JHN_Catholic Schools Week_012320

2020 Catholic Schools Week January 26 - February 1, 2020

Thursday, January 23, 2020

2175 Onedia St. Joliet, IL 60435 815.280.4100 www.theherald-news.com

Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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Catholic Schools Directory See what’s inside...

St. Joseph Academy...........................................page 7 ADDRESS: 403 N. Hickory St., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-723-4567 WEB SITE: www.sjajoliet.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Jan Novotny

St. Joseph Catholic School ...............................page 7 Cathedral of St. Raymond School.....................page 14 ADDRESS: 608 North Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-722-6626 WEB SITE: www.straymond.net/school PRINCIPAL: Ms. Marjorie Hill CHURCH PASTOR: Rev. William G. Dewan

Holy Family School.....................................pages 4 & 5 ADDRESS: 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 PHONE: 815-725-8149 WEB SITE: www.holyfamilyshorewood.org/school PRINCIPAL: Mr. Anthony Simone CHURCH PASTOR: Rev. John Phan

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

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy ........page 10 ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 PHONE: 815-485-7129 WEB SITE: www.wearepc.org PRINCIPAL: Laura McErlean PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis

Providence Catholic High School.....................page 12 ADDRESS: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 PHONE: 815-485-2136 WEB SITE: www.providencecatholic.org PRINCIPAL: Dr. John Harper PRESIDENT: Fr. John Merkelis

St. Dennis School...............................................page 11 ADDRESS: 1201 S. Washington St., Lockport, IL 60441 PHONE: 815 838-4494 WEB SITE: www.stdennisschool.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Lisa Smith CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Jim Curtin

ADDRESS: 275 W. North St., Manhattan, IL 60442 PHONE: 815-478-3951 WEB SITE: www.sjsmanhattan.org PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Colleen Domke CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. John Lindsey

St. Jude Catholic School (Joliet).......................page 6 ADDRESS: 2204 McDonough St., Joliet, IL 60436 PHONE: 815-729-0288 WEB SITE: www.stjudejoliet.net PRINCIPAL: Mr. Lucas Stangler CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Michael Lane

St. Jude Catholic School (New Lenox)..............page 7

ADDRESS: 241 W. 2nd Ave., New Lenox, IL 60448 PHONE: 815-485-2549 WEB SITE: www.stjudes.org/school PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Kathleen Winters CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Robert Basler

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: Mr. John Garvey CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Pat Mulcahy

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: Dr. J.D. Chavez CHURCH PASTOR: Fr. Jerome Kish

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School................page 6 ADDRESS: 130 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 PHONE: 815-725-3390 WEB SITE:www.stpauljoliet.com PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Colleen Brodhead CHURCH PASTOR: Rev. John Klein

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com

St. Mary Immaculate Parish School Celebrating 65 Years of Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Our focus on faith enables teachers to help students connect with and embody the Catholic faith through daily Bible readings, prayer and classroom instruction. We nurture strong faith in the students and foster integration into their family faith life. In addition, our caring, enthusiastic teachers consistently guide our students to achieve their fullest academic potential, preparing them well for high school and college. Graduates of St. Mary Immaculate Parish School achieve academic excellence at both public and private high schools, and the names of our graduates are regularly seen on the honor roll of all the local high schools. Our state of the art STEM lab and 1:1 program sets our school apart from many others.

Finally, we provide a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and encourage students to discover, de-

• Thursday, January 23, 2020

Sixty Five years ago in the quiet village of Plainfield, St. Mary Immaculate Parish School 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. St. Mary Immaculate Parish School provides this solid foundation in a safe and secure family environment. We are also the first school in the area to have so many “Master Teacher” positions to enhance the learning culture in special needs, technology, and reading, and religion, faith, and spirituality: in other words, a campus minister position.

velop and share their talents. Outside the classroom, our students participate in athletics including baseball, basketball, football and volleyball. Students perform in the Band, the Annual School Musical, and the Choir. We also offer Student Council, Ecology Club, Creative Writing Club, Chess Club, Battle of the Books, a Junior High Academic Team and more.

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 one of the recipients of “The Best Pre-School in Will County” award three years in a row from the Herald-News. For more information contact the school at 815-436-3953 or visit our website at www.smischool.org.

15629 S. Route 59, Plainfield 815-436-3953 SM-CL1740985

smischool.org

Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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Please join us at Holy Family School’s annual Open House on Sunday, January 26th from 9:00am-12:00pm!

