The most recent news will be at the TOP of the page.
Scroll down to go "back in time." Click here to start at the beginning of the year.

The whole Ascension community joins in wishing Mrs. Wilmoth a very fond good-bye, and best wishes in her retirement!

Our new student council president read at the Prayer Service.

Mrs. Allen and Laura read petitions.

Students cheered after they were all commissioned and blessed.

"All our hearts are filled with gladness!"

Mr. VanLinden crosses students for the last time (until August!) and summer vacation officially begins! Have a wonderful, safe summer!

Meet Your New Officers!

Student Council officers for 2009 - 2010 were elected on June 4. The President for next year is Mary, Vice-President is Laura, Secretary James, Treasurer Allison and Activity Director Michaela. Congratulations!

Many smiles as graduates arrive Monday evening.

Mary Kate welcomed all to the Mass and ceremony.

The Ascension 8th Grade Trio: Marian, Anna and Megan.

Ascension's orchestra played the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" by Elgar for the procession of graduates, and "Bringer of Joy" by Holst as a recessional.

The first diploma is conferred.

Colleen proudly returns to her pew.

"Unforgettable. . .in every way
And forever more, that's how you'll stay."

Congratulations,
Unforgettable Class of 2009!

Graduation Dinner

May 29, 2009

The "Unforgettable" Class of 2009

This is the Dawning!

Some of our handsome graduates to be strike a pose.

Our MC, Mr. Sengstock wore a psychedelic tie.

The young ladies were absolutely lovely, as always.

The wonderfully creative 7th grade parents brought the 60's back for an evening.
Tie-dyed aprons, granny glasses and lava lamps helped to set the mood.

Mrs. Fredrick was happy to take a night off to celebrate with her family.

Our amazing 8th grade trio performed.

And the evening concluded with an unforgettable video, thanks to Mr. Mozina.

Essay Finalists

On Saturday, May 23, Max from 4th Grade and Patrick from 6th Grade represented Ascension School as 2 of the 156 semi-finalist at the Chicago White Sox game and the picnic sponsored by the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative Essay contest. Congratulations!

Umbrellas For Peace

Students in third and fourth grades painted “Umbrellas for Peace” in art classes this week.  The Umbrellas for Peace program was founded by artist Matt Lamb, who conceived it as a way to help the children of New York City heal following 9/11. 

Academic and Sports Dinner

Ascension salutes excellence every year at the annual Academic and Sports Award Dinner. Players on all Ascension teams are acknowledged for their spirit and enthusiasm. Team awards are presented by coaches. Father McNally warmly thanked the servers for giving their time to Ascension. The Tim Carpenter Award for sportsmanship and academic success is a highlight of the evening, as is Mrs. Pesce's presentation of the Masterpiece Award. Finally, Ascension celebrates our top scholars, Marian, the Valedictorian, and Mary Kate, the Salutatorian.

Congratulations to all!

Mrs. Carpenter presented the Tim Carpenter Award to Jacob and Stephanie.

The 2009 Kathy Adams Masterpiece Award was presented to Scott Mozina for his reproduction of a Warhol portrait.

Thank You, Mr. Geselbracht!

Tom Geselbracht has been a coach of the 8th grade boys' basketball team for many years.He will retire this year. He has touched the lives of many in a positive way, and Ascension is so blessed to have had him with us.

8th Grade Ribbons

After Mass and May Crowning, the Class of 2009 received their ribbons.

Greek Day

Swing Dance

Home and School sponsored an Urban Gateways presentation on Swing Dance for the junior high.

See pictures on the Home and School page.

The Kindergarten Show was a big hit!

Pre-school Spa

The Preschoolers pampered Moms at a pre-Mother's Day Spa.

Saturday was sunny and bright as Ascension families gathered for the first of four First Communion masses this weekend and May 9-10.

Congratulations to all Ascension Parish and School First Communicants.

Ascension's Grandparent's Day was Friday, May 1st. After a wonderful Mass at 9:15, our special guests visited classrooms and enjoyed a lovely reception.Take a look at all the smiling faces on the Grandparents' Day page!

The superintendent of all Chicago Catholic schools visited Ascension on Wednesday, April 29. She visited many classrooms, including an 8th grade Religion class and the Art room. Sr. Mary Paul also chatted with our wonderful volunteer, Mrs. Betty Malone, and stopped to read projects outside the 3rd grade classes.

Run-a-Thon 2009

We have a bright and beautiful day for the 24th annual Run! Visit the gallery and scrapbook of photos.

