AGW 11/13
Dear Lancer Families,
At the All School Mass this past week, we welcomed back Fr. Sunny from his Pilgrimage to Rome. He shared a little about seeing Pope Leo and receiving a Papal Blessing from the Holy Father for St. Michael Church.
In this week’s Gospel, we heard the story of the ten lepers who called out to Jesus for healing. They approached Him together, united in their need and hope. Their healing came as a community, and it was only when one returned in gratitude that Jesus reminded us of the power of faith lived out in relationship. Fr. Sunny reminded our students that we are always stronger when we walk together…supporting, encouraging, and lifting one another up in faith. Just as the lepers found healing when they cried out as one, we too experience God’s grace more fully when we come together as a community of believers. May this Gospel inspire us to give thanks and to lean on one another as we grow in faith, love, and service.
UPDATE FROM FACTs: about Family Portal and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for access
As part of an ongoing commitment to keeping our school community safe, FACTs is introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for access to FACTs Family Portal. Additionally, they will be enhancing security measures around user accounts. Please read below, as these changes will take effect next week, on November 19th, 2025.
Here’s what you need to know:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
Parents accessing the FACTs Family Portal will be prompted to set up MFA, once it is enabled.
Centralized Authentication System:
With this update, a single user account can be used across all core FACTS products, simplifying access for families and staff.
For example, families will now be able to use the same credentials to access the FACTs Family Portal and apply for financial aid.
Usernames need to be unique across FACTS. The first time you log in after the update, you may be asked to update your username.
Updated Password Requirements:
Passwords will be streamlined across all FACTS products and will no longer have an expiration date.
Schools will no longer create or update passwords for staff or parents; users will manage their own passwords directly.
Schools will have the ability to send the password reset email on behalf of the parent or staff individual.
Make it a great day, Lancers!
Adam Ferguson
Principal
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Dear Lancer Families,
We are launching a Food Drive to support the Compassionate Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in Jamaica, whose convent and mission were recently destroyed by a devastating hurricane. Sister Rita and Sister Melissa, dear friends of Fr. Sunny, have reached out for our help as they work to rebuild and care for those affected in their community.
We invite all families to join us in this important act of compassion. Donations will be collected at St. Michael Parish School from November 17–19.
Please see the attached flyer for details on specific items that are most needed. Every contribution—big or small—will make a difference in bringing relief and hope to our brothers and sisters in need.
Thank you for your generosity and prayers.
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Spirit Wear Christmas Shop is open until November 21, so get those orders in now! Due to busy production times, we will only be keeping this shop open for a short period of time to collect and produce in time for distribution before Christmas break. We have a lot of fun, new designs to check out: https://smps.logoshop.com/
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Donuts with Santa is December 6! Santa will be available for a photo, as well as donuts, crafts, games and fun! Reserve your spot today! Tickets are $10 per family. Ticket sales will close 12/2 for the final donut count, so make sure to buy your ticket here: https://forms.gle/Gog9bX5JcYzyciaT6
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The 14th Annual Lion’s Charities Reindeer Run is Saturday, December 6 at 8:30 AM. If you enter code: MICHAEL25, you’ll receive a $5 discount and SMPS will receive $5! Win/Win! You can register here: https://wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/reindeerrun/ (Don’t forget to stop by SMPS for Donuts with Santa after the run!)
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St. Michael Family Night at the Chicago Wolveshockey game is January 17 at 7 PM. Everyone will receive a free Chicago Wolves hat and we’ll all be seated together. Our school name will also be on the LED boards during the game! Ticket orders are due December 15! Order form attached.
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One of our Lancer Alumns (Madeline Zeller & recently crowned Miss Illinois) is hosting a fundraiser here at St. Michael (a delicious one!)
Support the YWCA & enjoy delicious homemade cookies! Prices range $1-$2, cash only. Purchases can be made during lunch periods!
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Ho! Ho! Ho!
Santa’s Secret Shop is returning to St. Mikes!
Children in kindergarten - 5th grade are invited to participate in the upcoming “Santa’s Secret Shop” on Friday, December 5th during the school day. There will be a large variety of gifts in different price ranges to choose from. Parent volunteers and for our K-2 students, their buddies!, will help the children pick that perfect gift for the price they want. Imagine the fun the kids will have surprising a loved one with a “secret” gift they bought all by themselves! Please keep in mind when making your list of who to shop for that each class will have 20 minutes to shop, purchase, and have their gifts wrapped. The majority of gifts range from $1-$7 with some higher end options up to $20.
A “money control” envelope will be sent home next week so you can help them decide who they should buy gifts for and how much they should spend. You can even suggest ways that your child can earn extra money. Please have your children bring the envelopes back to school on shopping day - December 5th!
A credit card option is offered in addition to cash or check. You may go onto the website www.funhgs.com or scan the QR code on the envelope and pay ahead. Any balance will be returned in cash, not locked into an account for future use. If you choose this option, please put the amount prepaid on the envelope so the child knows their budget, and be mindful the purchased amount does not include their service fee.