Holy Family School in Shorewood is a Catholic school where you really are part of a family.

At Holy Family, our Catholic identity is integrated in every facet of our school and is not just an added component. It permeates the spirit and climate of the school. Our children learn about themselves and the entire world through the lens of faith. We express our Catholic identity and reflect Jesus’ message of love through daily prayer and religion classes, school liturgies, the sacraments, social interaction, and outreach to others. Morals and values are a part of all areas of academic studies. At Holy Family, we

build both an excellent academic and spiritual foundation which will remain with your child throughout his or her life.

We offer top-notch education that allows individualized attention for students who excel as well as for students in need. Our dedicated teachers and challenging curriculum, combined with our specialized resources, contribute to impressive educational growth for our students.

This is all topped off with school spirit like no other! Holy Family offers team sports, aca-

demic competitions, choir, clubs, memberships, and more. Pack-the-Gym Nights allow for students to bond outside of school and cheer on their Holy Family teams. Of course, no Packthe-Gym Night would be complete without a visit from the school’s mascot, the Holy Family Eagle!

Family, Spirit, and Faith! Holy Family School has it all! Come and see what it’s all about on Sunday, January 26th from 9:00am-12:00pm.

N OPE SE HOURY 26th A JANU NDAY

SU -12PM 9AM

FAMILY | SPIRIT | FAITH Catholic faith based education from Pre-K—8th Grade Half and full day Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 options Before and after school care available Exceptional academics

“A Tradition of Excellence and A Future of Success”

Specialized resources to maximize learning Academic and athletic extracurricular programs Family centered community

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, Illinois 60404

815-725-8149

HOLYFAMILYSHOREWOOD.ORG/SCHOOL

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Confirmation sponsor guidelines

Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

The day a young Christian receives the sacrament of confirmation is an occasion worthy of celebration. Many people help young Christians as they grow and mature into people worthy of receiving the sacrament of confirmation, and many prospective confirmands choose one of these influential people to act as their confirmation sponsor.

Confirmation sponsors play important roles in the lives of Christians on the cusp of receiving the sacrament of confirmation. Sponsors are expected to serve as role models for prospective confirmands by actively participating in their parishes and living lives of prayer and virtue. Sponsors also are tasked with serving as a sounding board for young Christians who may have questions or concerns about life as a maturing Christian. In such instances, sponsors are encouraged to share their own experiences growing up as Christians and make concerted efforts to answer any questions prospective confirmands may have, even if this requires sponsors to contact church officials for answers.

Confirmation sponsors may also need to handle certain logistical issues regarding their roles. Parishes might give prospective confirmands paperwork for their sponsors, and such paperwork must be completed and submitted on time. In addition, sponsors who are not registered parishioners at the church where the confirmation will take place may need to obtain confirmation regarding their eligibility to serve as sponsors from the parishes that they belong to.

Each particular parish may have certain additional rules regarding who can and cannot serve as confirmation sponsors, but the following are among the more common guidelines:

• Sponsors must be designated by the candidate or his or her parents in advance.

• Sponsors must be at least 16 years old and be mature enough to fulfill all of the duties required of them.

• Sponsors must be practicing Catholics who have already received the sacraments of initiation, which include baptism, the Eucharist and confirmation.

• Sponsors must understand the role they are taking on.

• Sponsors must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared.

• Sponsors cannot be a parent of the prospective confirmand, though godparents are allowed to serve as sponsors so long as they meet the additional requirements.

Serving as a confirmation sponsor for a young Christian is an honor that men and women should take seriously and a role that they should be proud to play.

S T. J U D E C AT H O L I C SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE S U N D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 6 T H 10:00 AM ALL SCHOOL MASS 11 : 0 0 A M - 1 : 0 0 P M O P E N H O U S E 2204 McDonough St. ~ Joliet, IL 60436 815.729.0288 www.stjudejoliet.net ~ facebook.com/StJudeInJoliet

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH, 2020 111:30 1:30 a am m - 11:00 :00 p pm m

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Meet the Faculty and Administration • Tour the School and Classrooms Learn about our Curriculum • Stroll through our Book Fair See our Student Social Studies Projects

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MANHATTAN, IL

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

• Affordable Before and After School Care • Catholic tradition including community service and sacraments

JOIN US FOR

• Small class size maximizing student/teacher interaction

Open House Sunday, January 26 10am - 1pm

• Conference athletic teams, including new cross country team

or call 815-485-2549 or visit www.stjudes.org/school to schedule a visit!

