Volume 1 | Issue 7

Weekly News & Updates

School Calendar

10/3 - 10/19

(Link to online calendar)


Sunday

Monday

  • Columbus Day, no school

Tuesday

  • Intermediate Band (In School)
  • Advance Band (After School)
  • STEAM Academy (After School)
  • IESA Cross Country Practice
  • Volleyball Practice

Wednesday

  • 7th Grade Outdoor Ed. (All Day)
  • Beginner Band Practice (In School)
  • Intermediate Band (After School)
  • Guitar Club
  • IESA Cross Country Practice
  • Volleyball Practice
  • School Gala Fundraiser Web Meeting (In person, 7pm Parish Office)
  • Religious Education on Campus

Thursday

  • Crochet Club
  • Spanish Club (PreK & K)
  • Knight Crew Practice
  • IESA Cross Country Practice
  • Volleyball Practice

Friday

  • 8th Grade Outdoor Ed. (All Day)
  • Pizza Fun Lunch (Sign Up)
  • Advance Band Practice (In School)
  • Beginner Band Practice (After School)
  • Volley Playoff Games (5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30pm)

Saturday

  • Volleyball Playoff Games (8:30am - 9:30pm)
  • Cross Country Meet IESA State Championships (Normal, IL)

Mr. Owen's Update

Thank You to Our Grandparents!

We are so grateful to the over 400 grandparents who joined us for last week’s Grandparents' Mass! As the principal, I have a special appreciation for those grandparents who help with student drop-offs and pick-ups, having done the same for my own grandchildren over the past few years. I’m blessed with nine grandchildren, and I’m excited to welcome a tenth next year. Spending time with them fills my heart with joy.


Outdoor Education for 7th and 8th Graders.

This month, our seventh and eighth graders will experience outdoor education, a wonderful opportunity to learn about God’s amazing creation. The seventh grade will attend on Wednesday, October 16, and the eighth grade will follow on Friday, October 18. With the fall colors at their peak, it will be a truly beautiful time to explore and reflect on nature.


Halloween Costume Guidelines

As we approach Halloween, here are some reminders about what is and isn’t allowed for costumes:

  • No masks
  • No makeup
  • No hair coloring
  • No inflatable costumes
  • No weapons or accessories


Costumes must be appropriate and in line with our Catholic values, so please avoid costumes like devils or anything contrary to our faith. Elementary students may wear their costumes all day, while middle school students can change into theirs after lunch for Halloween activities.


Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Eighth Grade Faith Formation


Hi Parents,


I'm excited to share that we are reinstating "Faith Formation" for our 8th graders as part of our commitment to nurturing the whole child. These sessions will occur every other Wednesday and will cover various topics centered around the theme of loving God and our neighbors.


In our first session, we discussed leadership, emphasizing that one doesn't need to be perfect to be a leader—just like the apostles! This coming Wednesday, we will explore the topic of respectful behavior within the broader concept of human dignity.


I regularly consult with the Jr. High team to ensure the topics are relevant and engaging, and I keep a mental list of future discussion points. We welcome any suggestions you might have, so please feel free to share your ideas.


We plan to record these sessions and make them available on our school platform. This way, you can stay informed about the additional faith formation your children are receiving.


Thank you for entrusting your children to our care!


God Bless,


Fr. Matt 

Homework Help


Homework Club is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15-4. Pick up in front of school promptly at 4:00. Students are welcome to come if they need help with their homework. Ms. B in Room 113 on Mondays and Mrs. Pohl on Wednesdays in Room 207.

Undy Sunday is Back: Help Those in Need!


Catholic Charities' "Undy Sunday" collection is just around the corner! From October 6 to October 20, we’ll be gathering essential clothing and hygiene items for individuals and families in need. You can drop off donations in the boxes located in the school vestibule or the church gathering space.


Here are the most requested items this year:

  • Women’s underwear (M-XXL)
  • Men’s briefs (L-XL)
  • Men’s undershirts (M-XL)
  • Child socks (heavy winter socks appreciated)
  • Adult socks (heavy winter socks appreciated)
  • Diapers (sizes 1-5)
  • Pull-ups (2T-5T)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Children’s underwear (any size)


While the list includes specific items, we are grateful for ALL donations that will support this important cause. Thank you for your generosity!


Stay Connected with the PSA


Grandparents' Day was fantastic! A big thank you to Kelly Stemberk, Michelle Kronenberger, and Jamie Wojtysiak for chairing the event, Dad's Club for setting up, and to all the volunteers who helped before, during, and after the event. The Book Fair was a huge success, thanks to Purch Corry, Julie Klinko, Laura Meehan for heading up Book Fair, and all the amazing volunteers who decorated and supported throughout the week!  


Spooktacular

Halloween Spooktacular, a fun-filled event for grades Preschool thru 5th grade! Help us Feed the Monster, by donating candy and prizes!

Event Set Up


Upcoming PSA Events:

SPX Dads' Club to Host Trunk or Treat Event on October 30


The St. Pius X Dads' Club is a vibrant part of the St. Pius X Parish School community, offering a space for fathers to get involved, build camaraderie, and support school events. From organizing social gatherings to participating in school fundraisers, the Dads' Club plays a key role in fostering a strong sense of community at SPX.


Trunk or Treat  

Join the SPX Dads' Club for the Trunk or Treat event on Wednesday, Oct. 30. This family-friendly, community-wide, event will feature creatively decorated car trunks, plenty of candy, and lots of Halloween fun! Don't miss out on a great time—be sure to sign up to participate.

Sign Up for Trunk or Treat
More info on Dads Club

Children's Mass

Periodically throughout the year, Religious Education students and St. Pius X School students serve as Lectors, Gift Bearers and Readers of the Prayer of the Faithful (petitions). During these Masses, the homily is tailored for children and families.


