Panther Press
Summer Newsletter June 2026
Dear St. Margaret Mary Families,
As we close another wonderful school year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your partnership, support, and trust. Together, we have shared a year filled with learning, laughter, growth, challenges, celebrations, and countless blessings.
Our theme this year, “With God, all things are possible”, held true in so many ways. We witnessed our students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. We celebrated achievements big and small, faced obstacles with courage and faith, and continued building the strong, loving community that makes our school so special. Through every lesson taught, prayer shared, game played, service project completed, and milestone reached, God’s presence guided us.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. Your encouragement, volunteering, generosity, and commitment to Catholic education help make our mission possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside your family in faith and learning.
As summer begins, we pray that your days are filled with rest, joy, family time, and opportunities to experience God’s goodness in new ways. May you enjoy a safe and blessed summer, and may God continue to guide and protect your family. Be on the lookout for our summer letter with some updates for the next school year. Also see below for our Tuesdays Together plan or the summer!
Thank you for a truly wonderful year. With God, all things are possible—and because of our incredible school community, we know the best is yet to come.
Tuesdays Together – Summer Family Meet-Ups!
Join fellow school families for casual summer get-togethers on select Tuesdays throughout the summer! These gatherings are an opportunity to stay connected, let the kids play, and enjoy time together outside the school year.
These are simply family get-togethers — not official school events — but you never know, a staff member or two might stop by! Feel free to wear your school spirit wear to help spot familiar faces.
We hope you’ll join us for some summer fun, community, and connection!
- Tuesday, June 23rd- 1:00pm- Menchies Frozen Yogurt 2531 N County Line Road, Algonquin
- Saturday, June
- Tuesday, July 7th- 11:00am- Angel Town Park, Algonquin
- Tuesday, July 21st- 11:00am- St. Margaret Mary School Field/Picnic
Our final summer meet up will be at the Schumburg Boomers Game with fireworks on Saturday, August 8, 2026. A portion of each ticket sale will go to support STMM! Click on the link below to purchase your tickets.
With gratitude and blessings,
Mrs. O’Hearn and Mrs. Dever
Summer Office Hours
The office will be closed for the month of July and will open again on August 1, 2021. The office will be checking messages and emails, should you need something immediately.
Tours will be scheduled by appointment only throughout the summer.
Forward in Faith, Guided by Grace
Our theme for the 2026-2027 school year is, "Forward in Faith, Guided by Grace," reminds us that every step we take is rooted in trust in God and strengthened by His grace. As a school community, we will move forward together with courage, compassion, and purpose, embracing opportunities to learn, grow, and serve. We look forward to partnering with our families as we journey through a year filled with faith, hope, and blessings.
FACTs Requirements
St. Margaret Mary uses FACTs for all families to pay tuition and any additional fees. For the 2026-2027 school year, we are requiring all families to link an ACH account or credit card to BOTH tuition payments and incidental billing. Families are reminded to make payments on time, and if there are issues with payment or they need a payment plan, they must reach out to Mrs. O'Hearn. The school office doesn't have the authority to change your billing cycle or create a modified schedule.
Additionally, if you are writing a check for any incidental billing, you need to make the check out the "St. Margaret Mary"; if checks are not written out this way, they will be rejected, and an additional check will need to be submitted. This is a bank policy.
If you have any questions or concerns about the information above, please contact Mrs. O'Hearn (bohearn@stmmschool.org)
August Fee Schedule:
First Tuition Payment - August
Home and School Family Fee - $125 (August 20)
Monthly Spanish Fee - $10 per student in K - 8th grade *This will be a charged monthly August - May)
Used Uniform Drop Off
The uniform exchange will be open during supply drop-off on August 18, 2026.
Legacy of Learning - 70 Years in Catholic Education: Cash Raffle
The Legacy of Learning initiative helps support important programs, classroom resources, and school improvements. This fundraiser will serve as a major source of fundraising support for the school. We will still have small optional fundraising opportunities, including our very popular TRIVIA NIGHT!
Raffle Details:
· All families will be given 25 raffle tickets at $10 each ($250 total) that will be sent home with your child. This amount will be charged to your FACTs account at the start of the school year, and payment will be due on October 10, 2025.
o Please note – the 25 raffle tickets are given by family and NOT by student. Families are required to sell a minimum of 25 tickets.
· Tickets can be sold to family members, friends, and neighbors to earn back the $250 fundraising fee.
· Ticket sales run from September 8 to October 10, 2025. Tickets will be sent home with your child on Monday, September 8, 2025.
· Additional tickets can be purchased in packets of 10 for $100. Please call the school office or stop in to request additional tickets. Additional tickets will be charged to your FACTs account and are nonrefundable.
Raffle Drawing:
Monthly drawings from November – April = $500 monthly winner
Final Drawing - $1,000 single prize winner
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brenna O’Hearn (bohearn@stmmschool.org).
Thank you for helping us build a stronger school for children
Need a NEW House Shirt for the 2026-2027 School Year?
If your child needs a new house t-shirt for the 26/27 school year, please complete the order form below. The shirts are not changing, so if their shirt from last year still fits there is no need to order a new one. Our athletics department donates the cost of one shirt per student. If you are a NEW family you will not need to purchase a shirt. One will be given to you at the start of the year. If you are purchasing a replacement shirt the cost will be $15 a piece and your FACTs account will be charged.
