St. Barnabas Elementary School

We thank you, O Lord, for the leadership and vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the struggle for justice and peace for all human beings. Help us listen with our hearts to his words. Help us sing out with conviction that, with Your grace, we will help overcome the structures of sin that separate people. Grant us the courage and strength to live out our commitment to create a world in which peace flourishes and “justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Amen.

SO WE, THOUGH MANY. ARE ONE BODY IN CHRIST AND INDIVIDUALLY PARTS OF ONE ANOTHER.

ROMANS 12:5

Each month of the school year is aligned to a particular value that will be shared in each newsletter and in your child's classroom. For the month of January, we will be focusing on unity. Unity is an understanding that we are all one in Christ and that what we do to one another affects the entire Body.

Hoping that you and yours enjoyed a blissful and peaceful Christmas, celebrating the gifts this year has brought, and are looking forward to all those that 2025 has in store. The students and teachers enjoyed being back at school and catching up about all we did during the holidays. However, with the many viruses and illnesses that accompany the winter months, please be mindful that if your child is showing symptoms of illness, please keep them at home until symptoms subside. Thank you for helping us keep our school community healthy and safe! We look forward to the amazing things that will be happening this second semester!

Important note: SBES does not close in February for a mid-winter break. Students are expected to attend school throughout February.

Some important notes for the upcoming few weeks of school includes:

1) It is imperative that all children arrive on time to school daily. Please be sure to reference the arrival map and logistics section of this newsletter for more information. Please be mindful that if you need to pick up your child early, you must do so by 2:15PM with advance notice to the office. Early pick-up after 2:15PM is highly un-encouraged, unless it is an emergency, due to the proximity in time to dismissal. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

2) As we approach the colder months and head into cold/flu season, please be mindful of our student absence policy. Students should not return to school until they are 24-hours symptom free and are without fever reducing medication. Thank you for helping to help our school community healthy and safe!

3) We would like to invite prospective PK3/4 parents to our building on Wednesday, January 15th, to tour and learn more about our Kindergarten program! Please see the flyer that was sent home to all students and is linked below (in the Early Childhood section of this newsletter) to register. Spaces are limited so be sure to register today. Our kindergarten teachers and students look forward to meeting you!

4) Thursday, January 16th is a FREE Barnabas Spirit Wear Dress Down Day for ALL students! Break out your best maroon, gold and black and show off your school spirit!

5) As we prepare to end the second quarter on January 24th, and distribute report cards shortly thereafter, it is imperative that tuition accounts are made current and any outstanding lunch balances are settled. As our tuition policy and regulations state, families with outstanding balances on their account/ missed payments, may not continue to attend school nor will they receive access to their child's report card. Thank you for your cooperation.

Additionally, as we prepare for electronic report card distribution for all K-8 students, please note that the portal will close for parent/guardian viewing on January 21st, 2025. Please note that when report cards are released in February, only families without outstanding tuition balances will be able to access the portal.

6) Please note that all NYC Pre-K students, under the age of 5 by December 31, 2025, will need to have a current flu vaccine on file. It is important to note that students will not be able to attend classes after the December 31st deadline until proof of vaccination is received.

7) Winter MAP testing, which began on this week for all K-8 students, will continue next week. Please be sure to utilize the memo and schedule that was backpacked with all students, and is attached here, for more information.

8) All Grade 3 to 8 students will take a Religion mid-year assessment on Friday, January 24th. Please reach out to your child's respective teacher for more information.

9) Our next event sponsored by our HSA, our Winter Wonderland Penny Social, will be held on Saturday, January 25th, from 7PM to 10PM! Bid on amazing items (stay tuned for sneak peeks soon 👀) , enjoy a festive atmosphere with family and friends of our amazing school community, and see if luck is on your side! 🛍️🍷 Whether you’re here for the raffles, the community, or the memories, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the excitement—grab your tickets TODAY! See the link below to register.

10) 3K/4K applications for the 2025-2026 school year for Bronx/NYC residents will open on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 and close on Friday, February 28th, 2025. This means children born in 2021 are eligible for pre-K for the fall, and those born in 2022 will be eligible for 3-K. Please be sure to use code 11XASX when applying online at www.myschools.nyc.

Please note that all current 3K families who would like their child to attend our 4K program MUST apply via MySchools in order to secure a space for their child for next school year.

