Dear St. Giles Families,
iReady Update
St. Giles continues to perform above national and Archdiocesan standards in iReady, our online, standardized testing and adaptive lessons program used in grades K-8. The Archdiocese has outlined two academic goals for all schools with regard to standardized test scores: that 75% of students at each school will achieve annual typical growth on both iReady Reading and iReady Math assessments by 2024-25.
Where does St. Giles fall this year? At the end of last year in Reading, we exceeded that goal and were in the top 3 in the Archdiocese, with 81% meeting their target growth. We grew exponentially in Math as well and came close to meeting that goal and were in the top 10 in the Archdiocese, with 71% of our students meeting their typical growth. These numbers increased from 68% in Reading and 66% in Math from 2021-22. 84% of our students are at or above grade level in Reading and 83% are at or above grade level in Math. We are so proud of all the work that our teachers and our Lions have done and continue to do! We are on target after our first Diagnostic this year to continue this upward growth. Way to go Lions!
As an inclusive school with diverse learners, this is a major accomplishment given that all of our students participate fully in our iReady assessment process and have their scores included in our school average. I am so proud of our students, our teachers, and you – our parents – who support all of our academic achievements. We continue with our iReady instruction and have plans to prepare for the next diagnostic in January and celebrate our continued success. What can you do to help your Lion? Data shows that consistently passing two iReady weekly lessons in each subject helps students achieve their target growth and get them closer to their stretch growth. Ask your Lions about their lessons and encourage them to take the time given in class to complete them. iReady lessons are part of ELA and Math instructions but may need to be completed at home if students are absent or fall behind in their lessons. Your child’s teachers can address any concerns or questions regarding iReady Diagnostics and lesson completion. Our next Diagnostic will be in January and we look forward to seeing further growth in our students.
Lions on Stage
We have two upcoming performances that many of our Lions have been working on since August happening this week and next. Be sure to scroll down for details about the annual 8th grade musical, Frozen, Jr., happening November 9th and 11th. Students will view the performance in school on Thursday afternoon and the general public is invited to attend the Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon shows. You won’t want to miss this special St. Giles tradition! In addition, IAA Enrichment and students in K-8 have been preparing for their performance of A Year with Frog and Toad on Friday, November 17th in the evening; a daytime performance will be shown for our Lions. We are so very proud of the hard work and talents of our thespians and wish them the best of luck with their upcoming performances!
Reminder–there is no school this Friday, November 10th due to Archdiocesan system wide professional development.
Have a great short week,
Meg
P.S. Don't forget to set your clock back if you didn't last night!
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Scroll down for details regarding:
Middle School Open House
8th Grade Musical Details
PTO Newsletter
Enrichment Play Details
Ambassadors' Service Project
Veteran Teacher Spotlight
Athletics
High School News
Parish News
Community News--Parent Empowerment Nights @ Kids Unlimited
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Fenwick Math Contest
We are ROARING with pride for our 7th and 8th grade math team! They competed in Fenwick's math contest last week and Fiona M. took 2nd place in their division. The team took 3rd place overall in their division of 22 Archdiocesan and area private schools. We are so proud of our team members, Mary Shea G., Charlotte P., Sofie D., Fiona M., Adrien S., and Sam M. Thank you to Mr. Pondel and Mr. Baker for coaching and encouraging them along the way!
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Middle School Open House
Do you know families who are contemplating St. Giles for middle school? Ask them to join us on Thursday, November 16th to learn more about what a St. Giles middle school experience might be like for their child. Hear about the 6th-8th grade curriculum, athletics program, extra-curriculars and learn about how to apply and enroll. The event is an open house format, so stop by the Gleeson Conference Room (across from the church) anytime between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Current 4th and 5th grade families are welcome to join us to learn more about what to expect in middle school.
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The Class of 2024 Proudly Presents Frozen Jr.
You won't be able to Let it Go after seeing the hard work of our 8th graders in their performance of Frozen, Jr. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors to save the dates!
“There’ll be music, there’ll be light”
For the first time in forever
We’ll be dancing through the night”
Thursday, November 9, at 6:30 pm
Saturday, November 11, at 2:00 pm
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door. One ticket is good for both Thursday's and Saturday's performance. Children 12 and under are free.
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St. Giles Ambassadors' Service Project
St. Giles Ambassadors are sponsoring a service project titled "Stockings for Soldiers and Veterans." The flyer outlining details of items to be collected can be accessed via the link below. Grade levels will compete to see who can bring in the greatest number of items and the grade that wins will be awarded a movie or game period. Students can bring their donations to their homerooms, where bins for collections will be available. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Mrs. Kent or Mrs. Wynne, moderators of Ambassadors, with any questions. Click on the link below for a list of requested items. This drive begins tomorrow, October 30th and runs through November 30th. If you have leftover Halloween candy after Tuesday, it can be donated to these stockings!
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Save the Date! Friday, November 17th, 6:30 pm
St. Giles Enrichment and Infinity Arts present A Year with Frog and Toad
Adapted from the three-time-Tony-nominated Broadway hit comes A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books, the jazzy, upbeat score bubbles with melody. Part vaudeville, part make-believe, and all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.
This whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog, and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. Throughout the year, two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special.
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Teacher Spotlight
Mrs. Kathy Lucas, Middle School Math Resource Teacher and School Liturgy Coordinator
B.S., Math Concentration, National Lewis University
Years at St. Giles: 17 years
Favorite Book and/or Movie: Apollo 13 is one of my favorite movies and one of my favorite books Tuesdays with Morrie
Favorite Vacation Spot: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fun Fact: I did my student teaching in England
I have recently transitioned from a homeroom teacher to a part-time math resource teacher and school liturgy coordinator. I love working with students in grades 5 - 8 helping them better understand math concepts and grow in their math confidence. Did you know you can find resources on my teacher page? Be sure to check it out!
As the school liturgy coordinator, I invite, encourage, and prepare students to participate in liturgy. It is a privilege to be a part of a student's faith journey.
My husband and I have been married for 39 years. We have three grown children and three grandchildren. We have a sweet cat named Morgan. When I am not working, I love to read, cook/bake, draw, and travel.
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Hello Lion Families -
Soccer Playoffs
Congratulations to the 6th and 8th Grade Soccer teams on their 2nd place finishes in Classic League play!
Congratulations to the 6th and 8th Grade Soccer teams for a great season and hard-fought games in the Championship Matches in the Forest Park League on Friday night! 6th grade brought home the 1st place championship trophy with a win of 1-0. 8th grade won the 2nd place trophy in a terrific and well-played match of 3-2. We are so proud of all of our soccer Lions!
Basketball
Boys Basketball Registration is open until Nov. 17th.
Please ensure that you are able to access your student-athlete’s Team Site through the TeamSideline App. Important information will be shared there, and your coach will communicate with you about upcoming events and provide other pertinent information. Sign In - TeamSideline.com
Basketball Open Gym
Basketball Open Gyms are scheduled for the following Sundays: 11/05 & 11/12 from 1pm-3pm in the St. Giles Gym. This event is open to ALL 4th - 8th Grade St. Giles students! Members of the Girls and Boys coaching staff will be on hand to facilitate!
Student-Athletes Who Do Not Have A Physical On File May Not Participate In Practice Or Games. More information about Physicals can be found on the Athletic website: TeamSideline
Thank you and Go Lions!
Sean Clancy
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The Week Ahead in Athletics
Soccer
Soccer season ended - Congratulations to all student-athletes and coaches whose dedication, determination, and hard work led to very successful seasons - Nice Job!
Basketball
Stay tuned for more information about games and tournaments once the Girls and Boys seasons tip-off!
GO LIONS!
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Be sure to check out the latest newsletter from PTO here!
Be sure to join us on Tuesday, November 14th for our next PTO meeting. We will be in the Gleeson Conference Room at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome!
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Upcoming Events
Open House
Check out St. Ignatius at their upcoming Open House on Sunday, November 12th! Information and details can be found by clicking on the image below.
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Upcoming Events
Open House and Shadow Days
Check out Fenwick's upcoming Open House and Shadow Day opportunities. Click on the image below for additional information.
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Upcoming Events
PARENT SHADOW DAY
This day is specifically designed with the busy, and not-so-busy, parent in mind ~ it’s as flexible as you need. Come when you want, stay as long as you can. Tailor the day to your interest and availability.
Wednesday, November 15
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
ANNIE PIZZA AND A PLAY
7th and 8th grade girls are invited to a special opportunity to learn more about Trinity's Fine & Performing Arts! Join us for Pizza and a Play and enjoy dinner followed by the opening night performance of Annie.
Friday, November 17
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Upcoming Public Forums discussing social ministry outreach
to Austin residents from St. Catherine–St. Lucy campus
Since late August, more than 350 people from our community have attended public forums to learn about the findings of a feasibility study into whether the former rectory at St. Catherine-St. Lucy can be repurposed to serve, in the words of the Renew My Church outcomes, “as a base for powerful ministry outreach to the West Side of Chicago…supported by the entire Oak Park Catholic community.”
The forums thus far have resulted in enthusiastic support of the vision, as well as the addition of more than a dozen new volunteers to lend their needed expertise and skill as the project moves forward.
If you’ve intended to come to a forum but have been unable to do so, please plan on attending one of the four scheduled in the next two weeks. Feel free to bring family members and friends.
Wednesday, November 8, 7 pm – St. Bernardine Cafeteria (rescheduled from November 2)
Thursday, November 9, 7 pm – St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (newly scheduled)
Sunday, November 12, 11:30 am – Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church
Thursday, November 16, 7 pm – Pilgrim Congregational Church
Please register for the meeting most convenient for you by clicking here. Preregistration will enable us to prepare each venue for the number of people we are expecting to attend. (We urge you to come even if you are unable to register ahead of time; we always anticipate additional attendees.)
Questions? Please contact Feasibility Study Team co-chair Dan Doody at dan@doody.com.
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Parent Empowerment Nights
Kid's Unlimited is offering special Parent Empowerment Nights covering topics of Executive functioning, Friendship & Social Skills and Emotional Regulation. Check out the details by clicking on the image below.
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