JHN_Catholic Schools Week_012424

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: UNITED IN FAITH AND COMMUNITY

Catholic Schools Week 2024 January 28 - February 3

Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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Catholic Schools Directory See what’s inside...

Cathedral of St. Raymond School................................... page 6 ADDRESS: 608 North Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-722-6626 WEB SITE: www.straymondgradeschool.org PRINCIPAL: Ms. Marjorie Hill CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Bill Dewan Holy Family School................................................page 12 & 13 ADDRESS: 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 PHONE: 815-725-8149 WEB SITE: www.holyfamilyshorewood.org/school PRINCIPAL: Mr. Anthony Wilkinson CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Brad Baker

St. Joseph Academy....................................................... page 10 ADDRESS: 403 N. Hickory St., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-723-4567 WEB SITE: www.sjajoliet.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Jan Novotny St. Jude Catholic School (New Lenox)............................ page 7 ADDRESS: 241 W. 2nd Ave., New Lenox, IL 60451 PHONE: 815-485-2549 WEB SITE: www.stjudes.org/school PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Kathleen Winters CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Ray Flores

Joliet Catholic Academy...................................... pages 15 & 16 ADDRESS: 1200 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-741-0500 WEB SITE: www.jca-online.org PRINCIPAL: Dr. Jeffrey Budz

St. Mary Catholic School of Mokena............................ page 11 ADDRESS: 11409 195th St., Mokena, IL 60448 PHONE: 708-326-9300 WEB SITE: www.stmaryschoolmokena.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Michele Engelman CHURCH PASTOR: Rev. Dindo Billote

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy...................... page 5 ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 PHONE: 815-485-7129 WEB SITE: www.wearepc.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Laura McErlean PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School................................ page 3 ADDRESS: 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield IL 60544 PHONE: 815-436-3953 WEB SITE: www.smischool.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Jennifer Errthum CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Pat Mulcahy

Providence Catholic High School................................... page 4 ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 PHONE: 815-485-2136 WEB SITE: www.providencecatholic.org PRINCIPAL: Mr. Paul Houston PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis

St. Mary Nativity Catholic School................................... page 9 ADDRESS: 702 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-722-8518 WEB SITE: www. stmarynativity.org PRINCIPAL: Mr. Thomas Chinske CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Jerome Kish

Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy ...................................................... pages 14 ADDRESS South Campus (PreK-3rd Grade) & PHONE: 1201 S. Washington St., Lockport 815-838-4494

St. Paul the Apostle....................................................... page 10 ADDRESS: 1130 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet IL 60435 PHONE: 815-725-3390 WEB SITE: thestpaulschool.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Kelly Kramerich CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Mark Cote

North Campus (4th-8th Grade) 529 Madison St., Lockport 815-838-8173 WEB SITE: PRINCIPAL:

www.SDJacademy.org Thomas Newton

Celebrating more than 65 Years of Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Sixty-nine years ago in the quiet village of Plainfield, St. Mary Immaculate School (SMI) was founded to serve the needs of educating Catholic youth in the growing community.

Built on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the school incorporates three pillars of success: a focus on faith, a pursuit of academic excellence, and an abundance of opportunities beyond the classroom. SMI provides this solid foundation in a safe and secure family environment. We are also the first school in the area to have so many extra staff members to enhance the learning culture in special needs, religion, faith, spirituality, and reading.

Our focus on faith enables all to connect with and embody the Catholic faith through daily prayer, classroom instruction and service. We nurture strong faith in our students and foster integration into their family faith life. In addition, our caring, enthusiastic teachers consistently guide students to achieve their fullest academic potential, preparing them well for high school and college.

Graduates of SMI achieve academic excellence at both public and private high schools; their names are regularly seen on honor roll lists each semester. Our state of the art STEM lab and 1:1 technology program sets our

school apart from many others.

Finally, we provide a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and encourage students to discover, develop and share their talents. Outside the classroom, our students participate in athletics, explore fine arts, student council, and a variety of other clubs.

The children who attend St. Mary Immaculate Parish School are successful because of the dedication of their teachers, involvement of their parents, and their own hard work and accountability combined with the loving atmosphere that fills our school. St. Mary’s is also a multiple recipient of the Herald News Readers choice awards for our Preschool, Best Workplace, Private Education, and Non-Profit Fundraiser. For more information contact the school at 815-436-3953 or visit our website at www.smischool.org.

