Dr. Fay's Newsletter

MHR Newsletter

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 16:07:59 GMT

From the Principal’s Desk

November 6th, 2026

Dear Most Holy Redeemer Families,

Most Holy Redeemer School warmly invites all veterans and active-duty military service members to join us for a special Veterans Day Mass on Wednesday, November 11, at 8:30 a.m.

We are grateful for the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have defended our country and protected the freedoms we enjoy. Our students have prepared some special ways to recognize and honor our veterans as part of this celebration.

Please join our MHR family as we come together in prayer, thanksgiving, and appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve our nation.

All veterans and active-duty service members are welcome! We would be honored to celebrate with you.

Also, next week is a school spirit week. See below for daily details.

Good luck to all of our boys and girls sports teams this weekend!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay

Important Dates & Events

School Calendar

November 6 ArchDiocese Teacher Training - No Student Attendance
November 11 8:30 AM Veteran's Day Mass 8th Grade Hosts
November 13 7/8th grade dance
November 18 End of Trimester One
November 22 10:30AM Family Mass 5th Grade Hosts
November 25 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
November 26 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
November 27 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
November 30 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration

Faith & Formation

Our 8th graders had the special opportunity to serve as our choir during this past Wednesday’s all-school Mass. Their voices helped lead our school community in prayer and song, adding a beautiful dimension to our celebration of the Eucharist. We are proud of the leadership they demonstrated and grateful for the time and effort they put into helping make our Mass so meaningful. It is wonderful to see our oldest students sharing their gifts and setting an example for the younger members of our MHR family!

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Spirit Week: Let's Show Our MHR Spirit!

Get ready for a fun week of school spirit! Students will have the opportunity to participate in the following themed dress-up days:

Monday – Mismatch Day! Students may come out of uniform wearing mismatched socks, shoes, or other fun mismatched clothing. The crazier, the better!
Tuesday – Crazy Hat Day! Students may wear a crazy or silly hat with their regular MHR uniform.
Wednesday – Red, White & Blue Day! In honor of Veterans Day, students may come out of uniform by wearing red, white, and blue to show their appreciation for the brave men and women who have served our country.
Thursday – Jersey Day! Students may come out of uniform wearing their favorite sports team jersey.
Friday – Twin with Your Grade! Students are encouraged to coordinate with their classmates and dress alike to show off their grade-level spirit!

We look forward to a fun-filled week celebrating our MHR community!

Spotlight On

I wanted to share some exciting alumni news that highlights members of the MHR community. A few former Raiders are taking center stage over the next couple of weeks!

Evie Rojek, Class of 2025, is starring as Anna in Frozen at Saint Ignatius this weekend and next weekend. She is part of the Frost Cast. Tickets and show information | Harlequins Instagram

Maeve Broderick, Class of 2024, is starring as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Mother McAuley, alongside Kevin Curley, Class of 2023, as Emmett. Tickets and show information

It’s wonderful to see these alumni sharing their talents and doing what they love! Here’s a shout-out to our former students; once a Raider, always a Raider!

Thanks for helping celebrate our Raiders on the stage!

Reminders

Our Winter Porch Pot fundraiser starts Nov 1st. Please see the attached flyer. This was a well-received event last year and the School Advisory Board will again bring this wonderful event to share some holiday spirit with the neighborhood.
Do you know any families interested in joining us for the 27/28 school year? Tours have started! Share this link: https://www.mhrschool.com/new-student-registration-inquiry

Social-Emotional Learning

Veterans Day is an opportunity to help children understand the importance of gratitude, service, courage, and sacrifice. It is a time to recognize the men and women who have served in our nation's military and to appreciate the freedoms and opportunities their service helps protect. Parents can make this meaningful for children by talking about what it means to serve others, sharing stories of family members or friends who are veterans, or helping children write a thank-you note to someone who has served. You might ask your child, "What does it mean to be brave?" or "How can we show appreciation to people who serve our country?" These conversations help children develop gratitude, respect, and an appreciation for the contributions others make to our community and country. Teaching children to recognize and appreciate the service of others is an important part of developing empathy, character, and good citizenship.

