AGW 8/29
Dear Lancer Families,
As a follow up to my previous email and communications at Curriculum Nights, this newsletter includes revisions to our safety plan as well as a listing of all we’ve done over the past 9 years regarding safety and security at SMPS.
The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and parish community remain our highest priority. In light of recent events in Minnesota, we have reviewed and strengthened our safety plan for All School Masses. We want to share with you the measures we are putting in place to ensure that our children can continue to worship in a safe and secure environment.
Effective immediately, the following procedures will be in place:
Locked Doors: All church doors will be locked throughout the school Mass.
Police Presence: Off-duty Law Enforcement will be stationed inside the church near the main doors and will also walk the outside perimeter during Mass.
Visitor Entry: All visitors attending school Mass are asked to enter only through Door 12/13 (near the St. Michael Statue). This allows us to carefully monitor all who enter.
Pre-Mass Safety Sweep: Before students arrive, the church and narthex are thoroughly checked.
As Fr. Sunny mentioned in his email to the Parish, a Parish Safety Team has been working all summer to upgrade the Safety Plan for the Parish as a whole. The Team will be discussing and reviewing possible options for added security to the windows and throughout the Church.
We know that safety measures like these may feel different from what we are used to, but please know that they are taken out of an abundance of caution and care for our students. Our goal is to provide both a safe and peaceful space for prayer and worship.
I try to update families regularly on school safety, and though this message is long, I hope you will find it informative and valuable. Next Friday, September 5th, St. Michael students and staff will practice our Safety Drills, including bus evacuations, a Fire Drill, a Severe Weather Drill, and an ALICE (lockdown) Drill. Each year, our first round of drills are done in a way that involves a lot of explanation and teaching about how we perform each drill, the steps we take when we hear specific announcements or sirens, etc. Be assured our teachers talk with their students about safety at an age appropriate level throughout the grades, so as to convey that safety is serious, but to avoid scaring them. During the drills, I get on the PA system and guide the students through each drill. I’m writing today to give you all a heads up that this is happening in the hopes that you can reassure your children that the drills are purely practice and no cause to be alarmed. At the same time, it is important to follow directions, remain silent, and take the practice drills seriously. From start to finish, the drills will take about 7-10 minutes with a short time to reset between drills.
Conversations about school safety are important at every level, and we know parents are engaged in meaningful conversations about safety with their children at home. We appreciate your partnership in keeping St. Michael safe, and hope in your conversations you will reinforce some basic info with your child(ren). We talk about these things with students throughout the year, but your help in emphasizing their importance is always welcomed.
“See something, Say something”…if something seems suspicious or out of the ordinary, encourage your students to say something to an adult or staff member. This is a phrase they will hear throughout all of their school years - through college and even into their workplaces.
Students should never open a door or let in a visitor or stranger. Even if they know them. If ever approached by a parent or any person, their response should always be “you have to go to door 1.” (This is the same response teachers and staff will give YOU if you request entry, so please respect this as necessary protocol.)
Report any suspicious activity or items to a staff member or adult in the school. If something seems “odd” or “strange,” students should know they are invited to say so, and should feel confident that any staff member will listen to them.
During safety drills, refrain from talking and make sure you are listening to the teachers and staff giving directions.
Students should tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult if they are having worrisome thoughts about self-injury or injury of others. While every person has negative thoughts, managing them is not always easy and a student may need some help. If negative thoughts about oneself or others become overwhelming or consuming, they need to ask for help immediately. They will be met with love, care, and the help needed to manage their feelings and thoughts in healthy ways. Likewise, if a student becomes worried about someone else who has expressed hurting themself or others, please tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult immediately. This is not “tattling,” but instead is helping someone who truly needs it.
Parents, if your child expresses a school safety concern to you, please contact Mr. Ferguson immediately. If you ever have a true concern for someone’s immediate safety outside the school day that requires immediate police intervention, as always, please contact the appropriate authorities. Discernment is similar to knowing when to self-care for a wound, versus when to contact the school nurse or the doctor, versus when to go to a hospital or call an ambulance. We rely on and appreciate parents’ care and reasoned decision-making in determining how best to help.