We live in an unprecedented time that has caused us great adversity and uncertainty. However, what remains are these important things: faith and family. We at St. Mary Immaculate School cherish the role we play in working with all families to share the gift of our blessed faith with your children. Thank you for trusting us to play that role.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School

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Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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Providence Catholic Children’s Academy Open House scheduled for Sunday, January 28

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy (PCCA) was opened in 1992. Under the director of the Joliet Diocese, it served the religious and educational needs of children who are members of the New Lenox and surrounding communities. It is located on the campus of Providence Catholic High School at 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy. in New Lenox. Preschool children, ages 3-4, have the choice of full or half-day classes. Kindergarten children, ages 5-6, attend school 5 full days a week. Before and after school care is also available to students on a full-time or as needed basis.

All teachers at PCCA possess a bachelor’s degree or greater.

They provide a nurturing environment that emphasizes academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. This environment encourages children to develop a positive self-concept, while allowing them to grow on many levels.

Tuition includes books and in school field trips. There are no required parent volunteer hours, and all fundraising is optional.

Free and optional speech and developmental screenings are offered to all PCCA students in the fall.

Our open house and registration for the 2023-2024 school year is on Sunday, January 28th from 10:00-12:30.

Please call or email Mrs. Laura McErlean at lmcerlean@providencecatholic.org with any questions or visit the school’s website at www.wearepc.org

JOIN US!

OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 10:00 am -12:30 pm WHY PCCA? • Full-Day Kindergarten • Half/Full-Day Options for PS & PK • Before/After School Care • Experienced Teachers Possess Bachelor’s Degrees • Spiritual & Nurturing Environment CLASSES INCLUDE: • Kindergarten (age 5) • Pre-Kindergarten (age 4) • Preschool (age 3)

QUESTIONS? CALL 815.485.7129 1800 W. Lincoln Highway • New Lenox Illinois 60451 • www.wearepc.org SM-CL2134676

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Providence Catholic Childrens Academy, New Lenox, IL

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Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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The Cathedral of St. Raymond School Open House scheduled for Saturday, January 27

The Cathedral of St. Raymond School has been a pillar in the community for over 100 years and continues to be a school of choice for over 200 families.

Our mission is to provide a joy-filled community, rooted in the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ.

We partner with parents to help each child reach their greatest academic, social and spiritual potential. Students and families find belonging and value, and are invited into lasting relationships that form our community.

Located in the historic Cathedral area of Joliet, St. Raymond School educates over 300 students in 3-year-old PreSchool through 8th grade. The challenging curriculum is taught by a team of experienced, faith-filled and certified teachers with an average of 11 years teaching experience, many who have been recognized with accolades and awards.

In addition to core subjects, students are taught art, music, physical education and computer technology. Our 6th-8th grade students also take Spanish class and participate in a 1:1 Chromebook initiative, preparing them for the rigors of high school and a technology focused society.

St. Raymond School believes in offering our students a strong student life experience. We offer a robust athletic program, starting with intramural basketball in 1st grade, and then cross country, baseball, flag football, basketball, volleyball and track and field in 5th – 8th grade. The focus of our program is on

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teamwork, responsibility, resiliency, discipline and, of course, fun!

In addition to sports, we offer a vast array of extracurricular activities from band, choir, a variety show and Spring Musical to Academic Bowls, Student Council, Battle of the Books, and Boy Scouts – St. Ray’s truly has something for everyone! There are also many incredible opportunities for students to connect with the community through volunteer and outreach programs.

Mass is celebrated every week and a class leads the mass as lectors, gift bearers, musicians and altar servers. Each month our students meet with their assigned Faith Buddy to work on building a faithbased relationship with one another. Our 1st and 8th grade students participate in our Big Friend/Little

Friend program which offers them special sharing and friendship opportunities throughout the school year and lasts even long after they have graduated.

St. Ray’s provides a rich and rewarding education that prepares students to embrace value-centered lives. Our goal is to fill our classrooms with families who believe in our mission and want an education rooted in faith, excellence, and community. We want families to feel St. Ray’s is an option for them without feeling intimidated by the cost of tuition. For the 2023-2024 school year, we gave out over $138,000 in scholarships to school families.

We invite prospective families with students in preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade to our Open House on Saturday, January 27th from 4:00pm6:00pm to tour our school and classrooms, meet our faculty, staff, and current parents and receive application information. Advanced registration is required. Check our website for the link to sign up.

