Academy of St. Benedict the African
October 22, 2023
Week of October 29, 2023
Dear Families,
The video above includes the highlights of this week's update.
Last week was a busy one! We dedicated and blessed our new playscape and we had Fall Fest! This week is a little quieter!
This week we start our new morning routine. We will be starting each day in community with a short assembly. All students will go with their classes from breakfast (pk from classrooms) to the gym at 7:40 daily. At 7:45, we will begin the assembly. Teachers will take attendance at assembly and check uniforms. Students arriving between 7:45 and 8:00 will need to enter the school at door 2 to join their class. Both door 1 and door 2 will be monitored to help with the logistics. In assembly, we are praying and doing the pledges together, and we are shouting out students and staff and engaging in community-building activities. While we do a lot, it's quick. Be on time so your children don't miss out!
On Thursday, we celebrate All Souls Day. Deacon Gill will join us for a beautiful liturgy. Students will be able to add the names of their deceased loved ones to our remembrance book. If you can join, it begins at 8:45 AM. Grade 4 will be leading us.
Following Thursday's liturgy, I am trying to gather some parents and students who can go over to Leo High School with other Catholic schools in the area. There's power in unity! Helping to save the Tax Credit Scholarship program is hugely important for our students and families. Can you join us? I hope to have a bus. Email me and let me know. It will be from 10-12.
As football begins to wind down, we are signing up students for our two basketball teams. We have a 5th & 6th team and a 7th & 8th team. Both teams have both boys and girls playing. The league we play in has a grant, so there is no charge this year for the players. Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/fviMkWr286xuGf5u6
We are also starting a cheerleading squad. This is for students in grades 5-8. This is the form: https://forms.gle/2JLtZzCofakAH4yU6. There are 4 spots remaining on the team. All sports teams require physicals on file and concussion awareness forms. There is a $40/charge for Cheerleading for uniforms.
We are following up with families that are not compliant with health and immunization records.
Tuition accounts that are past due will be receiving phone calls. As a school that relies on tuition to run, we need your help staying up to date. Please call if there is an issue. Extended day ends at 6:00 pm each day. Please be on time. There is $3/minute per child late pickup fee.
Football practice is Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 - 4:45.
Cheerleading is Tuesdays from 3:30-4:45
Chess club is every Wednesday (grade 3 and up) at 3:45. Praise Power Choir is also on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30.
Fight Like a Girl is on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30.
As you look ahead, November 8th is picture retake day. November 10th is a PD day for teachers and no school. We will have no-cost childcare on the 10th. Complete this form to sign up. All students are welcome.
Our Scholastic Book Fair runs November 13th - 17th. Parent-teacher conferences are on November 17th. On the 17th, we dismiss at 11:30. There is after-school care for students.
All shirts must have the school logo or our school name; plain light blue polos are not part of the uniform. We have polos in the office. ALL students wear gym shoes every day. Uniforms define us as a community. Please be respectful of the school rules.
The calendar is on our website. It is linked! Additionally, please join our Bloomz page. Also, download the school app. It is the hub for all school information; from the app you can get to PowerSchool, complete the absence form, go to FACTS, go to Bloomz. There is typically a banner message on the app with information. Students with phones should download the school app.
Any students in grades 5-8 who will play sports also need physicals.
Children who are sick MUST stay home. We understand it is sometimes hard for working families, however, we have a shared responsibility to our community to limit the spread of illness. Please fill out the absence form on the app or send an email. School attendance is required every day unless sick. That includes being on time.
As we say goodbye to October and hello to November, let's have a super week of learning!
Warmly,
Mrs. Farrand
jfarrand@academystbenedict.org
773-776-3316, enter 101 at the voicemail message if needed.
Thanking the Moritz Family
It's Time to Play
Together is Better
Uniforms
The building is warm and cozy. Only St. Benedict sweatshirts and hoodies are allowed over the polos. Navy blue plain sweaters can also be worn - provided there are no logos of companies on them.
Students must wear a St. Benedict top and/or hoodie on Fridays, which are spirit days. They may wear jeans, joggers, or shorts (weather permitting). Gym shoes are required every day for all students PK - 8th grade. Of course, their regular uniform is also fine!
Please see the image for more information. Order your gym uniforms if you need them from Martinellis immediately.
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Tuition Payments & Action for Children
Please get in touch with me if you have concerns.
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Menus
**I will post the breakfast menu when I get it. Below is our lunch menu.
Calendars
The calendar is always accessible on our website and our mobile app.
⭐2023-2024 School Year Calendar⭐
PAWS
PAW-pportunities!
We need batteries! 2 multi-packs (at least 8 batteries) for a PAW - AA, C, or D, or any combination.
We will need help on December 19th from 3-6 setting up the gym for the Christmas Program.
Virtus Training and Volunteering
Families earn a PAW for getting in compliance.
Email or call Ms. Fernandez for more information: mfernandez@academystbenedict.org. She is extension 102 at school.
Save the Date!
November 8th - Picture Retake Day
November 10th - Professional Learning Day - Free childcare. See the form above
November 13th - 17th - Scholastic Book Fair
November 17th - 11:30 Dismissal. Report Card Conferences from 12-6. Aftercare Available.
November 20th - 25th - Thanksgiving Break NO School.
December 13th - NO AFTERCARE - Staff Christmas Party
December 20th - Christmas Program at 9:30 AM - No aftercare
December 21st - January 3rd -Christmas Break
January 4th - Return to school
January 15th - No School - Dr. King's Birthday
January 26th - Professional Learning Day - Free childcare
February 7th - PK4, Kindergarten and 8th Grade Graduation Pictures
February 19th - No School - President's Day
February 29th - Black History Program 10 AM
Who's Who in the Offices?
Mrs. Thornton, Assistant Principal x100
Ms. Fernandez, Business Manager x102
Ms. Botello, Administrative Assistant Main number 773-776-3316
Mrs. Martinez, Student Accounts x103
Ms. Zakowski, Office x104
**for questions related to tuition, please reach out to Mrs. Farrand or Ms. Fernandez first.
School & Office Hours
Arrival for breakfast 7:15 AM - 7:35 AM
Classes Begin: 7:45 AM (Children not in their seats at 7:45 are marked tardy)
School Ends at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 2:30 PM on Wednesdays
Extended Day: 3:15 PM - 6:00 PM - to reach extended day, call the school and enter 101 at the recording. The late pickup fee is $ 3 per minute per child. Please don't be late.
Office Hours - Every Day - 6:30 - 3:30 and by appointment
Academy of St. Benedict the African
Email: jfarrand@academystbenedict.org
Website: academystbenedict.org
Location: 6020 South Laflin Street, Chicago, IL, USA
Phone: 773-776-3316
Facebook: Facebook.com/academystbenedictafrican
Twitter: @asba_chicago