Academy of St. Benedict the African
May 21, 2023
Week of May 21, 2023
Dear Families,
What fun we had at our first-ever Sneaker Ball! With over 200 in attendance, it was exciting! Check out the two galleries from the 360 Photo Booth! Gallery one & Gallery two. Pictures have been added to Bloomz. Any families with pictures are encouraged to share them on Bloomz, too! I'm already looking forward to the next Sneaker Ball.
Most iReady testing is done. The growth is amazing, and I look forward to sharing that data with you in the next couple of weeks.
On Wednesday, our extended day singers will be performing at the Big Shoulders Fund Humanitarian Dinner, honoring the Keiser Family. The Keisers are long-time patrons of the Academy of St. Benedict the African.
Also, our scholars who participated in the DePaul Future Leaders Program will be attending a special celebration on Thursday at DePaul University. Seventh Grader La'Kwon will be speaking at the event.
Our 8th graders have their retreat on Thursday at St. Benedict the African Church on Stewart St. Students must be dropped off and picked up from the church due to bus issues. On Friday, the 8th graders will be celebrating with their class trip to Scene 75 in Romeoville. There is a bus for this event.
We may have to move our field day from this Friday to June 2. Leo High School was going to help but can't now. I am looking for other helpers. If we could find enough parents to help, we can keep the Friday date. Can you help on May 26th from 12-2:30? We need at least 10 volunteers. Please email me.
If you can help assemble tables and move out older desks, please come to school Monday at 8 AM.
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.
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.
Over 220 children are registered, including many new students! We will have waiting lists. As a matter of fact, 3rd grade is about 2 students 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 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 are available at school. I hope to get them on to the website this 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!
Upcoming important Dates:
- May 24th- Extended Day Jr. High Singers to BSF Humanitarian Dinner 2:30 PM - 9 PM
- 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 by 9 and picked up at the church at 2. This is mandatory to graduate.
- May 26th - 8th Grade Class trip - Students will be using a bus
- May 26th - Field Day for grades PK - 7.
- May 30th - Extended Day Performance - 1:15 PM
- May 31st - 8th grade breakfast - 8th grade's last day of school
- June 1st - Candle and Ribbon - 1:00 pm
- June 3rd - 8th Grade Graduation - St. Benedict the African Church 10 AM
- June 9th - Last Day of School - NO extended day
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.
All Wednesdays are dress-down days for students in K-7 who are registered for next year. All Fridays are Spirit Days!
Let's make this week a great week for learning. The next Family Update will be sent on Monday at 9 AM, as we have a long weekend for Memorial Day.
Warmly,
Mrs. Farrand
jfarrand@academystbenedict.org
773-776-3316, enter 101 at the voicemail message if needed.
SNEAKER BALL
*********************************************************************************************
Registration Incentives!
******************************************************************************************
Tuition Payments & Action for Children
As a tuition run school, families must meet their obligations so that we can meet ours. Students in PK4, K, and 8th must have zero balances by May 30th to participate in graduation.
Families without AFC or an extended day fee plan will be getting an invoice with charges this week.
Please get in touch with me if you have concerns.
****************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************************
Calendars
The calendar is always accessible on our website and our mobile app.
2022-2023 School Calendar
⭐2023-2024 School Year Calendar⭐
PAWS
PAW-pportunities!
If you can help assemble tables and move out older desks, please come to the school Monday, May 22, at 8 AM.
We need copy paper if you're looking for a good PAW opportunity!
We still need masks.
As a reminder, all PAWS must be completed by May 26th
Family Handbook - Addendums have been added
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES!
- May 24 - Extended Day singers to BSF Dinner 2:30 pm - 9:15 pm
- May 25 - DePaul Student Leaders Celebration
- May 25th - 8th Grade Retreat - St. Benedict the African Church, Stewart St. 9 AM - 2 PM
- May 26th -Field Day PK3-7th grade. 8th-grade trip
- May 30th - Extended Day Performance
- May 31st - Last day of school for 8th grade, 8th grade Breakfast
- June 1st - 1pm Candle & Ribbon - 7th and 8th Grade
- June 2nd - 8th Grade Grad Practice - 9 AM St. Benedict the African Church
- 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
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 2:45 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 2:00 PM on Wednesdays
Extended Day: 3:00 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