Students interested in transferring into 2nd-8th grade should contact the school office to arrange a tour during the school week.

More information about our school can be found at www.straymondgradeschool.org and Facebook and Instagram at @CathedralofStRaymond.

We are confident in the experience we provide to our school families! Come discover for yourself what makes St. Raymond School a school of choice for families in the Joliet, Plainfield, Shorewood area!

7 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

St. Jude Catholic School St. Jude School holding open house for prospective students and families

JOIN US FOR

Open House

Sunday, January 28th TOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY call 815-485-2549 or visit stjudes.org to schedule a visit!

Talk to our families and meet our students!

“Come join the St. Jude Family.”

WE HAVE SO MUCH

TO SHARE Faith-based curriculum Strong academic program Small class size 1:1 iPads (grades 5-8) Class sets of iPads (grades K-4) State-of-the-art technology (K-8) Spanish/Sign Language Instruction

Competitive and recreational athletic programs Extracurricular activities and enrichment programs 2, 3, & 4 year old preschool Above national average and local test scores, Iowa Test and AimsWeb

Tuition Assistance Available St. Monica Gift of Faith Scholarship (up to 50% off tuition) Catholic Education Foundation Grants Tuition Transfer Grant 25% of graduating 8th graders receive high school academic scholarships 241 W. Second Avenue | New Lenox, IL 60451 | www.stjudes.org

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St. Jude School in New Lenox is holding an open house on Sunday, Jan. 28.

Those interested in attending the open house must schedule an appointment by emailing atraven@stjudes.org. In the email, it is asked to include the grades interested and preferred appointment time.

Tours last 15 minutes and St. Jude will send a confirmation email with your tour time.

St. Jude School is located at 241 West Second Avenue. The school’s open house will allow families to talk to current families and students to get a feel for what St. Jude has to offer. Registration for new students also opens on Jan. 28.

Students K-8 are welcome at St. Jude where they will receive a faith-based curriculum, a strong academic program, before and after school care, competitive and recreational athletic programs and extracurricular activities and enrichment programs.

St. Jude offers preschool for children ages 2 to 4.

St. Jude’s small class size also allows for 1:1 iPads for grades 1 through 8, state-of-the-art technology for all students, Spanish/sign language instruction for all students.

St. Jude also has above national average and local test scores in reading, math, social studies and science. Students also have testing in AimsWeb and Iowa Test.

Tuition assistance is also available for St. Jude students and their families.

The St. Monica Gift of Faith Scholarship can provide students with up to 50% off tuition. St. Jude also offers Catholic Education Foundation Grants and a Tuition Transfer Grant.

Twenty five percent of graduating eighth grade students receive high school academic scholarships.

Be sure to also keep up with St. Jude on Facebook by following its page, “St. Jude School of New Lenox” where different news of events and fundraisers are posted.

Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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St. Mary Nativity Catholic School Open house for prospective students and families to be held January 28 At St. Mary Nativity School, we work together as administration, staff, parents, and a parish community to develop young people who are grounded in their Catholic faith, academically prepared, and life-long learners. As a parish school, we give thanks for the vital relationship we have with Saint Mary Nativity Church. The school exists as a ministry of the parish.

At St. Mary Nativity School we create an intentional Christ-centered culture of joy for teaching and learning by fostering a faith-filled, safe and fun loving and nurturing environment. Our students work at service-learning and prepare to thrive as life-long learners. We focus on improving students’ reading and writing. Our students excel in math and work at being digital learners of technology and to strive as students of STREAM to successfully face the future.

Registration for the 2024-25 school year begins with Catholic Schools Week on January 28th with our Open House from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. You are also welcome to join us for the 11:00 am Mass.

We are located at 702 N. Broadway, Joliet. 815-722-8518.

We look forward to a new year ahead where we continue to grow as a community and experience life’s fullness, making St. Mary Nativity School an inspiring place for our youth. We end this letter with inspiring words of our very caring, supportive, and generous Pastor Fr. Jerome.

“Kids learn about God, Jesus Christ, at St. Mary Nativity School (SMN). They learn how to follow Christ in a difficult world. At SMN, they receive the strength of Christ in the sacraments to do that. The times change, neighborhoods change, parishes change, and schools change. However, Jesus Christ is the same, today, yesterday, and forever. Let us continue to work together and give together with one another and with Christ, so that his children may grow in faith, hope, and love.” May we continue to create a Christ-centered culture of joy for the love of learning. May we be deeply committed to Christ.

