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Dear NCA Families,
I hope everyone enjoyed their day off on Super Bowl Monday! Even if your team didn’t win, you had the chance to stay up late and eat a lot of junk food knowing you did not need to get up early to get the kids to school. Thank you for supporting NCA’s Virtual Boosterthon Dance Party and surpassing our goal, which is how we were awarded no school on Super Bowl Monday!!
Earlier this year I shared information with you on a new personalized learning tool we were implementing at NCA called iReady. iReady is an online program for reading and math that helps determine your student’s needs, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the year. This learning system provides our teachers with insight and instructional tools to differentiate and support student learning growth. During Trimester 1 conferences, K- 4 teachers and 5th – 8th grade ELA and Math teachers should have reviewed your child’s Diagnostic 1 results with you.
Since that conference in November, your child has been engaged in their personalized learning instruction piece during school. Some students have even taken to working on iReady at home to increase their minutes spent on iReady. Teachers are working to schedule a minimum of 45 minutes per content area for students to work with this personalized learning tool. Studies indicate that a minimum of 45 minutes is the time needed for students to experience growth. Teachers are also conducting individual “data chats” with your child to discuss their strengths and areas of struggle and working together to discuss and implement strategies to help them with their growth.
Over the next couple of weeks students in grades K – 8 will be completing Diagnostic 2. The purpose of this diagnostic is not to give your child a score or a grade, but to provide the teacher with results that will help them identify your child’s strengths and determine the next steps for instruction to support your child’s learning. The teacher will be sharing this information with your child during one of their “data chats” and with you during Trimester 2 Conferences in early March.
Teachers will also be sharing with families their classroom goals and student goals so we can celebrate the successes of our students’ learning. Please be sure to ask your child about their iReady experience. You can learn more about iReady and how you can encourage and support your student by visiting https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/ .
All of us at NCA thank you for your continued support and being a partner in your child’s education.
Peace,
Christine Huzenis
Principal
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School News & Reminders
March Lunch Order: Due Friday, February 19
Please click the link to place an order:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenJNG96GATtpPa8phxXv5oaS0QUMaaz0LwAnJwW0xKpXKWSg/viewform
MILK ONLY OPTION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE DURING THIS FREE PERIOD.USDA has announced that children are eligible to receive free meals at school effective September 1 through December 31, 2020. We will have meals (including milk) available for children at school free of charge. In order to ensure we have enough meals, and to prevent any waste, we are asking that each student complete a form.
Remote Learners, please pick up your meals at the Primary Campus between 10-10:30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Crafty Hands Winter 2021:
Please click HERE to view the flyer for more details.
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February 12- Valentine’s Day—Red, White, Pink Dress Down Day
February 15- President’s Day—No School
February 17- Ash Wednesday
February 26- No School, Feb. 26 - Teacher report card prep( End of Trimester 2)
February 27- Stan's Van heads to Northside Catholic Academy! 10-1 PM (Primary School Gated Parking Lot)
March 1 – 5- Read Across America Week
March 3- Professional Development Early Release: Middle School Campus 1:50 Dismissal Primary School Campus 2:10 Dismissal Pre-K, JK & Kindergarten 2:05 Dismissal ECP available at Primary Campus
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Northside Catholic Academy has done an excellent job of reopening and catering to remote and in-person learners. Our leadership, teachers, and staff have been diligent in following pandemic guidelines to keep every child safe and academically progressive.
We are proud to be an Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic school, serving the communities of Edgewater, Andersonville, Rogers Park, and West Ridge. We are providing in-person learning during this pandemic. Our educators and students are hard at work to continue this academic growth! Do you know a family that could benefit from Catholic education this upcoming school year? We still have seats available for the 2021-2022 school year. Contact us at 773-743-6277 Ext. 207 to schedule a private tour!
Click the links below to view the news coverage.
https://www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/archdiocese-students-maintained-learning-progress-despite-pandemic/2427648/
https://youtu.be/3uFn-Ox5Ucs
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NCA was featured in Redacted Magazine. Click the link below to view the article.
https://redactedmagazine.com/2021/01/31/cps-private-hybrid/
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The Stan's Donuts & Coffee Van is headed to Northside Catholic Academy! Have you placed your order?
We strongly recommend you place a pre-order so you're able to get the donuts you desire.
ALL ARE WELCOME! Invite a friend and stop by the Primary School's gated parking lot on Saturday, February 27th, from 10 AM to 1 PM! Stan's Donuts and Coffee will be slinging 12 different kinds of individually-wrapped donuts, and they'll also have their Van Special, which includes three of each of the following donuts for $25:
- Chocolate dipped
- Vanilla sprinkled glazed
- Glazed
- Cinnamon Sugar
Purchase onsite or pre-order (A portion of the proceeds goes to NCA):
https://foodtruck.pub/?id=5068
If you post on social during the event and tag @stansdonutschicago, you'll have the chance to win a $25 app credit. Stan's Donuts and Coffee is excited to share their delicious donuts outside their delivery area, meet new #StansFans, and support a great cause!
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Preschool Open House—Saturday, Feb 20!
Tell a friend to schedule a tour for our Preschool Open House on Saturday, February 20, from 10-2 PM.
Our preschool provides a child-centered learning program where children participate in meaningful play in a stimulating and joyful environment enabling a comfortable transition from home to school. We differentiate learning to suit the age and development of each learner. Students will prepare to think and act critically, creatively, and collaboratively, ensuring complete preparation for kindergarten and beyond.