Beyond these safety drills, I want to once again share with all of you the steps we take throughout the school year to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and visitors. I want to assure you that the safety and security of our students and staff are always our top priority. During my time here, we have made many upgrades to our physical building that have significantly increased our building’s safety. These physical upgrades coupled with our staff training and practice drills throughout the year help us stay diligent in protecting everyone who enters our building.
Back in 2018, we redesigned the Main Office with the sole purpose of increased security. Door 1 and Door 4 were updated with steel frames and Level 3 Bullet Resistant Glass windows. Similarly, the floor to ceiling glass windows on the front of the school are also Level 3 Bullet Resistant windows. Doors 2, 3, 5, and 6 are all steel doors. At our most recent County and State visit shortly after the Main Office Construction was completed, we were told at that time we were the only school with this level of perimeter security.
In addition to video surveillance of all entry points and interior halls, multiple times during each school day, the perimeter of the building is physically checked to make sure all exterior doors are locked at all times. All staff know that no doors can be propped open (even for a few seconds) unless an adult staff person is present to monitor the open door. The doors that give us entry to the Church Narthex are always locked throughout the day and night. A key or key fob is needed to open these doors.
Every year, staff participate in ALICE Training with the Wheaton Police Department. This is the 8th consecutive year of staff ALICE training. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. This training helps our staff change their mindset from complete lockdown in a classroom to evacuating students and staff to a safe location outside the building if appropriate. We will be engaging in refresher training on September 27th with all new and returning staff. In the past, the Wheaton PD has offered ALICE training to community members through the Wheaton Public Library (available to view online on the WPL website). If interested, keep an eye out for future programming. Last year, we offered ALICE Training with the Wheaton PD for parents and volunteers. This will once again be offered this year. We are currently scheduled for a parent ALICE Training in November, but we are looking to move this date to earlier in the Fall. We will share specific dates and times when they are scheduled.
Alert - staff alert the main office (using phones or walkie-talkie radios) if a suspicious person is seen in or around the building.
Lockdown - lockdown can be called any time necessary. Our training and practice drills have students and staff lockdown in the nearest office or classroom under ALICE. Each of our classrooms and offices are equipped with a Night Lock. This barricades the door significantly more than just locking the door handle. We were the first school in Wheaton to implement this security measure.
Inform - In an emergency, communication is key so that staff knows what is happening and where within the building. This helps determine if locking down or evacuating is the best course of action at the moment.
Counter - During ALICE training, Police officers train staff in basic counter moves if necessary.
Evacuate - Staff know the main reunification points in the community should they need to evacuate the building. These locations serve as a safe place for us to take students and staff as well as a rally point for us to reunify students with family if necessary.
Throughout the school day, all visitors check in through the Main Office. There, we have our Raptor Visitor Management System. Visitors have to scan their Driver’s License and designate where in the building they will be visiting. The Raptor System scans the National Sex Offender Registry to ensure that all visitors are safe to enter the building. The staff in the Main Office are also able to communicate with all visitors without letting them physically into the building. They have a video phone at their desks (as do Ms. Los and I) that allows us to see and talk to the visitors without opening the doors to the building.
During the Summer of 2023, we added 3M security film to all the windows and doors of the Kindergarten playspace, the Preschool 4 windows looking into the hallway, the new Lavin Family Learning Center, the windows on the Art Room and Lancer Care doors, and the 1st grade windows overlooking the Atrium.
Summer of 2024, we upgraded all the original hollow core doors on the East Wing of the building with solid core wood doors. The windows in these doors have the 3M security film as well as new security locksets.
Ms. Los, Mr. Fekech, and myself participated in a live simulation training with the Wheaton PD and other local school staff to practice an ALICE/Active Shooter experience in the Summer of 2025. This gave us valuable insight into how the Police Department would respond to an Active Shooter situation within our schools. We practiced barricading, learned clear communication strategies, shared information specific to our schools, and experienced what a building evacuation would look like with the assistance of the Wheaton PD.