Volunteer Requirements:
Attention all Preschool - 8th-grade parents:
We are very excited to welcome a new school year come August 19. With a new school year comes new opportunities to volunteer at St. Margaret Mary. Each family is required to volunteer 20 stewardship hours for the 2025-2026 school year.
All volunteers are required to complete an online VIRTUS training, provided by the Diocese of Rockford, and have a background check. The background check form is located at the end of the newsletter under important documents. The form can be sent directly to Mrs. Narusis (cnarusis@stmmschool.org)
When you are prompted to enter your organization's password, please use 2train!
Instructions: https://www.rockforddiocese.org/.../Volunteers-VIRTUS...
How to Track Your Stewardship Hours:
Please follow the directions below to document your school stewardship hours:
On a desktop computer:
1) Sign in to your Facts account
2) On the left-hand side, click Family
3) On the right side of your screen, you will see Service Hours - Click the PLUS symbol.
4) A new screen will come up with the ability to enter your service hours and/or items donated.
On the app:
1) Open your FACTs app on your phone or electronic device
2) Click on the Family icon.
3) You will then be directed to a page where you can enter your stewardship information by clicking the PLUS symbol on the right side of your screen.
Please contact the school office if you need additional assistance.
How Can You Volunteer:
Recess/Lunch Help - Available daily from 11:00 - 12:40. You can select the days you are available and volunteer as your schedule permits.
Special Events Volunteer - Throughout the year, we have special events such as Grandparents' Day, Scholastic Book Fair, Middle School Dance, and much more. The Home and School Association will reach out to the school community for volunteers. Please be sure to check your email and the parent Facebook page for information throughout the year.
Field Trip Chaperones - Each class will take at least one field trip during the school year. Teachers will reach out when chaperones are needed.
Athletic Coaches - STMM Athletics loves when our parents help coach sports. We offer basketball, cross country, volleyball, track and field, and cheer. We cannot have these sports without parent volunteers.
Join a Board - STMM has three boards: Advisory Board, Home and School Board, and the Athletics Board. If you are interested in being part of any of the boards, please contact Mrs. O'Hearn.
More volunteer opportunities will be shared throughout the school year.
Required Health Forms:
Health Form Requirements -
IMPORTANT - STUDENTS MUST HAVE THESE FORMS ON FILE IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE BY THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
Please contact Mrs. O'Hearn if you have any questions regarding health forms for the 2025-2026 school year. (bohearn@stmmschool.org)
Minimum Immunization Requirements Entering a Child Care Facility or School in Illinois
The Following Forms Are Due On or Before the First Day of School:
Preschool 3-year-old students
State of Illinois Physical Form, the provider must complete the “Diabetes Screening” and
The “Lead Risk Questionnaire” portion of the form.
A complete record of immunizations as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health
Preschool 4-year-old students (exempt if former Preschool 3-year-old student)
State of Illinois Physical Form, the provider must complete the “Diabetes Screening” and
The “Lead Risk Questionnaire” portion of the form.
A complete record of immunizations as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Kindergarten students
State of Illinois Physical Form, the doctor must complete the “Diabetes Screening” and
The “Lead Risk Questionnaire” portion of the form.
A complete record of immunizations as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Dental Exam Form
State of Illinois Eye Examination Report Form. This exam must be completed within one year prior to the first day of school by a licensed optometrist or medical doctor who performs eye examinations. The eye doctor will complete the Eye Examination Report Form.
1st Grade
No specific requirements
2nd Grade
Dental Exam Form
3rd Grade
No specific requirements
4th Grade
No specific requirements
5th Grade
No specific requirements unless a participant in School Athletics (see below).
6th Grade
State of Illinois Physical Form, the doctor must complete the “Diabetes Screening” and
The “Lead Risk Questionnaire” portions of the form.
A complete record of immunizations as required by Illinois Department of Public Health.
Dental Exam Form
If participant in School Athletics, please see below.
7th Grade
No specific requirements unless a participant in School Athletics (see below).
8th Grade
No specific requirements unless a participant in School Athletics (see below).
Student Athletes - Grades 5-8
School Athletic participants are required to have the following forms turned into the school office prior to the start of the first practice, or they will be deemed ineligible to participate. Only one set of forms is required per calendar year regardless of how many sports the student participates in.
Current sports physical, dated within one year of the duration of the sport.
This excludes 6th graders as their mandatory 6th grade school physical will replace the need for having a 6th grade sports physical
Grandparent's Day - September 12, 2025
Grandparents' Day Link - https://forms.gle/NHiffmqFp5228FZXA
Give Central: Weekly Offertory for St. Margaret Mary Parish
Sunday Mass Schedule at St. Margaret Mary
Saturday Evening
4:30 PM, 6:30 PM in Polish Language
Sunday
7:00 AM, 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
1:00 PM in Polish Language
4:30 PM
IMPORTANT FORMS and INFORMATION
Contact Us Directly
Email: bohearn@stmmschool.org
Website: www.stmmschool.org
Location: 119 South Hubbard Street, Algonquin, IL, USA
Phone: 847-658-5313