Easter Break

What did YOU do on Easter Break? Mr. Sengstock was in Laguna Beach at a Tax Day Tea Party. He stood with the protesters, and threw tea in the ocean to protest high taxes. He was in California to attend the NCEA convention. Ms. Burns, Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Morawski also attended the convention.

Triduum Service

Click the picture to see a slide show of the moving Triduum Service the 8th grades presented on Holy Thursday.

The Tale of Snow White

April 2009

Prince Charming prepares to kiss the sleeping Snow White in our Aspiring Actors' production of The Tale of Snow White.

Holocaust Speaker

Hungarian Holocaust survivor Agnes Schwartz visited Ascension School. She spoke to the 8th graders for the Language Arts unit on The Holocaust and genocide.

Dance Unit and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Mrs. Reese came to Music Class on April 2nd! She taught the 5th graders some dance formation in preparation for their field trip to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
See a gallery of the Unit in the 5th Grade Gallery.

Congratulations!

Mrs. Cathy Flowers, Ascension’s awesome librarian, was honored by the Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese as the “Heart of the School” in the “Behind the Scenes” category.  Mrs. Flowers received her award with sixteen other honorees at a brunch in Chicago.  Ascension recognizes teachers each year as our own hearts of the school.  Their nominations are forwarded then to the Archdiocese for additional recognition.  Mrs. Flowers is the third Ascension teacher to be so recognized.  She joins Mrs. Pesce and Mrs. Creed, both of whom were received their awards in the arts.

Pack the Place 2009

Charger fans packed the gym on Friday night and were rewarded with an evening of exciting basketball. 

See all the pictures here

Opera for the Young presents "The Elixir of Love"

Home and School arranged for a wonderful performance of a real opera, in English!
It was a huge hit! See pictures on the Home and School page.

Mission Day!

Ascension’s 52nd Mission Day!  Cakes, cakes, cakes…better every year! Christine Ondrla spoke to the school at our prayer service. We are going to help a school and an orphanage in India.When Fr. McNally appeared in CUbs wear, the school went wild! See the photos of Mission Day on the Mission Day Pictures page.

We had a "Spring Thaw" in February! There were two days with temperatures in the upper 50's and even 60 degrees on February 9 and 10. We know more snow is bound to come, but it sure felt good to be outside!

What a fun week we had! Starting with the Open House on Sunday, and closing with the excitement of the Faculty-8th grade volleyball game! The sock hop capped off a wonderful celebration of Catholic Schools Week.
More pictures here!

Watching History

Students in the Pine Room and in classrooms watched the inauguration of our 44th president on Tuesday.

Mr. Sengstock's wall illustrates the 44 presidents.

Girls' Pack the Place 2009

Friday, January 16

The Chargers took on the St. Luke Bearcats at Friday night’s Pack the Place.  Lots of Ascension tradition surrounds this special January event, including snow (it always snows for Pack the Place) and lots of great basketball. Pictures here.

Ascension's annual 3-on-3 was a big hit once again!
At right are the 2008 Champions!

Holiday Tournament, December 2008

Fun for everyone!

National Geographic Geography Bee

The Pine Room was the scene for the selection of finalists for the Geography Bee. Results on the Social Studies page.

Mr. Sengstock explains the rules, and asks the questions
while sitting with the panel of judges. The audience listens raptly.
The contestants fidget!

The 10 finalists will be studying geography for the final in January. Two 4th graders made the cut!

Christmas Program 2008

Pictures of our amazing Christmas Program are on the Christmas Page.

Christmas Angels

The Class of 2009 wrapped the Christmas gifts that they purchased for our friends at St. Martin de Porres, Ascension’s sharing parish.  Christmas activities are on the Christmas Page.

Christmas Boutique

Ascension children enjoyed the annual Christmas Boutique on Saturday.  Volunteers set up a lovely department store in the Pine Room with tables of affordable gifts for moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, brothers and sisters. 

No adult shoppers were allowed as children arrived with their lists and were guided through their shopping by older children.  Many thanks to Pati Dossey and Linda Loftus who have put the boutique together for the last seven years! 

More pictures on the Christmas Page!

Cookie Bake Day!

Grades four and five applied their math skills in the Pine Room kitchen on Thursday, December 4 during the fourth annual Cookie Bake.  The children had to compute the ingredients necessary to make large batches of cookies and then measure and mix them.  All cookies are donated to the Ascension Women's Club cookie walk. 

See pictures of the industrious fun!

Holiday Cards for Heroes

7th graders have made greeting cards for American service members as a part of a Holiday Card drive. These cards are a welcome sight to those who will be away from their families.

http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/

Thanksgiving Prayer

Ascension students gave generously to the St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry during the annual Prayer Service before Thanksgiving break.

