Academy of St. Benedict the African

September 11, 2022

Academy of St Benedict the African Week of September 11, 2022

Week of September 11, 2022

Good morning,


First, let us remember and pray for all those who perished on September 11, 2001, and all those who continued to suffer as a result.


Open House was a huge success last week. It was well attended, and there was much joy and optimism for a beautiful, more normal year ahead. I've attached the slide presentation to this bulletin (near the bottom).


This week we look forward to individual conferences with families in an effort to discuss progress and challenges as we settle into the year. Friday is a remote learning day. We are offering childcare, at no charge, from 6:30-5. Complete this form:

https://forms.gle/eRN2TRtNcaBC2dFV7 if you'd like your child/ren to attend the childcare program that day. Conferences are scheduled from 8 - 4. See Bloomz for the sign-ups. If you can, bring your child to their conference.


Our Flag Football Team played its first game yesterday! They exemplified "We are Better Together." It was a close game. This coming week, the team plays at 9 AM. Come cheer them on - all games are at Leo High School on 79th.


Do you have about 30 minutes in the morning from 7:45-8:15? You can earn a PAW for helping with noting scholars who have arrived late while monitoring the front entrance. Five days of helping is a PAW. Volunteers must be in full compliance to assist.


Please be patient with other families on Laflin during drop-off and pick-up. Be sure to pull over to park your car and not block the street. The children's safety is most important. Families can also park on Justine and walk into the lot. At dismissal, the children will walk to their class spot before being dismissed. Teachers note the adults that pick up the children. Safety first. Also, we are not dismissing students early between 2:15-2:45, so families can avoid the car lines. Missing 30 minutes of school a day is a whole week of school by the end of October. Teachers are teaching right up until the end of the day. Every minute matters.


All scholars enter the school at door 1. For extended day families, pick up is from door 2 after 3:30.


Parents, have you joined your child/ren's Bloomz class? Have you downloaded the school app?



Let's make this a great week of learning!


Warmly,


Mrs. Farrand

773-776-3316 enter 101 at the voicemail message if needed.

Slideshow in Entry Way

The children love to stop and take a peek at the slideshow that plays on the monitor in our main entrance. When you attend conferences this week, take a few minutes to watch!
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Uniforms

The full uniform policy is listed on our website and in our family handbook. It is mandatory and part of being at St. Benedict the African. Please help us build our community by having your child/ren wear the proper clothing daily.


While the full navy blue dresses that some girls have been wearing are adorable, they are not part of the uniform and should be saved for a dress-down day.

All K-8 scholars must wear gym shoes every day. Each must have the school polo with the logo or name of the school embroidered. Plain polos and button-up shirts are not part of our uniform.


On gym days, the children wear a gym uniform. There are two versions of the gym uniform - see below. The gym uniform must be purchased at Martinellis 3517 W. 95th, Evergreen Park.


The school has the polo ($15) and the school hoodie ($20 cash/$23 card). We have a limited supply of extra Kind shirts available for $5. Cash only, please, for those shirts.


Also, the children will be asked to remove their jewelry if wearing any. It's a distraction, against our dress code, and creates safety concerns. All boys should remove their earrings before coming to school. Our dress code as it relates to jewelry and nail polish aligns with all other Catholic Schools in our council.

Bloomz and the School App

All classes have been set up! Use the code below if you haven't joined your child/ren's class. Once an entire class is connected, they'll have a pizza party!


Also, if your child goes to extended day, join that group.


Additionally, please download the school app. This app is the hub for all school information!

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Outside Food, Lunches, and Cupcakes!

Our school is fortunate to be part of the Federal Free Lunch and Breakfast program. We respectfully ask that unless your child has a dietary condition, religious exemption, or other medical reason (and has met with me), they have the school lunch daily.


Many of our children have allergies and dietary conditions, and keeping all children safe is our priority. We do not want children sharing food. Please send nut-free healthy lunches for those who are approved.


All children who attend after school may bring a healthy snack.


For birthdays: Individually packaged healthier treats such as pretzels, goldfish, Rice Krispie Snack, cereal bars, and the like are allowed. We must see the ingredients.


Thanks for your help with this!

2022-2023 School Calendar

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PAWS

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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.


Currently, there are families attending afterschool care without a plan for its cost. This week, we will be making calls to either help with AFC, determine a flat rate, or add per diem charges to the account. Our business office will assist all families with their Action for Children paperwork, be it an initial application or a redetermination. AFC can cover costs for our 3, 4, and 5-year-olds and before and aftercare for our 6 - 13 year-olds.


It's essential that payments are made as scheduled so that the school can meet its obligations.


Please reach out to me or Ms. Fernandez, our business manager, if you have concerns.

Academy of St. Benedict is Playing Flag Football

Our roster is set! Come cheer our team on - bring a chair. All games at Leo High School.
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⭐⭐⭐School Family Pledge⭐⭐⭐

These were sent home last week. Please sign and return asap!

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 107 at the recording.


Office Hours - Every Day - 6:30 - 3:30 and by appointment

Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser


Our Fundraiser will run from September 30 at 8 AM - October 4th at 8 AM. Go to Doublegood.com - download the app. The group code to set up your store is EZVTSP.

Once you set up your store, send the link to your family and friends and share it on social media. 50% of what you sell goes toward your fundraising obligation and account.

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES!



  • September 17th - Englewood Music Fest - come see our table! 12pm - 7pm

  • September 19th - Peace Day Chicago- Details to follow (Junior High)


  • September 21st and 28th - High School Visit Days for Grades 6-8.


  • September 23rd - Kind Shirt Day



  • September 30 - October 4th - Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser. Use code EZVTSP


  • October 3rd - Vaccine Bus - All vaccines are available for children, their families, our staff, and community. 10AM - 2PM


  • October 4th - Kind Shirt Day


  • October 6th - 8th Annual Prayer Walk for Peace 9 AM


  • October 10th - No School


  • October 17th - Kind Shirt Day


  • October 19th - Chipotle Fundraiser 4pm - 7pm - 63rd and Halstead


  • October 25th - Picture Day


  • October 28th - Carnival - Details to follow