Dear Parents and Students,

We’re kicking off another school year full of learning and adventures! We wish everyone lots of joy, success, and great teamwork. Below you’ll find some important info to get us started.

Snacks & Lunch

Please make sure every child brings a lunch or a snack from home. While kids can buy small snacks (like chips) during breaks, we strongly encourage packing food from home.
➡️ Fridays are especially busy, and kids tend to get really hungry!

Bake Sale – How You Can Help

Families who would like to bake and donate goodies (cupcakes, donuts, cookies, etc.) for our bake sale—please contact us at: zarzad@polschool.com Funds raised will go toward:

• contest prizes,

• DJ fees for the carnival party.

Families also have the option to run their own bake sale—in that case, all profits stay with the family. In the past, families used this to help cover field trip costs or school fees.

‍‍‍ Parent Duty Shifts

Just a reminder: every family is expected to sign up for at least one parent duty shift during the year. You can reserve a spot here:
Parent Duty Sign-Up

Field Trip

October 11, 2025 — grades 5–11 will head to the Copernicus Center for the play “History Up Close”.
The cost is $25. Students will bring home permission slips—please sign and return them by the deadline.

Student of the Month

This year we’re launching a new initiative—“Student of the Month.” Each teacher will nominate one student every month who stands out for:

• strong attendance,
• keeping up with homework,
• active participation,
• helpfulness toward classmates.

One winner will be randomly selected each month, and yes—there’s a prize!

School T-Shirts

School t-shirts ordered during registration will be handed out this week or next.

Extra-curricular activities – join us for a free trial!

Students interested in trying out Polanie (folk dance) or art classes are welcome to join a trial session this or next week.

Polanie – Saturdays, 1:00–3:30 pm
Art classes – Saturdays, 12:45–1:45 pm

Don’t miss the chance to join in and try something new!

Thanks so much for your support and involvement!
School Board

Dear Parents and Students!

It is my pleasure to welcome all students of the Polish School of St. John Paul II to the new 2025-26 school year. Below you will find some essential information:

1. Class Schedule

2. Student Drop-off and Pick-up:

The rules for student drop-off and pick-up will remain the same as in previous years. Students in grades IV–XI will enter independently through the main entrance. Younger classes and preschool, during the first two weeks of classes, will meet 15 minutes before the start of lessons in the church yard (5:45 PM Friday; 9:45 AM Saturday). Each teacher will have a sign with their name and class number. At the start of lessons, children will go to their classrooms with their teacher and assistant. After classes (8:45 PM – Friday; 12:45 PM – Saturday) children will be brought back to the meeting place.

Starting from the third week, children should be brought to the main school entrance, where teachers will be waiting in the hallway.

For the safety of all students, during the first three weeks it will not be possible to drive children directly to the entrance doors. Starting in October, students may be dropped off at the doors through which they enter the school.

After classes, driving up to the school building will not be possible. The road will be closed, and teachers from Preschool through Grade 6 will escort students outside the school building.

3. School Textbooks (Materials)

Students registered in our school before September 1 will receive their textbooks during the first classes. Students registered on the first day of school will receive textbooks the following week.

4. Closing of the School Building During Classes

For the safety of our students, teachers, and board members, the school will remain locked during classes. Students are not allowed to leave the building on their own. In case of need, please contact the teacher (by phone, text message, or written note) or pick up your child in person. This applies to all students from preschool through the last high school class.

5. Parent School Duties

Just like last year, Parent School Duties will be in effect this school year. Each family is required to help once during the school year by supervising, which includes monitoring student behavior in the hallways and overseeing the cafeteria. Families who cannot attend on their assigned date must pay a fee of $50 for absence (or find a replacement). If no notification is given, the fee for not showing up will be $70. We also remind you that the duty date can be rescheduled (we understand plans may change).
Please choose a convenient date that fits your schedule and sign up for duty.

Parents’ Duty

We sincerely thank you for your cooperation and involvement!

6. Religion Classes

Children who attend religion classes remain in the same classrooms for Polish school lessons.

See you soon!

