Principal's Update 8.8.25
Sarah Casavechia
Hello Families!
As summer winds down, I hope you and your family have had a chance to relax and enjoy some of Chicago’s beautiful weather.
Behind the scenes, a lot has been happening to get ready for what promises to be an incredible school year. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated admin team and maintenance staff, who have been working tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming school year. While our teachers officially return next week, many have already been in, and it’s been wonderful to see the school springing back to life.
Fr. Hank Lyon officially joined our campus on July 1. We’re excited for everyone to meet him! It has been a joy getting to know Fr. Hank, and we look forward to all that lies ahead under his leadership. Thank you to everyone who has already extended such a warm welcome.
This email contains some great information and dates to add to your calendar.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the ice cream social on the 19th.
Mrs. Casavechia
Please Join Me in Welcoming Our New Faculty and Staff!
I’m thrilled to introduce the newest members of our Saint Andrew team! Each of them brings unique talents and experiences that will enrich our community. I hope you’ll take a moment over the next few weeks to get to know them and make them feel at home.
Ms. Laura Strickland – Music Teacher
Ms. Strickland recently relocated from Louisiana and brings her passion for music education to our school. She holds a Master’s in Music Education from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. Welcome, Ms. Strickland!Mrs. Jeanine Pelican – Junior Kindergarten We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Pelican back to our Junior Kindergarten team! Mrs. Pelican is already a familiar face at Saint Andrew, having served as both a substitute and a teacher in the past. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is the proud mother of a Saint Andrew alum. Welcome back, Mrs. Pelican!
Mrs. Alma Calderon – 3rd Grade
Mrs. Calderon is no stranger to Saint Andrew, having completed her student teaching last year with Mrs. McGuire. A graduate of Dominican University, she will be working alongside Mrs. Sara Murray in third grade. We’re so glad you’re staying with us, Mrs. Calderon!Ms. Kathryn Szumski – 5th Grade
Ms. Szumski, a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky, is excited to make Chicago her new home. She will be teaming up with Mrs. St. James in fifth grade. Welcome to Saint Andrew, Ms. Szumski!Ms. Kara Paslaski – 6th Grade
Ms. Paslaski joins our sixth-grade team with several years of teaching experience. She is a proud graduate of Marquette University, and we are excited to have her expertise in our middle school. Welcome, Ms. Paslaski!Ms. Amy Jensen – 8th Grade
Ms. Jensen brings experience from both Catholic and public schools. She will be teaching math and science. A graduate of Lewis University, she will be a wonderful addition to our middle school team. Welcome, Ms. Jensen!
Ms. Nita Gjurgjiali – STEM
Ms. Gjurgjiali has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Illinois and brings a specialized STEM certification to her teaching. She will also be helping us with 8th grade math. We’re excited for the innovative learning experiences she will bring to our students. Welcome, Ms.Gjurgjiali!Mrs. Maria Corral – 1st Grade Teacher Assistant
Mrs. Corral, a graduate of National Louis University, will be supporting our first grade team this year. She lives in the city with her family and is excited to join the Saint Andrew community. Welcome, Mrs. Corral!Mrs. Ewelina Filipek- Preschool Assistant
Mrs. Filipek will be joining Ms. Simone in our PreK classroom. Mrs. Filipek has extensive experience with children and holds a Master’s degree from Andzei Frucz Modrzewski University. Welcome, Mrs. Filipek!Mrs. Gretchen Kren – Communications and Marketing
Mrs. Kren brings an extensive background in communications and a deep love for Catholic schools. A University of Cincinnati graduate and proud mother of three Saint Andrew alumni, she will support our communications and marketing efforts. Welcome, Mrs. Kren!
Playlot Date
Join us on Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 AM for a fun morning at Ackermann Playlot! Come connect with friends—both new and old—as we kick off the school year with community and play. Bonus fun for kids: Face painting!
Before Care
Before Care begins at 7:00 AM for any student who needs supervision before the school day starts. It takes place in the ECE classroom of the Hermitage Building. Please walk your child in for drop-off. This service is free and will begin on August 25.
Extended Day
Our Extended Day program offers convenient and affordable care for Saint Andrew students from the Early Childhood Full-Time Program through sixth grade. It is staffed by Saint Andrew teachers, aides, and other qualified supervisors. All students planning to be part of extended day need an Extended Day Registration Form and Reservation Form completed. Reservations for August and September need to be completed prior to August 22. Extended day for students in ECE-6th grade begins on Monday, August 25.
Lunch Ordering
Lunch service for grades 1-8 begins on August 21. Kindergarten lunch service begins on August 25. Important information on how to order lunches can be found here: Lunch Order. Students are welcome to bring lunch from home as well.
School Supplies
School supply lists are available at School Supply List. If you ordered from 1st Day School Supplies, your child's supplies will be in the classroom when they arrive.