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and dedication. As Veterans Day approaches, we ask Your blessing upon all veterans, especially those within our MHR family. Grant comfort to those who carry the burdens of their service, healing to those who have been wounded, and eternal rest to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Help us to be grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and mindful of our responsibility to work for peace, justice, and the dignity of every human person. May the Holy Spirit guide us to live with the same spirit of service and selflessness that our veterans have shown. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay
Principal

Stay Connected

Email- efay@mhrschool.com

MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/

MHR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders

Attachments

MHR Newsletter

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 16:37:39 GMT

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Most Holy Redeemer Families,

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween tomorrow!

Our Winter Porch Pot fundraiser starts Nov 1st. Please see the attached flyer. This was a well-received event last year and the School Advisory Board will again bring this wonderful event to share some holiday spirit with the neighborhood.

Do you know any families interested in joining us for the 27/28 school year? Tours have started! Share this link: https://www.mhrschool.com/new-student-registration-inquiry

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay

Important Dates & Events

School Calendar

October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties
November 2 Candy Collection for Troops
November 4 Fall Picture Retakes
November 5 11:30 AM Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 5 1:00 PM 6:00 PM Parent Teacher Conferences
November 5 Teacher Lunch for PTC
November 6 ArchDiocese Teacher Training - No Student Attendance
November 11 8:30 AM Veteran's Day Mass 8th Grade Hosts
November 18 End of Trimester One
November 22 10:30AM Family Mass 5th Grade Hosts
November 25 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
November 26 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
November 27 Thanksgiving Break; November 25th - 27th
November 30 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration

Faith & Formation

As our eighth graders prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, one meaningful part of their preparation is selecting a patron saint whose name they will take for Confirmation. Students research the lives of the saints, learning about their faith, virtues, challenges, and the ways they followed Jesus Christ. Each student prayerfully considers which saint inspires them and whose example they hope to follow in their own journey of faith.

Choosing a Confirmation saint is more than selecting a name; it is an opportunity for students to reflect on the kind of Catholic Christian they hope to become. Their chosen saint becomes a spiritual role model and a reminder that we are all called to holiness in our own lives. We are proud of our eighth graders as they take this important step in their faith journey, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them as they continue preparing to receive the fullness of the gifts of the Spirit through Confirmation.

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

In grades 5–8, our students begin their creative writing classes with an intriguing question displayed on the front board. From imaginative scenarios to thoughtful questions about life and the world around them, these prompts invite students to think creatively, reflect, and express their ideas. Students take a few minutes to write their responses in their journals using good old-fashioned pencil and paper before sharing their thoughts with their classmates.

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, there is something special about putting pencil to paper. Handwriting encourages students to slow down, organize their thoughts, and engage directly with their ideas. Regular journaling also strengthens vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and written fluency while helping students develop their own voices as writers. Just as importantly, sharing responses builds speaking and listening skills, encourages students to consider different perspectives, and fosters confidence in expressing their ideas in a supportive classroom environment.

Sometimes, the most powerful learning begins with a simple question and a few quiet minutes to think. At MHR, we are proud to give our students opportunities to be curious, creative, and thoughtful communicators which are skills that will serve them well in every subject and throughout their lives.

Spotlight On

Celebrating Día de los Muertos

(Day of the Dead)

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cultural tradition celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American communities on November 1 and 2. It is a time for families to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away, celebrating the lives they lived and the lasting impact they continue to have on those who love them. Traditional celebrations often include photographs, flowers, candles, and special items that reflect the lives and memories of those being honored.

Our Student Council is bringing this meaningful tradition to MHR by creating an altar in the hallway near the main office. The altar will help our students learn about this cultural celebration and reflect on the importance of remembering those we love. As a Catholic community, we are reminded during this time of year of the Communion of Saints and the hope we share in eternal life. We invite our families to take a moment to view the altar and reflect on the people whose love, faith, and example continue to shape our lives.

Reminders

Halloween Movie Night. Join us for a Spooktacular Evening hosted by the Parents Club and Women's Guild! Enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania with friends and family. Purchase your tickets here! Friday, October 30th. Join us at 5:30 PM to get settled before the movie begins at 6:00 PM! MHR Parking Lot. $20 per Family. Baracco's pizza slices will be available for purchase, and each kid will receive one kid's drink and a special Halloween treat. Come dressed in your Halloween best (pajamas welcome!) and get ready for a fun night of family, friends, and a little spooky fun!
Most Holy Redeemer will once again participate in the annual Baby Bottle Collection to support mothers and babies in need. Donations help provide essential items such as formula, diapers, clothing, blankets, health care, and car seats. Please fill the baby bottle with spare change, or any donation you are able to give, and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by October 30 . Please return every baby bottle to school, whether or not you are able to make a donation. Learn more about the organization and its mission: Save the Babies
We're accepting leftover Halloween candy for donation to Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops program. Soldiers' Angels collects candy to share with veterans. Donated candy will be collected from November 2nd-5th at MHR. Please contact Parents Club (parentsclub@mhrschool.com) if you have a MHR parishioner that is active duty and would like candy to be sent to them.

