Dear Families,

First, did you spring ahead?

The video above reviews the highlights of this newsletter.

Last week we were visited by reviewers for the State of Illinois Board of Education. Our school's state recognition was renewed with no deficiencies! Every five years we receive an in-person comprehensive review visit. This is important as it ensures our students can receive tax credit scholarships, Title programming and funding, and other resources. It also validates our school's mission and work.

Monday at both 8 AM and 5 PM, I am hosting Parent Association Club meetings. Please try to attend one - have your voice heard and help us plan some fun events for our families!

**All parents are asked to complete the 5 Essentials Survey to offer feedback on the school in different categories, including communication, safety, curriculum, Catholic Identity, leadership, and teaching. The feedback gained from the survey helps guide improvements in the school. Here is the link: https://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago We need a few more responses - the survey closes on 3/17.

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year continues. Over 140 children are registered, including some new students! Get those seats saved now. The early registration fee is now $50 ($100 is the regular rate). We will continue to offer the $25 Spirit Wear gift certificates until we run out. The fee must be paid to get the gift certificate. Beginning on April 5th, all registered students may dress down on Wednesdays through the end of the year.

Both Preschool classrooms will be enjoying donuts and cocoa later this week to celebrate having over 80% registered for PK4 or K next year!

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!

There are class incentives, and I've added them below. For our current 7th graders, there is a special incentive. We are halfway there, 7th grade! When the whole class is registered, we will order their Class of 2024 hoodies!

Empower Illinois and Big Shoulders SGO are starting to make awards for the 23-24 school year. Keep an eye on your email if you applied! Time is of the essence! We will begin sending out contracts for the upcoming school year in late March and April.

We have shared the 2023-2024 school year calendar with you both as a paper copy (sent two weeks ago) 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. 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!

In the event of inclement weather, any shifts to e-learning or delays in the opening of the school day will be posted on both the school mobile app and Bloomz. We will also post on www.emergencyclosingcenter.com.

Clubs & Games this week:

• Monday- Chess Club
• Tuesday-Football practice (some spots remain - link below), Fight Like a Girl (grades 4-8), Spanish Club Group 1 - 3:15-4:00 (full)
• Thursday - Fight Like a Girl 3:30-4:30. Cooking new session gr. 4-6: 3:15 - 4:15
• Saturday -Football Game @Leo 9 AM - Arrive by 8:45 AM -dress for the weather! (players must have physical, waiver and concussion awareness on file to play)

Upcoming important Dates:

• March 13th - 8 AM and 5 PM - Parent Association Meeting - All are welcome!
• March 14th - Kind Shirt Day
• March 16th - Whole School Liturgy 9 AM (parents welcome)
• March 17th - Spirit Day
• March 20th - 30th - IAR testing for Grades 3-8
• March 22nd - Mrs. Thornton & Ms. Hartnett's Classes to Notebaert Nature Museum
• March 23rd - Kind Shirt Day
• March 28th - Kind Shirt Day and Kind Kid Party
• April 6th - Holy Thursday Liturgy 9 AM - All are welcome

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.

• March 13th - 8 AM and 5 PM - Parent Association Meeting
• March 16th - Whole School Liturgy 9 AM (parents welcome)
• March 17th - Spirit Day
• March 20th - 24th - IAR testing for Grades 3-8
• April 7th - Good Friday - No School
• April 10-14th - Easter Break - No School
• May 31st - Last day of school for 8th grade
• June 1st - 1pm Candle & Ribbon - 7th and 8th Grade
• June 3rd - 10 AM 8th Grade Graduation
• June 8th - PK 3 Last Day of School
• June 9th - Last Day of School - no afterschool care - more info coming.