We are dedicated to educating the whole child. Our unique and comprehensive program sparks curiosity and develops social-emotional, physical, spiritual, and cognitive growth. We emphasize language expansion and value the creative process over the finished product. Our teachers create settings that strengthen self-esteem and instill a love of learning. Throughout the day, learners engage in activities that foster independence, self-regulation, problem-solving, and decision-making. Our curriculum is filled with early literacy, math, science, social studies, Spanish, art, music, physical education, and yoga.
All families must wear a mask, receive a temperature check at the door, and schedule a tour time before attending the open house. Please click the link below to schedule your tour time.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ba4a72aa6f4c07-ncapreschool1
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All of the summer reading challenge winners received their pizza party with the principal. Mrs. Backis our resource specialist attended via Zoom. The students received a gold medal and a personal pizza from Domino's Pizza. Congratulations, keep up the good work readers!
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Jonathan, one of our eighth-grade students, surprised each teacher and administrator with a bookmark with beautiful designs created by him of their favorite saint. It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture for Catholic Schools Week! He even received an offer from another school to purchase an order of bookmarks if he decides to start a business.
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During art class, our students worked on Valentine’s Day cards for isolated seniors in assisted living, nursing homes, long-term care communities, and rehabilitation facilities.
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Last week every classroom at our primary and middle school had a spelling bee. Congratulations to all the winners!
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During Catholic Schools Week, we celebrated all the teachers and staff. Students were encouraged to write thank you notes and send special messages. We are grateful to have such a hard-working and dedicated team.
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Our second-grade students completed their President’s Day projects. They learned about various presidents and made paper figurines.
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Last week for Catholic Schools Week our junior kindergarteners searched for signs that they’re in a Catholic school. They have to find a cross, a saint, an angel, and Jesus, then draw a picture and write the word.
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In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter). The Order is subject to the limited exemptions outlined in the ‘Exemptions tab’.
Orange states— required upon arrival 10-day quarantine or pre-arrival negative test result (no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival) with strict masking, social distancing, and avoidance of in-person gatherings.
Yellow states— No quarantine or pre-arrival test required. Maintain strict masking and social distancing.
Steps to follow the Order:
- When planning, review the CDPH Travel Order state list. Avoid all non-essential travel.
- Prior to arrival, Orange list travelers must receive a negative COVID-19 test result no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival and have proof of negative results OR plan to quarantine for 10 days upon the arrival.
- Upon arrival in Chicago, Orange list travelers should maintain a copy of negative test result with them while in Chicago or quarantine for 10 days if they chose not to take a test.
Please click the link below to view states currently covered by the order.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html
Thank you for being diligent in working with NCA to keep everyone safe!
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St. Gertrude’s Virtual Auction: Friday, February 12-Sunday, February 2
In response, we are going online to host our first annual Virtual Auction! The event will kick-off on Friday, February 12, and wind up with a fun virtual live event at 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 21. Please visit our website and read the weekly e-bulletin for the latest news and needs for the Auction!
We are asking, if you’re able, to please donate an item or service for the auction. All donations are greatly appreciated. Donation possibilities range from big to small:
- Tickets to sporting events (Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Fire, etc.)
- Live auction vacation (vacation home or condo, hotel points, airline miles, etc.)
- Experiences (chef’s tables, wine/beer tastings, gallery tours, show tapings, concerts, etc.)
- Services (landscaping, painting, interior design, catering, tutoring, language lessons, spa, etc.)
- Gift certificates
- Handmade items (quilts, paintings, pottery, etc.)
- Use your imagination!
There are pre-Covid and post-Covid possibilities for many of these ideas. You can also upload information about your donation to our auction website HERE.
We’re also asking for donations of bottles of wine for our Wine Cellar Spectacular ($20 minimum value). You can drop your bottle off anytime at the Rectory (during business hours) or you can purchase a bottle from Binny’s in Evanston, either in person or over the phone. Binny’s will give you a 15% discount and store the bottle for us.
Our current, pressing need is for people to solicit donations. You will be provided with businesses’ contact information and a script. If you can help please email us at auction21@stgertrudechicago.org.
If you’re unable to donate at this time, you can support us by attending the auction and sharing our auction details with your friends, family, and on your social media! In times like this, we’re reminded of how interconnected we all are. Thank you for being part of our community.
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Volunteer Sign Up Directions
1. Go onto SchoolSpeak.com
2. Click on the Quick Link that says Volunteer
3. There you will see NCA’s volunteer opportunities. All volunteer opportunities require Virtus Training unless otherwise noted.
4. Click on the sign up you want. Find a spot to sign up!
5. Remember every Family needs 20 service hours!
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Volunteer Requirements
1. Completion of form 7703
2. Completion of Online background screening (eApps database)
3. Completion of CANTS form (DCFS background screening – paper only – must be submitted annually)
4. Submission of a signed Code of Conduct form
5. Completion of the Virtus training (must pre-register online)
All forms and other information regarding these requirements can be found on the NCA website under Volunteer. Thank you for working with us to ensure the safety of all children!
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$250 cash or Tock gift card (like a fancy Grubhub) have an awesome Valentine’s Day ($15)- 3 left
Joseph Magnus bourbon ($8)- 14 left
$200 gift card to LEGO store ($13)- 17 left
Ninja Foodi Power Pitcher ($12)- 12 left
$50 gift card to Dunkin or Starbucks ($6)-14 left
$75 gift card to Bennison Bakery ($7.50)-12 left
$250 gift card to Snappys Car Wash ($15)- 16 left
$75 gift card to Big Jones ($7.50)- 17 left
150 lotto scratch-off ($10)- SOLD OUT
$75 gift card Rogers Park Florist or Binny's ($7.50)- SOLD OUT