Social-Emotional Learning

Halloween is an exciting time for children, and it’s also a great opportunity to practice making safe, responsible choices. Before heading out to trick-or-treat, remind your children to stay with their group, follow their family's plans, use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing streets, and remain visible to drivers by using reflective items or flashlights. Parents should accompany younger children and establish clear expectations for older children about where they can go and when they should return home. It's also important to remind children to wait until a trusted adult checks their treats before eating them. Most importantly, talk with your children about looking out for one another and making choices that keep everyone safe. A fun Halloween is a safe Halloween, and a little preparation can make the evening enjoyable for the whole family!

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our Most Holy Redeemer family and for the many ways You are present in our daily lives. Help us to grow in faith, to recognize the dignity of every person, and to serve one another with the love of Christ. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may our homes and school be places where faith is nurtured, kindness is shared, and every person knows they are a beloved child of God. Guide us in all that we do, and unite us ever more closely as one family in Christ. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,
Dr. Eric Fay
Principal

Stay Connected

Email: efay@mhrschool.com

MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/

MHR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders

Attachments

MHR Newsletter

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:15:07 GMT

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Most Holy Redeemer Families,

First Responder Day 10/28- Calling all First Responders! You are invited to join us on Wednesday, October 28th at 8:30 am mass for a special prayer and recognition. Following mass, we will have a clap out throughout the school by our students. Thank you for your service to our community!

MHR Student Council will again host our annual Red Ribbon Week, a national week dedicated to making lifelong healthy choices. Each day will have a theme, including Mindful Monday and Workout Wednesday. Students will participate in different activities with their classes, so there is nothing required on the home front. Be sure to ask your child about all the fun activities each day next week!

School picture retakes will be on Wednesday, November 4th.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay

Important Dates & Events

School Calendar

October 23 8th Grade Retreat and Wear Orange Day

October 26 Red Ribbon Week begins; Oct 26-30

October 26 Pumpkin Carving Contest; Oct 26-30

October 26 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration

October 28 First Responder Day

October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties

Faith & Formation

This week on Wednesday, our 3rd and 4th-grade students brought a wonderful tradition to life as they led our entire school in a Living Rosary.

In a Living Rosary, each student represents one of the beads of the rosary. As prayer moves from bead to bead, individual students lead the prayer, transforming the devotion into a shared, living expression of faith and unity across our school community. Our 3rd and 4th graders did an extraordinary job leading us with reverent hearts, clear voices, and impressive confidence. It was inspiring to watch them step into this role of leadership for our younger students and entire community!

A special thank you goes to our dedicated 3rd and 4th grade teachers. Your guidance, preparation, and care behind the scenes made this beautiful prayer service possible. Thank you for continuing to nurture both the hearts and minds of our students!

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Preparing for a Successful Meeting

Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups went out today! Conferences are a wonderful opportunity to partner together to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Because conference time goes by quickly, a little preparation can help ensure you get the absolute most out of your conversation.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare and make the meeting as productive as possible:

Before the Conference:

Talk with Your Child: Ask them how they feel school is going, what subjects or activities they enjoy most, and if there is anything they would like you to ask their teacher.

Jot Down 2–3 Key Questions: Focus on areas where you’d like the most insight (e.g., academic progress, peer relationships, or classroom habits).

Review Recent Work: Take a quick look at recent grades, assignments, or newsletter updates so you’re familiar with current class topics.

During the Conference:

Share Insights from Home: You know your child best! Mention any relevant changes, home routines, interests, or learning styles that might help the teacher better understand them.

Focus on Collaboration: Think of the conference as a team effort. If an area of growth is brought up, ask: "How can we support this at home?"

Keep an Open Mind: Teachers see your child in a structured group environment, which can bring out different strengths or challenges than you see at home.

