FEBRUARY 2022
Letter From Siena
Dear families and friends of Siena,
As many of you know, I have been on a journey to health after a breast cancer diagnosis last summer. With the prayers and support of many, my faith in God, and a talented medical team, I am growing stronger every day. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all of the calls, letters, emails, texts, and video messages that I have received throughout this journey. I am also deeply appreciative of the dedication and strength of the Siena Leadership Team, Board of Directors, principals, teachers, and staff who collaborated in my absence to keep our schools moving forward in a positive direction for the good of our students. In reflecting back over the past few months, it is easy to see the love and grace of God at work through others.
A hallmark of Catholic education is service, and it has been on full display over the past few weeks. Through the combined efforts of our students, families, and staff, "Stuff The Bus" raised over two TONS of food for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Racine. Thanks for caring and sharing.
Blessings in Christ,
Brenda White
President, Siena
The Month In Photos
In The News
St. Lucy students get new learning spaces: Catholic Herald
Our Lady of Grace students learn the rosary: Catholic Herald
St. Rita students learn about vocations: Catholic Herald
The Loyola Project aired on CBS Sports Network, featuring the 1963 Loyola University championship basketball team. Chuck Wood, SCHS '60, was a member of the '63 Ramblers team and continues to be a champion for St. Cat's and Siena as a leader of the Friends of Angels.
Check out the Tyrese Hunter '21 feature in the Journal Times. How about that 4.0 first semester as a freshman! Great job!
JPIIA Happenings
Catholic Schools Week is the highlight of every student in a Catholic School. This is a week of gratitude, prayer, service and fun! We kicked off the week with students thanking the parishioners of Sacred Heart for their support. A very busy open house followed the Masses. We welcomed lots of new families and it is always fun to see our student ambassadors leading the tours. The hot cocoa bar was a big hit. Once again, students went above and beyond in their major service project of Stuff the Bus. Using a traditional penny war theme challenge, boxes of food gave points and cans took points away. It is amazing to see the vast amount of food that is collected while having some competitive fun. The staff tried to win this year but 3rd graders took the win for a class pizza party! Of course, school trivia, crazy and pajama days, 8th vs 7th grade volleyball are the most fun. Our littles celebrated their 100th Day of School while our 8th graders were chosen to take the NAEP Civics Exam. We are exhausted and ready for the second semester!
US Air Force Veteran visited St. Rita School during Catholic Schools Week
Thank you to Gary Kunich for visiting our students. Several of their takeaways were:
Saying thank you to the retired men and women of the Military
Serving above self for others and our country
Always tell a Vietnam Vet "Welcome Home!"
F-16’s can fly very, very fast!
Tuition Tax Deduction
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!
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
Siena is looking for Substitutes: If you or you know someone interested in becoming a substitute, please contact bschurman@sienacatholicschools.org.
Black History Month Event
It is Black History Month! Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, which is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.
A Siena-wide BHM event taking place on February 25 from 5-7:30 p.m. at St. Catherine's! There will be music, art, food, fellowship, and an awards ceremony. Please RSVP by scanning this QR code:
Considering Siena Catholic Schools?
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.
Lucky Stiff
The SCHS Players proudly present "Lucky Stiff"!
Admissions News
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.
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
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.
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.