2011
New Planned Giving Newsletter Posted
The December, 2011 edition of The Faithful Steward planned giving newsletter has been posted. Look for it in the Alumni area of the website
St Frances of Rome Celebrates Advent
St Frances of Rome students participate in many reflective activities leading up to the celebration of Christmas. Classrooms hold Advent prayer services, students create Advent calendars detailing kind actions and prayerful thoughts, and we will celebrate the Immaculate Conception and Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe at mass on December 8 and December 12 respectively.
In addition, the lighting of an Advent wreath is a long-standing tradition. The wreath symbolizes Christ’s unending love and light in our lives. The circular shape of the wreath has no beginning and no end, and parallels God’s eternity and the everlasting life that is found in Christ. The evergreen from which the wreath is made is also a symbol of immortality. The four candles, three purple and one rose, represent the four weeks of Advent. The purple candles signify hope, love, and peace. The rose candle, lit during the third week of Advent, shows our joy. We light one candle each week of Advent, and display our expectant hope as we draw closer and closer to Christ’s light in the world.
Third Grade studies El Dia de los Muertos traditions
In preparation for The Day of the Dead or El Dia de los Muertos, the third grade gathered with the third grade classes from Our Lady of Charity and St. Anne schools to learn about the significance of this important Mexican holiday. Together they created many crafts including painting skulls and constructing an altar for a deceased loved one. On All Saint's Day, the students dressed-up as a saint that they had been researching and shared their findings with their classmates.
Catholic High School Information Night
All 7th and 8th grade students and their families are encouraged to attend a high school information night on Thursday, November 3rd in the school auditorium. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Representatives from various local Catholic high schools will be there to share information and to answer any questions you may have. Also, an admissions expert will give an informational talk on how to apply to a Catholic high school. This is an important decision in the life of your middle school student. We hope to see you there.
Fifth Grade Pen Pals
The fifth grade students from St. Frances of Rome and St. Anne in Barrington are getting to know each other through being pen pals. Recently the students met for the first time and were very excited. They shared stories and experiences. They decorated piñatas and learned about their history. The visit concluded with a field trip to the National Museum of Mexican Art. Students from both schools couldn’t stop talking about their trip and the wonderful experience of meeting each other!
Literacy Night
Congratulations, Ms. Kelly!
On October 13th, our seventh grade teacher Ms. Kelly received quite the surprise when representatives from Office Max came into her room with $500 worth of classroom supplies. Her students erupted in applause. Overwhelmed with joy, Ms. Kelly learned that she had been chosen as a Day Made Better award winner from Office Max. As an award recipient, Ms. Kelly joins a select group of deserving teachers from across the nation who have been recognized for their tireless dedication to education.
Ms. Kelly is an excellent teacher who continually demonstrates a strong commitment to her students and the school. She volunteers her time and many talents on several committees that strengthen our school community and make Saint Frances of Rome a great place for children. Last year she won the "Heart of the School Award" in the "Rising Star" category. . We are thankful for Ms. Kelly for her dedication and steadfast faith in God. Our school benefits tremendously by having such a caring, committed, and talented teacher instructing our junior high school students.
Fourth Graders Raise Monarch Butterflies
Our fourth graders are currently engaging in an exciting inquiry-based learning unit on monarch butterflies. The students have learned about the butterflies' life cycle, their adaptations and migrations, and the challenges they face. They've learned that monarch butterflies spend the winter months in the mountains of Mexico and that there are current threats to their habitats. Each day, our students care for their caterpillars and record their observations in their scientific journals. By working collaboratively and sharing scientific observations, the students have seen the value of teamwork and cooperative learning first-hand. Once the caterpillars have grown into adult monarch butterflies, they will be tagged and released to begin their migration.
Saint of the Month
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, is the Saint for the month of October. As a family read her biography and pray together her prayer. May her example and prayers help us to follow “the little way of trust and love” in spiritual childhood, abandoning ourselves completely to the love of God and the good of souls. St. Therese of the Child Jesus... Pray for us.
Wish List Updated
If you’d like to help make St Frances of Rome School even better, please consider contributing to make our wishes come true. For more information click on the Wish List link in the menu at the left. Thank You!
Eucharistic Adoration / Prayer for Peace
On Monday, October 10, St Frances of Rome School will be joining with schools throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago in a prayer for peace. We will have the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as part of a prayer service at 1:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about these special prayer services and are welcome to attend.
