Newsletter, December 2010 1 to Teach, to Educate, to Form

To teach, to educate, to form

EAST LAKE ACADEMY December 2010 NNEWSLETTEEWSLETTERR Virtue of the Month: Vigilance www.eastlakeacademy.org

In This Issue EAST LAKE HAPPENINGS East Lake Happenings 1 ELA Signs Definitive Agreement to Buy Saliba Building 1 East Lake Signs Definitive Agreement To Buy Saliba Building! ―All Summer Long‖ Program 2 Deans Update 2 We are proud to announce that East Lake has signed a definitive agreement Christmas Pageant 3 Apostolic Update 4 to purchase the building next store and close no later than April 1st this spring! What an exciting time. This acquisition provides an ability and path Chicago Youth Program & Teddy‘s Diaper Drive 4 for growth over the next 10 years and the means to accomplish our mission. Making Stockings For Maristella 4 The new building doubles the physical size of East Lake and will enable us to Winchester House 5 serve at least 210 children once complete. Admissions Update 6 Saying Goodby to Mrs. Klebosits 6 Our immediate plan for this summer includes combining both parking lots Classroom News and Views 7 and increasing our parking capacity. In addition, we plan to remodel the Pre-K Corner 7 Saliba facade and improve their landscaping so that it matches our current Catholic School Week 7 facility . The new building will immediately provide extra storage space too. Spanish Heritage Night 7 In the Spotlight 8 Over the next 4 months we will meet with an architect to craft a master Classical Music Program 8 building plan. Our strategy is to expand into the new building per the master East Lake Academy Men‘s Club 8 architectural plan one or two classrooms at a time. If you feel you have skills in this area, we would appreciate your help and advice. Please contact John Calk directly if you can volunteer. Upcoming Events: Please mark your calendars.

 01/24 - Signed Progress Reports returned  01/31 - Catholic School Week 1/31—2/04  02/02 - Annual Fund Ends  02/03 - Scripp‘s Spelling Bee 1:00 p.m.  02/04 - 100th Day of School  02/10 - Winter Open House 7:00 p.m.  02/14 - Valentines Day  02/17 - Progress Reports Distributed  02/18 - No School: Teacher in Service Day  02/21 - No School: Presidents Day  02/22 - No School: Winter Recess (2/22-2/23)  02/24 - School Resumes Signed Progress Reports Returned

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 1 To teach, to educate, to form

East Lake's "All Summer Long" Program DEAN’S UPDATE

Open enrollment for East Lake's expanded summer program begins on February 1st. We teach.

We educate. This year marks our first offering of the program ALL We form. SUMMER LONG! We love. So why is our summer camp better than the rest? Happy New Year to all! A year of new First, we offer fun with your East Lake friends as beginnings and growth! you: I‗ve been blessed with the chance to  Swim witness many changes at East Lake  Play on the Beach Mrs. Rosario Echavez Academy since the school has opened in Dean of Academics  Hike 2001 – our new building, our very own  Create Fun Crafts GYMNASIUM, the birth of our middle school, the first 8th Grade  Go on Interesting Field Trips to: Museums graduating class, our own basketball team, our growing popu- Forest Preserves lation (both families and staff)….the list of blessings can go on The City and on. What a journey it has truly been for me!

We also plan to continue with our fun and exciting And now, as I transition into the role of Dean of Academics, I academic components. This includes: look forward to working more closely with the East Lake Acad-  Robotics emy teachers, students, and families.  Story Writing  Water Works The teachers and I, along with Ms. Haggerty‘s leadership and  Detectives, etc. guidance, will continue to work on carrying out the mission and the vision of the school we have all come to love – the This portion will work the same as last year and will reason why we are all here at East Lake Academy – to form run for six weeks mid-summer. your children in their character, their spiritual life, their academic excellence, and their ability and willingness to give back Lastly, we offer a lot of flexibility. You can enroll to the community, the body of Christ. for:

 The entire summer Thank you for all your support, encouragement and warm  Just a few weeks wishes thus far. May God bless all of you as we continue on  The entire academic program this journey together!  Mornings or afternoons In appreciation of our families, students, and staff, we will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week on the week of January 31 Mrs. Campanella is our program Director. Feel free – February 4. We have many fun and exciting activities in to see her at school with any questions you may have. Our program is fun and better yet, very afford- store for the week!! able.

In Christ, Mrs. Echavez Look for our enrollment emails on February 1st.

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 2 To teach, to educate, to form

Christmas Pageant

We hope you enjoyed the Christmas Pageant production on December 21st. The students worked so hard and it showed! What a great way to remind all of us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Special thanks goes to Dr. Rasgado for accompanying our carolers. Our grat- itude to Mrs. Young, Mrs. Makowski and Mrs. Santangelo for all their help with costumes. Thanks also to Dr. Horcher and Mr. Kowalski for their help with the putting up and taking down the set. Without the endless energy of our parents, putting on this show would not be possible.

