Dear NCA Families,

The teachers and students are into the 5th week of school and everyone is settling into a new school year. It is always amazing to see how much the children grow and change over the summer. All of us at NCA look forward to another wonderful school year.

We had a nice turnout at both of our Back-to-School Nights. It was delightful to see so many parents take a supportive role in this important evening. Thank you to all the various NCA committees who were at the Parent Reception. In spite of the heat that evening, everyone was energetic about the great opportunities available for our NCA students. Our parent volunteers are remarkable!

Last week I notified the parents in Room 4 that Ms. Dee Logan has given me her resignation as Pre School teacher. Unfortunately, she must focus on a family member who has a serious illness. I know it was a very difficult decision for Ms. Logan, but I understand that her family is a priority right now. Ms. Lena Petrovic will be filling in as a substitute while I interview candidates.

Besides the leaves changing color and less daylight, another sign of fall is our annual Boosterthon Fun Run. Next Monday we kick off with our Boosterthon Pep Rally, then follow up with our daily huddles, and finally, have our Fun Run on October 9. This year our fundraising goal is $45,000 and I am hopeful we can do it. However, not only does Boosterthon do a fabulous job in helping NCA raise these much-needed funds, but they also incorporate character-building traits into their program. This year’s theme is the Wild West and our students will meet a variety of characters who will promote Honesty, Gratitude, Generosity, Kindness, and Humility. Boosterthon also provides our teachers with a wealth of resources that further delve into these character traits and others. Teachers can use these resources to integrate into their lessons. This year NCA plans to have a monthly focus on character traits we feel are important to highlight. These traits will be focused on within the classrooms and our buildings. Here is a listing of our monthly themes:

· September—All Are Welcome

· October—Kickoff Character Building through Teamwork

· November—Gratitude

· December—Respectfulness

· January—Responsibility

· February—Kindness

· March—Ownership

· April—Forgiveness

· May—Positive Attitude

Last week NCA made available the student scores on PowerSchool. I am also including a link to our overall school scores in today’s newsletter. NCA will again participate in ACT Aspire Spring 2020 Summative Testing, which will begin the week of March 30 – April 3. This testing is for Grades 3 – 8.

*Please click the attachment to view Aspire Scores.

As a follow up to a security issue we experienced at the Primary School early in the school year, I have included a link on SchoolSpeak that outlines the entry and dismissal procedures for both our Primary School campus and Middle School campus. I request that our parents read these procedures so everyone is aware of what we do and what is expected of our visitors. These procedures will be included in NCA’s Crisis Management Manual that we are in the process of updating. We are also looking to obtain some consulting with an outside group to review our buildings for safety and security. If there are any adjustments to our present safety protocols, I will notify our families. During the month of September, both campuses practiced fire drills, hard lockdown drills, and bus evacuation drills. Before we conduct these drills, our teachers talk with the children about safety and why we need to practice. The teachers do some practice drills within their classroom in order to familiarize the students with the procedures and get them comfortable for the drill. We will continue these drills throughout the year in order to make sure our teachers and students know what to do in case of an emergency. We also practice because both CPD and CFD will visit our buildings to monitor our procedures. NCA students have always been cooperative and do very well during any of the drills we conduct.

I also would like to share an update on Mrs. Harrington. I recently spoke with Mrs. Harrington to check in on how she was doing. Originally, she anticipated returning in early October. However, this month she had a setback and will require some additional weeks to build up her strength. Mrs. Harrington expressed how much she enjoys the cards and pictures our students have been sending her. She also appreciates all the cards and notes from our families. They keep her spirits up. Mrs. Harrington asks for your continued prayers and positive thoughts.

Thank you for sending your angels to NCA. We truly have a dedicated and nurturing faculty and staff who put your children first in their everyday decision making and planning. We would not be the viable and strong school that we are without the support and belief from our families.

Peace and Blessings,

Principal Christine Huzenis 

Pledging is NOW OPEN for the Wildcat Fun Run!

Parents and Families,

NCA GOALS

• 100% of families get pledges from sponsors
• 5 pledges per student
• $45,000 School Profit for Additional Social & Emotional Learning Support such as Responsive Classroom Materials, a Counselor, and Teacher Training!

The easiest way to help us reach our goals is through our easy SHARE features on FUNRUN.COM.

• Make a Student Star Video and share with Facebook friends!

• Copy and paste the email template and then send to family, friends, and local businesses.

• Go to FUNRUN.COM from your mobile device, click share, and send texts to friends and family.

EVERY PLEDGE COUNTS! THANK YOU!

Don't miss out on all the fun!
Invite a friend and RSVP for our Open House & Family Fun Day by clicking the link below!

https://forms.gle/AXKhEUdwmnHjTJxW8

“When I was the same age as my students, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. My favorite subject at school was math,” said Kelly McCloughan.

Kelly McCloughan joins NCA this year as our new first-grade teacher. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio and had been teaching for the past seven years. She graduated from Marquette University with a major in Elementary Education and Mathematics.

“I am looking forward to all of the growth that happens in 1st grade. It always amazing how much 1st graders learn in just one year!  I am thrilled to be joining NCA and have appreciated a very warm welcome from students, families, and fellow staff members. I am also excited to work with my new teaching team who has shown such amazing support,” said Kelly.

As a teacher, Kelly said she is continuously inspired by the way students make connections. I love seeing students internalize what we are learning in the classroom and apply it to their everyday life.

Fun Facts About Kelly:

• She has a pet dog named Stu. 

• She loves yoga! Last February she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training. 

• She loves exploring new restaurants in the city with her husband and friends. Some of her favorites are Del Soul, Piccolo Sogno, and Lou Malnati’s 

• Lake Michigan is her favorite part of Chicago. 

