January 15, 2025

Dear Father Allouez Catholic School Families,

Today during our Mass at Resurrection, our wonderful faith-formation team shared a great reflection about the importance of recharging not only our personal devices, but also ourselves and our souls:

Sometimes we all have feelings of exhaustion due to a busy schedule filled with working, responsibilities at home, and social commitments. Drawing a parallel to a Gospel story where Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law after a long day, we are reminded of the importance of recharging one’s spiritual and emotional batteries. Jesus retreats to pray and reconnect with God, preparing for the challenges ahead. We are encouraged to find time for prayer and reflection to recharge and remember our divine mission as beloved children of God. Everyone has a unique mission in life, and to fulfill it, one must take the time to reconnect spiritually and avoid burnout.

• Busy lifestyles can lead to feelings of exhaustion and burnout.
• The importance of spiritual recharge is emphasized through Jesus’ example of retreating to pray.
• Each individual has a unique mission as a beloved child of God, which requires awareness and reflection.
• Finding time for prayer and reflection can help manage daily challenges and responsibilities.
• Participation in communal worship, such as the Eucharist, is vital for spiritual nourishment and strength.

How can I effectively manage my busy schedule without feeling overwhelmed?

Consider prioritizing tasks, setting aside specific times for prayer and reflection, and delegating responsibilities when possible to alleviate stress.

What are practical ways to recharge spiritually during a hectic day?

Taking short breaks for prayer, meditation, or simply reflecting on your experiences can provide quick spiritual refreshment throughout the day.

Why is it important to connect with God regularly in our daily lives?

Regular connection with God helps maintain spiritual health, provides clarity on your mission, and serves as a source of strength during challenging times.

How does participating in the Eucharist contribute to spiritual recharge?

The Eucharist offers community, nourishment, and a direct encounter with God, which can help individuals feel renewed and ready to face their daily missions.

Upcoming Important Dates:

1/16-1/17/25 – Camp Tekakwitha for 7th grade

1/20/25 – NO SCHOOL (Teacher In-service Day)

1/27/25 – 2025-26 Registration Begins

1/29/25 – CSW All-school Mass & CP Carnival

Peace,

Mr. Francis Dempsey

Principal, Father Allouez Catholic School

Stay in the loop by following our Father Allouez Facebook pages! Make sure to check out the FACS Fundraiser page for updates on school events and here, and join our private FACS Parents group  here for community news and conversations. You'll find lots of great updates on both pages, so don't miss out!

January Lunch Menu (RES Campus) Click here.

January Lunch Menu (SMS Campus) Click here.

Make Lunch Payments Online

You are now able to make lunch payments online through PowerSchool! 

Directions on how to do this are located below

English Click Here.

Spanish Click Here.

If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Gierczak, Food Service Administrative Assistant.

Resurrection Students are eligible to take hot lunch for $3.85/day and an extra entrée for $2.65/day! If the entrée is not to their liking, they can always sub a turkey and cheese sandwich for it. 

Any Middle School Student that is feeling extra hungry can always purchase an extra entrée in addition to their lunch, just let your Teacher know in the morning to mark it on the lunch sheet.

Tuition and Fees Policy Reminder

Gratitude is extended to GRACE families who are current with their tuition, fees and lunch accounts. 

In case of accounts that are not up to date, 

• re-enrollment (or admission/enrollment of siblings new to GRACE) for 2025-26 will not be permitted
• 8th and 12th grade students will not be eligible to participate in class trips, parties and graduation events. The only exception is the eighth grade retreat as long as the retreat fee (if required) is paid.

Please contact finance staff at the GRACE Riverside Office if you have any questions or to make a payment to update your account: 920-499-7330 option 3.

__________________________________________________________________________

Tuition Tax Credit Information

Tuition tax credit information is available to GRACE families online via GRACE’s enrollment management system, TADS. 

