St. John Brebeuf
Parent Newsletter No. 26
March 12, 2010
www.sjbschool.org

Lunch Supervision Schedule

Please click here for the February/March lunch supervision schedule.

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Confirmation

The Parish Community of St. John Brebeuf congratulates the following young men and women who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 3:00 P M.  The Sacrament was conferred by The Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago.  We promise you our continued prayers and support as you have now been sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Cristina Aguilar, Melissa Anderson, Mike Babula, Lyndale Baroro, Jacob Basnik, Melody Beltran, Doremus Bledsoe, Ewa Bogdan, Audrey Buban, Christina Bucior, Sean Bus, Matthew Canizares, Gino Catallo, Conrad Celinski, Andrew Cichon, Paul Dugo, Amanda Durava, Meegan Early, John Falco, Basia Folga, Hanna Fredericks, Genevieve Gilbert, Christopher Golebiowski, Danielle Gomez, Alexandra Grochowski, Alexandra Guzek, Ashley Jose, Michael Jozefczak, Tialou Jusi, Olivia Kisielewski, Jacob Kulaga, Emily Lalich, Barbara Magiera, Elizabeth Mahoney, Krzysztof Maniewski, Catherine Mazur, Patrick McDonaugh, Robyn McNaughton, Kathleen Nicolay, Martyna Nowik, Klaudia Pajak, Claire Paras, Mark Pazik, Paul Pepin, Marilyn Pianko, Rodney Pintang, Alexandra Plezia, Emily Rafalik, Annmarie Reynolds, Daniel Rogalski, Sarah Ryan, Timothy Rzeszutko, Monica Sadlocha, Christopher Schmalz, Olivia Schoenfeldt, Keith Sokolowski, Beata Soltys, Thomas Sora, Mimi Sperl, Artur Stasiek, Jan Suarez, Frank Swing, Steven Tarver, Anne Thomas, Angela Tomas, Chelsea Tuvilla, Luisa Velez, Jennifer Voss, Michael Walega, Damian Walesieniuk, Amanda Whelan, Monica Wlodkowski, Violet Ziemba.  

School News

The eighth graders have been busy preparing for language classes they will take in high school.  In their second year of Spanish, the eighth graders have increased their Spanish vocabulary by leaps and bounds.  They now can tell time, ask for and tell the day and date, describe themselves and other people, and conjugate verbs along with many other skills.  Coming up, the eighth graders will be doing a big project covering many different Spanish-speaking countries.

The sixth graders have also been busy writing a paper about several different topics affecting Hispanic culture.  Some paper topics included:  Bill Richardson, Rita Moreno, Border Control, Quinceanera, Lima, Roberto Clemente, and several kinds of Hispanic food.  The classes learned a lot from the papers and each other. 

Thank You

St. John Brebeuf Religious Education wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the 7th grade parents and students and the P/SA for their generosity in helping to make Confirmation a very special occasion for the Confirmandi.  A special thank you to the Reception Committee....Karina Barszcz, Marie Hagman, Leena Joseph, Renata Kot and Jean Mall for their many hours of preparation to coordinate such a beautiful reception for the Confirmandi and their families.  There were so many parents and students who worked together to beautifully decorate the Ministry Center.  All of the 7th grade parents and students provided delicious treats for the reception that added to the festivity of the day.

Also, I wish to thank the 7th grade students who served as ushers for the Confirmation  Liturgy.  You did a wonderful job in greeting the families and ushering.

I  sincerely thank each and every one of you and ask the Lord to shower you with His many blessings.

Pat Mortiz

Director of Religious Education

Dental Requirements

Do you have a child in Kindergarten, Second grade or Sixthgrade?  The State of Illinois requires children in these grades to have a dental exam.Completed dental forms must be submitted to the school office no later than April 15, 2010.  If your child's form is not turned in to the office by that date, his/her report card will be held until the requirement is met.  Should this requirement present a burden to your family or if you do not have access to a dentist, please contact the school office.

