AGW 9/5
Dear Lancer Families,
We’ve had another GREAT week here at school, blessed with beautiful weather that allowed our students to enjoy fresh air and outdoor time.
Today was Safety Drill Day, where we practiced our Severe Weather, Fire, and ALICE safety drills, as well as Bus Evacuations. I am so proud of our students—they listened carefully, followed directions, and took each drill seriously. These moments of practice are important in helping us ensure that everyone knows what to do to stay safe, and our students did a fantastic job.
We’ve been experiencing some plumbing issues the past week. After exhausting all efforts, our plumbers and Buildings & Grounds Team has determined that we will have to replace a section of pipe within the building just outside the Main Office. We will reroute student traffic within the building away from this area so the work can be completed in a timely manner. We hope to have full bathroom usage restored very soon.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a safe and joyful learning environment.
Make it a great day, Lancers!
Adam Ferguson
Principal
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Saint Michael School’s Lancer Band program, in partnership with Suburban Music
Saint Michael students in grades 4-8 are invited to participate in the Lancer Band, our popular after-school band program. Lancer Band will meet after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the music room for 45-minute rehearsals.
Two levels of Lancer Band are available, based on grade/experience. The Cadet (beginner) Band is available for first-time students from 4th, 5th, or 6th grades. The Symphonic Band will be composed of students who have at least one year or more of experience from 5th through 8th grades.
Teacher
Lancer Band program will be under the direction of Paul Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Elmhurst University. Paul studied voice and classical guitar at Elmhurst, and became a member of Theta Alpha Phi, national theatre honor fraternity. Mr. Rodriguez began his musical studies on trumpet at the age of 9, and spent his formative years studying voice, trumpet, piano, and guitar. Paul has over 25 years of teaching experience in private lessons, classrooms, and small ensembles. Paul started a guitar ensemble at Queen of Angels Catholic School in Chicago, and founded “Mariachi Monarca de DuPage” in Wheaton, in partnership with a local non-profit organization. Mr. Rodriguez has been teaching private music lessons for over 25 years. As of 2012, he is the owner of Suburban Music, Wheaton’s full-service music center, located at 210 W. Front Street in beautiful Downtown Wheaton, known for its focus on high-quality music education, retail, rental of band and orchestra instruments, and professional repairs. In addition to the Lancer Band, Mr. R. also teaches classroom ukulele at St. Michael School in Wheaton. Paul Rodriguez is a member of the Illinois Music Educators Association.
Curriculum
The Lancer Band program features a comprehensive curriculum, utilizing sequential material as well as performance-based goals, which will prepare students for performances, auditions, and competitions. “Essential Elements” series method books will cover basic playing skills for each instrument, introducing students to note-reading and playing scales, rhythms, and songs. Essential Elements method books will be supplemented with rewarding level-appropriate songs, which will be performed in concert throughout the year. “Winning Rhythms” is a supplementary book, teaching various rhythm studies, which will help improve reading and technical abilities. Mr. Rodriguez will also supplement method books with songs and studies, as well as custom arrangements for the band.
Tuition
Tuition for the Lancer Band program is $800.00 for the school year, payable in advance to Suburban Music. Tuition may be divided into 8 equal monthly payments of $100/mo, due before the 1st of each month (October through May). This tuition fee covers sectional rehearsals, full band rehearsals, performance fees, and purchasing licensed performance materials. Other required materials, books, instruments, and accessories are not included in the tuition price, but will be available at a discounted rate from Suburban Music. Tuition fees will be payable by cash, Zelle, or Autopay with a card on file or bank draft.
Discounts Available
Save 10% off tuition by paying $720 in full by September 15th. Additional children from the same family save 15% off tuition fees ($85/monthly or $612 when paid in full by 9/15). Books & accessories are available to Lancer Band members for 15% off at Suburban Music. Private lessons at Suburban Music are a great deal for Lancer Band members, at a rate of $20/lesson (Normal rate of $40).
Enroll
Sign up with our enrollment form at www.SuburbanMusicWheaton.com/LancerBandRehearsals Lancer Band members will meet after school at St. Michael School in the Music Room. Each band will rehearse twice each week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as follows: Cadet Band 2:15pm-3pm, Symphonic Band 3pm-3:45pm.
Performances
Two performances at Saint Michael School: Christmas Concert and Spring Concert: Dates/Time TBD.
Instrument Try-Out
Want to join the band, but not sure about which instrument to play? Students and Parents are invited to RSVP to attend an Instrument Try-Out Event at Suburban Music. Students will be able to briefly try up to 3 of the following instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Snare Drum, Keyed Percussion (Bells).
Please RSVP to SuburbanMusicWheaton@gmail.com and confirm 1) which instruments you are interested in trying, and 2) what day/time you would like to attend our Instrument Try-Out Event, Schedule follows:
Thursday 9/4:
3pm-4pm
4pm-5pm
5pm-6pm
Friday 9/5:
3pm-4pm
4pm-5pm
Saturday 9/6:
11am-12pm
12pm-1pm
Rentals Available
Suburban Music offers affordable, high-quality, name-brand instruments from Veritas Instrument Rentals (VIR), starting at $33 per month, including insurance, maintenance, cleaning, repairs for most instruments. If students already own an instrument, Suburban Music offers the same professional repairs, maintenance, and cleaning at great prices with a quick turnaround, which is free to our VIR renters.
