Dear Families,

The video above reviews the highlights of this newsletter.

Tardiness is becoming a problem. We believe that excellence happens on purpose, and with that, every minute matters. School begins at 7:45 AM. Students must be in their seats at 7:45, not walking in the door. There are children arriving each day 30-45 minutes late. That's two-three hours a week of lost academic time. We will begin requiring students to make up the missing academic time on Wednesdays from 2-2:45 pm each week instead of having the early dismissal. This is not for occasional or excused (appointments) late arrivals. Families will be notified of this through email.

Monday, students in grades 5-8 will enjoy a performance of The Giver at 10 AM. The performance is part of the Great Works Theatre Touring Group. Last week our PK-4 students enjoyed Fractured Fairy Tales. It was great!

The 28th is a kind shirt (with kind action) and a kind party day! We will celebrate those students who are exemplifying kindness.

Grade 5 and Grade 8 students with tax credit scholarships this year will be taking the Illinois Science assessment during their regular science classes this week. Students who missed any IAR tests will make them up this week.

Last week, we engaged in a schoolwide Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament in celebration of competition and March Madness. Jamar, in grade 2, was the student winner. Ms. Dowd was the adult winner. Friday at our pep rally, Ms. Dowd beat Jamar for the championship in a tight match.

Spring Flag Football is off to a great start. They're 2-0! This weekend they beat Barbara Sizemore 38-0.

Registration for the 2023-2024 school year continues. Over 160 children are registered, including many new students! Get those seats saved now. The early registration fee is now $50 ($100 is the regular rate). On Saturday, April 1st, the registration fee will $100 for all students. Beginning on April 5th, all registered students may dress down on Wednesdays through the end of the year.

Which class will be next for a donut and cocoa party? PK loved theirs!

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 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 right after Spring Break. 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).

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. 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- 3:15 - 4:15
• Saturday -Football Game

Upcoming important Dates:

• March 28th - Kind Shirt Day and Kind Kid Party
• April 6th - Holy Thursday Liturgy 9 AM - All are welcome
• April 7th - Good Friday - NO SCHOOL
• April 10-14 - Easter Break
• April 17th - School resumes.

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.

• April 3rd - Parents' Club meeting 8 AM and 5 PM
• April 7th - Good Friday - No School
• April 10-14th - Easter Break - No School
• April 26th - Hold for a great family night!
• May 15th - NO school -no childcare
• May 19th - SNEAKER BALL 5-7pm
• 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 - 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.