Please sign up your children to help in a role of your choice for the appropriate Mass. After you've signed them up and as we get closer to the date of the Mass, you will be emailed with more detailed instructions according to the role you've chosen for your child. In addition to receiving these instructions, we also ask that you arrive 30 minutes before the Mass so that your child has the opportunity to rehearse.

Sign up here

Picture Day is coming to St. Pius X Parish School on Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Here’s how to make sure you’re ready:


The Easy 3-Step Process:

1. Go to ordercp.com

and click on the green icon

2. Enter your student’s info and use school event code 10030301.

3. Choose your package and background. 


For the old-school approach, you can pay by check or cash—just hand it to the photographer on the big day. Don’t forget: exact amounts only (no change will be given)!


For questions, call 1-847-382-7505 Ext. 7.


Get ready to bring your best smile!

Click for more info

Thanksgiving Food Drive: Giving Back to Our Community


As the season of gratitude approaches, St. Pius X Parish School is once again supporting the St. Vincent de Paul Society with our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. This drive helps feed the hungry in our community, including those in our own parish. We invite each grade to participate by focusing on one essential item:


Grade-Level Donations:

  • Pre-School: Mac & Cheese
  • Kindergarten: Canned Pasta or Spaghetti Sauce and Uncooked Pasta
  • 1st Grade: Canned Veggies or Beans
  • 2nd Grade: Canned Fruit
  • 3rd Grade: Canned Chicken or Tuna
  • 4th Grade: Peanut Butter or Jelly
  • 5th Grade: Shampoo, Conditioner, or Bars of Soap
  • 6th Grade: Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, or Kleenex
  • 7th Grade: Box of Cereal
  • 8th Grade: Box of Crackers or Cookies


Please bring your items to your teacher by Friday, November 19th. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on our local community.


As Jesus said, “What you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me.” 


On behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, thank you for your generosity!

Cross Country

Our Knights Cross Country Team participated in the Suburban Parochial League Championship meet last Saturday. What we were able to do as a team and individuals is no small feat. A huge congratulations to our team and coaches for what they have done this season. Next up for a select few of our talented runners is the IESA Select Series, which puts a handpicked team of our best runners against schools from all over the state. Qualifiers are 10/12 and the IESA State Championship is held in Normal, IL on 10/19. Good luck!


Accomplishments

Division AA 1st Place Teams:

6th Grade Boys

8th Grade Girls


Division AA Girls Overall Champions:

St. Pius X


Top 25 Runners in race

5th Grade Boys (1 mile):

Colin Blain (20) 6:50.3


5th Grade Girls (1 mile):

Clare Richardson (4) 6:31.5


6th Grade Boys (1.5 miles):

Mario Pesola (3) 9:02.4

Michael Richardson (4) 9:02.6

Kellen Ferris (20) 9:57.1

Tiago Taylor (25) 10:01.1


7th Grade Boys (2 miles):

Kyle Citta (5) 12:00.9

Rylan Blain (19) 13:14.5


8th Grade Boys (2 miles):

Matthew Ferris (4) 11:30.3


8th Grade Girls (2 miles):

Natalia Pesola (2) 12:26.5

Abby Yarusso (3) 12:35.8

Kate Borho (4) 12:48.7

Fiona Felten (12) 14:21.0

Jessica Tortorello (24) 14:56.2

Team Results
Individual Results

Dance Teams

Both our Littlest Knights and Knight Crew Dance Teams had their first practices this week. The Littlest Knights are our Pre3 & 4 dancers, and our Knight Crew is our K-8 team. These student-athletes are keeping their eyes on the prize as they are beginning their training to entertain at halftime at an early December basketball game. Stay posted for new information as the season schedule is released.

Basketball

Registration is officially closed and the data is being crunched on which grades will need tryouts based on numbers. If you missed registration (and the extra window I opened), you have to contact the SPX AD via email, domromano@stpiuslombard.org, and the discuss whether you will be accessed the $25 late fee.


Tentative open gym is Monday, Nov 2 with tryouts on Tuesday, Nov 3 and Wednesday, Nov 4. More details will follow next week.

Volleyball

For volleyball, the St. Pius X Knights continue to battle their way through the Tri-County Catholic Athletics League (TCCA). This weekend represents the last in the regular season.

Volunteer Opportunity: TCCA Volleyball Playoffs Concessions – Help SPX Athletics and Fulfill Volunteer Requirements


St. Pius X Athletics is excited to host the TCCA Volleyball Playoffs, a high-energy event that not only showcases great volleyball but also provides an important fundraising opportunity for our program. To make this event a success, we need your help in the concession stand! This is an excellent chance to complete your non-compelled volunteer hours while supporting our athletics program.


By volunteering, you'll be contributing to a key fundraising initiative, as hosting playoff games means we are welcoming non-Knight teams and families to our school, bringing valuable "non-Knight dollars" into our treasury. Your time and effort directly support SPX Athletics, helping us maintain our programs and provide great opportunities for our students.


Parents, guardians, and community members, this is your chance to step up and set an example for our students about the power of giving back. And for our teenagers needing service hours, you’re also encouraged to volunteer, as long as you can be attentive and accurate when handling money. This is a great way to meet your volunteer hour requirements while learning responsibility and contributing to the school community.


Let’s come together to make this playoff season one to remember, and ensure the continued success of SPX Athletics. Sign up today to work a shift at the concessions stand!


Your help is greatly appreciated, and together we can continue building minds, hearts, and souls here at St. Pius X.

Volunteer to help SPX Athletics and Earn Volunteer Time

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