Thursday Notes – April 23, 2026
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From Mr. Brooke’s Desk
Remembering Mike Cherry
It was a year ago today that Mike Cherry, WCGS Jr. High Bible Teacher, passed away and ran into the arms of his Savior. We praise the Lord for the gift of salvation and for the incredible ways the Lord used Mike during his time on earth. He was kind, passionate, humble, funny, caring, and gospel centered. Today, I would like to ask that we rally in prayer for those who knew Mike well. Please be praying for his wife, Karen, and his kids, Emma, Megan, and Eli. Please also pray for our WCGS community. Mike always wanted things to bring glory to the great name of Jesus, and we are asking the Lord to do just that through the many seeds Mike planted in the lives of so many. Praise the Lord for the gift of Mike.
I wanted to remind you of his favorite verse which hangs in our junior high hallway, Ephesians 2:10, which states, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
29th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing
Registrations are coming in! We invite you to participate in this meaningful event that supports the Scholarship Fund. This fund provides tuition assistance and plays a vital role in making our school accessible and strengthening our community. We are continually grateful for how God provides through generous supporters each year, and we’d be honored to have you involved in any way that feels right for you.
Q: Why attend the 18-Hole Golf Event?
A: It’s more than just a round of golf. It’s a full day of fun, fellowship, and purpose at Cantigny Park. You’ll enjoy 18 holes in a scramble format, player gifts, lunch, dinner, and prizes, all while supporting our Annual Scholarship Fund. Your participation helps provide tuition assistance to families seeking a Christian education, making every swing count! It’s also a great way to invest in community. To learn more or register, use the following link:
Q: Why become a sponsor?
A: Sponsoring the outing is a meaningful way to support WCGS while gaining visibility for your business. With opportunities starting at $500, your sponsorship places your name directly in front of a supportive community and on the course itself. It’s a great way to give back, connect, and be part of an event that makes a lasting impact. A big “Thank You!” to our current sponsors so far: Nicholas & Associates | Wheaton Bank & Trust | Karis |Service Master | Fox Valley Auto Group | Beamer Family Foundation | Ozinga | Paulson Wealth Management | Airhart Construction Corp | Elliot Construction Corp | Hoogendoorn & Talbot | Chick-fil-A | Tyndale House Publishers | Solid Impressions | and a special hole sponsorship from a “Loving Grandmother”
Q: Why are you having a Ladies Breakfast?
A: We value community and want to provide this opportunity for connection before school lets out for the summer. The Ladies’ Breakfast is the perfect way to get together with friends and enjoy Cantigny with no golf required! Starting at 9:00 AM, you’ll relax on the patio with a cup of coffee, a delicious breakfast buffet, and beautiful views alongside friends. At $35 per person, it’s a fun way to wrap up the school year, and you’re welcome to stay for golf if you’d like! Invite some friends or come ready to meet new people in a relaxed setting.
More questions? Contact Shannon McDonald at 630.668.1385, ext. 201.
Sign Up Now for Coffee with the Administrators
Please join us for our final Parent Series event, Coffee with the Administrators, Tuesday, April 28, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. It will be a time to reflect on the school year, give feedback regarding our parent partnership, and share how we can support your family in the upcoming new school year. Please plan to grab a cup of coffee and join us! Register here to reserve your spot.