Student Council Elections
Student Council elections were held recently. Students did an awesome job delivering their campaign speeches. We had the closest election in recent memory. Three of the races were decided by less than five votes. Here is this year’s election results:
President
Melanie Toscano
Vice President
Juan Ruiz Mendoza
Treasurer
Victoria Garcia
Secretary
Nayelli Baca Juarez
Athletic Commissioner
Samuel Pupo
Social Commissioner
Jimmy Stastny
President
Melanie Toscano
Vice President
Juan Ruiz Mendoza
Treasurer
Victoria Garcia
Secretary
Nayelli Baca Juarez
Athletic Commissioner
Samuel Pupo
Social Commissioner
Jimmy Stastny
International Day of Peace
On September 21 we celebrated the International Day of Peace. This is a worldwide celebration to promote peace and non-violence. All around the world, people are spread peace in different ways. The third graders worked on a peace project to show that even as children, they have the power to spread peace and love to others. They made necklaces with the word peace written in different languages, and passed them out to different classes. They asked students to keep one necklace to wear and ask Jesus to fill their heart with peace and to give another necklace to someone who needs peace.
Share peace with those around you by being kind and loving. With Jesus’ help, each one of us has the power to bring peace to our world.
Share peace with those around you by being kind and loving. With Jesus’ help, each one of us has the power to bring peace to our world.
Saints and Scholars!
This year, our school’s theme is “Saints and Scholars: Disciples of Christ and Leaders in the Community.” Our goal is for the students to grow in their sainthood as they use their gifts and talents to achieve academic excellence, serve others, and love God. We encourage you to talk to your children about how they are called to be saints and scholars.
Back To School Grant Submission
Our school has submitted a video application for a Back to School grant offered by Coupon Cabin. We will find out next week if we have been selected as one of the finalists. Watch our video submission below.
Welcome Back
The new school year has gotten off to an excellent start. It has been wonderful to see familiar faces in addition to the many new ones that have joined us this school year. We look forward to watching the spiritual and academic growth of the students in the months ahead.
School Registration
Registration for the 2011-2012 school year is ongoing. There is limited space available in both the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms. The school office is open Monday- Thursday if you would like to visit the school and meet with the principal. Saint Frances of Rome offers a dynamic curriculum that provides students the necessary educational and moral foundation to be successful in the future. Come see the wonderful opportunities available for children at Saint Frances of Rome.
Summer Office Hours
The school office is open throughout the summer from Monday – Thursday. Hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Appointments for registration may also be made apart from these times by contacting Ms, Huizar.
Supporting Our Troops
1st Lt. Thomas Schueman of the United State Marine Corps came to visit Ms. McBride's third grade classroom on Friday, May 27th. Lieutenant Schueman just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. The third grade students have been supporting him with their letters and prayers throughout the school year. Thank you for your service, Lt. Schueman!
Congratulations to the Class of 2011
Jovany Aceves
Alexandria Aguirre
Pedro Almazan
Gabriel Cardenas
Angelica Castro
Miguel Castro
Catherine Covarrubias
Salvatore D’Anca
Robert Dove
Joy Edgeson
Andres Farina
Bianca Gama
Ivan Garcia
Stephanie Garcia
Eduardo Gutierrez
Jasmine Hernandez
Yulissa Ibarra
Stephanie Jaimes
Kennedy Mistretta
Sandi Murtic
Evely Olvera
Patricia Osiecki
Angel Perez
Damaris Ramirez
Christian Rivera
Luis Salas
Liliana Trejo
We Believe, We Achieve, We Succeed!
Academic Honors Breakfast with the President
Every year two eight grade students are invited to have breakfast with the Cicero Town President. The students that are nominated have shown academic excellence, service to others and good leadership. This years nominees are Yulissa Ibarra and Ivan Garcia. Congratulations!
Cicero Spelling Bee Winners
The Town of Cicero held their annual Spelling Bee last Wednesday, May 11th. Our students competed against students from Cicero’s public and private schools. Congratulations to our Spelling Bee finalists.
First Place
First Place
- Elissa Flores (3rd grade)
- Karime Sanchez (4th grade)
- Andres Farina (8th grade)
- Vince Galvan (5th grade)
Cicero Catholic Schools Summer School Program
This year Cicero Catholic Schools are excited to announce that we will again be offering a full-day summer program that will begin on Monday, June 20 and finish on Thursday, July 28. The program will be held at Our Lady of Charity, 3620 S. 57th Ct. The program will run Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In the morning, the program will focus on the development of literacy and math skills. Afternoons will include a variety of components (science experiments, sports, computers, arts and crafts, cooking) that will change each day. Each Thursday, a field trip will be scheduled to different attractions throughout the Chicagoland area. On Thursday, hours might be extended to accommodate the individual trip. There is a limit of 250 students accepted. Before- and After-Care programs will be available for an additional fee.