Store Certificate News

Keep those orders coming!!!  Tuition rebates are coming soon!!! Shop Early for Easter Gifts, Food and Travel.

The SJB Store Certificate Program has a wide assortment of certificates available for your Easter needs.  Having the Easter celebration this year at your home?  How about serving a Honey Baked Ham?  Certificates are available at a 12% discount.  Need a small gift for someone special?  How about a Build-a-Bear Workshop or Brunswick Zone gift card?  Traveling this holiday?  Our program has travel gift cards for American Airlines, Disney and a wide assortment of hotels.  Avis Rent a Car and Budget Car Rental offer certificate discouts of 8%.  Order forms are available outside the school office or online at www.sjbschool.org.

All orders placed on or before March 31 will be included in this year's total.  Tuition rebates will be distributed in April.  Please note that there will be no Monday orders accepted on March 29th and April 5th due to Holy Week and spring break.  Monday orders will resume on April 12th.

SJB Goes Green

 March Update (A Good Month to think Green)
#1 Let's get St. John Brebeuf School and Parish to increase their paper recycling.  Spread the word about the two Abitibi Paper Retriever (green & yellow in color) bins in the parking lots.  One bin is located south of the school and the other is located in the SE corner of the north parking lot.

The SJB School gets money for the paper deposited in these bins.  When you participate, SJB really will see GREEN!  Please collect your paper at home and start to regularly deposit all of your papers in one of these Abitibi Paper Retriever bins.

Abitibi Paper Retriever DOES NOT accept corrugated cardborard and phone books!!!

#2 Be considerate of our environment.  Please stop idling your vehicle's engine while in the parking lots on the SJB Campus (or anywhere else)!!  Realize that by you running your engine while in the parking lots on the SJB Campus (or anywhere else)!!!  Realize that by you running your engine you are wasting fuel (and money) as well as polluting our atmosphere.

Contact the SJB School Board Environmental Committee if you have  any recycling questions. 

Submitted by Carol Zalinski, School Board Member

Search the Website

GoodSearch users have increased the money earned for SJB School in February 2010 by over 300% from January 2010. Do you search for websites on the internet?  Do you shop on the internet?  Most likely you do!  Now you can earn money for SJB School by using the website,
www.GoodSearch.com.

Our SJB School will get money for every internet search and a portion (up to 30%) of the value of all of your purchases made using the GoodSearch toolbar.

This is how you get the GoodSearch toolbar:
1.  Go to www.GoodSearch.com
2.  Type in "St. John Brebeuf School"  in the "Charity" space and hit "Enter"    
3.  Download the GoodSearch toolbar to your home page.

Now start surfing and shopping online while earning money for the SJB School!!!  The search engine is powered by Yahoo.  Stores include Target, ABT Electronics, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, GAP, Office Max, Old Navy, Best Buy, and many more.

Spread the word to others to use www.GoodSearch.com for SJB School.  The more users the merrier!  Keep track of the money earned.  It's easy! Thank you.

Submitted by Chris Zalinski, School Board Member

Gala Meeting

Casting Call:  Looking for your talents, ideas, suggestions, etc next week, Thursday, March 18th @ 7:30 P.M. in May Ministry Center (also known as the PMC) as we all meet to begin plans for GALA 2010.NOT ONLY is this the biggest fundraiser for our school, but it is ALSO the best opportunity to share your time, talent, and talk with other SJB School parents and supporters.  We will meet in conference rooms 1 and 2.  Looking forward to seeing you there.

Submitted by Jerry Cichon

Tuition Assistance

St. John Brebeuf School is able to offer some tuition assistance to our school families for the 2010-2011 school year.  We use a company called FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment to conduct the financial need analysis for our applicants.  Since the amount of funds we have to use for assistance is not large, we want to make sure that it is allocated to the families with the greatest need.  Once the application forms are received and assessed, FACTS will prioritize the needs and the SJB Tuition Assistance Committee will apply the funds that we have.  You will be advised of the decisions by May 15.