Pictures of the younger children's prayer service are on the Multi-age Page.

Thanksgiving Feasts

Each year the Kindergarten and 4-year-old preschoolers get together for a traditional feast! This year the Pilgrims and Indians sang a song together with a friendship theme ("Quaker, Quaker, How Art Thee?").

The table was set for a healthy feast and after prayer, the celebration began. See the Kindergarten and PK-4 Galleries.

The 3-year-olds had a feast, too! Pictures in the PK-3 gallery.

Election Day
November 4, 2008

Kindergartners and Multi-age students voted today in a mock election. FIrst, the students read "Duck for President," and then the voting began! The choices were Duck, Pig, Cow or Sheep. And guess who won?

The Duck!

More pictures in the Kindergarten Gallery.

Halloween, 2008

Ascension students wear Halloween colors on October 31st! Home and School sponsors the Buddy Pizza lunch.

Many thanks to our loving and generous friend, Mrs. McDonald, who has provided us with Halloween treats (and many a helping hand!) over the years. 

Buddies shared pizza for Halloween,
one of the honored holiday traditions at Ascension.

Would you stick your hand in a bag
full of unidentified goblin body parts?

Scary Stories!

Mrs. Flowers lead children in writing stories for the Scary Story contest during Library time. Guess who came in First Place!

Halloween Fun Fair

Student Council sponsors Fun Fairs for Ascension’s youngest set:  face painting, games of skill, games of chance and great costumes!

All children in Kindergarten, Preschool and multi-age learned about fire safety.

Molly won a Fire Prevention Award.

More pictures of Multi-age here.

Pictures are also on Kindergarten and preschool3 and preschool4 pages.

Ascension 8th graders visited local high schools on Tuesday. The girls had a great time at Trinity!

The Girl Scouts of the Class of 2009 presented the school with a banner that represents Ascension’s green initiative this year.  The girls designed and painted the banner with the help of artist and scout leader, Deb Dittmer.  The scouts have offered the banner for use at the school auction (Goin’ Green on November 15) and then will hang it in the school as a reminder to reduce, reuse and recycle!

Lots going on in Junior High Science.

Off to a good start in Grade 1

Mr. Sengstock is enjoying the new laptop he received with a grant from Ascension School’s Professional Development Fund. 

Preschoolers explored the Parish Center garden.

In the fall, warm Friday afternoons mean there are frozen treats after school.

Soccer Season

Lots of blue on the soccer field when the Ascension 7th and 8th grade teams met each other, shortly after the 5th and 6th grade teams squared off.  Ascension’s soccer teams are co-ed and working hard at keeping the soccer program growing. Thanks to all the volunteer coaches who make sports possible at Ascension School and to all the parents who come out to cheer on the Chargers!

Say Cheese!

Lots of smiles on school Picture Day!

National Anthem Celebration

Students and teachers joined in the Star-Spangled Banner on September 12, the day before the 194th birthday of Francis Scott Key's poem.

Student Council

Ascension celebrated the first liturgy of the school year and installed the Student Council on Thursday.  The council was sent forth with the blessing of the student population.  We look forward to their leadership!

Congratulations to students Council officers and representatives! President Brenna, Vice-president Ian, Activity Director Kathleen, Treasurer Megan and Secretary Sam.

The president offered her first address.

Our lector at the first liturgy of the school year.

Early Childhood and Kindergarten Begin

August 28, 2008

The three, four and five-year olds that started their school year on Thursday had mixed feelings about the adventure.  (So did some of their moms and dads!)  But we were mostly smiles within minutes and got busy playing.

They grow up so fast. . .

Welcome Back!

August 27, 2008

Welcome, Mr. Gartland! Our newest faculty member rang the opening bell on August 27.

Say hello to the Mighty Fine Class of '09!

Volunteer Day, July 19, 2008

Dozens of volunteers enjoyed a rainy Saturday morning cleaning and painting at Ascension.  The rain contributed to the fun but it also slowed down the paint drying! 

If you couldn’t be with us Saturday and would like to help with the second coat please join us on Saturday, August 9th.  Watch the Dome for more information!

Our Peaceful Playground

Summer, 2008

Alum Jeff Wirtz ('04) finished the work on his Boy Scout Eagle Award by planning and leading the painting of Ascension's courtyard this summer. 

So far we have foursquare, hopscotch
and bean bag stations painted. 

Ascension purchased the Peaceful Playground stencils and curriculum with auction fund-a-need gifts last fall. The program will be administered by Ms. Colleen Earner.