Dear families and friends of Siena,
Just one year ago I shared Siena's new mission statement as part of our five-year strategic plan. At the top of every meeting agenda is our mission statement, reminding us all of the critical work we do on behalf of the children we educate. Regardless of meeting topics, we candidly (and routinely) ask, "What is best for the kids?"
Last week our six principals were able to sit down with former Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Dr. Kathleen Cepelka to begin work on updating their schools' mission statements. Taking the time to reflect on existing missions and work toward statements that both honor traditions and highlight current goals was a gift for all in attendance. My sincere thanks to Dr. Cepelka for her guidance.
Catholic education is a true vocation. In a time when our nation is facing a shortage of teachers, I sincerely appreciate and thank the educators and leaders whose work always comes back to the mission of our Catholic Schools. It is their work that makes the mission...possible.
Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President, Siena
We hope that you have already marked your calendar RSVPd for the Racine Has SOLES walk on Saturday, October 15 at 9 a.m. If not, there is still time to join in the fun by clicking RSVP below! The Racine-area walk will again be held at the Siena on the Lake Center, hosted by the Racine Dominicans.
EVERYONE is welcome! The more families and students that come together to celebrate Catholic education, the better!
EVERY SCHOOL will have a table with representatives and an activity to stop and visit while walking the short loop along the lake.
We encourage you to wear school Spirit Wear or a costume.
We'll have trick-or-treating, too!
RSVP here so that we can plan for enough water, juice, and granola bars!
Racine Has SOLES Walk for Catholic Education
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Siena On The Lake (5635 Erie St, Racine, WI 53402)
9 a.m.: Opening Prayer with S. Vivian Giddings
9:10 a.m.: Warmups, stretching, announcements
9:20 a.m.: ONE MILE WALK (or more, if you like)! Each loop is 1/2 of a mile around the Racine Dominicans' campus, newly paved and very flat. The views of the lake are incredible!
Your donation to the Catholic Schools Walk stays with your child's school. To make an immediate impact on your favorite Siena Catholic School, text SCHOOLSWALK to 71777 or visit www.catholicschoolswalk.org to donate today. Thank you for supporting Catholic schools!
Anyone interested in learning more about St. Catherine's High School, seeing the new science/STEM wing, meeting faculty and staff, learning about sports/clubs/activities, and talking to guidance counselors is invited to the October 20 Open House from 5-7 p.m.
A number of St. Catherine's juniors and seniors had the opportunity to tour Carthage College recently, learning about the campus, admissions, financial aid and scholarships, and available majors. Special thanks to Carthage College, guidance counselors Mrs. Angela Johnson and Mr. Jeff Tarkowski, and Siena Chief Financial Officer Mr. Craig Savage for chaperoning the trip.
All six Siena schools had the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic heritage, student achievements, and the hard work of the AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) Club on Saturday, October 8. Food, music, crafts, and student & staff speeches were the highlights of this inaugural event. Arianna M. shared her perspective on being bilingual and Latina, while Ms. Mata shared her appreciation for her culture and being able to share many cultures as a school community.
Third graders at Our Lady of Grace Academy were able to ask Fr. Juan many questions on one of his recent visits to the school.
Fr. Juan, what is Baptism?
Fr. Juan, how many Sacraments are there?
Fr. Juan, what do priests do when they are not celebrating Mass?
You never know what a third grader will ask, so special thanks to Fr. Juan for stopping by!
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.
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.