School Volunteering
We love seeing our parents on campus. All parents, please consider completing this important training. All volunteers (field trips, class parties, room parents, lunch helpers, etc…) must successfully complete volunteer training. Most of these do not take long to complete, but all are important to help keep our children safe. It isn’t too early to get started! Volunteer
Volunteer Hours Reporting
Volunteering helps create community. All families are asked to volunteer 15 hours throughout the school year. Many families go above and beyond this requirement! Please report your hours here: Volunteer Reporting Tool. This form can be filled out multiple times.
Note from Mr. Pope
If your 4th-8th grader is playing sports, please complete the PLACT Parent Course and submit your student's health forms as soon as possible.
PLACT Parent Course Instructions:
On the main login screen, click "Use Coupon Code."
Enter your email and create a password.
On the next screen, use the coupon code Parent2025 to waive the fee.
Thank you to all families who have already completed this course.
Required Health Forms: Please send all signed Physical Forms and Concussion Consent Forms to healt...@gosaintandrew.com immediately. Students cannot participate in sports without submitting these.
Fall Sports Updates: Look for communication from our coaches regarding fall sports. The cross country schedule is already posted on the school website, and schedules for volleyball and football are coming soon.
Uniforms
Students will begin wearing uniforms on Thursday, August 21. More information on our uniforms can be found here: SAS School Uniforms,
Used Uniforms – Donate or Shop!
Do you have gently used uniforms to donate? We’ll be accepting donations in the Social Hall on:
August 14 and 15 12:00–2:00 PM
August 18 5:00–6:00 PM
Looking for a gently used uniform? Come shop the Used Uniform Sale in the social hall:
August 19 3:30–5:00 PM
August 20 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Stay tuned for additional shopping dates throughout the school year!
Questions? Want to volunteer? Contact Alissa Leffler at alissa....@gmail.com
SAPO – Get Involved!
Want to be part of the fun? The Saint Andrew Parent Organization (SAPO) is a dedicated volunteer group that helps plan and support the many beloved events and traditions that make our school community so special. It’s a great way to get involved, meet other families, and make a meaningful impact! Interest Form
Lunch Room Volunteers
See the best part of the day by being a lunchroom volunteer! Lunch Duty August - December 2025
Parish Directory
Thank you to those who scheduled their individual and family photography session in June for the new Parish and School Directory! Because of our success during the first sessions, Unique Church Solutions has given us another day of photography sessions for those unable to make the first ones. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, Sept 17th. Times will be announced shortly.
Fall Swing
Save the Date for this year's Fall Swing! Saturday, September 27, 2025. Start getting your foursomes ready for golf and your sitters booked. Golf will begin at 3:00 pm at Sydney Marovitz Golf Course followed by dinner at Mrs. Murphy's Irish Bistro (note, new dinner location). Registration is open!
Running of the Bulldogs
Coming soon- Saint Andrew Parish Running of the Bulldogs 5K! This is a family-friendly event that will take place on Sunday, October 19, at Montrose Beach Harbor. The event will kick off with Sunrise Mass at 8:15am followed by the 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run.
Important Dates: SAS School Calendar
August 15
Last Day to order lunches for August and September Lunch Order
August 19
New Family Reception- New families are invited to meet with our school administration and parent ambassadors in our gym at 2:30pm
All families are invited to see our classrooms and meet our teachers in school from 3:00-3:30pm
Ice cream is served on the Paulina turf lot 3:30-4:00pm
Used uniform sale 3:30- 4:30 in the Social Hall (Hermitage Building)
August 20
First day of school for grades 1-8, doors open at 8am, the tardy bell rings at 8:10am
Noon dismissal, no lunch service
No uniforms
August 21
lunch service begins for grades 1-8
Uniforms for grades 1-8
Full day of school for grades 1-8
ECE (early childhood education- 3s and 4s) parent orientation 9:00am OR 12:00pm in the auditorium (choose your best time)
Kindergarten open house and orientation 10:00-11:00am in the classroom, parents and students (other option is August 22, choose your best day)
August 22
ECE open house 9:00-10:00am OR 12:00-1:00pm; students, parents and caregivers welcome (choose your best time)
Kindergarten orientation and open house 1:00-2:00pm in the classroom, parents and students (other option is August 21, choose your best day)
Extended Day reservations for August and September due Registration and Reservation Form
August 24
- Blessing of the Backpacks 9am Mass
August 25
First Day for Kindergarten and ECE (Early Childhood Education) 5 day, 3 day and half day
First day of extended day
First day of before care
September 1
Labor Day, no school
September 4
Grades 1-8 Parent Orientation 6-8pm
Grades 1-3 presentation in the classrooms 6pm
Grades 4-6 presentation in the classrooms 6:30pm
Grades 7-8 presentation in the auditorium 7pm
September 11
Flag Raising Ceremony- 8:15 on the turf
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