After the Conference:

Follow Up with Your Child: Share the positive feedback you heard and discuss any goals set during the meeting in an encouraging way.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

Spotlight On

We are so proud of our students for representing Most Holy Redeemer with such faith, respect, and school spirit! Recently, we received two wonderful notes from community members praising our kids. Following our choir’s visit to sing at a special Mass at Smith Village retirement community, an attendee shared, "It was a magical day, and the students were incredible. They sang great, but it was their hearts… You could feel God." Additionally, after our girls' basketball "Pack the House" event, a community member wrote in to highlight our 8th-grade boys: "A few parents and grandparents commented on how well-behaved they were. Very respectful but also very invested in both games cheering for the girls... They represented MHR very well." Thank you to our choir members and 8th-grade students for leading by example and showing everyone what makes our school community so special!

Reminders

Halloween Movie Night. Join us for a Spooktacular Evening hosted by the Parents Club and Women's Guild! Enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania with friends and family. Purchase your tickets here! Friday, October 30th. Join us at 5:30 PM to get settled before the movie begins at 6:00 PM! MHR Parking Lot. $20 per Family. Baracco's pizza slices will be available for purchase, and each kid will receive one kid's drink and a special Halloween treat. Come dressed in your Halloween best (pajamas welcome!) and get ready for a fun night of family, friends, and a little spooky fun!

Most Holy Redeemer will once again participate in the annual Baby Bottle Collection to support mothers and babies in need. Donations help provide essential items such as formula, diapers, clothing, blankets, health care, and car seats. Please fill the baby bottle with spare change, or any donation you are able to give, and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by October 30. Please return every baby bottle to school, whether or not you are able to make a donation. Learn more about the organization and its mission: Save the Babies

We are excited to have our annual pumpkin decorating contest. Decorated pumpkins can be dropped off from 10/26-10/30 in the main office. Due to the large number of entries, please submit one pumpkin per family. Please bring your pumpkins home after school on 10/30. The top 3 winners will receive gifts, and all participants will receive an out of uniform pass.

We're accepting leftover Halloween candy for donation to Soldiers' Angels Treats for Troops program. Soldiers' Angels collects candy to share with veterans. Donated candy will be collected from November 2nd-5th at MHR. Please contact Parents Club (parentsclub@mhrschool.com) if you have a MHR parishioner that is active duty and would like candy to be sent to them.

Social-Emotional Learning

Halloween is a fantastic opportunity for students to practice Social-Emotional Learning skills like self-management, empathy, and responsible decision-making! Before heading out to celebrate, take a moment to talk with your child about trick-or-treating safety: staying with a buddy or trusted adult, respecting neighbors' property, remaining aware of traffic, and showing kindness to younger or more sensitive trick-or-treaters. Remind them that listening to their bodies, like taking a breath if the noise or crowds get overwhelming, helps keep the evening fun and safe for everyone. Wishing all of our families a safe, joyful, and respectful Halloween!

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Dear Lord, we thank You for the many blessings You bestow upon our school community each day. As we turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the devotion of the Rosary, we ask for her gentle guidance and motherly care. May each mystery we contemplate draw our hearts closer to Your Son, Jesus Christ, and teach us to walk in faith, love, and unity. Protect our students, families, and staff, and help us reflect Your light in all that we do. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay

Principal

Stay Connected

Email: efay@mhrschool.com

MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/

MHR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders

Attachments

Pumpkin contest

Candy for troops

First responder day flyer

MHR Newsletter October 15th, 2026

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:04:30 GMT

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Most Holy Redeemer Families,

I’ve added an archive of Principal Newsletters on our website. Please check there to find previous newsletters.

https://www.mhrschool.com/from-the-principal-s-desk

During the remainder of October, we have many ways to get involved. Please join as you are available to contribute to our wonderful school!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay

Important Dates & Events

School Calendar

Lunch November lunch is open to orders
October 15 First Communion Meeting
October 18 Family Mass 4th Grade Hosts
October 21 Living Rosary
October 23 8th Grade Retreat and Wear Orange Day
October 26 Red Ribbon Week begins; Oct 26-30
October 26 Pumpkin Carving Contest; Oct 26-30
October 26 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration
October 28 First Responder Day
October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties

Faith & Formation

Parent Faith Conversation Initiative – Volunteers Needed

Most Holy Redeemer is joining Christ the King, St. Barnabas, St. Cajetan, and St. John Fisher in a special initiative to help parents deepen their faith and bring meaningful conversations about faith and life's bigger questions into their homes. The Ever Wonder Discussion Series will offer three gatherings during Advent 2026, Catholic Schools Week 2027, and Lent 2027, focusing on identity, longing, and purpose.