Throughout my 9 years as the Principal, I have consulted with many members of the local Law Enforcement agencies in our area, many of whom are current school family members who have a vested interest in the safety of our school. Their insights have been critical to our security upgrades and procedures. I also attend the District 200 Safety Committee Meetings which includes District 200 staff, Wheaton PD, Wheaton FD, as well as members of the other Wheaton Religious/Private Schools. These meetings provide updates and training I bring back to our staff.
I know that the safety of your children is a critically important part of sending them to school. Even in crafting this message, I am aware of towing the line of being reassuring and positive with communicating how we are aggressively careful. Please know the conversation about security is constant, our efforts are unceasing, and our vigilance is paramount to me and all of our staff both personally and professionally. I am also a father of two children here each day, and I assure you as Principal that everything we do is to ensure that all students are able to learn and grow as children of God in the safest conditions possible. We do not take this responsibility lightly and will continue to be diligent in all of our actions.
God Bless you all!
Adam Ferguson
Principal
Thank you, SMPO Parents, for the wonderful Welcome Back Mass & Social! Thank you to our Yearbook Team for the beautiful keepsakes! And thank you to all who attended and helped!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-
Click for info & registration on SHINE!
SHINE! is a competitive, elite show choir experience for students in grades 5-8. Priority membership goes to students of St. Michael Parish School.
When are Rehearsals?
Regular Rehearsals: Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:20-3:30pm
Choreography/dress rehearsals will extend to 5pm (approximately 1-2 times/month)
Rehearsal/Performance Season is September 10 through mid-March
When are Performances & Competitions?
Thursday, December 11 Christmas Concert PRELUDE
January 23-24 OR January 30-31 (TBD) Shine’s GOT TALENT workshop and performance (SMS or local)
Friday, Feb. 7 OR 20 Competition TBD
Friday, March 6 Chicagoland Showcase (Arlington Heights IL)
Wednesday, March 18: SHINE! Spring Concert (features SHINE!, SHINE! Jr, Wee SHINE!)
Guest appearance at Senior Citizen Valentine Party for SMS parish community (February)
Grandparents’ Day performance TBA (May)
-
Little Flowers Girls' Club
Click for Registration Form
Calling all girls K-5th grade to join us in this Catholic based club for girls. We will be teaching virtues through learning about the lives of the saints. Our monthly meetings will also include a craft, snacks, and social time. Come join us and help instill a love for the beauty of our Catholic faith in our girls while also making some new friends. Junior high girls, 6th-8th grade, are invited to volunteer as assistants.Meetings will be held on the 3rd Friday of each month from 2:15-3:45 pm in the Faith Center, Room #114. The first meeting is on September 19. Space is limited. Registration deadline is September 12th. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, contact Sarah Puglia at sml06c@gmail.com.
-
THE GAME IS ON… Queen of Hearts 6.0 is live! We’ll be resuming Queen of Hearts on Thursday, September 11th. Jackpot is at $8850. Good luck!
This raffle is 6 tickets/chances for 5 bucks. Get an extra 6 tickets if you spend $20. Weekly drawings at 8:30pm on Thursdays, at 302 in downtown Wheaton. Tickets can be bought at 302, in the school office, or in carline on Thursday mornings. Winner takes 1/2 the pot!
Thank you to everyone for playing and supporting our school! Can’t make it to view the drawing? Tune in to Facebook Live!
Congratulations to all our previous winners!
-
Oktoberfest Celebration is right around the corner!
It's Time to Celebrate Oktoberfest St. Mike's Way
Come enjoy a fun-filled, KID FREE evening with the St. Michael Community, with traditional German fare including brats and pretzels, and of course, plenty of beer! PROST!
(There will also be other alcoholic/non-alcoholic options, and gluten-free food options)
When: Friday, September 26th, 2025
Time: 7:00PM-11:00PM
Where: St. Michael Parish School Parking Lot
Tickets: $50 per couple, $25 single tickets
Purchase Tickets Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetSD4SZlHMukAni-rHNJETaCJXo1hKA5IvcRE_hjqtGvkPYA/viewform?usp=preview
We need volunteers! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EA9AF29AAFAC25-58226920-oktoberfest
Certified Bartenders sign up here to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EA9AF29AAFAC25-58238221-oktoberfest
Please contact Kelsey Anderson kelseyanderson8131@gmail.com or Amy Broaddus amyebroaddus@gmail.com with any questions.
