Academy of St. Benedict the African
August 27, 2023
August 27, 2023
Dear Families,
The video above covers some of the highlights from this newsletter.
We had a wonderful first week of school. Scholars are settling into the routines and expectations. We welcomed many new families to our amazing school. We even managed the extreme heat well.
While the parking lot and Little Marcy Park have plastic mulch bags, we will adjust dismissal for PK only. PK parents who pick up right after school will come to door 2 (gym) between 2:45 and 3:00 p.m. to pick up their child. A staff member will get your child for you. We will not dismiss siblings early. Also, Ms. Lewis' kindergarten will come out the front doors and wait by the new bench for pick up.
We have our first kind shirt day this week on Thursday. The children will receive their shirts that morning. I think you'll love this year's shirt!
As we move into our second week, there are a few reminders. First, jewelry is not allowed except for small earrings for girls only. No bracelets, no necklaces, no smartwatches. All of these are distractions to learning. There are no fashion statements to be made at school.
Second, all shirts must have either the school logo or our school name. We have polos in the office. Again, uniforms define us as a community.
Please be patient and kind at drop-off and pick-up. Keeping the children safe is most important. Morning care begins at 6:15 each morning. All scholars enter through the main entrance, Door 1. We open the door for all other children at 7:15, which is when breakfast starts. Breakfast ends at 7:40. All K-8 students go to the cafeteria upon arrival, and PK students will go to their classrooms.
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 codes for each teacher are listed below. Also, download the school app. It is the hub for all school information.
This Tuesday, from 5 pm - 7 pm, we are hosting Empower Illinois for an advocacy meeting. Please join us. Over 500 tax credit scholarships have been awarded to St. Benedict the African school over six years. This program will end on 12/31 if we don't lobby to keep it in place. Come learn how you can help. Receive a PAW for attending the whole meeting.
The Flag Football Team sign-up form is accessible on 5th - 8th-grade teacher Bloomz pages. Students in grades 6 - 8 may sign up for the competitive team. Students in grade 5 can sign up to practice (they may not get to play in games). Sign up for Saturday games (beginning September 9th) at Leo High School. It's $40 to play! There will be practice on Tuesday afternoons at St. Benedict -from 3:30-4:45 (bring a snack). The family assumes all responsibility for getting the student to Leo for the games. Physical and concussion awareness forms must be in before the first game. **: limited to 20. Practice starts this week.
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. 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.
Let's have a great week!
Warmly,
Mrs. Farrand
jfarrand@academystbenedict.org
773-776-3316, enter 101 at the voicemail message if needed.
Our Playground...A Work in Progress
We will need volunteers to help us put down the rubber foam (I believe) and the rubber mulch (definitely). This is a PAW opportunity, and those volunteering do NOT need to be in compliance as no children will be present. Please call the office to sign up. I should know the day to help on Monday morning.
I hope to have the ribbon-cutting ceremony either this Friday or early the following week after Labor Day. Watch Bloomz for an update!
It's an amazing space for our children!
The First Week
Our First Day
Our First Liturgy
Teach Day
PK Builds a Zoo
Gardening
Kindergarten
Communication
Bloomz is our day-to-day communication and direct teacher-parent communication tool. Be sure to download the app today. Students may also download the app.
The school mobile app is another tool. Download the school app: Academy of St. Benedict, from the App Store on Apple phones and the Play Store for Androids. You will see our logo. Join without the code. This is the hub. You can access the website, see past Family Updates, go to PowerSchool, send an attendance note for illness or tardiness, etc.
We are your partners!
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.
Please get in touch with me if you have concerns.
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Save the Tax Credit Program! August 29th at School!
Join us at school from 5 pm - 7 pm to learn how to help save this program. Over 100 students have a tax credit scholarship for this year. This is a hugely important program for our families. Receive a PAW for attending.
Menus
Calendars
The calendar is always accessible on our website and our mobile app.
⭐2023-2024 School Year Calendar⭐
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.
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!
August 29th - Empower Advocacy meeting 5 -7 pm - Earn a PAW for attending
August 31th - Our First Kind Shirt Day (shirts distributed that morning).
September 4th - Labor Day, no school
September 6th - Open House 5 PM - 6:30 PM - Earn a PAW for attending
September 7th - Home Run Inn Pizza money due by 8 AM - No exceptions (pay teacher).
September 15th - Parent Teacher Conferences, 11:30 Dismissal there is after-care until 6.
September 20th - Picture Day - Students may dress up for pictures
September 22nd - Professional Learning Day No school. Childcare is available 6:30 AM - 5:15 PM
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
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