FAITH. EXCELLENCE. SERVICE Catholic Schools Week 2022 January 30-February 5
Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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Catholic Schools Directory
See what’s inside...
Cathedral of St. Raymond School..............................................page 7 Address: 608 North Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-722-6626 Website: straymondgradeschool.org Principal: Ms. Marjorie Hill Church Pastor: Fr. Bill Dewan
Holy Family School..........................................................page 10 Address: 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 Phone: 815-725-8149 Website: www.holyfamilyshorewood.org/school Principal: Mr. Anthony Wilkinson Church Pastor: Fr. John Phan Joliet Catholic Academy........................................pages 15 & 16 Address: 1200 N. Larkin Ave., Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-741-0500 Website: www.jca-online.org Principal: Dr. Jeffrey Budz Providence Catholic Children’s Academy......................page 13 Address: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 Phone: 815-485-7129 Website: www.wearepc.org Principal: Mrs. Laura McErlean President: Fr. John Merkelis Providence Catholic High School.............................pages 4 & 5 Address: 1800 W Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, IL 60451 Phone: 815-485-2136 Website: www.providencecatholic.org Principal: Dr. John Harper President: Fr. John Merkelis St. Dennis School...............................................................page 9 Address: 1201 S. Washington St., Lockport, IL 60441 Phone: 815-838-4494 Website: www.stdennisschool.org Principal: Mrs. Lisa Smith Church Pastor: Fr. Shaun Cieslik St. Joseph Academy.........................................................page 10 Address: 403 N. Hickory St., Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-723-4567 Website: www.sjajoliet.org Principal: Mrs. Jan Novotny
St. Joseph School (Lockport)....................................pages 6 & 8 Address: 529 Madison St., Lockport, IL 60441 Phone: 815-838-8173 Website: www. stjoeschool.com Co-Principals: Mary Ann Feeney and Rita Stasi Church Pastor: Fr. Gregory Rothfuchs St. Jude Catholic School (Joliet).....................................page 12 Address: 2204 McDonough St., Joliet, IL 60436 Phone: 815-729-0288 Website: www.stjudejoliet.net Principal: Mr. Lucas Stangler Church Pastor: Fr. Michael Lane St. Jude Catholic School (New Lenox)............................page 11 Address: 241 W. 2nd Ave., New Lenox, IL 60451 Phone: 815-485-2549 Website: www.stjudes.org/school Principal: Mrs. Kathleen Winters Church Pastor: Fr. Robert Basler St. Mary Catholic School of Mokena..............................page 14 Address: 19515 115th Ave., Mokena, IL 60448 Phone: 708-326-9300 Website: www.stmarymokena.org Principal: Mrs. Michele Engelman Church Pastor: Fr. Dindo Billote St. Mary Immaculate Parish School..................................page 3 Address: 15629 S. Rt. 59, Plainfield IL 60544 Phone: 815-436-3953 Website: www.smischool.org Principal: Mrs. Jennifer Errthum Church Pastor: Fr. Pat Mulcahy St. Mary Nativity Catholic School.....................................page 8 Address: 702 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-722-8518 Website: www. stmarynativity.org Principal: Mrs. Regina Pestrak Church Pastor: Fr. Jerome Kish St. Paul the Apostle...........................................................page 9 Address: 1 30 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet IL 60435 Phone: 815-725-3390 Website: thestpaulschool.org Principal: Mrs. Kelly Kramerich Church Pastor: Father Mark Cote
St. Mary Immaculate Parish School
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Sixty six 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 extra staff members to enhance the learning culture in special needs, technology, reading, and religion, faith, and spirituality. 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. The names of our graduates are regularly seen on the honor roll of all the local high schools, both public and Catholic. 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, develop and share their talents. Outside the classroom, our students participate in athletics. Inside the classroom building students can
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explore fine arts, student council, and various 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 Recipient of “The Best Pre-School in Will County” award three years in a row and the last two years voted “Best Workplace for Education” from the Herald News Readers Choice Awards. 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 the important things: faith and family. We at St. Mary Immaculate Parish School cherish the role we play in working with you and your families to share the gift of our blessed faith with your wonderful children. Thank you for trusting us to play that role.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Celebrating more than 65 Years of Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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Madison Hogeveen, Luis Sanchez, Mason Gadomski, Lauren Sullivan pitch their idea at the MVP pitch event
Josh Ditzler
Laura Moss
Mia McElree
