Dear Families,

May is in full swing! There are many activities for all ages this month. Our Family Literacy Night was a huge success. Over 100 students and their families attended! On Saturday, our Flag Football Team won the championship 24-14 over St. Margaret of Scotland. They exemplified "TEAM" all season and won together. Thank you to Ms. Elmore and Mr. Guthrie for coaching the team. Thank you to our super fans!

Our seventh-grade families have a meeting on Monday at 4:30 to meet our High School Bridge Counselor and learn more about the process and the program.

Our K-8 scholars will be completing their Spring iReady Diagnostic tests this week. Please be on time for school so scholars can do their best work. Also, unless students have an appointment, they should be in school through the end of the day. All day attendance is compulsory.

Did you know that our PK classrooms have tadpoles? They are studying the lifecycle of the frog. Our Kindergarten and First graders have caterpillars. They are studying the lifecycle of the butterfly!

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

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! Please join our Parent Association Club page on Bloomz - Use code 4EFTYJ

We still need donations - see the list on the Parent Page!

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.

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year continues. Close to 200 children are registered, including many new students! We will have waiting lists.

As you register, 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).

Updated supply lists will be shared next week. All grade 3rd- 8th-grade students must have a Chromebook case to protect it. A 13" case will work! Please start shopping for that!

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

Upcoming important Dates:

• 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
• May 19th - Sneaker Ball 5-7 pm
• May 24th- Extended Day Jr. High Singers to BSF Humanitarian Dinner
• May 25th - DePaul Student Leader Celebration at DePaul
• May 25th - 8th Grade Retreat @St. Benedict the African Church - due to bus issues, students must be dropped off and picked up at the church. This is mandatory to graduate.
• May 26th - 8th Grade Class trip
• May 26th - Field Day for grades PK - 7.

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.

There is no school on Monday, May 15th - this was an emergency makeup day we didn't need. Enjoy the long weekend and celebrate Mother's Day a bit longer.

The next Family Update will be sent Monday the 15th at 9 AM.

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

Warmly,

Mrs. Farrand

jfarrand@academystbenedict.org

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

• May 15th - NO school -no childcare
  
• May 18th - 8th Grade BBQ with Deacon GIll
• May 19th - SNEAKER BALL 5-7 pm - tickets on sale now!
• 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.