Academy of St. Benedict the African
March 19, 2023
Week of March 19, 2023
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. 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.
Thank you to all families that completed the 5 Essentials survey. We had 30% of our families respond! When we receive our report in May, I'll share some data.
Our Football Team opened the season with a commanding 24-6 win over St. Sabina on an unseasonably freezing day.
Monday, we begin the week with an all-school assembly celebrating student and staff successes. At 10 AM, students in PK- 4th grade will enjoy a show called Fractured Fairy Tales through Greatworks Theatre. Next week, grades 5-8 will enjoy The Giver from Greatworks Theatre.
Our students in grades 3-8 who have tax credit scholarships will begin IAR testing in accordance with the Invest in Kids Act. All other 3-8 students will engage in iReady work as we continue to monitor growth and use the data to inform our teaching practices.
Ms. Hartnett and Mrs. Thornton's classes have a field trip to Peggy Notebaert Science Museum as the culminating event of the Science On the Go program.
Registration for the 2023-2024 school year continues. Over 150 children are registered, including some new students! Get those seats saved now. The early registration fee is now $50 ($100 is the regular rate). 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 in late March and April.
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 1 - 3:15-4:00
- Thursday - Fight Like a Girl 3:30-4:30. Cooking Session 2- 3:15 - 4:15
- Saturday -Football Game @Leo 9 AM - Arrive by 8:45 AM -dress for the weather! (players must have physical, waiver, and concussion awareness on file to play)
Upcoming important Dates:
- March 20th - 30th - IAR testing for Grades 3-8
- March 22nd - Mrs. Thornton & Ms. Hartnett's Classes to Notebaert Nature Museum
- March 23rd - Kind Shirt Day
- March 24th - Spirit Day
- 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.
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.
Pictures From the Week
Eighth Grade Science Group Projects
Spring Flag Football Begins
Mrs. Winston's Class Leads Our All School Liturgy
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Registration Incentives!
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Tuition Payments & Action for Children
It's essential that payments are made as scheduled so that the school can meet its obligations.
Please get in touch with me if you have concerns.
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Calendars
The calendar is always accessible on our website and our mobile app.
2022-2023 School Calendar
⭐2023-2024 School Year Calendar⭐
PAWS
Water and Masks
We still need masks.
As a reminder, all PAWS must be completed by May 15th
Family Handbook - Addendums have been added
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES!
- March 20th - 24th - IAR testing for Grades 3-8
- April 7th - Good Friday - No School
- April 10-14th - Easter Break - No School
- May 15th - NO school -no childcare
- 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
- June 8th - PK 3 Last Day of School
- June 9th - Last Day of School - no afterschool care - more info coming.
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