gifts she brings.
4K went for a walk to look at the ice on the trees and found this branch on the ground to bring in. They then used their observation skills at the light table!
Our 4K attended Mass and received their Ashes along with their church buddies, our fabulous 7th graders.
JASP - John Paul II Academic Support Program
JASP - John Paul II Academic Support Program
Written by Anna T. and Paige B.
Written by Anna T. and Paige B.
JASP is a great way for children to learn more skills and to have their homework turned in and done on time. After school students line up in the cafeteria to get a snack before they head to their classrooms. Snack includes milk or juice, and a snack such as a bag of Cheez-Its. Students then head to their designated classroom. Middle school students go to the 6th grade classroom, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders go to the 3rd grade classroom, and 5k, 1st, and 2nd graders go to the 1st grade classroom. The students find their seats and start working on their homework and or missing work. The teachers are always willing to help the students with their work. JASP ends at 3:30 and students who aren’t picked up right away go to BASC.
Our JASP team is made up of seven amazing teachers who volunteer their time after school to work with the students. They are Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Manke, Mrs. Makinen, Mrs. Nimtz, Ms. George, and Mrs. Klein. We asked Mrs. Klein, our guidance counselor, a few questions. One of the questions was, "What are your goals for the JASP program?" She responded, “My goals for the JASP program are that all students grade K-8 have the opportunity to receive extra help on assignments they might find challenging or work that is missing so that all students can find success at JPIIA. We asked Mrs. Manke, our 3rd grade teacher, a similar question: "What are your hopes for JASP in the future?" She said, “I would hope that any students that had a question would have a chance to get it answered.”
St. Cat's Youth Empowered in the Struggle (Yes) Club
St. Cat's Youth Empowered in the Struggle (Yes) Club
This club is a group of students at St.Catherine’s that fights for students, worker rights, and immigrants. YES club recently held a prayer service about mental health and is planning another in May about acceptance. They also read a book called "Just Mercy" and hosted a movie night where all high school students were invited to attend. The club meets every two weeks in room 305 and is looking for more members who want to be involved in making changes in our school and community.
The club created the t-shirts to wear for Club Picture Day. The students and Mrs. Aguila made the design and used a DIY silkscreen method to create 15 shirts that the kids can wear as part of their uniforms.
St. Lucy Looks Back on Catholic Schools Week
St. Lucy Looks Back on Catholic Schools Week
St. Lucy students enjoyed Catholic Schools week the last week of January! They participated in so many fun activities. They enjoyed roller skating, playing bags, and school-wide bingo. Along with taking part in fun activities, they also took time to participate in some service projects. Some of the service projects were decorating bowls for the Empty Bowls program, collecting books for the Cops for Kids, and food donations for the Food Pantry. St Lucy always enjoys Catholic Schools Week and helping the community, while having fun at the same time!
Tuition Tax Deduction
Tuition Tax Deduction
Families Can Save on State Taxes!
Families Can Save on State Taxes!
Now is the time of year to take advantage of the state K-12 Tuition Tax Deduction program. Families can deduct up to $4,000 of tuition paid in 2021 for K-8 students and up to $10,000 for high school students.
Families just need to complete the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Schedule PS and include it with their state tax filing by April 15. It’s a simple one-page form.
You can learn more about the tax deduction here.
Angel Fest!
Angel Fest!
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!
News & Notes, Resources
News & Notes, Resources
Siena is looking for Substitutes: If you or you know someone interested in becoming a substitute, please contact bschurman@sienacatholicschools.org.
Siena is looking for Substitutes: If you or you know someone interested in becoming a substitute, please contact bschurman@sienacatholicschools.org.
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.
COVID-19 Dashboard
COVID-19 Dashboard
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.
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