Academy of St. Benedict the African

April 30, 2023

Week of April 30, 2023 ASBA
Week of April 30, 2023

Week of April 30, 2023

Dear Families,


May is here! This month is chock full of learning and special events.


Monday is our Parent Association Club meetings. There will be one at 8 AM and one at 5 PM. We are putting the finishing touches on the Sneaker Ball and discussing Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (week of May 8th).


Tuesday from 5-7 pm is our Family Literacy Night. I am so excited about this! Black World Schoolers Book Mobile, out of Indianapolis, will be here. All of the books are either by Black authors or about Black Diaspora. All students will be able to choose one book at no cost. Families can buy more books if desired. Dinner will also be served. Sign up here!


In order for PK4, K, and 8th-grade students to participate in graduation (and 8th-grade activities), all financial matters must be taken care of, 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.


Did you buy your Sneaker Ball tickets? This family dance is $7/per person (adults & children). It should be a fun night - we have a DJ, photo booth, food, fun, and fellowship!


Registration for the 2023-2024 school year continues. Close to 200 children are registered, including many new students! We will have waiting lists.


As you get registered, 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 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).


We have shared the 2023-2024 school year calendar with you both as a paper copy 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. Updated supply lists will be shared next 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!


Clubs & Games this week:


  • Monday- Chess Club
  • Tuesday-Football practice, Fight Like a Girl (grades 4-8), Spanish Club Group 1 - 3:15-4:00
  • Thursday - Fight Like a Girl 3:30-4:30.
  • Friday - Spirit Day & Pep Rally 2:25 PM - All are Welcome, Football Practice 3:15-4:30.
  • Saturday -Football Game -CHAMPIONSHIP - TBD


Upcoming important Dates:

  • May 1st -Parent Association meeting 8 AM and 5 PM - all are welcome!
  • May 2nd - GATX Scholars/mentees trip to GATX
  • May 2nd - Family Literacy night - sign up now (See below)
  • May 4th - Liturgy for grades PK-3 - All are welcome 9 AM
  • May 4th - 1:45 PM virtual high school panel (7th graders and families)
  • May 5th - Gallagher Scholar Trip
  • May 8th - 4:30 PM High School Planning Meeting 7th grade (library)
  • May 15th - No school, no childcare
  • May 18th - Whole school liturgy - 8th grade bbq


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.

Week of April 30, 2023

*********************************************************************************************

Sneaker Ball - Family Dance

Big picture

*****************************************************************************************

Fill the Staff Room Fridge

Please donate to help fill our Staff Room fridge for Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week next week (May 8-12). Our staff is extremely hard working and dedicated to your children. Drop off the goodies at the main office. Thank you!
Big picture

****************************************************************************************

Registration Incentives!

Big picture

******************************************************************************************

Tuition Payments & Action for Children

Each family has an account in FACTS to monitor their tuition account. Payments for most are due on the 17th of the month. A few of our families have different due dates to accommodate pay periods. As a reminder, late fees are automatically assessed on the 4th day after the due date.


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.

****************************************************************************************

Help Save the Tax Credit Scholarship Program

We need YOUR help to extend the Tax Credit Scholarship Program! Join us by clicking on this link to let your legislators know you value this program and what it means to the Academy of St. Benedict the African community, and ask them to #RemoveTheSunset!


Did you know more than 400 scholarships have been awarded to ASBA students thanks to the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program in the past five years?


Many deserving students would not be able to attend ASBA without these scholarships. Our school community is stronger from these scholarships, too, as the recipients truly exhibit what it means to be a St. Benedict the African student.


Passed in 2017, the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students from low-income and working-class families to attend their best-fit school. The program is a proven success with bipartisan voter support, awarding more than 38,000 scholarships worth more than $300 million.


Despite its immense success, the Tax Credit Scholarship Program is a pilot program and has a sunset clause that would end the program in 2023 unless our state lawmakers vote to extend or make the program permanent.


When you click on this link, it will take you less than one minute to complete the process. Thank you for your support!


Additionally, I'd like to gather a group of parents to travel to Springfield along with other Catholic school parents. The date is May 16th. Families attending this day-long event would receive 2 PAWS for this year. My understanding is that meals are covered, too.


This program is vitally important to our school and families.

**********************************************************************************************

Spirit Wear - May 5th is our next Spirit Day!! - click here to go to the online store! http://bit.ly/3ZWvbip

Big picture

******************************************************************************************

Calendars

An image of the calendar is here. There is also an option to download the pdf.


The calendar is always accessible on our website and our mobile app.

Big picture

2022-2023 School Calendar

⭐2023-2024 School Year Calendar⭐

Big picture

PAWS

PAW-pportunities!

Get in compliance. Go to virtusonline.org, take the class online and consent to the background check. Earn a PAW!


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 15th

Big picture

Family Handbook - Addendums have been added

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES!

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES!


  • May 1st - Parent Association meeting 8 AM and 5 PM - all are welcome!
  • May 2nd - Family Literacy Night - Sign-up here! https://forms.gle/YrzhXkcG71DyLRSm6
  • May 15th - NO school -no childcare
  • May 18th - 8th Grade BBQ with Deacon GIll
  • May 19th - SNEAKER BALL 5-7 pm - tickets on sale now!
  • May 26th -Field Day PK3-7th grade. 8th-grade trip
  • May 31st - Last day of school for 8th grade, 8th grade Breakfast
  • 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.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES!

School & Office Hours

Morning Care: 6:15 AM - 7:15 AM

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

Academy of St. Benedict the African

Academy of St. Benedict the African

6020 South Laflin Street, Chicago, IL, USA jfarrand@academystbenedict.org 773-776-3316 academystbenedict.org