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Academy of St. Benedict the African
August 7, 2023
Back to School Update
Dear Families,
It's hard to believe, but school starts in just a couple of weeks! We have been busy getting ready for the children to return. If I do say so myself, the building looks amazing!
Our enrollment is incredibly strong. As of this update, we have 266 students registered, with most rooms closed. That's a testament to you, our parents, who are our greatest marketers. It's also a testament to our staff, who work so hard for you and your children. I consider myself blessed to work with such an amazing team.
Having Mrs. Thornton as our assistant principal allows us to serve our children and our staff better. As we work to target instruction in the most effective way, Mrs. Thorton's expertise will lead the way!
Supply lists and the calendar are on our website. They are linked: click the one you need! Additionally, please join our Bloomz page. Please use the code given to join the school. The Bloomz codes for grades 2-8 are below. K-1 codes will be sent before Friday. PK codes will be ready soon. Classes are still being determined.
Our First Responder BBQ is Thursday from 11-1. We still need donations and helpers. Please call the office.
Next week we have New Student Orientation on the 16th from 4 pm - 6 pm. Our Back to School Ice Cream Social is Friday the 18th from 1 pm - 3 pm. If all goes well, we will cut the ribbon on the playground!
Have you seen our outdoor classroom? I've attached pictures. We are excited to extend learning beyond the school walls.
As a reminder, students entering K, 2, and 6 must have updated physical, dental, and vision forms. Any students in grades 5-8 who will play sports also need physicals. As we move past COVID, the school will no longer supply masks. Students choosing to wear a mask must bring their own.
We are still entering contracts. If you don't know your fee for August, call me or the office. I'm sorry for the delay.
The 2023-2024 school year is going to be our best year yet!
The next Family Update will be sent on August 20th at 9 AM!
Warmly,
Mrs. Farrand
jfarrand@academystbenedict.org
773-776-3316, enter 101 at the voicemail message if needed.
Our Outdoor Classroom
Back to School Ice Cream Social
6th Annual First Responder BBQ
Classroom Teachers
PK - Ms. Elizabeth
**PK Bloomz codes are given out at new student orientation and the first day of school
K - Ms. Lewis
K/1 Split - Mrs. Crews
1st Grade - Ms. Mosley
** Bloomz codes will be sent separately for the grades above.
2nd Grade - Ms. Hartnett Bloomz Code: SCQPZQ
3rd Grade - Mrs. Winston Bloomz Code: 2M4GP4
4th Grade - Mr. Escalante Bloomz Code: DVMSQ5
5th Grade - Ms. Elmore Bloomz Code: 6A6EG9
6th Grade - Ms. Solgos Bloomz Code: ZJCRVY
7th Grade - Mr. Dean Bloomz Code: 2M2CTX
8th Grade - Ms. Kabat Bloomz Code: ZGUGVX
Uniforms
Please see the image for more information. Order your gym uniforms if you need them from Martinellis immediately.
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Tuition Payments & Action for Children
We continue to enter contracts for families. Please call if you do not know your fee for August. Again, I'm sorry for the delay.
Please get in touch with me if you have concerns.
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Bud Billiken Parade - Help Save the Tax Credit Scholarship Program!
If you'd like to participate, please see the details. Tax credit scholarships are an important part of our school. Let's keep fighting for them! Earn a PAW by participating - I'll be there!! Wear any Academy of St. Benedict the African clothing.
From Father Curran:
We need your help as we fight to keep Tax Credit Scholarships in Illinois! The Resurrection Project, Empower Illinois, and Big Shoulders Fund are teaming up to provide an entry this year at the Bud Billiken Parade!
We will be participating in the Bud Biliken Parade on Saturday, August 12th, and we need the presence of staff, students, and parents to show our pride and save our program.
Many state elected officials march in the parade – we need to tell to Save Tax Credit Scholarships NOW!
Bud Billiken Parade 2023
Saturday, August 12th, 2023
9:00 am
Where: Meet at Mariano’s parking lot: 3900 S MLK Blvd
Parade start: Kenwood Ave and MLK Drive
*We will provide scholarship t-shirts
Please bring symbols of your schools and posters that say:
Save Tax Credit Scholarships NOW!…. Because the Kids are Worth the Fight!
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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⭐
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PAWS
PAW-pportunities!
We need copy paper if you're looking for a good PAW opportunity!
Open House is September 6th from 5 PM - 6:30 PM - earn a PAW per family for attending.
Save the Date!
August 16th - New Student Orientation 4 pm - 6 pm
August 18th - Back to School Ice Cream Social (donate ice cream for a PAW) 1 PM - 3 PM
August 22nd - First day of school. 1:45 pm dismissal - no after-school care
August 25th - First Spirit Day
September 4th - Labor Day, no school
September 6th - Open House 5 PM - 6:30 PM
September 15th - Parent Teacher Conferences, 11:30 Dismissal there is after-care
September 20th - Picture Day - students may dress up for pictures
September 22nd - Professional Learning Day-no school. Childcare available 6:30 AM - 5:15 PM
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 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 2:30 PM on Wednesdays
Extended Day: 3:15 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