The registration fee for the summer program is $25 per child. The registration fee is non-refundable. The full cost of the program (not including registration fee) is:
This fee includes all daily meals and field trips. This fee must be paid by the first day of classes on June 20. To register, please contact Ms Huizar at 708-652-2277 or Ms. Olson at 708-652-0262.
The registration fee for the summer program is $25 per child. The registration fee is non-refundable. The full cost of the program (not including registration fee) is:
- $250.00 - 1 child
- $425.00 - 2 children
- $525.00 - 3 children
- $600.00 - 4 children
This fee includes all daily meals and field trips. This fee must be paid by the first day of classes on June 20. To register, please contact Ms Huizar at 708-652-2277 or Ms. Olson at 708-652-0262.
Holy Week Services Schedule
Holy Thursday, April 21
7:00 pm: Evening Mass o the Lord's Supper, bilingual, in church
8:30 pm - 1:00 am: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Annex 1
8:30 pm: Visit to 7 churches. Sign up in the Church office ($10 donation requested for bus).
Good Friday, April 22
12:00 pm: Living Stations, outdoors, bilingual, followed by Rosary in honor of Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, bilingual, in Church.
3:00 pm: Celebration of the Lord's Passion with Veneration of the Cross: English, in church.
6:00 pm: Celebration of the Lord's Passion with Veneration of the Cross: Spanish, in church.
Holy Saturday, April 23
1:00 pm: Blessing of Easter Baskets in the Annex, 1st Floor
NO 5:00 PM MASS
8:00 pm: Easter Vigil Mass, bilingual
Easter Sunday, April 24
Mass Schedule:
8:30 am (Spanish)
10:30 am (English)
12:30 pm (Spanish)
6:00 pm (Spanish)
7:00 pm: Evening Mass o the Lord's Supper, bilingual, in church
8:30 pm - 1:00 am: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Annex 1
8:30 pm: Visit to 7 churches. Sign up in the Church office ($10 donation requested for bus).
Good Friday, April 22
12:00 pm: Living Stations, outdoors, bilingual, followed by Rosary in honor of Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, bilingual, in Church.
3:00 pm: Celebration of the Lord's Passion with Veneration of the Cross: English, in church.
6:00 pm: Celebration of the Lord's Passion with Veneration of the Cross: Spanish, in church.
Holy Saturday, April 23
1:00 pm: Blessing of Easter Baskets in the Annex, 1st Floor
NO 5:00 PM MASS
8:00 pm: Easter Vigil Mass, bilingual
Easter Sunday, April 24
Mass Schedule:
8:30 am (Spanish)
10:30 am (English)
12:30 pm (Spanish)
6:00 pm (Spanish)
Heart of the School Award
The Heart of the School Awards from the Office for Catholic Schools seek to recognize outstanding teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication. This year, St Frances of Rome had three teachers nominated: Ms Kelly (7th Grade) was nominated in the “Rising Star” category; Ms McBride (3rd Grade) was nominated in the “Catholic School Identity and Mission” category; Mr Kretz (Art/Physical Education) was nominated in the “Behind the Scenes” category. Ms Kelly was chosen as the winner in her category. We are honored to have such great teachers on our staff. Congratulations to our winner and nominees!
Rotary Club of Cicero and Berwyn
On Friday, April 15 two members of the Rotary Club of Cicero and Berwyn, Rosa Ibarra and Edgar Montiel, visited Ms. McBride's 3rd grade class. They presented each student with a dictionary to use at home and at school. Each year, the Rotary Club gives dictionaries to many of the 3rd graders in Cicero. Thank you so much!
5K Walk & Run Results
Our first annual 5K Run/Walk was a great success! Over 250 people pariticipated in the event!! Thanks to all who attended, volunteered, or came to cheer the runners on to victory.
In a special way, we thank the Corey Steel Company for their sponsorship of this event. THANK YOU!! Also, special thanks are due to the Town of Cicero Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, Health Department, and Senior Services. THANK YOU!!
To see race results and photos click here.
Cicero Catholic Schools 5K Race
Special thanks to Corey Steel Company, our sponsor for this event. Their support is helping to make our schools stronger and our community healthier. Thanks...Corey Steel Company!!