NCA Wildcat Athletics 🐾

If you have any questions about our NCA Wildcat Athletics, please contact either our AD Dave Scholtes (dscholtes@ncaweb.org ) or Assistant AD Seamus McGowan (smcgowan@ncaweb.org)

This week is NCA Wildcat night at a Loyola University volleyball game. Sept 27th See flyer attachment for details

Thanks to all NCA and Loyola Rambler fans would attend the NCA night at the LU soccer game on Sept 22nd. If you missed out, please support another NCA/LU night on Oct 12th.
 

Cross Country Update: The varsity boys team took 3rd place at the Wolf Invitational. Individually Sam Berlinghof showed a lot of resilience as he placed 4th overall. Way to go Sam and the other hardworking runners!!! This week the NCA cross country runners will compete in the Lakefront Invitational on Friday. Photos are attached

Soccer Update: These girls and boys defended their own turf with another victory beating OLPH 4-1. Good luck soccer players, coaches, and parents as they play in their posts season tournament this upcoming weekend. Photos are attached

Wildcat Fans: Please keep on an eye on our Athletic Calendar on the NCA website and come out and CHEER on our wildcats. Look out for our Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Big Red football schedules. Please visit NCA's Athletic Calendar for more details about these games
 

NCA Wildcat Upcoming Games

September 23, 2019 (Mon) · 4:00 PM–5:00 PM: Varsity Soccer NCA v. QAS-G · 5:00 PM–6:00 PM: JV Soccer NCA v. QAS-G · 5:15 PM–6:15 PM: Vball 5th Girls White vs. FXW Green · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM: Vball 7th Girls Blue vs. Sacred Heart · 6:45 PM–7:45 PM: Vball 5th Girls Blue vs. ICSJ White · 6:45 PM–7:45 PM: Vball 8th Girls B vs. St. Benedict

September 24, 2019 (Tues) 6:45 PM–7:45 PM: Vball 7th Girls White vs. FXW

September 25, 2019 (Wed) · 4:30 PM–5:30 PM: JV Soccer NCA v. IC · 5:30 PM–6:30 PM: Varsity Soccer NCA v. SCL · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM: Vball 4th Girls vs. St. Ben Gold · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM: Vball 5th Girls Blue vs. AACA · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM: Vball 8th Girls A vs. St. Andrew · 6:45 PM–7:45 PM: Vball 5th Girls White vs. AACA

September 26, 2019 (Thurs) 6:45 PM–7:45 PM: Vball 8th Girls A vs. Sacred Heart

September 27, 2019 (Fri) 4:00 PM–6:00 PM: XC Meet Loyola Lakefront

September 30, 2019 (Mon) · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM: Vball 6th Girls vs. OSM · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM: Vball 7th Girls Blue vs. St. Mathias · 7:30 PM–8:30 PM: Vball 5th Girls Blue vs. ICSJ Blue · 7:30 PM–8:30 PM: Vball 5th Girls White vs. OLMCA · 7:30 PM–8:30 PM: Vball 7th Girls Blue vs. Queen of Angels

For parents who are interested in programs and resources for academically talented students and their families, please visit the following website from the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University.

RPBA is Hiring!

Join our team at Rogers Park Business Alliance!

We are hiring a Spanish Speaking GROW Program Manager/Educator. Applications are now being accepted.

PROGRESANDO Educator (Submit a cover letter in Spanish along with your resume for this position) to sprice@rpba.org

St. Gertrude's Sacraments: Please click the attachment to view letter and registration form.

Blessing of Pets: All creatures, great and small, are welcome to the blessing for animals on Sunday, October 6 at 12:00 pm. Father Mike Bradley will officiate the 20-30 minute blessing on the front steps of the church, which is held in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

Knitting Group: The Knitting Group invites all knitters and crocheters to join us for fun and blanket square-making on Wednesday, October 9 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Ministry Center.

Blessing of Chicago Marathon Runners: At the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday, October 12, all marathon participants will be blessed.

State of the Parish: At all Masses the weekend of October 12 and 13, the state of the parish annual financial report will be reviewed.

New Heart to Heart Fundraiser—A Cabaret!: Save the date! The annual Heart to Heart fundraiser, usually a play, will now be a cabaret held on Saturday, October 19 from 7:30-10:30 pm in the Gym, 1402 W. Granville. Tickets are $10 and $7 for seniors. 

 Volunteers are needed for many tasks, email Mike Tobin at Mtobin@vantageleadership.com for more information. We're looking for card tables to create a bistro environment. If you have any, please consider sharing and we'll make sure you get them back!

Christmas Bazaar Donations/Volunteer Slots Now Open: Contributions for the White Elephant areas will be accepted on Sundays from 12:00-3:00 pm in the Social Hall, 1401 W. Granville Avenue, beginning Sunday, October 27 through Sunday, December 1. Please note, no clothing, linens, or stuffed animals will be accepted.

To volunteer to help on Sundays with the White Elephant donations or at the Bazaar, click here. You can also visit signupgenius.com, click the search icon, then under Search for a Sign-Up, type inevents@stgertrudechicago.org and you can choose how you would like to help.

Applications to Become a Vendor at St. Gertrude Christmas Bazaar Available: This year, our annual Bazaar will be held on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8. Tables for vendors can be reserved for $50 per day per table. Applications can be found on the home page of the parish website, www.stgertrudechicago.org, in the back of the church, or at the Rectory.

*Applications are due by Wednesday, October 30. Email Victoria Healy at stgertsbazaar@gmail.com for more info. 

Change in St. Gertrude Rectory Hours