Dear Families,

It's hard to believe we are in the last full week of April. Please pay close attention to the important dates section.

In order for PK4, K, and 8th-grade students to participate in graduation (and 8th-grade activities), all financial matters must be taken care of, including PAWS, before 5/26. Please call the office if you have questions.

Students may wear their navy blue walking shorts (which should go close to the knee) as the weather is warmer. Any day the weather is good, students will be outside. Please be sure that your child is dressed in the proper uniform each day. It's important to follow the rules and expectations.

Following the school behavior expectations are part of the agreement families make when choosing St. Benedict. Children should be working to be respectful, responsible, safe, and kind all day, every day. This creates the best learning environment. Please discuss this with your child.

Did you buy your Sneaker Ball tickets? This family dance is $7/per person (adults & children). It should be a fun night - we have a DJ, photo booth, food, fun, and fellowship!

Our Flag Football team begins playoffs on Saturday, the 29th. They finished the regular season 5-0, with a dominating 28-6 win over Providence Englewood Charter School.

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year continues. Close to 190 children are registered, including many new students! We will have waiting lists. Third grade is close to full.

As you get registered, I will work with each family to ensure a financial contract that works for the family and the school.

Also, if you refer a new family, you will receive a $300 tuition credit (credited $150 in Dec and May). We will fill up! Use this link: https://forms.gle/mGCqKp9M5YAgxhj48. It's also on the app!

Empower Illinois and Big Shoulders SGO are making awards for the 23-24 school year. Keep an eye on your email if you applied. Time is of the essence! As a reminder, each family may only accept one tax credit scholarship. If you are awarded both BSF and EI, select one (they're both the same). Families that received tax credit scholarships received contracts last week. They were sent home with the students. Please look for yours and return it.

We have shared the 2023-2024 school year calendar with you both as a paper copy and below as a digital image and downloadable PDF. Our school day will be a bit longer next year as the day will begin at 7:45 AM and end at 3 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, we will dismiss at 2:30 to accommodate faculty meetings. Before and after-school care hours remain the same.

Please keep sick children home. Keep home COVID tests on hand so children can be tested in the event they have symptoms. As a school, we have done an excellent job keeping everyone well. We have a shared commitment to the school community to keep everyone well.

Physicals are needed if your child is entering K, 2, or 6 or will play Flag Football in the fall or basketball in 23-24. Make those appointments now and send the forms in asap!

Clubs & Games this week:

• Monday- Chess Club
• Tuesday-Football practice, Fight Like a Girl (grades 4-8), Spanish Club Group 2 - 3:15-4:00
• Thursday - Fight Like a Girl 3:30-4:30. Cooking Session 2 (last one)- 3:15 - 4:15
• Saturday -Football Game -TBD

Upcoming important Dates:

• April 26th - Progress Reports Go home in grades 3-8.
• April 28th - Spirit Day
• May 1st -Parent Association meeting 8 AM and 5 PM - all are welcome!
• May 2nd - GATX Scholars/mentees trip to GATX - permission slips coming home this week.
• May 2nd - Family Literacy night - sign up now (See below)
• May 4th - 1:45 PM virtual high school panel (7th graders and families)
• May 8th - 4:30 PM High School Planning Meeting 7th grade (library)
• May 15th - No school, no childcare
• May 18th - Whole school liturgy - 8th grade bbq

Be sure to save May 2nd on your calendar - it's right around the corner! We are having a Family Literacy event from 5 pm - 7 pm. Black World Schoolers Book Mobile will be here. All students will be able to choose one book at no cost. Families can buy more books if desired. Dinner will also be served. Sign up here!

As you do some spring cleaning, don't forget that we have a collection bin in our parking lot for clothing and shoes. Filling that bin results in trees being planted while helping those less fortunate.

Let's make this week a great week for learning!

Warmly,

Mrs. Farrand

jfarrand@academystbenedict.org

773-776-3316, enter 101 at the voicemail message if needed.

• May 2nd - Family Literacy Night - Sign-up here! https://forms.gle/YrzhXkcG71DyLRSm6
• May 15th - NO school -no childcare
• May 18th - 8th Grade BBQ with Deacon GIll
• May 19th - SNEAKER BALL 5-7 pm - tickets go on sale soon!
• May 26th -Field Day PK3-7th grade. 8th-grade trip
• May 31st - Last day of school for 8th grade, 8th grade Breakfast
• June 1st - 1pm Candle & Ribbon - 7th and 8th Grade
• June 3rd - 10 AM 8th Grade Graduation - St. Benedict the African Church
• June 8th - PK 3 Last Day of School
• June 9th - Last Day of School - no afterschool care - more info coming.