Thursday Notes – October 9, 2025
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From Mr. Brooke’s Desk
CESA and ACSI
Earlier this week, a small team from our staff attended the CESA Symposium in Charlotte, NC. The gathering included close to 750 educators from Christian schools around the country. After our full school review process with CESA last year, we were incredibly grateful to be 1 of 9 schools honored at the event. We are pleased to join the CESA Members of Council, which includes 70 of the top Christian schools across the country.
A few weeks ago, I was also honored to attend a 2-day conference in Washington DC with a small group of ACSI Exemplary Schools. I enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with 25 top Christian schools from across the country to learn more about best practice in Christian education and share ideas and programs we have implemented here at WCGS. It is my hope and prayer that WCGS is helping shape Christian education across the country. I am so grateful for the many things happening at WCGS and believe these two partnerships are helping us be the best school we can be.
You’re Invited! Scholarship Auction & Trivia Night – November 14, 6:30 p.m.
Book that babysitter! 
Our annual Scholarship Auction & Trivia Night is coming up on Friday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m. and EVERYONE is invited! Invitations are in the mail and include the link to RSVP. The theme of the evening is 10,000 REASONS to Gather, Give, and Glorify!
Gather. Enjoy a free dinner, live music, and a professionally led trivia competition with your table of 8 (you can sign up with friends or indicate that you’d like to meet new people!)
Give. There be a wide variety of auction items to bid on throughout the evening, including gift baskets, trips, special experiences, music lessons, and so much more! All money raised will go directly to the Scholarship Fund, enabling more students to receive Christian education.
Glorify! There will be reminders throughout the evening of the incredible ways God is working in the lives of WCGS students and families – each one a cause for praise!
We are still seeking donations and dinner sponsorships! It’s also time to start letting us know if you can come. Here are some helpful links:
Become a Dinner Sponsor (while promoting your business!)
Contribute to a Homeroom Basket
Have an item to donate? Contact Shannon McDonald, Development Coordinator, at smcdonald@wheatonchristian.org.
Your participation, at any level, truly makes a difference! Come ready to enjoy dinner, browse unique auction items, hear stories of God’s goodness, test your knowledge in trivia, and support the scholarship fund. We hope to see you there!
From Mr. Painter’s Desk
Celebration of Life: Eric Sauter
As was shared with our community on Sunday, Eric Sauter (husband of Marybeth Sauter, 5th Grade Teacher) passed away after his earthly battle with cancer ended. On behalf of the Sauter family, I want to thank you for your incredible support, generosity, and encouragement during this extremely difficult time. The visitation and service information is below. You can read the obituary here: Eric Sauter’s Obituary
Friday, October 10 – Visitation from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Celebration of Life at 7:00 p.m.
Wellspring Alliance Church
1766 S. Blanchard Street
Wheaton, IL 60189
Thank you for your ongoing prayers for the Sauter family.
Important Upcoming Dates
Friday, October 10
Picture Retakes
Zero Waste Day
3:30-4:45 p.m. – Junior High Kickball Tournament
Saturday, October 11
11:00 a.m. – IESA Cross Country Sectionals (Westmont HS)
Monday, October 13
NO SCHOOL – Columbus Day
Tuesday, October 14
Hot Lunch – Jersey Mike’s
9:45-10:45 a.m. – Prospective Family Visit Day (Innovation Hub)
3:30-5:00 p.m. – Robotics Team (STEAM Room/Innovation Hub)
4:00 p.m. – Girls’ JV VBall vs. CrossRoads (WCGS)
5:00 p.m. – Girls’ V VBall vs. CrossRoads (WCGS)
Wednesday, October 15
Hot Lunch – Barone’s Pizza and Pasta
8:00-8:40 a.m. – MathCounts (Room 807)
8:00-8:40 a.m. – Creation Care Club
8:00-8:40 a.m. – Praise Team Rehearsal (Commons)
9:00 a.m. – Grades K-2 Chapel
9:15-11:30 a.m. – Women’s Bible Study (Amy Paglia’s home)
9:45 a.m. – Grades 3-5 Chapel
10:45 a.m. – Grades 6-8 Chapel
3:30-4:00 p.m. – Yearbook Club (Tech Lab 106)
Thursday, October 16
Q2 Hot Lunch Orders Due
7:45-8:40 a.m. – Robotics Team (STEAM Room/Innovation Hub)
3:30-5:00 p.m. – Robotics Team (STEAM Room/Innovation Hub)
3:30-4:30 p.m. – Chess Club (Room 714/716)
4:00 p.m. – Boys’ V Soccer SWAC Tournament Play-In (WCGS)
TBD – Girls’ JV VBall SWAC Tournament @ Aurora Christian
TBD – Girls’ V VBall SWAC Tournament @ Aurora Christian
Friday, October 17
Sunset Slush Day
Zero Waste Day
9:00-10:30 a.m. – 6th Grade Rocket Launch (Front Field)