The eighth graders did a wonderful job directing the pageant. Congratu- lations to Ryan Kowalski and Eric Elia for their debut musical accompani- ment. What a great way to showcase the talents at East Lake Academy students!

Our teachers spend long hours preparing for the pageant. Thank you to Mrs. Biasco, Mrs. Lagman, Mrs. Kowalski, Miss Sponseller and Miss McCarthy who took part in the planning committee. Christmas Pageant DVD’s are still available in the office.

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 3 To teach, to educate, to form

APOSTOLIC UPDATE Miss Haggerty

Chicago Youth Program & Teddy’s Diaper Drive

On the apostolic front, in January and February students will be gathering various items for 2 special causes. First, we are looking for donations of used children’s books that will be given to the Chicago Youth Program (run by ELA parent, Dr. Joseph DiCara).

Second, donations of baby diapers and pull-ups are being accepted as part of the ―Teddy‘s Diaper Drive‖ program (sponsored by ELA parents Elizabeth and Tom Simutis). This projects will run simultaneously from January 24th through February 4th. Please show your support by bringing your donations to the homeroom teachers.

Making Stockings for Maristella

As one of the all school apostolic projects for December, students participated in making stockings for Maristella. Mar- istella is a ministry of service to homeless women and mothers in Lake County, Illinois.

Students from Pre K 3 through 8th grade participated in this project by bringing in various items for the stockings, dec- orating them and stuffing the stockings with the goodies.

The 8th grade had the special honor of delivering the stockings. The 8th grade class was accompanied by Mrs. Fuller and Mrs. Wojcik and as a special treat, stopped for lunch on the way back to school. The 7 students represented us well. As a community, East Lake Academy was able to bring over sixty stockings and lots of goodies to share with the needy. The stockings were to be presented to the children in need at the annual Maristella Christmas Party. The women at Maristella were very happy to see us and overwhelmed by our generosity!

Maristella is located at 1010 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville. You can learn more about this beautiful mission at www.maristella.org.

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 4 To teach, to educate, to form

Winchester House

On December 7th, the Kindergarten students along with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th graders visited a local assisted living cen- ter, the Winchester House.

Our students prayed the rosary with residents there as well as sang Christmas carols.

Students in the middle school made beautiful table centerpieces that were brought along to help spread the joyful spirit of season. The residents were so moved by the visit that many invited our students to please come back soon. ELA students greeted everyone they met with a smile, a handshake or even a hug.

Our students asked the residents their names and promised to pray for each one of them. It was a really moving experience for all involved. One woman said, “This is the best visit I have received all year”! The Apostolic committee hopes to plan another visit for ELA students to the Winchester House in the spring semester.

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 5 To teach, to educate, to form

ADMISSIONS UPDATE Saying “See you later…” to Mrs. Klebosits

Happy New Year to the families and Mrs. Noel Klebosits, the founding Principal of East Lake Academy was bombarded with much love on friends of East Lake Academy! th her last day of work Wednesday, December 15 . January brings so many graces and cer- tainly the Admissions office has been Father Matthew offered the all school Mass for blessed with many inquiries, visitors, appli- Mrs. Klebosits‘ intentions. Mr. Klebosits surprised cations and evaluations. Since East Lake his wife by attending the Mass. All the school has open enrollment, we welcome children made beautiful cards and each student Prithika Loganathan to Miss was able to present the card to her along with a Mrs. Elizabeth Simutis hug. Sponseller’s Kindergarten class. Prithi- Director of Admissions ka began her East Lake career on January 3rd. Mrs. Klebosits made it clear that she was not saying goodbye, but merely ‗see you later‘! She In addition, East Lake has already admitted and welcomes seven promised she would be back for her monthly ap- students for next fall. pointments with Fr. Matthew as well as bringing in Baby Klebositis as soon as he or she arrives! We have two Parish visits coming up in honor of Catholic Schools Week. East Lake Academy will visit: Although it has only been a month since her de- parture, Mrs. Klebosits has been truly St. Mary of Vernon, Vernon Hills on January 29th, 30th and th th missed. St. Patrick‘s, Lake Forest on February 5 , 6 . East Lake Academy was very blessed to have Mrs. Parish visits are an effective way for us to get the word out about Klebosits at the helm for so long. She was a our mission. Participation from our families is valuable. Before and strong leader who put many wonderful systems after all weekend masses ELA families with their children in uniform into place. I am thankful for her generous spirit, hand out brochures and answer questions about our school. I kindly willingness to lead and her heart, constantly open ask all our families to choose a mass to attend on either weekend in to what God wants of her! support of our school. I have been inspired by the example she has set It is never too early to visit East Lake for a tour. I encourage any- forth and I pray that God grant me all the neces- one who is interested in our mission to come meet our dedicated sary graces to continue on the same path. staff and students and experience the East Lake accelerated curriculum infused with Roman Catholic faith, character and apostolic formation. Another great way to see how East Lake Academy dif- In Christ, ferentiates itself from other area schools is to attend the EAST LAKE ACADEMY - WINTER OPEN HOUSE for Pre K – Grade 8 th Miss Haggerty on February 10 at 7:00 PM. Prospective parents will hear presentations from Mr. Calk our Founder and President, the Staff and Admissions. Parents will also be able to visit the classrooms to speak with the teachers directly about the curriculum. Please tell your friends not to miss this informative event.