We are looking for volunteers, especially a married couple who might be interested in helping organize and lead this initiative. Volunteers will assist with inviting families, preparing the gathering space, providing hospitality, and facilitating small-group conversations. You do not need to be a theology expert, just someone who values our Catholic faith and enjoys connecting with other families.

If you are interested in helping or would like to learn more, please contact Dr. Fay. Together, we can strengthen the connection between faith at school, faith at home, and our shared life as a Catholic community.

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

At Most Holy Redeemer, we use Blest Are We Faith in Action by RCL Benziger to help our students grow in their understanding and love of the Catholic faith. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church, this curriculum explores four essential dimensions of our faith: what Catholics believe, how Catholics worship, how Catholics live, and how Catholics pray. Students learn about Jesus, the saints, the Sacraments, and the traditions of our Church while discovering how to put their faith into practice through kindness, service, compassion, and love for others. Our goal is not simply for students to learn about their faith, but to develop a personal relationship with Christ and become faithful disciples who live the Gospel in their daily lives. Families are essential partners in this journey as we work together to nurture a faith that continues to grow both in and beyond the classroom.

Spotlight On

Reminders

Let’s come out and pack the house for our 8th grade girls basketball teams on Sunday, October 18! Games begin at 2:00 p.m., with our 8th grade teams taking the court at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. We’d love to see our MHR family filling the stands, cheering loudly, and showing our 8th graders some school spirit! After the games, all 8th graders are invited to stay for pizza, with the evening wrapping up around 6:30 p.m.
Halloween Movie Night. Join us for a Spooktacular Evening hosted by the Parents Club and Women's Guild! Enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania with friends and family. Purchase your tickets here! Friday, October 30th. Join us at 5:30 PM to get settled before the movie begins at 6:00 PM! MHR Parking Lot. $20 per Family. Baracco's pizza slices will be available for purchase, and each kid will receive one kid's drink and a special Halloween treat. Come dressed in your Halloween best (pajamas welcome!) and get ready for a fun night of family, friends, and a little spooky fun!
Most Holy Redeemer will once again participate in the annual Baby Bottle Collection to support mothers and babies in need. Donations help provide essential items such as formula, diapers, clothing, blankets, health care, and car seats. Please fill the baby bottle with spare change, or any donation you are able to give, and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by October 30. Please return every baby bottle to school, whether or not you are able to make a donation. Learn more about the organization and its mission: Save the Babies
On Friday, October 23, 2026, we will participate in The MuSic Movement's #RockOutMS Dress Down Day. Students are invited to wear orange, the national color for Multiple Sclerosis awareness, in exchange for a $2 donation. For families who would like to support the mission beyond our Dress Down Day, The MuSic Movement's third annual benefit concert will be held on February 6, 2027, at Bourbon Street, featuring The Strumbellas with special guest Coax & Folks. Learn more or purchase tickets at https://www.msmusicmovement.com/ .

Social-Emotional Learning

Traditions and family values help children understand who they are, what matters most, and how they can contribute to the world around them. Whether it’s sharing a family meal, celebrating meaningful occasions, practicing your faith, or serving others, these experiences teach children the importance of love, respect, responsibility, and belonging. At school, we build on these foundations by helping students recognize that they are part of something bigger than themselves. We are a community where each person is valued and everyone has a role to play. A simple family activity: Set aside time this week to share a family tradition or talk about a value that is important to your family. Ask each family member how they can put that value into action, whether through an act of kindness, helping a neighbor, or supporting someone in need. When families and schools work together to nurture strong values and a sense of belonging, we help children grow into compassionate, responsible, and caring members of their communities.

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together as the Most Holy Redeemer family. Help us to build a community where every student, family, teacher, and staff member feels welcomed, valued, and loved. Teach us to listen with understanding, support one another through challenges, and celebrate the gifts each person brings to our community. May our words and actions reflect Your love and strengthen the bonds that unite us in faith. Bless our MHR family, and help us grow together in wisdom, kindness, and holiness. Amen.