11) We will once again be selling World's Finest Chocolate! We are very happy to bring back this student/parent favorite! World's Finest Chocolate is a wonderful opportunity to easily fundraise for our school! While this fundraiser is completely optional, we are encouraging all families to try and sell AT LEAST one case. Please see the email that was sent from Ms. Iorio regarding the ordering of boxes. The sale and distribution will begin on January 27th and end on March 31st. Any further questions - please reach out to Ms. Iorio.

12) See below to learn more or to register for one of the many new exciting offerings that are coming to SBES this Winter for our PK3 to Grade 8 students including Soccer Shots, STEM/ Robotics, Gaming, Art, Karate, and upper school soccer and baseball offerings. Registration officially began on JANUARY 6th!

Please scroll through this newsletter to find the following information:

• Tentative Year at a Glance - UPDATED SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2024
  
  
• Upcoming important calendar items
  Scroll down for a sneak peek of our JANUARY calendar below.
  
  
• Catholic Schools Week 2025 Schedule of Events
  We cannot wait to kick off the annual celebration of our Catholic schools beginning Sunday, January 26th!
  
  
• Home School Association 2024 - 2025
  Our largest school year fundraiser, our Winter Wonderland themed Penny Social, is scheduled for JANUARY 25th! Scroll down to the HSA section of our newsletter to register.
  
  
• Tuition reminders including billing updates for our Morning Care and After School Programs
  As our tuition policy and regulations state, families with outstanding balances on their account/ missed payments, may not continue to attend school. Report cards have not been distributed to parents who have outstanding fees on their account. Thank you!
  
  
• K-8 Hot Lunch Service - Began September 19th, 2024
  Please be mindful that we do not accept GrubHub, UberEats or deliveries to the school for your child. Your child must either bring a lunch to school everyday OR pre-purchase using our hot lunch service in the cafeteria.
  NEW: Attached you will find the 2024 Welcome Package for the cafeteria - including account instructions, everyday menu, and hot lunch specials menu for January.
  
  
• Uniforms and Spirit Wear Requirements
  As a reminder, summer uniform pieces such as polos and shorts can be worn from September 1st through October 31st. Winter uniform requirements will officially be in effect on November 1st.
  
  
• 2025 - 2026 Admissions and Open House Information (Prospective Parents and Guardians)
  New admissions, including kindergarten, for 2025 - 2026 are officially OPEN! Please call us in the main office at 718-324-1088 if you are interested in learning more or to receive a tour for either our PK program or tuition based Kindergarten program for next year. Spaces will be LIMITED in all grades for 2025-2026.
  
  
• Physical and Immunization Requirements
  
  
• Early Childhood (PK3 and 4) Program Logistics
  The January breakfast/lunch menu has been attached as well.
  
  

Early Childhood (PK3/4) Parents, please find more information regarding our program in the early childhood section of this newsletter.

Newsletters will be sent weekly on Fridays with important school information and updates. However, to stay up to date on all things Barnabas - be sure to follow us on our school instagram at @be_barnabas.

Thank you for your continued support of Saint Barnabas Elementary School and your partnership in Catholic Education.

With gratitude,

Ms. Lauren Iorio

Principal

At SBES, we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing, faith-based environment where students thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Here are just a few reasons why SBES is the right choice for your child:

• Academic Excellence: Our rigorous curriculum is designed to inspire a love of learning and prepare students for future success.

• Caring Community: SBES fosters a family-like atmosphere, where each child is known, supported, and valued.

• Faith Formation: Rooted in Catholic values, we guide students to grow in their faith and character.

• Enriching Experiences: From STEM activities to the arts, your child will enjoy a well-rounded education that builds confidence and curiosity.
  
  

Sign - up to reserve your space below. Our kindergarten teachers and students look forward to meeting you!

Please see the attached tentative year at a glance for the 2024 - 2025 school year. Monthly Calendars will be sent home throughout the school year and posted to our newsletter.

January-

15th - Kindergarten Open House, 10:00AM - 11:00AM, See flyer above to register.

16th - FREE Spirit Wear Dress Down!

20th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL!

21st- Grade K to 2 attend 8:30AM mass, Saint Barnabas Parish.

Winter Clubs BEGIN!
Grade 3-8 CBT Simulation

22nd - Grade 3-8 CBT Simulation

23rd - Dress Down for a Cause! Suggested donation of $5.00. All proceeds collected will be used to support the Sharing Shelf, a non-profit located in Westchester who meets the basic material needs of children and teens in Westchester County.

24th - End of Quarter 2!

26th - Catholic Schools Week Begins! See below for more information.