I keep all the friends and families of East Lake Academy faithfully in my prayers.

Yours in Christ, Elizabeth Simutis

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 6 To teach, to educate, to form

CLASSROOM NEWS & VIEWS

Pre-K Corner

Throughout the month of December, pre-k 4 has traveled around the world learning about the Christmas traditions in other countries.

First they looked at maps and each child made a paper mache globe. As a new country was introduced students located it on the globe and colored the flag of the country.

Through literature like Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, The Legend of the Poinsettia and The Wild Christmas Reindeer, students learned about each country‘s Christmas traditions.

Finally, students created a craft, to remind them of the country and its tradition.

Catholic Schools Week Spanish Heritage Night

 Monday, January 31st – Parent Appreciation (more details to On Tuesday, February 1, 2011 East come) Lake Academy will celebrate Spanish Her- itage for grades 4-8.  Tuesday, February 1st – Teacher Appreciation: Teacher Swap Songs, skits and poetry recitations are on  Wednesday, February 2nd – Faith Appreciation: All School Mass the horizon for an evening of fun! The at East Lake Academy and All-Student Picnic and Fun Fair activities will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by refreshments.  Thursday, February 3rd – Student Appreciation: Ice Cream So- cial, Pack the Place Basketball Night Game: ELA vs. St. Anastasia Please join us for this fun-filled activity during Catholic Schools Week!  Friday, February 4th – School Appreciation: 100th Day of School and Morning Closing Ceremony/Assembly  Not to worry, grades Pre-K3- 3 will  Saturday and Sunday, February 5th and 6th – Mass at St. Pat- celebrate their Spanish Heritage in the rick‘s in Lake Forest with East Lake Academy families and students Spring!

Please be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks. Until then, have a great new year!!

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 7 To teach, to educate, to form

Our Mission The specific mission of East Lake Academy is summa- IN THE SPOTLIGHT rized in the motto, Integer Homo (Latin for "the whole man"); that is, providing its students with an integral formation. Our educational program consists of three essential elements: teaching, educating, forming. Classical Music Program To teach means to provide the student with the intellectual capabilities, content and skills needed to respond Our Music Program is advancing beautifully. Students are learning to to the demands of today's society. read music classically and are practicing diligently. To educate means to train the student in the habit of intellectual rigor, structured reasoning, and in the appre- One of the goals of the Classical Music Program is for every student to ciation of beauty; it means to cultivate sensitivity, memory, imagination; and finally, to develop the art of have the ability to play at the professional level if they so choose. The communication and the ability to express oneself clear- first step in that process is to have opportunities to perform publicly. ly and elegantly.

To form is to lead the student to become a person for Recently, ELA music students entertained their fellow students, parents, others, with an upright ethical code, sensitivity toward and faculty at their first ever East Lake Academy piano recital. The re- the needs of others- especially the most disadvantaged cital was held at the Young Artists Institute at the former Fort Sheridan. - and an openness to human and spiritual values. . Parents and teachers were very proud of all of the students, and they In this way students are prepared not just for profes- have seen great progress since the program started at the beginning of sional success, but also for their self-realization as per- sons and authentic Christians in the various facets of the year. their personal and professional lives. .

East Lake Academy Men’s Club Administration Mr. John T. Calk President Miss Jennifer Haggerty Principal Mrs. Rosario Echavez Dean of Academics Mrs. Elizabeth Simutis Admissions Director Mrs. Allison Walsh Director of Development Mrs. Anne O’Donovan Administrative Assistant Mrs. Kathleen Calk Parent Association Fr. Matthew Kaderabek Chaplain

Faculty Mrs. Rosario Echavez PK-3 Mrs. Barbara Campanella PK-4 Miss Mary Sponseller Kindergarten Mrs. Geraldine Lagman 1st Grade Miss Carolyn Munda 2nd Grade Miss Elizabeth Friers 3rd Grade Mrs. Julie Biasco 4th Grade Mr. Matthew Nuccio 5th Grade & Grade 4th Spanish Miss Sarah Kinzler 6th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Language Arts & Math Mr. John Stack 7th Grade Homeroom, Middle School History, Geography & Math Mrs. Loredana Fuller 8th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Science & Math Ms. Marianela Gonzalez Spanish Miss Katie McCarthy Art & After-Care Director Mrs. Julie Handrich PK-4 Assistant & Gym Mrs. Maureen Kowalski PK-3 Assistant

East Lake Academy 13911 W. Laurel Dr. / Lake Forest, IL 60045 (847) 247-0035 www.eastlakeacademy.org

We welcome your comments, questions and sug- gestions regarding this newsletter: [email protected]

East Lake Academy Newsletter, December 2010 8