In Christ,
Dr. Eric Fay
Principal

Stay Connected

Email: efay@mhrschool.com

MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/

MHR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders

Attachments

MHR Newsletter October 9th, 2026

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:21:26 GMT

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Most Holy Redeemer Families,

Halloween Movie Night

Join us for a Spooktacular Evening hosted by the Parents Club and Women's Guild! Enjoy a showing of Hotel Transylvania with friends and family.

Purchase your tickets here!

Friday, October 30th

Join us at 5:30 PM to get settled before the movie begins at 6:00 PM!

MHR Parking Lot

$20 per Family

Baracco's pizza slices will be available for purchase, and each kid will receive one kid's drink and a special Halloween treat. Come dressed in your Halloween best (pajamas welcome!) and get ready for a fun night of family, friends, and a little spooky fun!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay

Important Dates & Events

School Calendar

October 12 Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day; No School for PK-Grade 8
October 15 First Communion Meeting
October 18 Family Mass 4th Grade Hosts
October 21 Living Rosary
October 23 8th Grade Retreat and Wear Orange Day
October 26 Red Ribbon Week begins; Oct 26-30
October 26 Pumpkin Carving Contest; Oct 26-30
October 26 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration
October 28 First Responder Day
October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties

Faith & Formation

Baby Bottle Collection

Most Holy Redeemer will once again participate in the annual Baby Bottle Collection to support mothers and babies in need. Donations help provide essential items such as formula, diapers, clothing, blankets, health care, and car seats.

Please fill the baby bottle with spare change, or any donation you are able to give, and return it to your child’s homeroom teacher by October 30 . Please return every baby bottle to school, whether or not you are able to make a donation.

Thank you for helping support mothers and their babies in our community. Your generosity is a beautiful way to put our Catholic faith into action.

God bless you for your generosity!

Learn more about the organization and its mission: Save the Babies

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Exciting News: Our New STEAM Lab is on the Way!

We are thrilled to announce that we are currently ordering state-of-the-art equipment

to build a brand-new, cutting-edge STEAM lab for our students!

What is a STEAM Lab?
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Rather than teaching these subjects in isolation, a STEAM lab brings them together into a single, hands-on collaborative workspace. It transforms traditional learning into an active studio where students become inventors, designers, and problem-solvers.

What Can Students Expect to Learn?
In the lab, students will move beyond passive learning to tackle real-world challenges through inquiry and design. They will develop critical skills for the future, including:

Hands-on Engineering & Coding: Building working models and learning the foundations of computer science.
Creative Problem-Solving: Testing hypotheses, learning from trial and error, and iterating on their designs.
Collaboration & Communication: Working in teams to brainstorm, prototype, and present their ideas.
Artistic Integration: Blending technical precision with creative design and aesthetics to bring their projects to life.

We cannot wait to open this incredible space and watch our students dream, build, and innovate. Stay tuned for updates as the equipment arrives and the lab comes together!

Spotlight On

At Most Holy Redeemer , we are proud to support organizations that strengthen our community and teach our students the importance of compassion, inclusion, and giving back.

On Friday, October 23, 2026 , we will participate in The MuSic Movement's #RockOutMS Dress Down Day . Students are invited to wear orange , the national color for Multiple Sclerosis awareness, in exchange for a $2 donation .

The MuSic Movement is a local nonprofit founded by local Chicago parents to raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis through the power of music. Many individuals living with MS are unable to participate in traditional fundraisers like walks or 5Ks, so this organization has created a way for our entire community to make a difference together. Donations from our Dress Down Day will support local families affected by MS, while also benefiting the National MS Society.

Throughout the day, students will also learn about the importance of inclusion and celebrate with music as we come together to #RockOutMS .

For families who would like to support the mission beyond our Dress Down Day, The MuSic Movement's third annual benefit concert will be held on February 6, 2027 , at Bourbon Street, featuring The Strumbellas with special guest Coax & Folks . Learn more or purchase tickets at https://www.msmusicmovement.com/ .

Thank you for helping our school make a difference for families impacted by Multiple Sclerosis!

Reminders

Let’s come out and pack the house for our 8th grade girls basketball teams on Sunday, October 18! Games begin at 2:00 p.m. , with our 8th grade teams taking the court at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. We’d love to see our MHR family filling the stands, cheering loudly, and showing our 8th graders some school spirit! After the games, all 8th graders are invited to stay for pizza , with the evening wrapping up around 6:30 p.m.
Morning arrival procedures help keep all students safe and traffic moving smoothly, even in rainy weather. PreK–4th grade students should enter through The Porch, while 5th–8th grade students should enter through Briody Hall. Students walking or biking must use designated crosswalks, and bicycles must be walked on school/parish property. Families dropping off by car should enter from Lawndale, drop students off in the parking lot, and exit onto Millard; Millard Avenue is not a drop-off area, and parents needing to enter the building should use the Main Entrance and ring the bell.