Tuition Assistance Available

Talk to our families and meet our students!

St. Monica Gift of Faith Scholarship (up to 50% off tuition)

Strong academic program Small class size 1:1 computers (grades 5-8) State-of-the-art technology (K-8) Spanish instruction K-8 Before and after school care

• Tuition Discount of $1,500 for new Families Empower Illinois Invest in Kids Scholarships & Catholic Education Foundation Scholarships available

Catholic Education Foundation Grants

TO SHARE Faith-based curriculum

• Activities including Math/STEM club, chess, run club, and student government

Tuition Transfer Grant Competitive and recreational athletic programs

Empower Illinois Tuition Scholarship

Extracurricular activities and enrichment programs

If you can’t make the Open House, set up a tour of the school by calling (815) 478-3951.

2, 3, & 4 year old preschool Above national average and local test scores, Iowa Test and AimsWeb

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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WE HAVE SO MUCH

• Fine Arts Department including art, music, band and choir

275 W. NORTH STREET, MANHATTAN, IL SJSMANHATTAN.ORG SM-CL1742082

ST JOES MANHATTAN

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• Academic Preschool through 8th grade

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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a dozen reasons to choose Catholic Schools

We cultivate a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring and effective.

We have a 99 percent high school graduation rate. 85 percent of our graduates go to college.

We prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.

We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.

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We emphasize moral development and self-discipline.

We offer an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence.

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We partner with parents in the faith formation of their children.

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We teach children respect of self and others.

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We instill in students the value of service to others.

THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION

NCEA.org/csw

We set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed.

We provide a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life.

We use technology effectively to enhance education.

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B U I L D I N G T H E F O U N D AT I O N F O R OUR STUDENTS’ LIFELONG SUCCESSES

Most Affordable Catholic School in the area!

Call us for a guided tour of our school.

We have so much to share!

St. Mary Nativity was established originally by Croatian settlers in 1906. Today’s student body represents a wide spectrum of ethnic back-

grounds along with comprehensive academic curriculum, including advanced math, science and technology labs, physical education, music and art. This 2020-2021 school we offer a 1:1 electronic notebook program for grades 4 through 8. We offer a variety of after school enrichment programs including drama, piano, chess club, athletics and helping hands, our service program.

School tours can be arranged, and any questions can be answered by calling the school office at 815-7228518. At St. Mary Nativity, “All are Welcomed.”

• 3&4-year-old preschool • 1:1 computer (grades 4-8) • In house cooked food • Family centered community School Mass

All are Welcome to join us at our Saturday and Sunday Masses. Daily Masses offered too.

Registrations for the 2020-2021 school year will be accepted.

Hablamos Español

702 N. Broadway St. • Joliet, IL 60435 (Rt. 53 at Ruby St/Black Rd.)

(815) 722-8518 www.stmarynativity.org Great things are always happening at St. Mary Nativity School!

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Submitted St. Mary Nativity School fosters a Christ centered environment rooted in the catholic faith. Our mission includes partnering with parents and the parish community to fully develop mind, body and spirit of each student. In combining this mission with its individualized and extracurricular programs, St. Mary Nativity delivers a truly positive educational experience.

• Faith based curriculum • Small class sizes • Before and after school care • Extracurricular activities and enrichment programs • Weekly All

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com

St. Mary Nativity School

Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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Providence Catholic Children’s Academy Submitted Providence Catholic Children’s Academy (PCCA) was opened in 1992. Under the direction of the Joliet Diocese it serves 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 aged 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 on academic, socialemotional, 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, in school field trips and most supplies. 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 2020-2021 school year is on Sunday, January 26th from 10:00-12:30. Tours of our school are offered yearround. Tours can be scheduled by calling for an appointment.

Please call or email Mrs. Laura McErlean at (815) 485-7129 lmcerlean@providencecatholic. org with any questions or visit the school’s website at www. wearepc.org.

Providence Children’s Academy, New Lenox, IL

Join Us!

OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 10 am - 12:30 pm

Why PCCA? • Full-Day Kindergarten • Half/Full-Day Options for 3/4 year old preschool • Small Class Sizes • No Mandatory Fundraising • Bachelor Degreed Experienced Teachers

• Before/After School Care • 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

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What Makes Us

Unique?