Families applying for financial aid will need to complete an application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment by May 1, 2010.  Applicants can apply online at www.factstuitionaid.com.  Paper applications are also available in the school office.  FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment will provide a self-addressed envelope for you to mail the following information:

1. Signed and completed paper application
2. Payment of the $20 application fee
3. Copies of your 2009 tax forms, including all supporting tax schedules
4. Copies of your 2009 W-4 form for you and your spouse
5. Copies of supporting documentation for Social Security Income, Welfare, Child Support, Food Stamps, Workers' Compensation and TANF

Tuition assistance is not available for Preschool or for non-parishioner families.  If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, you may speak with a FACTS Customer Care Representative at 866-315-9262.

Re-Registration for 2010-2011

Re-registration forms for the next school year were due on February 16th.  If you have mispaced your form and need another one, please call the school office.  Thank You.

Textbook Loan Program

The following letter was received from the Archdiocese of Chicago.

"Hello all:
       I hope that your school has been able to submit letters to the Governor urging the restoration of funding to the Textbook Loan Program.  If not yet, there is still time.  Please be sure to check out a copy of the alert and sample letter on our web site: www.catholicconferenceofillinois.org.
    
     To augment this effort, we have asked Representative Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) and Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) to introduce legislation in the House and Senate to restore funding to the Textbook Loan Program at Fiscal Year 2007 levels:  the bills are House Bill 6096 and Senate Bill
3530.

      Now we need your help;  please call your state Representative and ask him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor to House Bill 6096 and call your State Senator and ask him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor to Senate Bill 3530.

      The Textbook Loan Program has been in operation since 1975.  Its purpose is to provide secular textbooks, learning materials and instructional  computer software to public and nonpublic school students grades K-12.  Although most of the program's funding goes to public schools, Catholic schools have long depended on this program and have used the benefit to continually update math, science, and reading textbooks, as well as to purchase new instructional software for technology labs.  Students cannot learn or succeed without effective and up-to-date learning materials and this program has helped ensure those materials are present in ALL schools. 

To find the contact information for your state Representative and State Senator, go to www.ilga.gov and click on Legislator Lookup in the lower, right-hand portion of the page.  You can then look up your State Representative and State Senator by district #, your home or school address, or zip code.  You can also call our offices for assistance at 312-368-1066 or 217-528-9200.

Thank you for your attention and assistance on this important matter.

Zach Wichmann
Catholic Conference of Illinois
Associate Director for Education
217-528-9200"

Important Athletic Board Information

The SJB Athletic Board has four (4) member openings beginning next school term, June 2010. If elected, the nominee will serve a  three (3) year term.  If you are interested in serving on the Board, please submit an application to the Athletic Board listing your personal contact information, your qualifications, a brief synopsis of your philosophy regarding the intent of grammar school sports programs, and your reasons for wanting to be on the SJB Athletic Board.  Applicants will be asked to come to our June meeting for a brief interview. Please submit your application addressed to "Athletic Board Position" to either the SJB Rectory or the school Athletic Board mailbox by Monday, May 3, 2010.

Yearbooks for Sale

The 2009/2010 St. John Brebeuf Yearbooks are now on sale. This will be the only time designated for the sale, so don't miss out on this memorable 44 page book  that your child will cherish in years to come. 

The Yearbook is printed in color and is available for only $16.50.

The St. John Brebeuf School Gift Checkbook- a $600 Value for Only $30... Now Buy One - Get One Free!

The SJB Parish/School Association is happy to announce the discovery of a brand new idea in fundraising. The concept is simple:  Businesses in our community support our school.  In return, we support those businesses.   The result: businesses in our community thrive, our school makes the money it needs, and we save money ourselves.  It’s a win-win-win situation.

