Thursday Notes – September 10, 2026
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From Mr. Brooke’s Desk
Patriot Day
Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, which is now referred to as Patriot Day. One of the 3000 people who perished during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, was a 1983 graduate of WCGS, Todd Beamer. Todd is remembered in part for his heroism and the words, “Let’s Roll!” We as a Wheaton Christian Grammar School community pause to remember and honor the many who lost their lives or were impacted by the events 25 years ago. Please join us in prayer for those families and for the many who defend our freedom on a daily basis.
Save the Date: Scholarship Auction & Trivia Night!
Friday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. at WCGS | FLANNEL FORMAL
Get ready to dress up, add a touch of plaid, and enjoy an evening of dinner, music, trivia, and an incredible silent auction all while supporting our Scholarship Fund! Mark your calendars now as you won’t want to miss this fun and meaningful evening! Invitations will be arriving soon, but there’s no need to wait to start thinking about how you can help make this year’s event a success. We are currently seeking silent auction donations and sponsorships.
Have Something to Donate?
Our silent auction is the heart of the evening, and we’re looking for unique items, experiences, and services. Consider donating:
- Sports or concert tickets
- Getaways or vacation stays
- Professional or business services
- Lessons, experiences, or something uniquely you
- Have an idea? We’d love to hear it!
Want to Sponsor the Evening?
Dinner is complimentary for all guests. By sponsoring the dinner, you’ll not only enjoy great visibility for your business, but you’ll also help eliminate overhead to maximize impact on the Scholarship Fund.
Table Sponsor – $500
Promotes your business with a 5×7 sign at your sponsored table, logo displayed on auction site, and the opportunity to provide promo items or flyers to your table guests. 25 available.
Buffet Sponsor – $5,000
Enjoy premier visibility with prominent buffet signage, top logo placement on auction website, and verbal recognition. 3 available.
Whether you donate, sponsor, or simply join us for the evening, you are helping provide children with the opportunity to receive a Christ-centered education. So, start thinking of attire with polished plaid, watch your mailbox for your invitation, and save the date!
Donations, sponsorships, or questions? Contact Shannon McDonald.
Parent Series Prayer and Worship Event
This year, we are pleased to announce that the Parent Series will focus on uniting our school community through intentional evenings of prayer, worship, and fellowship. These gatherings are designed to provide parents with an opportunity to connect with one another, pray together, and encourage each other as we raise our children to love and follow the Lord.
Please plan to join us and mark your calendar for our first Parent Series event on Wednesday, October 7, at 7:00 p.m. Register here if you plan to attend. **Please denote on the registration if you are in need of childcare for your WCGS student(s). Childcare is limited.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mandy Jasper, School Social Worker.
Important Upcoming Dates
Friday, September 11
Patriot Day
MAP Growth Testing – Grades K/1
Saturday, September 12
BIRTHDAY: Kate Lindstedt (4th Grade Instructional Aide, Extended Care)
Sunday, September 13
BIRTHDAY: Christel Bates (Jr. High Science Teacher)
Monday, September 14
Fall Fellowship Gatherings
Hot Lunch – Chick-fil-A/Culver’s
9:00-10:00 a.m. – Moms in Prayer (Room 308)
4:00 p.m. – Boys’ V Soccer @ River Valley Christian
4:00 p.m. – Girls’ JV VBall @ River Valley Christian
5:00 p.m. – Girls’ V VBall @ River Valley Christian
Tuesday, September 15
Fall Fellowship Gatherings
Hot Lunch – Jersey Mike’s/Augustino’s
4:00 p.m. – Girls’ JV VBall @ Christian Liberty Academy
5:00 p.m. – Girls’ V VBall @ Christian Liberty Academy
Wednesday, September 16
Fall Fellowship Gatherings
Hot Lunch – Barone’s Pizza and Pasta
9:00 a.m. – Grades K-2 Chapel
10:15 a.m. – Grades 3-5 Chapel
11:15 a.m. – Grades 6-8 Chapel
3:30-4:30 p.m. – Chess Club Begins (Innovation Hub)
4:00 p.m. – Cross Country Meet @ Wheaton Academy (Softball Field)
Thursday, September 17
Fall Fellowship Gatherings
Sunset Slush Day
Friday, September 18
BIRTHDAY: Val Terdina (Orchestra/Jr. High Spanish Teacher)
NO SCHOOL – Teacher Inservice
STEAM+ Notes
Tomorrow is Zero Waste Day
Every Friday is Zero Waste Day at WCGS. This means that students should use reusable containers and avoid plastic bags and other single use items. Students are encouraged to compost fruits and vegetables and recycle that day. This Recycle the Right Way handout provides details on what can and cannot be recycled. Our goal is to help students reduce or eliminate garbage. Plastic silverware will not be available at lunchtime on Fridays. Please talk to your child about bringing home any uneaten or sealed food. Can you help your child pack a lunch that uses reusable or recyclable containers?
