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April 17, 2014 Volume 11, Issue 33
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For information at a glance, click on these QUICK LINKS:
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Dear Parents and Friends of St. Benedict Preparatory School, I hope all of you have had a meaningful Lent and are looking forward to celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter in just a few days. We are proud of our ten high school student catechumens who are preparing to make their Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil mass. The following students will be welcomed into the Catholic Church on Saturday: Monika Espinosa, Nicholas Gust, Bernard Lorbes, Laura Mata, Crystal Munoz, Hugo Navar, Malani Rosa, Casandra Romero, Juan Romero, and Jailene Salguero. Please pray for them.
We invite you to pray with us on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter (either Saturday evening or Sunday) as we celebrate some of the holiest days of the year. Please see the calendar below for dates and times.
And finally, congratulations to secondary school math teacher, Jill Buhay-Emerson who gave birth to a son this past Sunday. Maddox Emmanuel was born healthy at 8 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches. Please keep mom and Maddox in your prayers.
Happy Easter!
Peace -
Ms. Rachel Gemo
CEO, St. Benedict Preparatory School
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Upcoming Events for the Parish and School
Week of April 17, 2014
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Holy Thursday
Morning Prayer 8:30AM
11:30 Dismissal - All Grades
No extended care - Campus will close by 11:45AM
Holy Thursday Mass 7PM
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Friday,
April 18, 2014
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Good Friday Morning Prayer 8:30AM
Stations of the Cross 12PM
Good Friday Service 7PM
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Saturday,
April 19, 2014
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Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil - 7:30PM
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Sunday
April 20, 2014
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Happy Easter!
Easter Sunday Mass Times:
8AM, 10AM & 12Noon in the Church
10:15AM & 12:15PM in the Gym
Easter Dinner 11Am - 1PM in Beaven Hall
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Monday,
April 21, 2014
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Easter Monday - No School
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Tuesday,
April 22, 2014
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Celebrate Earth Day! Out of Uniform Day - Wear Something Green! (students in grades PK-12)
SS Mass 8:30AM
Brownies (2nd Grade) 2PM
Junior Scouts (4th & 5th Grades) 2PM
BINGO TONIGHT! 7PM
2PM Early Dismissal - Professional Development
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Wednesday,
April 23, 2014
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3rd Grade Field Trip to Copernicus Center
Mass (Grades 1 & 2) 8:30AM
Congratulations to the SBPS Advisory Board who will be receiving the 2014 NCEA Outstanding Board Award in Pittsburgh today!
GOTR Practice 3PM
Newspaper Club (Rm 325) 3:15PM
Art Club (Rm 335) 3:15PM
Anime Club 3:30PM
Band Club 3:50PM
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Thursday,
April 24, 2014
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Special Schedule - Earth Day Activities
2nd Grade Field Trip to the Chicago Tribune
Market Day - Beaven Hall 2:45PM
Math Team (Rm 225) 3:15PM
NJHS Meeting 3:15PM
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Friday,
April 25, 2014
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Spring Pep Rally & PS-12 Spirit Day
Prom Committee Meeting 7:30AM
1st Grade Poetry Slam 9AM
Math Team (Rm223) 11:45AM
HSA Ice Cream Social 6:30 - 8:30PM
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 All School News PK-12
From Ms. Rachel Gemo, CEO
St. Benedict Preparatory School
Please Turn In Catholic Relief Services RICE BOWLS!
One Lenten promise we are asked to make each year is one of almsgiving. As a parish and school, we encouraged families to give the Operation Rice Bowl. If you have been collecting as a family, please turn in your RICE BOWL donations tomorrow to your child's homeroom teacher, or please bring it to St. Benedict Parish at any of the Triduum/Easter Services. Or, make your donation online at
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St. Benedict Preparatory School Advisory Board to Be Honored
at Upcoming Educators Convention
NCEA Award Recognizes Educational Leadership and Excellence
The St. Benedict Preparatory School Advisory Board will receive the 2014 Outstanding Board Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
The board will be recognized during a ceremony at the NCEA annual convention on April 23 in Pittsburgh, PA. The award honors school boards that have made the challenging strategic moves necessary for their respective schools to continue to have a positive effect on their students' formation and education. Boards not only set the direction for the school, they also use the varied skills of the members to support and advance the school.