Providence Class A Real Shark Tank Providence Catholic, in collaboration with INCubatoredu, is offering students an authentic entrepreneurship classroom experience this year. “We were looking to enhance our business course offerings,” says Josh Ditzler, who co-teaches the program along with Laura Moss. “The end goal of the class is that each student will develop an actual product or service and test the viability. Currently, there are 48 students enrolled in the class - that make up 12 teams - that are developing products and/or services.” “One of the highlights of the class is the participation of our wonderful volunteers,” says Moss. “There are three types of volunteers in the INCubator: Coaches, Mentors, and the Board of Advisors. Mentors are business professionals who commit to working with an assigned team of students, weekly. Coaches come in once during the semester to act as subject area experts. The Board of Advisors is a select group that serve as ‘Sharks’ during the pitch events. They play the role of investors and provide teams with valuable feedback. Our outstanding volunteers have been a mixture of alumni, parents of students/alumni, and friends of Providence.” At the end of the first semester, groups took part in a MVP Pitch Day event at Providence. The Board of Advisors listened to presentations and asked ques-
tions to assist the groups in enhancing their presentations and building their products. Advisors included Nancy Dye (Economic Development Coordinator for the Village of New Lenox, Illinois), Ryan Meegan (Co-Founder of DUDE Products and Shark Tank Contestant), Steve Morrisette (Managing Director of Providence Advisors, Inc.), Mark Orlando (Co-Founder and CEO of Bionic Cyber), and Frank Santoro (Co-Owner of Frankie’s Ristorante). There is a balance of both products and services being developed. “Students are building brands in clothing retail, tech accessories, health supplements, and even creating mobile apps to serve the general public,” adds Moss. Senior Mia McElree says, “Our guest speakers have given us great insight from their own personal experiences that we take into consideration while developing our businesses. In the INCubatoredu class, we learn different aspects of creating a new business and how to apply them, while also getting great advice from our mentors each week. My team and I, by the end of the year, hope to accomplish a successful app that will be easy for all to use.” For more information on INCubatoredu at Providence Catholic, visit online at www.providencecatholic.org.
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
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ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, LOCKPORT COME GROW WITH US!
Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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OPEN HOUSE PK – 8th GRADE SUNDAY, JANUARY 30th 11:00am – 1:00pm SPREAD THE WORD…TELL YOUR FRIENDS… INVITE YOUR NEIGHBORS!! 2022-2023 REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN Call 815-838-8173 for a private tour www.stjoeschool.com
Cathedral of St. Raymond School
can participate in cross country, baseball, flag football, basketball, co-ed 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 6th-8th grade can participate in the Spring Musical which is performed each year at the University of St. Francis (currently on hold with Covid). Along with band and the musical, students can participate in Academic Bowls, Student Council, 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 Saturday, January 29th from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Advanced registration is required. 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 www.straymondgradeschool.org and Facebook and Instagram as Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish and School.
OPEN
Saturd Serving students in preschool through eighth grade
HOU
SE
ay Jan uary 29 by app , 2022 o in t m e nt onl 4 - 6 p.m y .
Offering prescheduled tours in grades preschool through first Schedule your tour at https://bit.ly/tourstrays Priority Applications due February 25
Joy of Faith. Rigor of Excellence. Gift of Community.
Join us.
608 North Raynor Ave, Joliet IL
815-722-6626
straymondgradeschool.org @cathedralofstraymond
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
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 335 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. 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 12 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 6th-8th 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
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Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
COME GROW WITH US!
OPEN HOUSE
PRE-K to 8th Grade January 30 11 am - 1 pm 529 Madison Street • Lockport 815-838-8173 • www.stjoeschool.com
• • • • •
Catholic tradition including community service and sacraments Weekly all school mass Small class sizes
Affordable Tuition Rates
• • • •
Athletic extracurricular programs
Before and After Care
Fine Arts Department includes art and music
Tuition Assistance Available 3 & 4 year old preschool
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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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Spirituality • Weekly School Mass • Student-led Liturgy • Traditional Religious Instruction Enhanced with Montessori-based Enrichment
Community
We invite you to our OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 30 11:00am – 1:00pm Mass with Fr. Mark Cote begins at 10:00am Open house immediately follows Mass
• No-cut Athletic Teams Intramurals Gospel Club Maker Space • Book Club • Technology Apprentice Program (T.A.P.) • Battle of the Books (B.O.B.)
Academic Excellence On average, 94% of our graduates earn honor roll status as Freshman in High School SMARTBoards™ in every Classroom Hands-on Science Lab State-of-the-art Technology Lab 1:1 iPad Program Grades K-8th
During the open house we will be hosting our Social Studies Fair, Art Show and Book Fair
Visit our Website www.stdennisschool.org
We offer academic programs to meet the needs of all students:
to request information and explore what makes
• Full Day and Half-Day Preschool • Full Day Kindergarten • Rigorous academic curriculum • Technology classes • Extra curricular and athletic programs 130 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet Call 815-725-3390 For more info or to schedule a tour www.thestpaulschool.org
St. Dennis School Unique!