What students can do to block out distractions in the classroom METRO CREATIVE An ability to focus in the classroom can go a long way toward helping students achieve their academic goals. But distractions lurk in every corner, making it easier than ever to succumb to a lack of focus.

Maintaining focus in the classroom can be difficult in the digital age, but students can try various strategies to block out distractions once class begins.

• Disconnect your devices. A 2020 report from the nonprofit association Educause found that the majority of students report connecting two or more devices to campus Wi-Fi each day. Devices often serve as useful tools that augment classroom lessons, but they also can distract students. Students can turn off notifications on their phones and tablets before class begins so that familiar ping does not sound during lectures and lessons. In addition, unless devices are necessary during a class, students can store them in places where they won’t be tempted to check for messages or other alerts when they should be learning. Storing devices in a separate pocket in a backpack or even in a locker outside the classroom can remove the temptation to log on during

class.

• Prepare for class in advance.

Organizing before class can help students stay focused when a teacher is lecturing, explaining classroom material or engaging students in a discussion. Students who can’t readily access their notes, books or assignments may be forced to spend valuable class time looking for such materials, thus distracting them from the lesson.

• Bring questions to class. Students who jot down questions about a subject prior to class are more likely to be engaged once class begins. Students can ask their questions during the lesson and listen intently to hear if their teacher or professor is answering their questions during their lecture. Either way, bringing questions to class and going over them before class begins can help students narrow their focus to the subject at hand, reducing the likelihood that they’ll succumb to distractions.

• Sit in the front of class. Students who are having trouble focusing can try sitting in the front of class. Sitting in the front ensures students can hear their teachers or professors, and sitting so close might subconsciously compel students to perk up so they’re not caught

wandering.

Devices and other distractions can easily compromise students’ focus in

the classroom. But various strategies can help students focus so they can perform better academically.

9 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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Tips to help kids learn a foreign language METRO CREATIVE Bilingualism benefits children in myriad ways. For example, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that bilingual children have a higher vocabulary range than monolingual kids.

In addition, a 2010 review published in the Review of Educational Research found that bilingual students typically have stronger working memories and attention spans than their monolingual counterparts.

The benefits of bilingualism are undeniable, but learning a foreign language can be challenging. However, that challenge could be less significant for youngsters. Though there are different theories regarding why children seem to learn languages more readily than adults, Dr. Eleonore Smalle of Tilburg University in the Netherlands indicates that adults tend to translate from their first language when trying to learn a new language. In an interview with the United Nations in Western Europe, Dr. Smalle said that adults’ attempts to adopt language rules they already know results in a “less stable consolidation of the new language into memory.” Chil-

dren, on the other hand, unconsciously implement the new language rules and even use newly acquired words in everyday life. That, Dr. Smalle says, benefits long-term memory consolidation.

It’s important to note that researchers, including Dr. Smalle, feel that children may find it easier to learn a foreign language up to adolescence, at which time their conscious memory begins to develop more strongly. So parents who want to help their children learn a

foreign language have a relatively long window of time to get that ball rolling before kids could find it more challenging. Parents also can try some additional strategies to help kids learn a foreign language.

• Bring lessons home from the classroom. Children learning a foreign language in school or via a private tutor can be encouraged to bring those lessons home and continue to develop those skills in a fun way. Play games in

a foreign language at home on family game night. Young children just beginning foreign language lessons can be encouraged to count to 10 when playing hide-and-seek at home.

• Shop for groceries in a foreign language. When grocery shopping with children in tow, parents can point to foods around the store and ask kids to say each item in the foreign language they’re learning. Make a list before going to the store and reward kids who name all of the items on the list with a special treat at checkout.

• Read books in the language the child is learning. This could be tricky if parents are not bilingual. However, in that scenario, reading books to children in a foreign language provides a great way to reverse roles and let children teach their parents everything they’ve learned from their teachers or tutors.

Keep stories simple and even seek recommendations from teachers or tutors.

The benefits of bilingualism are significant. Parents can try various strategies to ensure foreign language lessons learned in the classroom are reinforced at home.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2024

St. Joseph Academy And Montessori Preschool

Open House

403 N. Hickory St. Joliet 60435 Sunday, January 28 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Montessori Preschool & Kindergarten • Individualized Elementary & Adolescent Program • Small Class Sizes • Competitive Tuition Rates • Before and After Care • School of the Arts Program

Ask about our scholarship program! *** Enroll by March 25 and receive a $25 discount on your registration fee.