WCGS Recycling Program
As we continue to care for the resources that God has given us, we will continue our partnerships with SCARCE and TerraCycle. These are two organizations that locally and globally support school recycling and environmental sustainability. This is a student driven, community focused initiative through the STEAM and Stewardship Junior High Course that invites all K-8 students and families to participate in.
The following items will be collected this school year:
- Plastic Bread Tabs
- Crayons
- Pop Tabs
- All brands of squeezable snack plastic pouches and caps (must be emptied with lid)
All collections, grades K-8, will take place in every homeroom and at lunchtime. For more information, please contact Mrs. Jacqueline Lauriat, Director of STEAM+ and Robotics.
Sports Spotlight
IESA Boys’ Golf Sectional Champions
Congratulations to the WCGS Boys’ Golf Team (Charlie Barr, Eddie Barr, Lucas Burkhart, Mason Erickson, Grant Levon, and Parker Schaubroeck) on capturing the Sectional Championship at Wolf Creek Golf Course in Pontiac yesterday. The guys overcame the rain and wet conditions to shoot a cumulative 341 to win by 24 strokes. Lucas Burkhart (even par 72) was the Sectional medalist for the third consecutive year. This is a very special accomplishment, a first for a WCGS student. In fact, we believe this may be a first in IESA Golf history. Charlie Barr shot an 85 to tie for second. The team advances to Metamora Fields Golf Club (near Peoria) next Friday, September 18, as one of eight teams competing for the State Championship. We are proud of the guys, how they played, but more importantly, how they represented WCGS and the Lord. Thanks for your support and encouragement of these young men and their accomplishment. To God be the glory! Go Spartans!
Notable Notes
Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast
On Saturday, September 26, we will host our next Fathers’ Prayer Breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. in the Commons here at school. Whether you have attended before or this will be your first time, we look forward to sharing a meal, hearing a devotional, and praying together as fathers in the WCGS community. It is a meaningful time of fellowship and encouragement, and I hope you will consider joining us. We value your time and will dismiss promptly at 8:30 a.m. so you can continue enjoying your weekend. If you are able to attend on September 26, please RSVP to Lauren Fortosis by Wednesday, September 23, to help us plan accordingly for breakfast. We hope to see you there!
School Pictures are Ready! 📸
You should have received an email from Jostens School Photography informing you that “School pictures are ready!” with ordering instructions. Using the link from the email will be the easiest way for you to access your gallery and order your pictures. You will also be able to sign up for retakes through the site. Photos are shipped directly to your home. FREE SHIPPING offered on all orders over $55! Class composites will be available to view and purchase after retakes. If you did not receive the email from Jostens (please search your inbox and spam folders), contact Lauren Fortosis.
Picture Retakes on Thursday, September 29
- IF YOUR CHILD WAS ABSENT ON PICTURE DAY… he/she has been automatically added to our retake list, which will take place during normal school hours on September 29. No need to do anything further.
- IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH HOW PICTURES TURNED OUT…you have the option to sign up for retakes on the JostensPIX website. Please be aware that retakes will override the original picture and will be used for the yearbook. (While you have the option to select which picture you would like to purchase, yearbook pictures are selected by Jostens). To sign up, look for the link at the top right of the JostensPIX site that reads “SIGN UP FOR RETAKES,” and your student will be added to the list.
2027-2028 Admissions Applications
We love welcoming siblings of our current students! Applications for admissions for 2027-2028 are available on FACTS Family Portal under Apply/Enroll. Current WCGS families will have priority in admissions if the application is submitted by September 30, 2026. Please contact Admissions Director, Kim Norbeck, if you have any questions about the admissions process.
Have You Completed Your Forms Yet?
The following forms need to be completed TODAY! Field trips begin next week!
Information regarding the following web forms can be found on the FACTS Family Portal. If you have any specific questions regarding these forms, email Debbie Cairncross.
To access these forms, follow the instructions below:
Log into FACTS Family Portal
Click on “School” at the left of the screen
Click “Web Forms”
Complete the forms described below (only as needed)
Click on one form at a time, returning to complete the other forms
Criminal History Background Check Form
This form is required for people who want to volunteer at school but have not completed the form previously. Please do not submit this form a second time! If you are unsure about whether or not you completed a form in the past, please email Debbie.
Driver and Chaperone Form
This form is for volunteers who want to drive on school field trips and also for volunteers who would like to chaperone but not drive on field trips. This form needs to be completed each year.
Master Field Trip Form
This form is to be completed for each child granting permission for participation in grade level field trips listed. This also needs to be completed each year.
Community Corner
WA Family Picnic
Wheaton Academy is inviting ALL families to their Third Annual Family Picnic on Friday, October 9, as part of their Homecoming Activities. The event will be from 5:00-9:00 p.m. We have everything for a night of family fun! FREE pony rides, camel rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, and balloon sculptures. Burger 302, Billy Bricks Pizza, King Kream Ice Cream , and The WA Shack will be selling from their food trucks! A live band will be performing 50’s and 60’s classics, and the football game will start at 7:30 as well. Come out for dinner, fellowship, kids’ activities, and football! Dress in your maroon wear for a maroon out night! See you there!