Providing Catholic Education For Over 140 Years! 1201 S. Washington Street • Lockport 815-838-4494 • www.stdennisschool.org
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
New Family Registration Available! Preschool — 8th Grade
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
“A Tradition of Excellence and a Future of Success”
FAMILY / SPIRIT / FAITH /New Open House tration Family Regis 2022 January 30, 2:00 PM 9:00 AM – 1 Catholic Faith Based Education (Pre-Kindergarten 3-year old – Eighth Grade) Exceptional Academics 1:1 Computer/iPad Program (First – Eighth Grades)
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2022
St. Joseph Academy Open House
403 N. Hickory St. Joliet 60435 Sunday, January 30 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • • • • • •
Montessori-based Preschool & Kindergarten Individualized Elementary & Adolescent Program Small Class Sizes Competitive Tuition Rates Before and After Care School of the Arts Program
Call 815-723-4567 to schedule a private tour. Visit our website at www.sjajoliet.org
Ask about our scholarship program! *** Enroll by March 25 and receive a $25 discount on your registration fee.
A private, independent school in the Catholic Montessori tradition, providing individualized education for students with diverse gifts and abilities.
“Living our Christian Love Daily in a Diverse and Accepting Community”
Academic and Athletic Extracurricular Programs (Includes Intramurals for 1st – 4th grade) Specialized Resources to Help Maximize Learning Family Centered School Community Half and Full Day Pre-K 3 and 4-year Old Programs Before and After School Care Available
Please call the school office to schedule an appointment
815-725-8149
HOLYFAMILYSHOREWOOD.ORG/SCHOOL 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404
11 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
JOIN US FOR
Open House
Sunday, January 30 TOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
St. Jude School in New Lenox is holding an open house on Sunday, Jan. 30. 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. 30. 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, stateof-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. With the current state of the pandemic, St. Jude’s small class sizes facilitate safety and social distancing, but allows for important social interaction. 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, a Tuition Transfer Grant and an Empower Illinois Tuition Scholarship. 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. “Come join the St. Jude Family.”
Talk to our families and meet our students! WE HAVE SO MUCH
TO SHARE Faith-based curriculum Strong academic program
Competitive and recreational athletic programs
Small class size
Extracurricular activities and enrichment programs
1:1 computers (grades 5-8)
2, 3, & 4 year old preschool
State-of-the-art technology (K-8)
Above national average and local test scores, Iowa Test and AimsWeb
Spanish/Sign Language Instruction
Tuition Assistance Available St. Monica Gift of Faith Scholarship (up to 50% off tuition) Catholic Education Foundation Grants Tuition Transfer Grant Empower Illinois Tuition Scholarship 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 holding open house for prospective students and families
call 815-485-2549 or visit stjudes.org to schedule a visit!
Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
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Catholic schools are popular options for education Education is a personal decision for every family. Families have many education options to choose from, and that includes private institutions. When considering private education, families may consider Catholic schools. The family and parenting resource Verywell Family indicates that Catholic schools have the highest enrollments and the greatest number of schools in operation of all private schools in America. The first Catholic parochial school opened in Philadelphia in 1783 and was called St. Mary’s School. Interest in Catholic education soon started to grow, especially during the mid-19th century, when the United States welcomed an influx of Catholic immigrants. By 1920, there were around 1,500 Catholic schools in the United States, reaching peak enrollment and total number of schools in the 1960s. Catholic schools still present a viable education option for students in the 21st century. Each year during National Catholic Schools Week, which is the last week of January, the country celebrates Catholic education. It’s also a time when many Catholic institutions host open houses and sponsor recruitment campaigns for the upcoming school year. CSW is now entering its 48th year, and 2022 events will include special masses, assemblies and other activities for students, families and parishioners, according to the National Catholic Educational Association. With CSW on the horizon, consider these points of interest about Catholic education. • The NCEA says academic excellence is a hallmark of Catholic education, but it is directed in a way
to foster the growth of the whole person — mind, body and spirit. • Service is fundamental to Catholic education and is a core teaching of the Catholic faith. Students enrolled in a Catholic school can expect to participate in service projects. • Many people are drawn to Catholic schools because of the smaller, more intimate campuses and class sizes.
• Catholic schools enjoy diverse populations and have a history of welcoming and supporting lower-income students. The NCEA says the Hispanic/ Latino population accounted for 20.7 percent of Catholic school populations in 2017. • While many of the students enrolled in Catholic parochial schools are practicing Catholics, it is not necessary to be Catholic, or even Christian, to attend.
Join us for our OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 30th 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 1/2 Day & Full Day Preschool 1 to 1 Technology K-8 Comprehensive Math, Language Arts Religion, Science, Social Studies Art, Music, Physical Education & Technology Extracurricular sports, and clubs Financial Aid Available
St. Jude Catholic School 2204 McDonough St. Joliet, IL 60436 815-729-0288 www.stjudejoliet.net
As a parent, you want your child's school to provide an excellent education, have a safe and caring environment, provide the resources your child needs to succeed and help your child learn responsibility, compassion and respect for themselves and others.