Call 815-723-4567 to schedule a private tour.

A private, independent school in the Catholic Montessori tradition, providing Visit our website at individualized education for students www.sjajoliet.org with diverse gifts and abilities.

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“Living our Christian Love Daily in a Diverse and Accepting Community”

ST. MARY

CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Faith Centered Student Focused K-8 3 & 4 Year Old Preschool

PRESCHOOL - 8TH GRADES

FAITH CENTERED

St. Mary Catholic School of Mokena cordially invites you and any prospective families to join us for an Open House on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 10:45 AM through 2:30 PM. Catholic Schools Week will kick off with a family mass at 9:30 AM, followed by the Open House. Visitors will experience a welcoming community, view our exceptional facilities, and meet dedicated faculty, staff, students, and families from the school community!

St. Mary Catholic School was founded in 1949 and provides students with a rigorous education rooted in the Catholic faith. With a schedule that supports weekly school mass, Christ is at the center of all we do. St. Mary also has established “faith families” that cross through the traditional barriers of academic life by bringing together students of all ages for small group, faith centered discussions and lessons. These lessons are led by non-homeroom faculty and staff while also incorporating leadership opportunities for our middle school students as they interact with and lead our younger students.

STUDENT FOCUSED

Defined Catholic Values St. Mary Catholic School incorporates Catholic values into its daily instruction at all levels, teaching students to have a positive, Christ-like effect on those portions of the world they have influence over.

Further, St. Mary has an established, profound sense of community. Some families have been part of the community for decades; yet St. Mary is also incredibly welcoming to new families. “My children were instantly welcomed and made fast friends after moving from another state,” said one school parent whose family moved to St. Mary in 2020. Another family made the switch locally: “Changing schools was not an easy decision but proved to be right for us.

Our children were welcomed immediately… St. Mary is now our home, and we couldn’t be happier!”

WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT AT ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL! You’ll have the chance to meet our administration, take tours guided by SMS teachers, staff, students, and even speak with our accomplished alumni.

• Rigorous Academic Curriculum • Multi-Student Discount

Student Focused St. Mary has a dedicated professional school faculty that combines community resources, excellent facilities, evolving curriculum, technology and individual initiative to bring the very best to all students. Facilities such as our Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) lab; 1:1 iPads for Kindergarten, a spacious gymnasium; dedicated music room, library, and computer lab all aid in the growth of our students. Principal Michele Huizinga: “Our teachers are very invested in the success of each student. They go above and beyond to achieve success.”

• Financial Aid Available • All Faiths Welcome

Come See Will County’s Largest Catholic School!

Open House

It’s Not All Work St. Mary takes academics seriously. But what is life without a little bit of fun? Extracurriculars include scout programs, art programs, music and band programs, a robust drama club. St. Mary joined the Tri-County Catholic Conference in 2022 and features an excellent gym and a growing athletic program.

SUNDAY JANUARY 28, 2024 10:45AM - 2:30PM

Accommodating Families St. Mary recognizes that all families have different circumstances. Before and after-care is available for a fee. Bus services are available for those families that reside within the Mokena Public School District 159. Tuition assistance is available through multiple avenues. Do not allow tuition to be a barrier to your joining the St. Mary Community! Ask for details!

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For more information, please call St. Mary School at (708) 326-9330 or visit www.stmaryschoolmokena.org. Registration opens January 28th!

For more information, contact Michelle Huizinga at mhuizinga@stmarymokena.org

www.stmaryschoolmokena.org

11409 195th Street, Mokena

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

St. Mary Catholic School

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Holy Family School

Student led school prayer and the pledge of allegiance starts every day

Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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Holy Family School, like most Catholic schools, starts the school day with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. There a couple of differences though. For one, the Holy Family staff helped write the school prayer in 2020. Another difference is that the students led the school prayer most days. Finally, the other difference is that the school prayer is done over Google Meets each day and every classroom projects this on their Smartboard or whiteboard.

With all of the changes coming our way due to COVID-19 guidelines, the school staff wanted to make sure that we started each day together in prayer. A couple of staff members helped put together what has become our school prayer. Because of the guidelines in place, some of

the classrooms were in spaces across the campus that could not hear announcements. It was suggested that we start our day on Google Meets.

