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St. Michael Parent Organization
Parents as Partners in Education
St. Michael School fosters parental involvement and invites a partnership with parents to best ensure the accomplishment
of our educational mission. Together we strive to teach, model and live the message of Jesus. The St. Michael Parent
Organization is a strong and vital part of our school, due to the generosity and dedication of our parents.
Fundraising:
The Parent Organization provides for all its activities and programs through the donations and fund raising. These
efforts include wrapping paper sales, Santa's secret shop, Benefit Days, Market Day, St. Michael Shopping Certificates,
and our biggest fundraiser, the annual Silent Auction, Hot Lunch Program. After supporting all the programs, which
benefit our children and staff the remaining funds each year are targeted to special needs of the school. The 2002-2003
school year included renovation of the teachers' lounge and turning a classroom into a highly functional science lab.
St. Michael Shopping Certificates (Lancer Loot):
Under this program, The Parent Organization purchases gift certificates at a discount from over 50 local and national
retailers, restaurants and grocery stores. Families can purchase these at face value. The Parent Organization earns a
profit while you receive the full value of the certificates purchased. Certificates are sold after school, after mass and
at many school functions. The order form lists all the participants; you can fill it out and send it to school with your child.
Click here
to download the order form.
Social:
Reinforcement of the many special milestones in our Catholic community is done through a Reconciliation Reception,
Confirmation Reception, and the annual Eighth Grade Breakfast. Other activities include Fun Days, a Spring Social and our
annual dinner dance and Silent Auction.
Cultural Events:
Throughout the year speakers and programs are presented to the students in areas of interest such as history, literature, music,
science and drama. Other programs include Art Awareness, Catholic Schools Week, Book Fair, Battle of the Books, and Chess Club.
Your Parent Organization:
Membership is open to all parents of students currently enrolled at St. Michael School. A nominal membership fee covers the
cost of publishing a School Directory made available to all families.
General Meetings are held three times each school year and are open to all parents of St. Michael's school families. Meeting
and presentation topics focus on school, parenting, and educational or social issues. Everyone is encouraged and invited to attend.
Opportunities to get involved are numerous and on-going and all volunteers are always welcome. Requests for volunteers are
often found in the "Wednesday Notes," a weekly communication sent through the school office. In addition, Sign Up Saturday which takes
place on the Saturday before school starts -- presents an opportunity to sign up for committees. On this day you can purchase school
supplies, pickup supply kits, and register for all programs offered for the coming school year as well as learn about and sign up for
volunteer opportunities.
Approximately eighteen people serve on the Parent Organization Board each year, with most of the office sharing its duties
with two volunteers. Offices include: President, 1st , 2nd and 3rd Vice President (Programs, Ways & Means, and Social,
respectively), Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Cultural Events, and Publicity Committees. Terms
begin and end in May.
Art Awareness:
Parent Volunteers, led by a team of coordinators, facilitate a grade specific curriculum that exposes each student to the beauty of
self-expression and art exploration. A wide variety of works, techniques and artists are discussed, featuring hands-on activities and
learning experiences.
Battle of the Books:
Battle of the books is a competitive team of 4th and 5th grades who compete in several tournaments with other District 200 and
private schools in the area. Students read 25 books from a library list and practice for nine months (June through Feb) with
tournaments taking place in January and February.
Restaurant Benefit Days:
Once a month a variety of local restaurants open their doors to our students for food, fun and fundraising. The premise is
simple - we eat there, they tally up the amount spent by our families and send us a check for as much as 15%! See the School
Calendar for the next Benefit Day.
Silent Auction:
This is our major fund-raiser of the year. Parents of students, their friends, relatives, parishioners and community members are
encouraged to attend this entertaining night. It is a highly anticipated night, usually taking place on a Saturday in November. In
addition to traditional Silent Auction items, there are Bid Boards, Live Auction items, dancing and entertainment, beverages and
food. Our 2003-2004 Auction held on November 15th was our most successful to date, earning over $100,000!
Hot Lunch Program:
St. Michael School offers a 5 day-a-week hot lunch program. The vendor, Food Service Professionals, is a well-established service,
which provides hot lunches to Grade Schools throughout the Chicago area. All lunches served are prepared within the national
nutritional guidelines of 30% calories from fat averaged over one week. Orders are taken on a monthly basis, two weeks prior to
that month. Participation is voluntary and can be done as often or infrequently as you like. Each lunch includes a hot entrŽe,
side item, dessert or fruit, milk, utensils and a napkin. Easy, nutritious and very affordable! View their
web site.
Newcomer's Liaison:
At the beginning of the school year, or any time a new family is enrolled at St. Michael School new families are matched with a
"Buddy Family." This family is available for questions, assistance and is and excellent resource for incoming students. A new family
reception/orientation is held prior to the start of school. A luncheon is held during the first quarter of the school year for new
families to gather and socialize.
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