Important Upcoming Dates
Friday, April 24
BIRTHDAY: Jennie Cathey (6th Grade Teacher)
MAP Growth Testing (Make-Up Testing)
Used Book Exchange
Zero Waste Day
6:30-8:00 p.m. – Mother/Son Event (Commons/Gym)
Saturday, April 25
7:30-8:30 a.m. – Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast (Commons)
Monday, April 27
BIRTHDAY: Taylor Bluemel (4th Grade Teacher)
Hot Lunch -Culver’s
9:00-10:00 a.m. – Moms in Prayer (Room 608)
4:00 p.m. – Girls’ V Soccer vs. Schaumburg Christian (WCGS)
5:30 p.m. – 5th Grade Outdoor Education Chaperone Meeting (Room 616)
Tuesday, April 28
BIRTHDAY: Eric Johnson (6th Grade Teacher)
Hot Lunch – Jersey Mike’s/Augustino’s
9:00-10:00 a.m. – Coffee with the Administrators (Innovation Hub)
4:00 p.m. – Girls’ V Soccer vs. Benjamin MS (WCGS)
4:00 p.m. – Co-Ed Track Meet @ Aurora Christian
Wednesday, April 29
Hot Lunch – Barone’s Pizza and Pasta
9:15-11:30 a.m. – Women’s Bible Study (Amy Paglia’s home)
Thursday, April 30
BIRTHDAY: Karen Kruse (3rd Grade Teacher)
Junior High Read-In Day
Friday, May 1
BIRTHDAY: Josie Garrett (Student Services Coordinator (6-8), Jr. High Coordinator)
Mid-Quarter
NO SCHOOL – Teacher Inservice Day
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Incoming Kindergarten Visit Day
STEAM+ Notes
Earth Day was Wednesday, April 22
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Earth Day is an annual event that is celebrated throughout the world in 193 countries. Today is a day that gives us opportunity to celebrate how we can care for God’s Creation, His Earth! Genesis 1:28 says “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
The First Commission was God giving man responsibility over the earth, to care for it, and be good stewards of His Creation. We can worship God and obey his commands by being good stewards of His earth and everything in it. As Christians, we should make sure everyone has access to our beautiful creation. Time outdoors is essential for our well-being. We can help everyone have access to enjoy the Earth by keeping our air clean, our waterways unpolluted, and our soil healthy.
Getting kids involved in caring for our planet when they are young encourages them to continue when they are older. Here are some of my favorite activities to do with my girls:
- Creation Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of things found in creation and then go on a hike to look for them.
- Neighborhood Clean Up: Have everyone in your family pick up five pieces of garbage up from a local waterway, steam, neighborhood road, or local store. Can you “THINK FIVE” today or this weekend? If every student and teacher at our school picks up five pieces of garbage over the next three days, that would be a total of almost 3,000 pieces of garbage off the ground!
- Start Composting: I started composting using red wiggler worms over six years ago. It creates humus, dark brown organic matter, that is great for gardens, saves space in the landfill, and reminds us of God’s design for decomposition.
Library News
Used Book Exchange
Our annual Used Book Exchange will occur on Friday, April 24, for all interested students. This is a chance for students to trade in books they no longer want and get some books that are new to them. There is a $5 fee to participate (or max $12/family), which helps to fund the summer reading program prizes. We have the biggest selection for students in grades K-6, but older students are always welcome to participate, too. We are always in need of more chapter books and books for older students, so if you have any of those to donate, we would greatly appreciate it! We welcome chapter book donations even if students do not plan on participating in the exchange. Students may bring in books and the $5 fee now. See the flyer for more information.
We will also need help with this one-day event—for setup, supervision and assisting “shoppers,” and pack up. Please use the Sign-up Genius link to volunteer. Thank you!
Community Corner
Life on Purpose Conference
Are you or someone you know struggling to find purpose in life? Gospelife Church is happy to host a “Life on Purpose” conference provided by FORGE (forgefoward.org) on Saturday, May 16. Spend the day learning simple, Biblical truths and practices, to apply to your day-to-day routine. Reignite your heart to be on fire for Christ and understand how you can live your life on purpose as a laborer for Christ! Register here for the conference, and please spread the word to anyone who you think may benefit from this event. If the $30 cost is too much, please request a scholarship on the registration page and notate “WCGS Registrant” and the conference team will ensure the cost is covered.
Wheaton College Soccer Camps
Wheaton College is hosting soccer camps and clinics for players ages 5-13 in the summer. Programs are designed for every skill level, offering instruction and activities that are geared to the levels of all participants. Camps are led by the Wheaton College Men’s Soccer coaching staff and current soccer players. Camps are held June 8-12 and June 15-19 in Joe Bean Stadium at Wheaton College. For more information and to register, please visit their website. For more questions, please contact Steve McCrath.