Social-Emotional Learning

Social-emotional learning extends far beyond understanding our own emotions. It truly flourishes when children learn to look outward and connect with the world around them. Encouraging kids to help others builds vital life skills like empathy, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of belonging, showing them that their actions truly matter to the well-being of our community. You can easily practice this at home through simple, everyday habits, such as starting a "kindness challenge" jar where children draw out achievable ideas like writing a thank-you note to a school teacher or reading to a younger sibling, or involving them in collaborative problem-solving by brainstorming and preparing a small gesture, like baking cookies or crafting a card, for a neighbor or family friend going through a busy time. Small, intentional moments like these help children discover that making a difference in someone else's day is one of the most rewarding parts of growing up.

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Thank you for blessing our school community and for the gift of one another. As we navigate the busy weeks ahead, open our eyes to the needs of those around us. In both our classrooms and beyond our school walls. Instill in our children and in us a spirit of empathy and generosity, that we may look for ways to lift others up, share kindness freely, and be a source of light in our community. Amen.

In Christ,
Dr. Eric Fay
Principal

Stay Connected

Email: efay@mhrschool.com

MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/
MHR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders

MHR Newsletter October 2, 2026

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:48:51 GMT

What a week for our Raiders! Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our MHR families, we have raised more than $41,000 through the Raider Run-a-thon! Even though the rain moved our Fun Run indoors, our students still celebrated with music, dancing, Kona Ice, and plenty of Raider spirit. Thank you to everyone who shared the fundraiser, encouraged our students, and helped make this such a tremendous success. I am so grateful for the way our MHR community comes together to support our children and our school. Thank you, MHR families!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Eric Fay

Important Dates & Events

School Calendar

October 12 Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day; No School for PK-Grade 8
October 15 First Communion Meeting
October 18 Family Mass 4th Grade Hosts
October 21 Living Rosary
October 23 8th Grade Retreat
October 26 Red Ribbon Week begins; Oct 26-30
October 26 Pumpkin Carving Contest; Oct 26-30
October 26 Early Dismissal for Faculty Collaboration
October 28 First Responder Day
October 30 Halloween; Classroom parties

Faith & Formation

October is traditionally celebrated by the Catholic Church as the Month of the Holy Rosary , making it a beautiful time for our school community to come together in prayer. To honor Mary and this treasured Catholic devotion, our students will participate in a Living Rosary .

During a Living Rosary, our students become the beads of a giant Rosary. Each student represents a particular prayer, and as we pray together, they come forward and take their place, forming the shape of the Rosary. Our students will lead the prayers as we reflect on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection.

There is something especially beautiful about seeing our children literally become a Rosary—a visible reminder that we are a school family united in prayer . We invite our families to join us for this special opportunity to pray together and to ask Mary to lead us always closer to her Son, Jesus.

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Cold-Weather Uniform (October 1st-April 30th)

Bottoms

Navy slacks or trousers with a leather belt. Shirts are to be tucked into pants with a visible belt. Pants may not be sweatpant material.
Plaid jumper (2 choices available for Grades K – 4)*
Plaid skirt or skort (for Grades 4 – 8)*
Girls may wear solid black leggings or white/red/gray/black tights under their skirt during the cold weather months (October 1-April 30th)

*NOTE: There is a choice in 4th grade as to whether a skirt or jumper is the preferred and most comfortable choice for daily uniform wear. That choice is entirely at the discretion of the parents and child.

Tops

White or gray Most Holy Redeemer polo shirt (short or long-sleeved) with red MHR logo or plain, white, collared blouse tucked into pants/skirt.
Articles of clothing worn under the uniform shirt must be white, gray, or black—colored or printed shirts must not be worn under uniforms.

Spotlight On

Pack the House!

Let’s come out and pack the house for our 8th grade girls basketball teams on Sunday, October 18! Games begin at 2:00 p.m. , with our 8th grade teams taking the court at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

We’d love to see our MHR family filling the stands, cheering loudly, and showing our 8th graders some school spirit! After the games, all 8th graders are invited to stay for pizza , with the evening wrapping up around 6:30 p.m.