-
School photos are taken by Color Portraits. Students will wear their uniform and attend picture day as a class. If your child attends a preschool class that does not meet on this day, you will receive special instructions from your Preschool teacher.
Click to Download Printable PDF
Color Portraits has a prepay site. Use the school event code from the form: 10033801. Ordering will be closed at Midnight the day of Picture Day to process the orders. If parents missed prepaying they will have a chance to order pictures with their child's Ticket Code. When placing an order after Picture Day with a Ticket Code a shipping fee will be added on and picture packages will be shipped directly to the home. Ticket Codes will be delivered with the bulk picture package order approximately three weeks post Picture Day.
-
Upcoming Event - 9/4 @ 6pm – Information Session @ Wheaton VFW – Meet the pack,
learn the ropes, and enjoy some smores.
For additional questions please reach out to Jason Jaeger @ Jason-
-
See the 2 flyers below to register for St. Michael Elementary or Kindergarten programs. Click the form to go to the online registration - scroll to the correct St. Michael class!
Download Printable flyers here: -
There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the year for SMPS parents, guardians and grandparents to get involved in the school and help with our events. Additional volunteer opportunities will be emailed to the community throughout the year as events get closer. Please remember that all volunteers MUST be Virtus Certified.
Room Parents Sign Up (Grades Preschool - 8th)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EA9AF29AAFAC25-57787139-room
Fun Food Friday Volunteers Sign Up (Grades K - 8th)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EA9AF29AAFAC25-57785966-funfood
Bible Story Lessons Volunteer Sign Up (Grades K - 3rd)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EA9AF29AAFAC25-57787073-bible
💬 Reminder! Order hot lunch! New students will need an ID number to complete the order. For your student’s meal order ID number, log into FACTS and click Resource Documents under School. Scroll down to: My Meal Order 25-26 students.
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY POSTS
-
Are you wanting to build friendships within the community? Are you looking for ways to increase your faith life with other like-minded women? Are you searching for ways to give back?
Come to the St. Michael Women's Faith Group Kickoff Event on Wednesday, September 10th at 7pm for wine and cheese and enjoy a fun Game Night!
-
Fall Admission Event Registration is now open. Go to WWW.SFHSCOLLEGEPREP.ORG/VISIT to register!
———
These events are the perfect opportunity for families to experience the welcoming community, strong academic programs, and unique spirit that define St. Francis High School. No matter where you are in your high school search, these events provide a valuable opportunity to explore all that St. Francis has to offer your child.
Spartan Showcase Series
Parent Essentials Info Night; September 18
Personal Tour Nights; October 21 & November 19
Open House; November 2
Step Up Day (8th grade students); October 10
Rise Up Leadership Conference (8th grade students); November 8
Middle School Nights
Flag Football; September 15
Volleyball; September 25
Football; October 3
Fall Play (performance announcement coming soon!); October 16
Come see for yourself what makes St. Francis a place where students thrive!
Spots fill quickly, so we encourage you to register today!
We look forward to welcoming you this fall!
Sincerely,
Pat Jacobsen
Director of Admissions
-
Young men and women in grades 5-8 are invited to join us for our first-ever co-ed Go Cadets Night!
Your RSVP includes:
free admission for you and your family to the Marmion Cadets vs North Lawndale football game
fun pregame student and family section
games and give-a-ways
food, fun, friends and more!
Bring your friends!
RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/BiqMdUrs3PGn6Uvr8
-
Lions Jrs/1st Alliance Volleyball Club
https://www.1stalliancevbc.net/
-
Wolverine’s LAX now registering FALL 2025
EMAIL JOE@TEAMILLINOISLAX.COM BEFORE 8/31 FOR FREE EQUIPMENT RENTAL FOR ST. MIKE'S STUDENTS
Find NEW announcements and posts added this week by looking for the *
The AGW is an internal newsletter only available to St. Michael families. For privacy, it may not be shared or redistributed in part or whole in any manner without permission.