This event creates wonderful memories for the children while teaching them to budget their money and make their own decisions. Any questions? Contact one of the committee elves.
Thank you!Santa’s Secret Workshop Committee
Cheryl Cassidy and Jackey Kerger
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Dear Current St. Michael Families,
A spot has already been reserved for your returning Lancer!
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If you have a NEW student to enroll for next year you must open a NEW application AND complete the P/K Preference Form (2 steps):
Applications Opened on 11/1/2025: Enter your NEW student through thisFACTS application. The system will “recognize” your login and current student(s) because you already have an account. Please use the same email you use for Family Portal so it doesn’t create a duplicate account. After you log in and go under “Application,” it will give you a button at the bottom of the page to click labeled “Create a New Student Application.” You only need to add your NEW student, since your current student is already in the FACTS system. [Due by December 15at the latest so we can guarantee space for your new Lancer.]
P/K Preference Form Is Open Now: If your NEW student is entering Preschool or Kindergarten, please also fill out this P/K Preference Form[due by December 15at the latest to guarantee preference]. If your NEW student is not entering P or K, please skip this step.
If you have a RETURNING student who will be a Preschooler or Kindergartener next year:
Please fill out this P/K Preference Form for each 2026-2027 Preschool or Kindergarten student [due by December 15 at the latest].
If you have NO new students and NO Preschooler or Kindergartener for 2026-2027, and your returning student(s) is in Grades 1-8* there are no requirements at this time!
💬 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
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You’re invited to “a family-friendly holiday event taking place on December 6th at Two Chefs Restaurant in Bensenville, featuring dinner, a live mystery show, and activities for guests.”
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St. Michael families are planning a ski weekend…and you’re invited!
Click to view the flyer with info & sign-up link.
*Important Note: this event is not a school or parish sponsored event - just families connecting through the community, planning this event together!
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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS (graphics attached) – Registration is open for all events!
FUTURE SPARTAN SHADOW DAYS at SFHS – 8th grade students see classes with a student host, have lunch, and experience college prep with a Franciscan spirit.
Select days, Monday-Friday
SPARTAN SHOWCASE: PERSONAL TOUR NIGHTS - Personal Tour Nights are designed with your family in mind. These personal tours offer a flexible, small-group opportunity to explore our campus and learn how SFHS can support your student's growth in faith, learning, leadership, and service.
Tuesday, October 21; 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 19; 6:00 p.m.
SPARTAN SHOWCASE: OPEN HOUSE – Our most comprehensive visit event!
Sunday, November 2; 1:00 p.m.
STEP UP DAY (8th grade only) - Eighth graders will spend a half day exploring mini classes filled with demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and interactive activities.
Friday, October 10; 8:00 a.m.
RISE UP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (8th grade only) - Rise Up is an opportunity for all current 8th grade students to participate in a day of leadership, teamwork, character building, and service run by the National Honor Society. St. Francis High School’s National Honor Society members guide current 8th grade students through activities and workshops that prepare them for high school and beyond.
Saturday, November 8; 10:00 a.m.
FALL MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHTS – Come cheer on the Spartans! Free admission for grade school students with your pre-registration.
Fall Play – “A Voice in the Dark: A Salem Story”: Thursday, October 16; 7:30 p.m.
Register for events at https://www.sfhscollegeprep.org/admissions/visit-st-francis-high-school
St. Francis High School, a co-educational Catholic institution in Wheaton, Illinois, is dedicated to college preparation and has been fostering students' spiritual, academic, physical, and social growth for over 65 years.
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Upcoming Events
SHADOW DAYS:
A Shadow Day gives 7th and 8th graders the opportunity to immerse themselves in a traditional school day and learn why every day is a great day to be a Redwing!
Tuesdays & Thursdays - beginning in October
8:00 AM - 2:15 PMBAGELS AT BENET:
Parents, please join us for coffee and conversation about Benet with our Director of Admissions, Matt Grigas, our Manager of Admissions, Kelsey Peceniak, and several other faculty members, counselors, administrators, and students.
Select Wednesdays October - April
8:00 AM - 10:00 AMSTEP-UP DAYS:
Designed specifically for 7th and 8th graders, a Step-Up Day is a half-day where future Redwings experience what it will be like to "step-up" to 9th grade as an athlete, artist, and faith-centered student.
Friday, October 10; 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, November 11; 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Optional HSPT Prep Workshop: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PMOPEN HOUSE:
An opportunity for the whole family to meet our faculty, staff, coaches, students, and other members of the Benet community while learning how Benet fosters the on-going religious, intellectual, and social development of its students.
Sunday, October 19; 1:00 PM - 3:00 PMPRACTICE ENTRANCE EXAM:
Created to reduce anxiety and provide meaningful feedback prior to the Entrance Exam, our practice test stimulates the full Entrance Exam for your child while giving them practical experience to help them find even greater success on the exam in December.
Saturday, November 8; 8:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Find NEW announcements and posts added this week by looking for the *
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