Join Us & Find Out!

Spirituality Submitted St. Dennis School is a loving environment that provides a complete education for the whole child. Our school is built upon the foundation of tradition and a vision for the future.

Community Academic Excellence Open House Preschool – 8th Grade

Catholic education is affordable and accessible: financial aid, scholarships, and monthly payments for tuition and fees are available, including the Tuition Transfer Grant, available for students transferring from a public school.

Join us at the January 26 Open House from 12:15-1:30pm, and visit our website at www.stdennisschool.org to learn about the difference St. Dennis School can make in your child’s life.

Sunday, January 26, 2020 Open Enrollment

Mass 11:15am Open House 12:15pm—1:30pm SM-CL1740894

1201 S Washington Street • Lockport • 815-838-4494 • www.stdennisschool.org

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Small class sizes combined with a caring and highly qualified faculty provide an environment where students thrive. Annually, an average of 80% of St. Dennis graduates earn honor roll status as freshmen. Teachers utilize instructional strategies that require student collaboration, and critical thinking skills. With the aid of multiple tools for assessing students’ progress, teachers personalize instructional strategies to address individual learning needs. The success of this approach is evident in standardized test scores that continue to range above the national averages. St. Dennis teachers have the flexibility to utilize different instructional approaches to engage students.

We offer state-of-the-art technology throughout the curriculum at all grade levels, with SMARTBoards © in every class for increased student engagement, and 1 to 1 iPads K-8. The use of technology throughout the school provides students with access to countless learning tools that reinforce the core standards taught in ways that appeal to the modern learner. Students are given alternative ways to synthesize information they have learned and present it in a creative format.

St. Dennis students have access to an outstanding fine arts program at St. Dennis, which includes strong music and art instruction and opportunities.

Students also have opportunities to be involved in no-cut athletics, a thriving intramurals program, Technology Apprentice Program, Battle of the Books, a reading club, and Spanish instruction.

St. Dennis School enhances traditional classroom religious instruction with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program to teach students about their faith. In addition, students K-8 plan and participate in weekly school Mass. Active participation in service projects is an integral part of students’ call to stewardship. Full sacramental preparation is part of daily Catholic instruction. Student role models mentor younger students through the schoolwide buddy system. St. Dennis School and parish are a family, committed to a vibrant future.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com

St. Dennis School

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Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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Providence Catholic High School Submitted At Providence Catholic, preparing students for the future includes more than classroom learning. It is a combination of academics, community service, and faith – all things we celebrate during Catholic Schools Week.

“At Providence, we prepare students for the next step in their lives and help them realize their potential. We continue to enhance our already strong academics, as well as provide spiritual programs that foster and promote an enduring commitment to a life of faith, prayer, and service. We want students to embrace service not as an obligation, but as a valued choice,” said the Rev. John Merkelis, the school’s president.

“One of the things that I love most about Providence is when my basketball team and I pray in the chapel before every home game and the daily all-school prayers.

This is an opportunity for the school to bond through our shared faith in God. Team prayer before games reminds us that we are playing as one team and representing Providence on the court,” says senior Katie Rost, who was recently accepted to the United States Naval Academy.

“My teachers challenge me every day to go above and beyond the classroom expectations while providing me with the skills to be successful in college,” adds Christopher Cokinos, a senior who scored a perfect 36 on his ACT. “Spirituality has been the guiding light that has led me through my years here at Providence. Whenever I have a tough day, I look to my friends, teachers, and most importantly God to get me back on my feet.”

Providence recently began a STEM Academy, an academic program for inquisitive students who are active learners wishing to identify and solve authentic problems.

With ACT scores, college acceptance rates, and college scholarship offers all well beyond the national average, the Providence advantage is well-known by Celtic students and parents.

“We are extremely proud of our students’ dedication not only in the classroom, but on the field and in the community,” explains Ed Barrett, Director of Need Based Aid. “Providing financial assistance to Providence Catholic families is a top priority for the school. 25% of our families receive some type of financial assistance. In fact, this year the school has awarded $1.7 million to our families in need-based scholarships and grants, work programs, discounts, and subsidized lunches.”

