Academy of St. Benedict the African
October 15, 2023
Week of October 15, 2023
Dear Families,
The video above includes the highlights of this week's update.
Friday is a professional learning day for our faculty. There is no school. We will be providing child care for all children who need it at no additional cost. Please complete this form. Students attending do not need to be in uniform but must wear gym shoes. This is a fun day for the students. They'll have a great time while parents are at work.
Students in morning care are able to go to the chapel at 7 AM to start the day in prayer. It's a beautiful way to start the day in community.
Our flag football team beat St. Sabina on Saturday 18-10. The team played as a unit and worked well together.
One of our traditional events happens on Thursday. It's our 8th Annual Prayer Walk for Peace. Permission slips went home on Thursday. All children need one to walk around the block. As a reminder, CPD will escort us on our short walk. Please join us if you're free; it's a beautiful event. Thursday is also a Kind Shirt Day.
We are planning our Fall Fest; the requested donation list is on Bloomz. We need volunteers to help the day before setting up and the entire day of the event, which is October 27. This is the only day we celebrate for Fall/Halloween. All grades may dress up. No scary costumes, weapons, or bloodlike makeup allowed. Please remember our students are as young as 3. Students do not have to dress up, they may just choose to be out of uniform. Everyone must wear gym shoes. The flyer for Fall Fest went home on Thursday, too.
Immunization and health examination records were due on Friday. Students who are not compliant in grades PK, K, 6 and new students will be excluded from school on Wednesday until they are in compliance. Please call the office if you aren't sure.
Football practice is Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 - 4:45.
Chess club is every Wednesday (grade 3 and up) at 3:45. Praise Power Choir is also on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30.
Fight Like a Girl is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30
All shirts must have the school logo or our school name; plain light blue polos are not part of the uniform. We have polos in the office. ALL students wear gym shoes every day. Uniforms define us as a community. Please be respectful of the school rules.
The calendar is on our website. It is linked! Additionally, please join our Bloomz page. Please use the code given to join the school. The codes for each teacher are listed below. Also, download the school app. It is the hub for all school information. There is typically a banner message on the app with information.
Any students in grades 5-8 who will play sports also need physicals.
Children who are sick MUST stay home. We understand it is sometimes hard for working families; we have a shared responsibility to our community to limit the spread of illness. Please fill out the absence form on the app or send an email. School attendance is required every day unless sick. That includes being on time.
Let's have a great week!
Warmly,
Mrs. Farrand
jfarrand@academystbenedict.org
773-776-3316, enter 101 at the voicemail message if needed.
Uniforms
The building is warm and cozy. Only St. Benedict sweatshirts and hoodies are allowed over the polos. Navy blue plain sweaters can also be worn - provided there are no logos of companies on them.
Students must wear a St. Benedict top and/or hoodie on Fridays, which are spirit days. They may wear jeans, joggers, or shorts (weather permitting). Gym shoes are required every day for all students PK - 8th grade. Of course, their regular uniform is also fine!
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 monthly fee.
Please get in touch with me if you have concerns.
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Menus
Calendars
The calendar is always accessible on our website and our mobile app.
⭐2023-2024 School Year Calendar⭐
PAWS
PAW-pportunities!
We need batteries! 2 multi-packs (at least 8 batteries) for a PAW - AA, C, or D, or any combination.
Virtus Training and Volunteering
Families earn a PAW for getting in compliance.
Email or call Ms. Fernandez for more information: mfernandez@academystbenedict.org. She is extension 102 at school.
Save the Date!
October 19th - 9th Annual Prayer Walk for Peace 9:30 AM JOIN US! Wear your Kind Shirt.
October 20th - Professional Learning Day - Childcare is available at no cost. Form is linked above.
October 23rd - Playground Grand Opening 10 AM
October 27th - Fall Festival - more information coming
November 10th - Professional Learning Day - Childcare Available
November 13th - 17th - Scholastic Book Fair
November 17th - 11:30 Dismissal. Report Card Conferences from 12-6. Aftercare Available.
November 20th - 25th - Thanksgiving Break NO School.
December 13th - NO AFTERCARE - Staff Christmas Party
December 20th - Christmas Program at 9:30 AM - No aftercare
December 21st - January 3rd -Christmas Break
January 4th - Return to school
Who's Who in the Offices?
Mrs. Thornton, Assistant Principal x100
Ms. Fernandez, Business Manager x102
Ms. Botello, Administrative Assistant Main number 773-776-3316
Mrs. Martinez, Student Accounts x103
Ms. Zakowski, Office x104
**for questions related to tuition, please reach out to Mrs. Farrand or Ms. Fernandez first.
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