Mardi Gras Gala Ball Success
The 2011 Mardi Gras Gala Ball was a huge success thanks to all those who sold raffle tickets, donated to the silent auction and attended the event. We had a sell-out crowd this year – more than 330 people enjoyed a great evening at our school. Special thanks to Cuerdas Clasicas who gave a wonderful performance to our guests. Thanks also to our guest Master of Ceremonies, Alba Mendiola, from Telemundo Chicago who kept the evening flowing smoothly. Finally, thank you to Most Rev. Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield, our honoree and recipient of the first St. Frances of Rome Education Award for his words of support and encouragement for Catholic education—a great gift we can give to our children.
Congratulations to our Grand Raffle winners:
First Prize – Efrain Perez
Second Price – Huver Franco
Third Prize -– Rosa I. Rivera
Congratulations to our Grand Raffle winners:
First Prize – Efrain Perez
Second Price – Huver Franco
Third Prize -– Rosa I. Rivera
6th Grade Class Honors
As a part of their inquiry-based genetics unit, Ms. Smith's 6th grade class recently created a video to persuade the community to buy mixed breed dogs from shelters. Many people prefer pure breed dogs for aesthetic reasons, not realizing that pure breed dogs have weaker genetics and many come from puppy mills. Students began their study of genetics by identifying the difference between mixed and pure breeds. They learned about DNA, heredity and the passing on of dominant and recessive traits. All of this information was included in the persuasive video.
The final video was created using a combination of Keynote slides and live video footage. Once the video was assembled in iMovie, the 6th grade class added voice-overs and music as a final touch! The video was then submitted to the Anti-Cruelty Society's Animal Expressions Art Contest. After all of that hard work, the 6th grade recently received the news that they won First Place in the contest! Ms. Smith and a small group of students attended an award ceremony on March 5th at the Anti-Cruelty Society.
Congratulations, Ms. Smith and 6th grade!
Appalachian Hikers Visit SFR Third Grade
On Wednesday, February 16, the third grade had the pleasure of meeting two gentlemen who are about to set off on an adventure of a lifetime. Mike Healy and James Gower will begin hiking the Appalachian Trail on March 1st. Before starting the hike, they decided to take a practice hike to SFR to meet the third graders. Mr. Healy and Mr. Gower talked about the hike and gave both a geography and math lesson. They told the students about the different states they'll be hiking through. As a class, they figured out how long the 2,175 mile hike would take them with a multiplication lesson. The gentlemen also discussed their purpose for the hike. They are doing this to raise money to build a hospital in the Mufindi region of Tanzania, Africa. Mr. Healy along with Miss McBride's brother visited this region last year. Upon returning, Mr. Healy knew something had to get done to help these people and thus the Mufindi Hospital Hike was born. The third grade is very grateful to both Mr. Healy and Mr. Gower for coming in to share their story. They also look forward to another visit next year to hear about the 2,175 mile journey. We offer them many prayers and blessings. Happy hiking!
The Cicero Life joined the hikers to report the story. Pictures can be found at http://tinyurl.com/mufindi-hikers
The Cicero Life joined the hikers to report the story. Pictures can be found at http://tinyurl.com/mufindi-hikers
Box Tops for Education February Sweepstakes
Help SFR School win 1,000 bonus boxtops! See www.boxtops4education.com for more details. Also, please save Box Tops for Education certificates for SFR school. Our goal this year is to raise $500 in boxtops. Thank you!
Mardi Gras Gala 2011
Preparations are well underway for the 2011 Mardi Gras Gala, and you're invited! Ticket sales will begin after all Masses at St. Frances of Rome Church on the weekend of February 5th and 6th, and continue each weekend until the Mardi Gras Gala. During the week, tickets will be available for sale in both the rectory and school offices. More information is available at the Mardi Gras website. Be sure to check back for updates.
For more information, contact Tom Byrne
For more information, contact Tom Byrne
School Open House
SFR is hosting its annual Open House on Thursday, February 3rd beginning at 5:30 P.M.. You will have the opportunity to tour the school, register for the new school year, meet the teachers, and ask any questions you might have about Catholic education. You also can visit every classroom and see the students in action as they conduct different science experiments.
Light refreshments will be servedand the evening will end about 8:00 P.M.
In addition, the annual SFR Blood Drive will take place from 2:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on this day. Please consider donating. The need for blood is great.
Any questions please call the school office at 708-652-2277.
Light refreshments will be servedand the evening will end about 8:00 P.M.
In addition, the annual SFR Blood Drive will take place from 2:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on this day. Please consider donating. The need for blood is great.
Any questions please call the school office at 708-652-2277.