Providence Catholic is a co-educational, college preparatory Augustinian high school located on 75 acres in New Lenox. The students come from more than seventy elementary, middle and junior high schools within a thirty-mile radius of the school. Whether a student is AP, Honors, College Prep, or need a little assistance in the classroom, there is a place for everyone. Become the start of something greater today! To learn more about the Providence Advantage, visit online at www.providencecatholic.org.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2020

St. Joseph Academy Open House

Our elementary and adolescent programs are in multi-age classrooms, where students can learn at their own pace rather than at a prescribed grade level. Students study the basics of reading, writing, and math, as well as being introduced to science, social studies, literature, research, Spanish, music, drama and art. Homework and testing are tools rather than ends in themselves. Students gain confidence and creativity through oral presentations and independent studies.

Since we are a Christian school founded on the Catholic faith, religion is an important part of our day.

Our younger students share Bible stories and develop a relationship with the Lord. Elementary and adolescent students of all faiths attend daily Mass at St. John the Baptist chapel across the street from the school. Through religion classes and church services, the students learn what it means to be a Christian and to serve God and neighbor.

St. Joseph Academy prides itself on our family atmosphere and on being a place where children love to learn and teachers love to teach. Our school is located at 403 N. Hickory Street in the St. John the Baptist Resource Center. Call 815-723-4567 or visit sjajoliet.org for more information or to schedule a private tour.

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

A private, independent school in the Catholic Montessori tradition, providing individualized education for students with diverse gifts and abilities.

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

Visit our website at www.sjajoliet.org

Ask about our scholarship program! *** Enroll by March 27 and receive a $25 discount on your registration fee.

“Living our Christian Love Daily in a Diverse and Accepting Community” SM-CL1742451

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Submitted St. Joseph Academy offers families a different approach to education for their children. Based on Catholic faith and Montessori philosophy, our unique private, independent school is celebrating its tenth year of educating children from preschool into high school. The public is invited to tour our school and learn about our creative approach at an Open House on Sunday, January 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Traditional education is good for most children, but there are students who learn better marching to their own drumbeat,…either more quickly, more slowly, or just in a different way than their peers. SJA provides a new kind of school, taking many of the methods of traditional education and reframing them in the light of Montessori philosophy which focuses on each child as an individual.

Our preschool-kindergarten class is directed by a unique teaching team.

In an environment that is beautifully equipped with the recommended Montessori materials, children experience practical life and sensorial learning, as well as hands-on language, math, geography, art, and science.

Emphasis is on developing respect for themselves and others, as well as the environment, and on becoming responsible and resourceful learners.

403 N. Hickory St. Joliet 60435 Sunday, January 26 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com

St. Joseph Academy

St. Raymond School Submitted The Cathedral of St. Raymond School was established over 100 years ago with a vision from our founding pastor, Fr. Scanlon to educate young people in the faith. Staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 178 students embarked on the beginning of a tremendous heritage. Currently serving 360 students, we continue the vibrant community that Fr. Scanlon dreamed would represent our parish family.

Our goal today is the same as it was 100 years ago, to provide an education of unsurpassed quality to every student. Equally important, we teach our students to be kind, compassionate and to share Christ’s love with the world.

We believe WHO your child becomes is just as important as WHAT they become. To this end, we have established a culture in which we ask our students to RISE to greatness every day.

Proud to be the Rockets, R.I.S.E. is an acronym for respect, integrity, service and excellence. In living out these values, we achieve greatness through strong character, a vibrant faith, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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Located in the historic Cathedral area of Joliet, St. Raymond School educates students in 3yr old Pre-school through 8th grade. The challenging curriculum is taught by a team of experienced, faith-filled certified teachers with an average of 17 years teaching experience, many who have been recognized with accolades and awards. In addition to core subjects, students at all levels are taught art, music, physical education and computer technology. Our 6th8th grade students participate in a 1:1 Chromebook initiative.

St. Raymond School offers a strong athletic program where 1st through 4th grade students can participate in intramural basketball and 5th-8th grade students can participate in cross country, baseball, flag football, basketball, coed volleyball, and track and field. The focus of our program is on team work, responsibility, resiliency, discipline and the many other intangibles that being a part of team teaches.

Extracurricular activities are also available to our students. Our 5th-8th grade students can participate in band and students in 6th8th grade can participate in the Spring Musical which is performed each year at the University

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of St. Francis. Along with band and the musical, students can participate in Battle of the Books, Girls on the Run, Let’s Build it Engineering, Entrepreneurship Club, Boy Scouts and the annual school talent show.

Mass is celebrated every week where a class is assigned to plan and participate in 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 faith-based 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 which lasts even long after they have graduated.