Get ready for an interstellar evening of fun and learning at our FREE Space-Themed Family Literacy Night, DEsigned for students in grades K-5! Soar into the Space Reading Center, speed through the Space Race, and build your dreams (& words!) at Rocket Word Building.

With parents leading the way and teachers guiding the mission, this night is guaranteed to spark curiosity and inspire young readers to reach for the stars. Don’t miss this chance to launch into a galaxy of literacy and fun—see you there!

Recess Rebels is an 8-week winter enrichment program designed to make the most of your child’s recess time during the chilly months. Students will have the opportunity to opt into specialized indoor activities during their designated half-hour recess periods. Participants can choose between three engaging tracks:

STEM Adventures with Challenge Island (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

• Hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities.
• Build structures, solve puzzles, and conduct experiments.
  
  

Chess Exploration with Chess in Motion (Wednesdays)

• Learn chess strategies, practice games, and strengthen logical thinking.
• Interactive and fun for students of all skill levels.

🤸 Gymnastics & Dance with Fancy Feet (Wednesdays)

• A high-energy class combining gymnastics, hip hop, and jazz. Boost coordination, confidence, and creativity through movement and music!
  
  

This program is perfect for students who want to "beat the cold" while exploring new skills and interests! Space is limited, so be to complete your registration as soon as possible to guarantee your child's space. This program will begin the week of January 20th, 2025.

Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to provide enriching opportunities for our students. We’re excited to see our SBES students embrace curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through Recess Rebels!

Join us in celebrating Catholic Schools Week from January 26th to February 1st, 2025! This year’s theme, Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community, highlights the strong bonds of faith, service, and togetherness that define Catholic education. Throughout the week, we will honor our commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement with special activities, Masses, and service projects. On behalf of our faculty, staff, parents, and students, I thank you for your prayers and support of Catholic education. A schedule of events for this exciting week here at school is attached below. Let's unite to celebrate the unique spirit of our Catholic schools beginning on the 26th!

I am excited to share the following assignments for the HSA Board for the 2024 - 2025 school year board with all of you.

Co - Executives:

Nick Jankovic (PK4 and 1st Grade Parent)
Silvia Patalano Ross

Co- Vice-Executives:

Edel Cannon (5th Grade Parent)

Anita McVeigh (5th Grade Parent)

Marykate Donnelly (2nd Grade Parent)

PK3/4 Liaison:

Heather Caron (PK3 and PK4 Parent)

Email: prekindergarten-hsa@stbarnabasschool.org

K-8 Liaisons:

Nicole Byrnes (6th Grade Parent)

Taisse Brisset (6th Grade Parent)
Email: middleschool-hsa@stbarnabasschool.org

The board already has a full slate of activities tentatively planned for the school community this school year and we are all really excited to work with each and every one of you to bring back and introduce some really great events to our school community.

The board will be reaching out at various points during the school year to request volunteers to chair various events and to solidify class parent representation at each grade level. If you need to reach the board at any time, you may reach them at mailto:hsa@stbarnabasschool.org.

A tentative calendar of the events for the school year has been linked below.

As a reminder, it is the school’s expectation that all tuition and fees be paid on time. Failure to do so creates a tear in the partnership we have with parents. At the same time, we recognize that a family can experience temporary financial difficulty due to the loss of employment, illness, or other factors beyond the family's control. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the family to contact us to work out arrangements.

The following is an excerpt from the school tuition policy:

DELINQUENCIES

If tuition and fees cannot be paid on time, families must communicate with school administration in writing to prevent enforcement of delinquent tuition procedures.

· Families who are delinquent will receive a letter from Blackbaud immediately following the due date.

· Families whose tuition payment is delinquent 60 days will receive a second letter; this letter will come from their principal. If a parent/guardian does not contact the principal within two weeks of receiving this letter, the child/children may not be permitted to attend classes.

· Records and report cards will not be transmitted at this time and financial aid/scholarships provided will be at risk and may be rescinded.

· Students with delinquent tuition payments may not participate in school activities and graduation ceremonies.

All tuition paying parents of students in PK3 to Grade 8 should have received an email from Blackbaud, our billing management system, regarding their tuition schedule and notification of first payment due. If you have not received this email, please let me know as soon as possible.

We will continue to use Blackbaud for morning care and after school services, however, it is important to note that a NEW feature will be utilized for registration for our UPK and K-8 families who intend on using the service on either a daily or drop-in basis. We will no longer be accepting cash, check or money orders for these services.

