Dear Families,

It is hard to believe that we are in the last days of the 2022-2023 school year. Your children have grown so much!

After a very busy week last week, this is a much quieter week focused on learning and community. Children should be at school daily before 7:40, ready to learn.

Mrs. McVey has been a part of our school community for over 50 years. She will not be returning next year. On Tuesday at our morning assembly, we will celebrate her and her deep dedication to our school.

Students must be in full uniform Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Wednesday is a dress down day for returning students. Friday is a dress down day for all. As a reminder: Students MUST wear gym shoes everyday - whether in uniform or dress down. Also, NO jewelry. This includes no earrings for any boy PK- 8th grade.

In order for PK4 and Kindergarten students to participate in graduation, all financial matters must be cleared, including PAWS, before 6/8 for PK/K. Please call the office if you have questions. **Please, NO Helium Balloons inside the gym during graduation ceremonies.

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.

Close to 230 children are registered, including many new students! We will have waiting lists. As a matter of fact, 3rd grade is about 1 student away from moving to a wait.

As you register, I will work with each family to ensure a financial contract that works for the family and the school. Contracts will be out in June. The office is focused on getting the accounts cleared for this year.

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 continuing to make 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 are available at school. I'm working to get the lists on the website and app. All grade 3rd- 8th-grade students must have a Chromebook case to protect the Chromebook. A 13" case will work! The family tech fee only covers one Chromebook. If a child breaks one due to carelessness, the family will be charged for the replacement. All chrome chargers must be returned to school this week.

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!

Upcoming important Dates:

• June 9th - Last Day of School See image below for schedule- NO AfterCare
• August 10th - 8th Annual First Responder BBQ 11-1
• August 16th - New Family Orientation 4 pm - 6 pm
• August 18th - Back to School Ice Cream Social and Playground Blessing 12-2 pm
• August 22nd - First Day of School - 1:45 Dismissal - No AfterCare

Please see the image below for the last day of school events on June 9th.

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.

This has been an amazing year full of growth. Please look for a letter coming home on Tuesday from the office. I will be addressing the amazing year we've had and look forward to the 2023 - 2024 school year.

Thank you for sharing and trusting your children with us. It is an honor. Have a safe and wonderful summer. Our summer office hours are listed below.

Warmly,

Mrs. Farrand

jfarrand@academystbenedict.org

773-776-3316, enter 101 during the recorded message.

• June 8th - PK 3 Last day of school
• June 9th - Last Day of School - NO extended day

23-24 School Year

• August 10th - 8th Annual First Responder BBQ 11 AM -1 PM (volunteers needed)
• August 16th - New Family Orientation 4 pm - 6 pm (Volunteers needed)
• August 18th - Back to School Ice Cream Social and Playground Blessing 12-2 pm
• August 22nd - First Day of School - 1:45 Dismissal - No AfterCare