We invite prospective families to our Open House on Sunday, January 26th from 10:00am-12:30pm. During this time you will be able to tour our school and classrooms, meet with our faculty, staff, and current parents and receive an information packet explaining registration. More information about our school can be found at straymond.net and Facebook as Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish and School.

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Celebrating 150 Years of Education in Will County Submitted Joliet Catholic Academy, which recently celebrated 150 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 650 current students and over 23,200 alumni. JCA is the number one choice for Catholic college preparatory education in the Joliet, Shorewood, and Plainfield communities.

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 three curricula of study, Advanced Placement courses, and Junior College duel credit options. Student schedules are built to meet their individual needs. JCA offers 37 Honors and 14 AP classes, with JCA students passing AP exams at a higher rate (67%) than the state and national averages. The Class of 2019 carried on the school’s legacy by recording an average ACT score of 29.6 for honors program students and 26.3 for the top 50% of the class; 22 students were named Illinois State Scholars; 66% of students earned college scholarships and Advanced Placement and Junior College

Angels and Hilltoppers are successful in and out of the classroom. JCA believes extra-curriculars play an important 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 25 interscholastic and intramural sports programs and over 40 additional clubs and activities, including an award-winning drama program.

JCA boasts 32 overall state or national championships (the most of any private high school in the state of Illinois). Since 2018, the Hilltoppers captured their IHSA-record 14th state football championship, the JCA varsity dance team won the IHSA Class 1A state championship, sophomore Dean Hamiti Jr. won his second consecutive IHSA Class 2A wrestling state championship, and the girls and boys cross country programs qualified for the IHSA state finals for the first time in program history. JCA girls volleyball captured 3rd place this fall in the IHSA Class 3A state finals and JCA girls soccer brought home the first state trophy in program history last spring capturing 4th place at the IHSA state tournament. In addition, the Angels and Hilltoppers boast three girls volleyball state championships, three baseball state championships, and several IHSA Sportsmanship Awards. Individually, JCA students have captured state titles in wrestling, track-and-field, tennis, and swimming.

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 March 12-15 performance of “Mama Mia” at Joliet’s Bicentennial Park Theatre is one of the hottest tickets in town, with all performances expected to sell out.

Shadow Visits are offered every Friday for 7th and 8th grade students. Applications are still being accepted for the incoming Class of 2024. JCA awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships to current students during the ’19-‘20 school year through the “Leveraged Financial Aid” program. Scholarships range from $500 to $13,336.64, funded through several sources including the JCA Endowment, the Catholic Education Foundation, and the IL Tax-Credit Scholarship program: Empower Illinois.

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

• Thursday, January 23, 2020

JCA’s alumni are lawyers, doctors, politicians, teachers, coaches, police officers, firefighters, and more. JCA graduates continually thrive in leadership positions in the Joliet community and beyond; three out of the last four mayors in Joliet, four current Illinois state legislators in Springfield, eight current professional athletes, Olympic medalists, Fortune 500 company CEO’s, Hollywood producers, and box office stars are counted among its graduates.

dual-credits were attained. Students are challenged with technology through JCA’s one-toone program and broaden their horizons with exciting new electives such as Computer Science/Coding, Meteorology, and Robotics and Engineering. JCA students attended 69 different colleges in 21 states, earning over $18.0 million in scholarships dollars in the past year alone.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK | Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com

Joliet Catholic Academy

JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY

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Catholic Schools Week / TheHerald-News.com • Thursday, January 23, 2020

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inspiring growth

Think a quality Catholic education isn’t affordable?

THINK AGAIN!

IN KNOWLEDGE AND FAITH SINCE 1869

A TRADITION OF FAITH & FAMILY Faith in Action ~ Daily Prayer ~ Kairos School Masses ~ Retreats ~ Christian Service

A TRADITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 26.3 Average ACT Score for the Top 50% of the Class of 2019 29.6 Average ACT Score for Honors Program Students Average Yearly College Scholarship Package: $29,605 for the Class of 2019

A TRADITION OF ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

(815) 741-0500 www.jca-online.org

Now Enrolling

32 State or National Championships 93% of Students Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities 40+ Clubs and After-School Programs Offered

Ask about Leveraged Financial Aid: Scholarships range from $500 to $13,336.64

*Scholarships are funded through JCA, the Catholic Education Foundation, and the IL Tax Credit Scholarship program Empower Illinois.

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