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Reminder: there will be NO SCHOOL during Easter Break, which runs this Thursday, April 17 – Monday, April 21.

Mint Juleps, Memories, and Milestones at the Embers Extravaganza

This year’s Kentucky Derby-themed Extravaganza was an unforgettable evening filled with excitement and generosity! With over 250 people in attendance, the atmosphere was electric as guests sipped on Mint Juleps and enjoyed video presentations that highlighted the impact of Embers Academy on our students and families.

The evening included a special moment with former head of school, Gladys Davis, and special guest, Fr. Rocky, honoring Tammy Dabe for 20 years of unwavering dedication to Embers Academy, a tribute that was met with a heartfelt standing ovation.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised important funds to further Embers’ mission and build toward the future of our school. The event was a true testament to the strength of our community and the incredible support for our students’ futures!
 

There are still limited spots available for our Extravaganza Sign-Up Parties. Sign up today to join the fun! Registration due by Wednesday, April 23.

Spark Party:  Hot Lunch with the Heads

  • April 28, 2025 | During Lunch and Recess
  • Our Sparks are invited to a special lunch with Mr. Goffos & Mr. Boville! The celebration includes lunch, music, games, & lots of fun.
  • $40/student or $100 for 3+ students.
  • Click HERE to sign up!

All-Parent Party: Food & Wine Tasting

  • June 13, 2025, 6:30 p.m. | Bahjat Home, Park Ridge
  • Our guest Sommelier will help elevate your experience with the perfect pairing of wine and food. Hosted by Rod & Luma Bahjat.
  • $75/person. Limited to 20 guests.
  • Click HERE to sign up!

Ladies’ Party: Mexican Fiesta

  • June 27, 2025, 6:30 p.m. | Valencia Home, Glenview
  • An evening of refreshing margaritas and scrumptious Mexican cuisine. Hosted by Laura Valencia and Elgin Fresh Market.
  • $50/person. Limited to 20 guests.
  • Click HERE to sign up!

Raffle Basket Winners

Congratulations to our lucky basket raffle winners from this year’s Extravaganza! Thank you to everyone who entered the raffle and supported our school; your generosity made a big impact.

  • Family Fun: Gorzelanny Family
  • Moms Just Wanna Have Fun: Michele Whalen
  • Ultimate Dad Basket: Niall Fagan 
  • Kidz Zone: Holoska Family (via paper entry!)
  • My Teacher Rocks: Mrs. del Rosario (Nominated by the Smith Family)

Many Thank You’s
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated their time, energy, and dedication that made this year’s fundraiser a true success! From collecting donations to creating beautiful decorations to ensuring everything ran smoothly the night of, your behind-the-scenes work and generous spirit were the heart of this incredible event. We are deeply grateful for all you gave to make the Embers Extravaganza unforgettable!

Development Manager
Jacqueline Lastovich

Committee Members
Jessica Bartel,
paddle raise
Tanya Habib, procurement
Jeanne Henschell, setup
Luma Naim, check-in
Rob Sadlowski, entertainment
Diana Silhan
, marketing & program
Alli Smith, decorations
Buzz Theodoropoulos, check-in
Sarah Weiske, procurement
Kerry Whalen, seating

Testimonial Contributors
Julie & Molly Donovan
Julie & Joseph Galluzzi
Caroline, Cory, & Charlotte Jensen
Jince, Sheena, & Sean Lukose

5th Grade Masterpiece
Denise Wasserman

 

All-School Mass Update
 

This week, Mass has been moved up to 8:30 a.m on Wednesday. All our families and friends are welcome to join us; we look forward to celebrating with you!

High Fives and Sweet Surprises!
 
This week’s Teacher Appreciation Week was a joyful celebration of the amazing faculty who pour their hearts into educating and inspiring our Sparks each day. From heartfelt student gestures to thoughtful treats and relaxing moments, every day brought something special to make our teachers feel appreciated!

Mrs. Mikan’s class wears her favorite color, blue.

Mrs. Black’s students love a chance to display their appreciation.

Teachers race down the halls during Hallway High-5s.

Sparks cheer on their teachers during Hallway High-5s.

Thank You to our Volunteers!
A big thank you to our wonderful volunteers who made Teacher Appreciation Week a success! From bringing in delicious treats to covering recess and lending a hand wherever needed, your support made all the difference and helped the week run seamlessly. A big thank you to Gabby Katsantones and Shannon Kovacs for volunteering all week long to make this event so special for our teachers!

Summer Uniform
 
Please note our spring & summer uniform guidelines which begin this Tuesday, April 15:
  • Boys may wear navy uniform shorts.
  • Red sweaters & vest are optional on all days.

Calling All Fourth Graders:
 
We are now accepting entries for the Yearbook Cover Contest and can’t wait to see your creativity come to life! Full details can be found by clicking HERE. All entries must be received by Monday, May 1.

Spring Gardening Club
 
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with school gardens and flowers. This could include helping weed the Mary garden, planting spring flowers at door entrances, or adding mulch to help keep down weeds. Opportunities are flexible and sporadic, often just 10-15 minutes after drop off, before pickup, before school Mass, or after school! Any help is appreciated to make little improvements to our outdoor spaces. Please email Alli Smith at allisonesmith22@gmail.com to stay in the loop and receive updates.

Spring Band Concert
Friday, April 25, 5:00 p.m. | Paluch Hall
Featuring music selections from Beginning Band and Ember Band. All families are welcome to attend!

Little Sparks Easter Celebration
April 22, 9:00-11:00 a.m. | Embers Playground
Please join us as we celebrate the Easter season with an egg hunt and Easter activities. This event is FREE for children ages infant through 5 and their caregivers. We kindly require an RSVP by April 19th.

Tax Information

Year End Statements for tax purposes are available to school families through their Blackbaud Tuition Management (BTM) Account. Step-by-step directions can be found HERE.

Seminarian Conrad Espino visits 2nd Grade to talk about his First Communion and answer their many questions!

Our Sparks enjoy a beautiful Spring day during recess.

The Week Ahead:
 
April 12
– Dads Club: Rancho De Arellano
April 15
– Summer Uniform Begins

April 17
– NO SCHOOL: Easter Break Begins

 

Upcoming Events:

April 17-21
– NO SCHOOL: Easter Break

April 22
– Little Sparks in the Park: Easter Celebration (9:00-11:00 a.m. | Embers Playground)

April 25
– Spring Band Concert (5:00 p.m. | Paluch Hall)

May 3
– First Communion (10:00 a.m. | St. Mary of the Angels)
 





Who to Contact

Christopher Goffos:
Headmaster

Sylvia Casaletto: Office Manager
Student absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals. General questions about the school day.

Christina Williams: Dir. of Operations
Information and questions about myEmbers, student records, and school registration.

Business Office:
Tuition and billing questions.

Julene Barder: Admissions Mgr.
New student and current sibling admissions.

Diana Silhan: Communications & Marketing Mgr.
Spark News, weekly handouts, and marketing opportunities.

Kate DeCanto: Social and Hospitality Coordinator
All-school social events.

Spirit Wear Store Link
Parent Volunteer Opportunities

EMBERS ACADEMY
serving students in PreK3 through 5th Grade

8340 N. Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
www.embersacademy.org  |  847.518.1185  |  info@embersacademy.org

Copyright © 2025 Embers Academy, All rights reserved.

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