The goal was always to have the students lead the school prayer and pledge of allegiance, but because of the COVID guidelines, Mr. Wilkinson, school principal, led the prayer each morning the first two years.

Starting in 2023, each homeroom is assigned two weeks each school year that they lead our pray and pledge each morning on Google Meets.

Some students have the school prayer memorized while some of our younger students have their older buddies come down and help them, but either way, we start the school day off the best way possible and that is in prayer together as a school community.

13 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy OPEN HOUSES Sunday, January 28, 2024 11am – 1:30pm

Open House scheduled for Sunday, January 28

Preschool – 8th Grade Faith

Service

Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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Academic Excellence

The mission of SDJCA is to provide the environment, resources, structure and opportunities to educate children in the Catholic tradition in order to develop them as responsible, educated citizens and active members of the Catholic Church. SDJCA will strive to instill in each child the pillars of their Faith; the need for charity and Service; the importance of liturgy, prayer and sacraments; and a knowledge of their culture, history and technology in an environment of Academic Excellence.

Visit our website

www.SDJacademy.org for more information

South Campus – Preschool – 3rd Grade 1201 S. Washington Street, Lockport – 815-838-4494

North Campus – 4th – 8th Grade 529 Madison Street, Lockport – 815-838-8173

Saints Dennis and Joseph Catholic Academy is a dual-campus academy, serving students preschool through third grade (South campus) and fourth through eighth grade (North campus).

Our school, built upon a foundation of the original St. Dennis and St. Joseph Catholic schools and using the strengths of each campus, provides more opportunities for Catholic elementary education to thrive in Lockport and surrounding communities.

The mission of SDJCA is to provide the environment, resources, structure and opportunities to educate children in the Catholic tradition in order to develop them as responsible, educated citizens and active members of the Catholic Church. SDJCA will strive to instill in each child the pillars of their faith; the need for charity and service; the importance of liturgy, prayer and sacraments; and a knowledge of their culture, history and technology in an environment of academic excellence.

The SOUTH campus at 1201 S. Washington Street serves younger students. It features a separate Early Learning Center building with an enclosed playground for preschool students. Kindergarten through third grade students learn in the main campus building in a nurturing, faith-filled environment, enhanced by the use of iPads.

The NORTH campus at 529 Madison Street is perfect for transitioning middle schoolers into high school. Fourth through eighth grade students also learn in a faith-filled nurturing environment, featuring a building with a new science lab, computer lab space and a gymnasium with a stage. Middle school students further develop their academic skills using new laptops, interactive boards and advanced technology.

Extended care, athletics and specials classes – such as fine arts, foreign language and physical education – are available at both campuses. Sacraments and Mass will also be celebrated on both campuses, allowing students to experience a unified Catholic curriculum and continue their spiritual growth.

The public is invited to an open house on Sunday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at both campuses in Lockport. For more information, call the south campus at (815) 838-4494 and the north campus at (815) 838-8173.

The number one choice for Catholic college preparatory education in the Joliet, Shorewood, and Plainfield communities Joliet Catholic Academy, which recently celebrated 154 years of Catholic education in the Will County area, is built on the belief that Angels and Hilltoppers are champions of their faith in the classroom, after school, and on the playing field. JCA is a family of 600 current students and over 23,700 alumni. JCA is the number one choice for Catholic college preparatory education in the Joliet, Shorewood, and Plainfield communities.

JCA’s alumni are lawyers, doctors, Catholic nuns and priests, teachers, coaches, police officers, firefighters, and more. JCA graduates continually thrive in leadership positions in the Joliet community and beyond; elected officials, leaders on volunteer boards, school superintendents, school principals, athletic directors, collegiate and professional athletes, Olympic medalists, Fortune 500 company CEO’s, Hollywood producers, and box office stars are counted among its graduates.

JCA was founded on the principles that drive the missions of the Carmelites and Franciscans. Students experience opportunities to foster their spiritual awareness through daily prayer, liturgical experiences, Christian service within the community, and retreats. Angels and Hilltoppers are challenged to bring a deeper meaning to all aspects of their lives by following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

JCA offers Advanced Placement courses and college dual credit options in addition to three levels of study. Student schedules are built to meet their individual needs.