Halina Szyrzyna
School Principal

Download the 2025/2026 school calendar

Important Information and Upcoming Events

May 3rd Parade in Chicago

This year we warmly encourage all students to participate in the May 3rd Parade in Chicago, which will take place on Saturday, May 3.
We will meet in front of the school at 9:00 AM, with a planned return around 1:30 PM.
Younger children may participate in the parade only if accompanied by an adult.
To help with identification in the crowd, we ask students to wear school T-shirts. Shirts ($15) and sweatshirts ($30) can be purchased during school hours or right before departure.

Oral Exams for Seniors: (May 3 at 6:00 PM; May 4 at 10:00 AM)

Our seniors are approaching their final oral exams, and we want to express our full support and confidence in your abilities. This is an important milestone, and we know how hard you’ve worked to get here.

Good luck! We are proud of you and look forward to celebrating your success.

Special End-of-Year Events

End-of-Year Mass (May 4 at 2:00 PM)

Join us on May 4 at 2:00 PM for a special Mass for 8th and 11th-grade graduates at St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Lemont. This ceremonial Mass marks a significant milestone in our students’ lives as they start new life chapters.

Graduation Ball for Seniors and Their Families:

Seniors and their families will celebrate their achievements at the Graduation Ball at Crystal Grand Banquet Hall on May 4 at 5:00 PM.

Graduation Brunch for 8th Graders and Their Families:

Our 8th graders and their families will celebrate the completion of elementary school and the beginning of their high school journey. A special brunch will be held at Crystal Grand on May 11 at 11:00 AM.
Enjoy the meal and celebrate the years spent together.

End of the School Year

The final school days are May 16 and 17. We invite all families to join us for the Dance Group “POLANIE” performance on Friday at 7:00 PM and Saturday at 11:00 AM.

What’s Been Happening Lately?

A Sweet Treat to Celebrate the End of the Eco-Art Contest

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Incredible Parents!

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all the parents who volunteered for classroom duty this school year or helped on their own initiative to keep things running smoothly during lessons and special events, fairs, and other school initiatives.
Thanks to your support, the school board’s work was much easier this year, teachers could count on extra help, and children were able to learn in a safe and welcoming environment.

Enrollment for the 2025/26 School Year

To enroll for the 2025–26 school year, please complete the registration form. The registration fee is $300 per family and is due at the time of registration. This fee is included in the tuition. More information is available at https://polschool.com/zapisy/

Important Announcements & Upcoming Events

Heads Up! Friday Classes in April:

The first weekend of April, Friday classes will be held on Thursday, April 3rd. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation. We still need volunteers for duty this week. We know it’s an unusual schedule, but maybe someone who hasn’t signed up yet is available.

Sign Up for Duty

Cap & Gown Photo Session

On April 11 & 12, 8th and 11th-grade students will take their cap and gown photos – a special keepsake marking this milestone in their education.

Spring Contest

On April 11 & 12, we will also have a Recycling Contest Exhibition and voting for the best projects. On April 25 & 26, we’ll announce the contest winners.

Why Take the Matura Exam? Special Guest!

Artur Głogowski, one of our school’s alumni, who graduated with our first Matura class, will visit to talk to 8th graders and share his experiences.

May 3rd Parade – Sign Up!

Join us for the May 3rd Parade in Chicago! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an important moment in Polish history and show our pride.

This year, our school has reserved two buses, but seats are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible.
Note: Students in grades PK–4 may participate only with a parent or another adult guardian.

Use the link below to register:

We’re excited to celebrate with you all!

Enrollment for the 2024/25 School Year

We will open enrollment for the new school year as soon as we confirm textbook prices. Keep an eye on your email!

Just like last year, we plan to have online registration. More details coming soon.

What’s Been Happening Lately?

Key Takeaways from the General Parent Meeting:

Thank you to all the parents who attended the meeting. We believe these discussions will help strengthen our school and build even better cooperation.

Board Elections:

During the meeting, elections were held for the positions of President and Vice President.

• Mr. Grzegorz Karkosza was elected President. His candidacy was unanimously accepted by all attendees.

• Mr. Daniel Janosik stepped down as Vice President for personal reasons. We appreciate his support and contributions.

Unfortunately, we could not find volunteers for the Vice President position. If you’re interested, please contact the board members.