3:30-4:30 p.m. – YA Battle of the Books Kahoot Meet
Saturday, October 18
8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Robotics Team (STEAM Room/Innovation Hub)
TBD – Boys’ V Soccer SWAC Tournament (WCGS)
TBD – Girls’ JV VBall SWAC Tournament @ Aurora Christian
TBD – Girls’ V VBall SWAC Tournament @ Aurora Christian
TBD – Co-Ed Cross Country IESA State Finals
Notable Notes
Picture Retakes Tomorrow! 📸
Picture retakes will take place during normal school hours tomorrow, Friday, October 10, in the Innovation Hub. Junior high students who are signed up for retakes should stop by the Innovation Hub upon arrival to school between 8:30-8:50 a.m. All other students will be pulled from class during the morning for a quick retake. Reminder, students MUST BE SIGNED UP through the JostensPIX website in order to receive a retake – unless they were absent in which they will be automatically added to the list. To sign up, look for the link at the top right of the site that reads “SIGN UP FOR RETAKES,” and your student will be added to the list. If you have any questions, please contact Christine Sheetz.
Prospective Family Visit Day
Do you have a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who would be interested in learning more about WCGS? Current families are the top way new parents hear about our school. Invite them to the Prospective Family Visit Day on October 14 at 9:45 a.m. Know someone interested in attending? Register here. Please email Kim Norbeck with any questions.
Veterans Day Assembly
We have always looked forward to our annual Veterans Day Assembly each November. We believe it is important that we pause and remember all that this day represents. Our assembly will be taking place in the gym on Tuesday, November 11, at 10:45 a.m. We’d love to honor the veterans in our school community by showing their picture in a slide show that students will see during the program. Any student with a parent, grandparent, or other family member who IS or HAS BEEN a member of the Armed Forces is invited to email a picture of that individual to Lauren Fortosis by Friday, October 31, so that it can be included in a tribute video. (If you have submitted information for the video in the past, we will automatically include it in this year’s video unless you contact us indicating that it needs to be removed). Please include the following information with your picture:
- Student Name:
- Veteran’s/Active Duty Soldier’s Name:
- Relationship to Student:
- Branch of Service:
We would also love to invite veterans who are family members of current students to attend the assembly (in uniform if possible) to be introduced. Our guests of honor and their families will have a reserved seating section that is easily accessible. A short reception with refreshments will follow the assembly. If you have a veteran who can attend, please RSVP to Lauren Fortosis by Friday, October 31.
Community Corner
Phil’s Friends Fundraiser
Vintage Charm (210 W. Wesley, Wheaton) is hosting a special fundraiser to benefit Phil’s Friends on Thursday, October 23, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Come indulge in an evening of shopping, bubbles, raffles, and sweet treats–all while supporting this wonderful mission! 15% of all sales will be donated to Phil’s Friends, helping bring hope and comfort to cancer patients. Bring your friends and family for a memorable night of fashion, fun, and giving back. Together, we can make a difference!
Merriest Market Vendors Needed
The Merriest Market is back on a NEW date this year (November 22, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) — and we’re looking for talented vendors to join the holiday fun. Do you sew, weave, make pottery, melt candles, have a baking business, create jewelry or have any other handcrafted item? We are looking for creators and makers in the school community to make this a great market. Showcase your products, grow your business, and spread cheer this year! Vendor Applications are now open.
Get to Know Wheaton Academy
Wheaton Academy invites middle school students and their parents to Get to Know Wheaton Academy on October 16 or November 13 at 6:45 p.m. This evening will provide an opportunity for families to learn about our school’s commitment to academics, spiritual life, co-curricular activities, and college readiness, as well as experience the community, connection, and culture that Wheaton Academy offers our students and families.
Our time together will include:
- Opening Welcome from Mr. Thornton, Principal
- Individual Family Tours
- Meet and Greet with Teachers, Coaches, and Program Leaders
Register online at wheatonacademy.org/visit and discover what it’s like to be a Wheaton Academy Warrior.
Questions? Please contact Amy Burdett, Admissions Coordinator or Amy Hogan, Director of Admissions.