You will find all of that and more at St. Jude Catholic School.
Join Us!
OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 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
Providence Catholic Children’s Academy
Submitted 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 on 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 2022-2023 school year is on Sunday, January 30th 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
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
13 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Providence Children’s Academy, New Lenox, IL
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Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
ST. MARY
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
FAITH CENTERED
St. Mary Catholic School
Faith Centered - Student Focused K - 8 and 3 & 4 Year Old Preschool
St. Mary Catholic School of Mokena cordially invites all prospective families to join us for Open House on Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 10:45 AM through 2:00 PM. Catholic Schools Week kicks off with family mass at 9:30 AM, followed by the Open House. Visitors will have the opportunity to view our exceptional facilities, and meet dedicated faculty, staff, students, and families from the school community! Founded in 1949, St. Mary Catholic School provides students with a rigorous education rooted in Catholic faith. With a curriculum that includes weekly school mass, Christ is the foundation of our academic experience. St. Mary’s 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. Faith families are led by non-homeroom faculty and staff and provide leadership opportunities for our middle school students as they interact with and lead our younger students. “My Heart is Here” St. Mary Catholic School has an established, profound sense of community. Our school administrative assistant, Debbie Dexter, has been part of the St. Mary family for decades. “St. Mary provides a great education. My children were well prepared for high school. I love the community… This is a great place to have your children. My heart is here.” St. Mary School 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 local family who recently joined shared: “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!”
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 all Kindergarten through eighth graders starting in 2022; a spacious gymnasium; dedicated music room, library, and computer lab all aid in the growth of our students. Principal Michele Engelman shared: “Our teachers are very invested in the success of each student. They go above and beyond to achieve success.” It’s Not All Work St. Mary strives on its academic excellence, but what is life without a little bit of fun? Extracurriculars include scout, art, music, and band programs, a robust drama club, and a growing athletic program. 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, that include Empower Illinois, Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), and parish/school scholarships. Do not allow tuition to be a barrier to your joining the St. Mary Community! Ask for details! For more information, please call St. Mary School at (708) 326-9330 or visit www.stmaryschoolmokena.org.
STUDENT FOCUSED PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH SPIRITUAL & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE We invite you to experience the vibrant, warm and welcoming environment at St. Mary Catholic School! • See why students succeed • Feel our sense of community • Meet students, teachers, and families • Preschool through 8th grade
Come see the difference!
Open House
SUNDAY JANUARY 30TH 10:45AM - 2:00PM Tours
Information
Refreshments
www.stmaryschoolmokena.org
11409 195th Street, Mokena SM-CL1952913
Joliet Catholic Academy, which recently celebrated 152 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 23,400 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 priests, Catholic nuns, politicians, 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, eight current 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 three curricula of study, Advanced Placement courses, and Junior College dual 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 2021 carried on the school’s legacy by recording an average ACT score of 29.0 for honors program students and 5.2 for the top 50% of the class; 23 students were named Illinois State Scholars; 66% of students earned college scholarships and Advanced Placement and junior college dual credits were attained. Students are challenged with technology through JCA’s one-to-one program, utilizing the Warning Family Innovation Research Center, which opened in the fall of 2021. This state-of-the-art facility broadens their horizons with exciting new electives in Robotics, Engineering, and Computer Science. JCA was proud to announce acceptance into the Microsoft Showcase Schools Incubator Program for 2021-2022, and currently boasts three Microsoft Innovation in Education Experts on the faculty. JCA students attended 74 different colleges in 25 states, earning over $16.5 million in scholarship dollars in the past year alone. Angels and Hilltoppers are successful in and out of the classroom. JCA believes extra-curricular involvement plays 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 24 interscholastic and intramural sports programs and over 40 additional clubs and activities, including an award-winning drama program. JCA boasts 33 overall state or national championships. The Hilltoppers captured their IHSA-record 15th state football championship this past fall, JCA girls soccer and softball both captured 2nd place at the IHSA state finals in the spring of 2021, JCA volleyball finished 4th at state in the fall of 2021, JCA wrestling finished third at the IWCOA state finals, and the JCA dance team finished 3rd at the 2021 IHSA state finals. Additionally, the Angels and Hilltoppers boast 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 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 2026 and for current high school students interested in transferring. JCA awarded over $1.8 million in scholarships to current students during the ’21-‘22 school year through the “Leveraged Financial Aid” program. Scholarships range from $500 to $14,070, 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.
15 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Joliet Catholic Academy
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Herald-News/TheHerald-News.com • Wednesday, January 26, 2022
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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