"Each of these boards and councils has proven itself to be a steadfast asset and champion to its school, said Regina Haney, Ph.D., executive director of the NCEA Boards and Councils department. "They have helped their schools to provide top-notch Catholic education and, in some cases, have forged entirely new paths for their community and schools to thrive."
With the help of a non-profit group, the St. Benedict Preparatory School Advisory Board wrote a strategic plan to "re-envision" the elementary school and a high school into one unified institution with grades preschool through grade 12. Following this plan, the board has created a new brand identity for the school, established a realistic budget to allow for renovations and improvements and increased funding by reaching out to families.
About the NCEA Convention
NCEA's convention, held this year in collaboration with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, is the largest private education association gathering in the country. It draws participants from all facets of Catholic education, including elementary and secondary schools, education boards, religious education programs, and colleges and universities. The event features professional development sessions, liturgies and an exhibition of educational products and services.
This year's keynote speakers include Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, D.C. and author of the best-selling catechisms, The Teaching of Christ and The Catholic Way, who will discuss the New Evangelization; and Robert Marzano, Ph.D., cofounder and CEO of Marzano Research Laboratory in Colorado, who will explore the art and science of teaching.
NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA's members include elementary schools, high schools, boards, parish religious education programs and seminaries. For more information, visit: www.ncea.org/convention
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Be a part of something special! Campus Master Planning Town Hall Meetings for all St. Benedict Parish and School Constituencies
Please come to a Large Group Visioning Sessions
- all who have a relationship with St. Benedict Parish and/or Preparatory School are invited. BLDD, our hired architectural firm has been gathering data over the past few weeks. Some initial findings will be presented at these meetings, but we'd still like to hear from as many people as possible. Please plan to come to the following meetings if you can!
Two Town Hall Meetings: April 28th at 7PM or May 6th at 7PM
Father Jason recommends that you consider the following questions prior to attending a session with the architects:
- What part of our campus is not working?
- What part of our campus could be redesigned to server better?
- Where are we not making good use of our precious space?
- What is over utilized or under utilized?
- What part of our campus is beautiful, and what part of our campus is not beautiful?
- Do you have any visions for our campus for the future?
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Save the Date!!
Mark your calendars for July 18-20th for St. Ben's annual BenFest!
The BenFest committee is working hard to make this year's event even more enjoyable and to raise additional money in support of St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School. And we need your help!! This year we are inviting individuals and families to help sponsor BenFest. Click here for more details on how your family can help.
Calling all young artists!!
and like us on Facebook!
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 St. Benedict Parish News From Father Jason
Holy Week Message from Fr. Jason
Dear Family of Faith,
With the celebration of Palm Sunday, we embarked upon the Holiest Week of our Church's year, the celebration of Jesus' Pascal Mystery, his suffering, death and  Resurrection. This week is unlike any other week of our Church's year in that the whole week celebrates and remembers the central mystery of salvation, that in Jesus' Resurrection, we all find Resurrection. I warmly invite you to walk these prayerful celebrations: Thursday, the Church around the world celebrates only one Mass in each Church to remember Jesus' last supper with his disciples. With the powerful foot washing and Eucharistic procession, we remember Jesus' gift to us of the Eucharist and his invitation to serve. Friday, we mourn Jesus' death and his gruesome hanging on the cross. And finally Saturday, once the sun goes down, just after 7:30, we take the first opportunity possible to celebrate Jesus Resurrection in the Easter Vigil. We look forward to completing the initiation of many adults into the Church that night, as well as celebrating Baptism for other adults. Give yourself the gift of walking the mystery of Salvation, the Pascal Mystery, during this next week. You will not regret walking these mysteries, but you will regret it if you don't give yourself this time. See you during this holiest of weeks
In the Service of Christ,
Fr. Jason Malave
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Campus Ministry
Please keep in mind our ten catechumens
who are preparing to make their Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil mass. The following students participated in the Rite of Elect at Holy Name Cathedral: Monika Espinosa, Nic Gust, Bernard Lorbes, Laura Mata, Crystal Munoz, Hugo Navar, Mailani Rosa, Cassandra Romero, Juan Romero, and Jailene Salguero.