Rent your band instrument through VIR
To rent your instrument from Suburban Music’s preferred partner, please visit www.RentFromHome.com, then enter code: “suburban”.
Band instruments should be ordered by September 8th to ensure arrival before the first rehearsal.
Private Lessons Available
In the interest of a successful band program, private lessons are highly encouraged. For this reason, Suburban Music is happy to offer a special discounted rate (available to Saint Michael Lancer Band members only) of $20 per 30-minute lesson at Suburban Music with any of our talented staff on any instrument. Suburban Music recently won the “Best of Wheaton” Award for Arts Education Business. All teachers hold a Degree in Music and have years of teaching experience.
Students may arrange private lessons with Suburban Music directly by enrolling online at
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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)
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What is Queen of Hearts?
Queen of Hearts is a progressive 50/50 raffle. 50% of the proceeds go towards St. Michael Parish School and 50% will go to the winner.
How do I purchase tickets?
Each week tickets are sold in the carline on Thursday or can be purchased at any time during the week at 302 Wheaton. Tickets are sold in strips of 6 for $5.00. If you spend $20 we give you a bonus strip of tickets.
What do I write on the tickets?
On each ticket you write your last name and the card number (1-54) where you think the Queen is hiding. This is where a name stamper comes in handy. If you purchase tickets through the carline we will write your tickets out for you.
How do you win?Each week, we pull one ticket at the drawing. The person whose name is on the ticket is a potential winner. It all depends on the number they have chosen. Only when the Queen of Hearts face card is shown that person is the winner. Each week a ticket is drawn that card number is no longer available.
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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.
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SMPS Lancers for Life Pro-Life Club (click to view flyer/invitation)
Dear 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Parents,
The SMPS Lancers for Life Pro-Life Club is a largely activity-based club for 6th-8th grade students aimed at fostering a culture of respect for the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. Students participate in activities such as chalking the sidewalk outside St. Michael School with life-affirming messages, creating posters for Respect Life month in October, participating in a spiritual adoption prayer campaign, creating cards for the elderly and lonely, visiting senior assisted living homes, earning several Faith In Action hours, and much more. In addition to activities, the following topics are discussed briefly throughout the year in an age-appropriate manner: fetal development, healthy friendships, downs syndrome, our Illinois laws, the importance of crisis pregnancy centers such as Waterleaf, and how to share our Catholic beliefs on life issues.
Club meetings take place before school from 7:00-7:25am on the first and third Wednesday of the month in the Lavin Learning Center Library. If you think your child may be interested, we will be holding a general interest/kick-off meeting for students on Wednesday, September 17th from 7:00-7:25am in the Lavin Learning Center school library. There will be flyers posted around school and classrooms alerting students. There is also a signup link through signup genius below. Please sign up your child on the link below so that I will be able to easily e-mail those interested with more information about the club’s activities throughout the year.
The club will be moderated by parent volunteer, Gina Carroll, and student-led by our 8th grade club members. If you have any questions or are interested in helping, please contact Gina Carroll at sjsginacarroll@yahoo.com. Please see the attached flyer about our kick-off meeting and our meeting dates for the school year.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FACAC2DA13-58351528-lancers
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St. Michael’s Chess Team
Elite Chess is excited to offer a comprehensive chess program that will inspire and challenge St. Michael Parish School students. The chess team is open to 1st–8th graders, whether they are complete beginners or experienced tournament players.
Registration Link:
Program Details:
Instructor: Jeff DiOrio, Owner of Elite Chess
Schedule: Thursdays, September 18 – December 18 (no class on October 9 & November 27)
Time: 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.
Location: Jr. High Science Wing
Capacity: 48 students this fall
Benefits: 50% discount on all Elite Chess tournaments
Awards: Trophies for top 3 students in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced groups
Fee: $167 (includes 12 classes and a chess team item)
For questions, please contact:
Brian Gray – brianandmichellegray@gmail.com
Jeff DiOrio – elitechess@gmail.com
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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.
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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.
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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:
💬 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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Book Club (view flyer/invitation here)
T H E S C R E W TA P E L E T T E R S B Y C . S . L E W I S
This fall, the WFG book club will read and discuss The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. For all women of the school and parish. Children and non-readers welcome - please join us!
9:30 a m - 10:30 a m • Faith Center RM 11 4
Friday, September 19th - Preface & Chapters 1-6
Friday, October 3rd - Chapters 7 - 1 2
Friday, October 17th - Chapters 13-18
Friday, November 14th - Chapters 19-24
Friday, December 12th - Chapters 25-31
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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!
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Fall Admission Event Registration is now open. Go to WWW.SFHSCOLLEGEPREP.ORG/VISIT to register!
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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
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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
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Lions Jrs/1st Alliance Volleyball Club
https://www.1stalliancevbc.net/
Find NEW announcements and posts added this week by looking for the *
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