• The TADS Household Paid Tuition Tax Report will provide a breakdown of payments made for the specified household’s tuition account during the tax year. 
• When gathering information for tax preparation, GRACE families are to access their online TADS account | select Billing | Billing Account Number | Reports | Household Paid Tuition Tax Report | enter the tax year (i.e. 2024) and submit. A quick link also appears at the Billing Accounts – Tuition & Fees screen to access the Household Paid Tuition Tax Report. 

If you have questions or require assistance, please call TADS Family Support at 800-477-8237 or GRACE at 920-499-7330, option 2.

__________________________________________________________________________

Academic Calendar 2025-26

We are pleased to share the Board-approved GRACE academic calendar for the 2025-26 school year which is available at gracesystem.org | About GRACE | Calendar (direct link to the one-page summary).  

Please note that Christmas break will be extended to two full weeks due to the timing of Christmas and New Year’s Day. To ensure the school year does not extend further, schools are open and classes will be held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and on Easter Monday.



Looking ahead, we anticipate returning to our traditional schedule with these days off in the following school year, along with a shorter Christmas break.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we adjust to this unique calendar.

____________________________________________________________________

GRACE Academic Calendar 2024-2025

Volunteer Hours Tracking Reminder

As outlined in this year’s Family Enrollment Contract, each K-8 family is required to complete 5 volunteer hours in support of the school fundraiser (unless you opted for the $250 buyout). If you completed these hours for last week’s fundraiser, please log them in our tracking Track It Forward, within the next 30 days—no later than Monday, December 9, 2024.

First Time Using Track It Forward?

Each family’s login is tied to the primary email listed in their TADS account. Families not already enrolled in Track It Forward should have received an email from "Volunteer Tracking" (do-not-respond@trackitforward.com) with instructions on activating your account. If you did not receive this email, need to update your email on file, or are unable to access Track It Forward, please contact us at facstracking@gmail.com.

For more details on how to sign in and log your hours, visit our service hours tracking page: Click here.

School Communications

We utilize BrightArrow to send school communications and texts.

Not receiving texts?

To receive text messages through BrightArrow, you need to opt in. You can opt in to text messaging at any time by sending the word Yes or Sí to the short code 79041. Once you opt in, BrightArrow will send you a confirmation to your phone number.

If you are not receiving school communications, please contact the school office. Thank You!

>>>BOY’S MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

All boys interested in participating in a Spring Middle School Volleyball League are invited to sign up. Practice will start in mid-February and the season ends in mid/late March. All practice and game dates and times will be scheduled in early February. Email jeffrey.m.dow@gmail.com to sign up or if you have any questions.

More information on the Boy's Middle School Volleyball League can be found here.

>>>FUTURE TRITONS BASEBALL CLUB

The Future Tritons Baseball Club is looking to fill some open roster spots for its upcoming 2025 Spring/Summer season.

8U - Looking for 2-3 more kids (Coach/Machine Pitch)

10U - Looking for 1 more kid

11U - Looking for 1 more kid

12U - Looking for 2-3 more kids

13/14U - Each team is looking for 3-4 kids or we will have a split team

Future Triton Baseball players receive Jersey top, Hat, Bat bag, Open Gyms with Notre Dame High School Baseball staff & players, and play in 4-6 tournaments during the season.

Any questions or to sign up - please contact Head Varsity Baseball Coach Jared Barker - jwbarker03@gmail.com

>>>NOTRE DAME ACADEMY ANNOUNCES ITS 2025 MUSICAL: "FREAKY FRIDAY"

Freaky Friday, a modern musical based on the classic novel and beloved films will hit the NDA stage this winter. This hilarious, heartfelt, energetic, and moving musical will open your heart to the magic of contemplating life from a different perspective. The show will be performed in the NDA Auditorium and will run approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Musical Performances:

Thursday, January 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 26th at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online, Click here to purchase tickets.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students/children.

There will also be tickets available for purchase at the door one hour before each performance.

Click here to see details on why School Reviews Matter.

Providing Vibrant Quality Catholic Education