Here's how it works:  CheckAwards has designed a gift-checkbook custom-made for our community with a value of over $600.00.  There are no strings attached, no buy-one, get-one free offers, no minimum purchases -- just straight savings.  Use these gift-checks as you would use a gift certificate or gift card. 

Since we're half way through the school year and the coupons in these books are only good until the end of September, you can now double your savings!  That's 8 months of double savings for only $30.00!  Take advantage of this opportunity to save!

Visit the P/SA Events/Happenings tab on the SJB website at www.sjbschool.org for a list of participating businesses.

Here are the businesses that have supported our school through this fundraiser:

To order yours, please watch for the order form that is being sent home this week and return it to the P/SA bin near the school office.  Thank you for your support.  If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Mark Mall at 847-966-0217.

Back by Popular Demand- World's Finest Chocolate

The P/SA is kicking off our Spring World's Finest Chocolate sale.  100% of the funds we raise are used for things that directly benefit the students and their families.  The sale will run from February 1 until March 31.  Please read the flyer being sent home this week to see how you can help your school by supporting this sale.  Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.  Please call Mark Mall at 847-966-0217 with any questions or concerns. 

SJB Youth Ministry

Attention 7th & 8th Graders

1.  Join SJB Youth Ministry's Pop Tab Challenge.  Bring your pop tabs to Youth Ministry and enter our raffle.  Prizes include TWO TICKETS TO CHICAGO WOLVES GAME, gift card to best Buy or Target, or  a sports T-shirt.  Pop tabs will help the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Bring your pop tabs to YM's office or to the rectory.  Call the YM office at 847-966-9815 for more details.

2. Our next Open Room is this Sunday, March 14th, from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. in the Youth Ministry office.  Bring a friend and join the fun!  Where else can you get pizza for $3.00?

3. Our next Life Teen Mass Night is Saturday, March 20th.  We attend 5:00 Mass together in the church.  The evening activities follow immediately in the PMC from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.  Bring a friend and join us for a faith-filled and fun-filled evening.

4. We need volunteers for the Anointing of the Sick Mass on Saturday, March 20th at 10:30 A.M.  We need help with set up, serving, and clean up for the reception that follows the Mass.  If you are interested in helping, contact the YM office to sign up.  This is a good way to give more of your time and talents during the season of Lent.

Submitted by: Pam Perez, Youth Ministry Director

Market Day

March is a great month to place a Market Day order.  Receive a FREE 4-pack of All Natural Stain Erasers with a minimum order of $40.00.  It is also a great time to stock up on desserts for your Easter celebrations.  There is still time to order Market Day for March.  Every order helps us reach our fundraising goals.  Order online at marketday.com until 11:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 18th.  If you have questions or would like to place a phone order, please contact Maureen at 847-583-8821 or Peggy at 847-965-7243.

Thank you for your continued support of SJB School's Market Day fundraising program. 

Achievement Team Assignments

Achievement Team Assignments March 13, 2010 - March 14, 2010

Saturday, March 13th
8:45 A.M. - 11:45 A.M.- Tyler Vonder Heide
11:45 A.M. - 1:45 P.M.- Tommy Polcyn

Sunday, March 14th
11:30 A.M. - 2:45 P.M.- Darrell Dias
2:45 P.M. - 5:45 P.M.- Jennifer Voss

Achievement Team Assignments March 20, 2010 - March 21, 2010

Saturday, March 20th
8:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.- Eden Diez

Sunday, March 21st
11:45 A.M. - 2:45 P.M.- Luisa Velez
2:45 P.M. - 4:45 P.M.-  Mimi Sperl
4:45 P.M. - 6:45 P.M.- Eva Hagman

Please arrive on time!  If you are unable to make your scheduled assignment, you are responsible for getting a replacement.  Please call Mrs. Polcyn with any questions.

Lent- A Time for Reflection

Today:  We live in the small moments and in this exact moment in time.  This day is my life.  Help me hold life as a sacred gift.