All uniforms must be purchased from Liebman's Uniforms in New Rochelle. Please click here to order uniforms online and to view uniform requirements. Please note there is a newly designed uniform for Pre-K and Kindergarten students. However, please note that the uniform is NOT required for PK3/4 students.

Kindergarten through Grade 8 students have both a Fall and Spring uniform to choose from along with some new options (shorts, skorts and polos!) Optional fall/spring items such as a polos and shorts may be worn from September 1st through October 31st.

Please note, that we expect all students to strictly adhere to uniform requirements at Saint Barnabas.

Please reach out to Ms. Jessica in the main office if you would like to purchase items from our Gently Used Uniform Sale. The building is open from Monday through Friday from 8AM to 3PM.

Please be sure to reference the monthly calendars carefully for designated Spirit Wear days. On these FREE dress down days, student's may wear any Barnabas Spirit Wear items of their choice to school. For more information or to browse the items that are available, please visit our SBES spirit wear shop on the Liebman's website below.

We are excited to announce that we will once again be able to provide in-house lot lunch services via HappyKid Lunch for the 2024 - 2025 school year beginning on September 19th, 2024!

Attached you will find the 2024 Welcome Package for the cafeteria - including account instructions, everyday menu, and hot lunch specials menu. NEW this school year - the cafeteria will be pre-order only with no purchases being made from the lunch window!

Further information can be found at happykidlunch.com or by reaching out to HappyKid lunch at bo@happykidlunch.com.

As a reminder, every student must have an updated physical on file each school year. ALL students must have up-to-date immunization records and a physical exam form completed each school year. For convenience, all forms have been linked below via our school website.

Please note that all NYC Pre-K students, under the age of 5 by December 31, 2024, will need to have a current flu vaccine on file.

For those students that require an inhaler, or other medications such as an epipen, to be administered in school, please note that specific medication administration forms must be submitted to the nurse. Hardcopies of each form will be sent home with all students on the first day of school but can be also accessed via our school website at any time.

Gross Motor Reminders Heading Into Winter...

Outdoor activity time is required every day for our PK classes, even in cold weather! Our students participate in outdoor gross motor everyday unless it's excessively cold (25 degrees), heavy rain or snowy days and wind chills under 25 degrees. Please dress your child appropriately for the winter months. Hats, gloves and scarves can be put in their backpacks and we will help assist them getting ready for our outside activities.

Kindergarten Admissions and Open House Opportunity

We are excited to announce that admissions for Kindergarten opened on December 2nd! We very much hope you’ll decide to remain with our Catholic School community for the years to come.

Upcoming Registration Dates (BRONX residents ONLY)

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year for Bronx/NYC residents will open on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 and close on Friday, February 28th, 2025. This means children born in 2021 are eligible for pre-K for the fall, and those born in 2022 will be eligible for 3-K. Please be sure to use code 11XASX when applying online at www.myschools.nyc.

Flu Shot Requirements

Please note that all NYC Pre-K students, under the age of 5 by December 31, 20234, will need to have a current flu vaccine on file. Please see above for more information.

Breakfast/Lunch Menu

As a reminder, all 3K/4K students enrolled in our school receive free breakfast and lunch daily. Please see below for the January breakfast and lunch menu. A hardcopy has been shared with all families as well.

Early Childhood Department Contacts

Ms. Lauren Iorio, Principal, l.iorio@stbarnabasschool.org

Ms. Stephanie Proto, Early Childhood Operations Coordinator, s.proto@stbarnabasschool.org

Ms. Jessica Biel, Administrative Assistant, j.biel@stbarnabasschool.org

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

Saint Barnabas Parish, a Roman Catholic parish, exists to live and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We welcome all as we reach out to the entire community through prayer, sacrament, education and support.

BULLETIN

Included here is a link to the weekly church bulletin. Father Brendan includes a lot of important parish and school news in his bulletin.

St. Barnabas Elementary School provides a quality Catholic education for young learners that fosters moral, social and academic development and achievement. By creating a comfortable and safe, yet challenging learning environment, we allow all children to realize their full potential – while also encouraging students to reach beyond expectations.

Through an enriched curriculum, complete with after-school offerings, St. Barnabas provides the tools and teaches the skills necessary for future success. In the way of Jesus, our children are taught the discipline, charity and grace of our Lord.

Email: l.iorio@stbarnabasschool.org
Website: https://stbarnabasschool.org/
Location: 413 East 241st Street, Bronx, NY 10470, USA
Phone: (718) 324-1088
Twitter: @barnabasbronx