JCA offers 23 Honors and 14 AP classes, with JCA students passing AP exams at a higher rate than the state and national averages. In the Class of 2023 twenty-three students were named Illinois State Scholars and attended 78 different colleges in 24 states. The Class of 2023 earned over $14 million in scholarship dollars.

Students are challenged with technology through JCA’s one-to-one program, utilizing the Warning Family Innovation Research Center. This state-of-the-art facility broadens their horizons with exciting new electives in Robotics, Engineering, and Computer Science. JCA was proud to be selected as a Microsoft Showcase School, and currently boasts seven Microsoft Innovation in Education Experts on the faculty.

Angels and Hilltoppers are successful in and out of the classroom. JCA believes extra-curricular involvement plays a significant role in developing the discipline and competitive spirit required for academic success. Every student at JCA has excellent opportunities to compete at many levels

in 23 interscholastic and intramural sports programs and over 40 additional clubs and activities, including an award-winning drama program.

JCA is home to the Angels and Hilltoppers who have a rich athletic tradition with 37 State and National Championships.

Just this past school year (2022-2023), the Hilltoppers won their 5th baseball state championship, tying them for the most for any IHSA school. Boys Wrestling brought home a team runner-up state trophy and three individual state champions. The Angels and Hilltoppers had representation at the IHSA State final by 10 (Girls and Boys XC, Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Dance, Cheer, Boys Wrestling, Girls Track, Boys Track, Baseball) of their teams.

All students have the opportunity to be creative, to be unique, to build confidence, and to be their best self. The award-winning JCA Drama Department annually puts on a Fall Play, Winter Radio Show, and Spring Musical. The annual Fall Play and Spring Musical, hosted at Joliet’s Bicentennial Park Theatre is one of the hottest tickets in town, with all performances expected to sell out. JCA offers a Christmas Concert and Spring Concert, with the opportunity to participate in Marching Band and English Handbells performances as well.

Applications are still being accepted for the incoming Class of 2028 and for current high school students interested in transferring. JCA awarded nearly $2 million dollars in scholarships to current students during the ’23-‘24 school year through the “Leveraged Financial Aid” program. Scholarships range from $500 to 75% off tuition, funded through several sources including the JCA Endowment, the Diocese of Joliet’s Catholic Education Foundation, the Kazma Family Foundation, and over 60 yearly scholarships established by JCA alumni, families, and friends. Prospective students are also eligible to received merit-based awards, which include the Franciscan-Carmelite Top Scorer Scholarships on the JCA Entrance Exam and the JCA Heritage Award, awarded to area students excelling in leadership, academics, and extra-curricular involvement.

Apply online at www.jca-online.org.

Contact the JCA Admissions Office for more information at 815.741.0500 or admissions@jca-online.org.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Joliet Catholic Academy

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Herald-News/shawlocal.com/the-herald-news • Wednesday, January 24, 2024

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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Joliet Catholic Academy Inspiring Growth in Knowledge and Faith Since 1869

A Tradition of Faith & Family

JOIN THE ANGELS AND HILLTOPPERS!

• Faith in Action ~ Daily Prayer ~ Kairos • School Masses ~ Retreats ~ Christian Service

A Tradition of Academic Excellence • 35 AP and Dual Credit Courses offered • 3 Levels of Curriculum • 29 Average ACT Score for Honors Program students over the last 5 years • 26 Average ACT Score for the top 50% of Class over the last 5 years • 23 Average ACT Score over the last 5 years • Class of 2023: 1 National Merit Finalist, 23 Illinois State Scholars, 1 Perfect ACT Score, and over $14 million in scholarship funds offered

A Tradition of Athletic Excellence

• 37 State or National Championships • 94% of Students Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities • 67 Former/Current Professional Athletes • 27% of the Class of 2023 Playing a Sport in College

7th & 8th GRADERS

Schedule a Shadow Visit or Private Tour Today! Online Registration Available.

8th GRADERS

Online Freshman Registration Deadline Friday, March 1, 2024 ($275 to hold spot in Freshman class and receive priority scheduling; $300 for all registrations submitted post-March 1) In the 2023-2024 school year, scholarships ranged from $500 to over $14,000 through the JCA Endowment, Catholic Education Foundation, and Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarships

APPLY ONLINE TODAY

Now Accepting Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students Jared Voss, Director of Admissions | jvoss@jca-online.org @jolietcatholic

@JCAOnline

www.jca-online.org | 815.741.0500