Come cheer on our girls and help us pack the house! Go MHR!

Reminders

As Most Holy Redeemer begins an important season of listening and discernment, we are grateful for the faith, people, families, and generations that have shaped our parish. Over the coming months, we want to hear from parishioners, school families, ministry leaders, alumni, and our broader community about what we value most and what we hope for the future of Most Holy Redeemer. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey and share your thoughts, hopes, and vision. Your voice is an important part of shaping our parish’s future.

Parish Survey

Morning arrival procedures help keep all students safe and traffic moving smoothly, even in rainy weather. PreK–4th grade students should enter through The Porch, while 5th–8th grade students should enter through Briody Hall. Students walking or biking must use designated crosswalks, and bicycles must be walked on school/parish property. Families dropping off by car should enter from Lawndale, drop students off in the parking lot, and exit onto Millard; Millard Avenue is not a drop-off area, and parents needing to enter the building should use the Main Entrance and ring the bell.
The volunteer commitment sign up offers a variety of opportunities throughout the year. Please review the available opportunities and select the commitment that works best for your family.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44A4AD2DAAF4C52-65134848-202526#/

Social-Emotional Learning

Every day at school is an opportunity for students to be their best selves . Not to be perfect, but to give their best effort, make good choices, treat others with kindness, and take responsibility for their learning. Parents can help by asking questions such as, “Did you give your best effort today?” or “How did you help someone today?” rather than focusing only on grades or accomplishments. Remind your child that being their best means showing up ready to learn, persevering when something is difficult, listening to teachers and classmates, and making choices they can be proud of. When we encourage effort, character, and growth, we help children develop the confidence and habits they need to thrive.

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the beauty of autumn and for the many blessings You have placed before us. Through the intercession of Mary, Our Mother, draw our students, families, teachers, and staff closer to Your Son, Jesus. Help us to be people of prayer, gratitude, kindness, and faith, remembering that You are present in both the joyful moments and the ordinary moments of each day. May our MHR family continue to grow together in faith and love. Amen.

In Christ,
Dr. Eric Fay
Principal

Stay Connected

Email: efay@mhrschool.com

MHR Website - https://www.mhrschool.com/

MHR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhrraiders/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MHRRaiders

Dr. Fay's Newsletter

MHR Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk

Important Dates & Events

Faith & Formation

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Spirit Week: Let's Show Our MHR Spirit! ﻿

Spotlight On

Reminders

Social-Emotional Learning

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Stay Connected

Attachments

MHR Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk

Important Dates & Events

Faith & Formation

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Spotlight On

Celebrating Día de los Muertos

(Day of the Dead)

Reminders

Social-Emotional Learning

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Stay Connected

Attachments

MHR Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk

Important Dates & Events

Faith & Formation

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Before the Conference:

During the Conference:

After the Conference:

Spotlight On

Reminders

Social-Emotional Learning

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Stay Connected

MHR Newsletter October 15th, 2026

From the Principal’s Desk

Important Dates & Events

Faith & Formation

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Spotlight On

Reminders

Social-Emotional Learning

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Stay Connected

Attachments

MHR Newsletter October 9th, 2026

From the Principal's Desk

Important Dates & Events

Faith & Formation

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Spotlight On

At Most Holy Redeemer , we are proud to support organizations that strengthen our community and teach our students the importance of compassion, inclusion, and giving back.

On Friday, October 23, 2026 , we will participate in The MuSic Movement's #RockOutMS Dress Down Day . Students are invited to wear orange , the national color for Multiple Sclerosis awareness, in exchange for a $2 donation .

Throughout the day, students will also learn about the importance of inclusion and celebrate with music as we come together to #RockOutMS .

Thank you for helping our school make a difference for families impacted by Multiple Sclerosis!

Reminders

Social-Emotional Learning

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Stay Connected

MHR Newsletter October 2, 2026

Important Dates & Events

Faith & Formation

Classroom & Curriculum Highlights

Cold-Weather Uniform (October 1st-April 30th)

Bottoms

Tops

Spotlight On

Pack the House!

Come cheer on our girls and help us pack the house! Go MHR!

Reminders

Social-Emotional Learning

Final Word from Dr. Fay

Stay Connected

Spirit Week: Let's Show Our MHR Spirit!