Food and Volunteers Needed for the Easter Dinner 
Easter Dinner will be served on Easter Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 pm. and we could use your help. Whether you're going to be in town or not next weekend there's lots of ways you can join in and help us serve an outstanding dinner to folks who might not have a family to share dinner with on Easter. Typically we serve around 175 people for Easter Dinner. So we will need some food: Ham, Deviled eggs, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Brownies, Cookies, Pies, Fruit Salad, Vegetable Salad, Bread/ Rolls, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Peas, Broccoli, Green Beans, Casseroles, Marshmallow Salad, Jell-O, Beverages (Punch/Juice), 2 Liter bottles of Pop. Drop-off for the food is between 8am-10:30am Easter Sunday morning ( April 20th ) in the Beaven Hall kitchen. If you are going to be away at Easter and would like to participate, you can drop off non-perishable items such as drinks in the rectory by Thursday. If you'd like to volunteer or have questions, please contact Mike O'Malley 773-509-3806 or [email protected]
Hunger Banquet
This year in place of our Hunger Banquet activity, in an effort to fight hunger SBPS students will create handcrafted bowls. Families and Friends will then be invited to a gallery gathering where for a cash donation, guests will be able to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised will then be donated Catholic Relief Services' Operation Rice Bowl.
Alleluia! 
With our shouts of Alleluia comes the end of Lent, and the end of our Rice Bowl Campaign. During the past six weeks, our parish community has prayed, fasted and given alms with a special focus on the poorest members of our global community. Our lives were touched by stories from Kenya, Guatemala, the Philippines, Malawi, Haiti, and the United States. Through our Lenten prayers and donations, we have touched the lives of millions of people served by Catholic Relief Services, our representative to the poorest communities in the world. Please return your Rice Bowl--you may bring them to school, to mass or turn them in to the rectory. Thank you for your generosity.
If you want to recycle your plastic and paper shopping bags, how about donating them for use at the Common Pantry. Every week the pantry goes through lots of bags as they distribute food to our neighbors in need. You can leave your plastic or paper shopping bags in the crate located in the St. Benedict Shrine or you can drop them off at the rectory. Thank you for your continued support of the Common Pantry. If you have any questions, please contact Mike O'Malley in the rectory at 773-509-3806 or [email protected].
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Including Inclusion in Our Busy Days...
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Early Childhood News
Preschool and Kindergarten
From Ms. Rachel Waldron,
Head of Early Childhood
Important Dates -
- April 17 - Holy Thursday - Half day of school - 11:30 dismissal for all
- April 22 - School resumes
- April 25 - Mass at 8:30 for Ms. Elliott, Mrs. Holcombe and Ms. Enriquez's classes
- April 25 - All School Spirit Day!
- May 1 - K Progress Reports go home
- May 7 - Preschool Prayer Service
- May 8 - Portfolio Night - 4:30-6:30
- May 9 - No School - Professional Development Day
- May 13 - Preschool Muffins with Mom - 8:15-9:00
- May 14 - K-5 May Crowning Mass at 8:30 - Dress Uniforms
Easter Break- Please note that we will have Easter Break beginning with a half day of school on Holy Thursday, April 17. Pick-up will be at 11:30 am for all students. There will be NO LUNCH AND NO AFTER CARE on this day. School will resume on Tuesday, April 22.
All School Spirit Day - On Friday, April 25 we will be celebrating a school-wide St. Benedict Prep Spirit Day. All students may wear spirit wear and jeans (or bottoms of their choice).
Preschool Muffins with Mom
- Save the Date - On Tuesday, May 13th the preschool students will be inviting their Mom's (or other important person) to spend the morning in their classroom with them. From 8:15-9:00 am we will have muffins, juice and a whole lot of fun planned! Be sure to mark your calendar for this fun morning!
Kindergarten Rescheduled Field Trip - The Kindergarteners who were scheduled to walk to the Sulzer Library on Monday, have been rescheduled for their trip to Friday, May 16. Please be sure to check your child's folder for a new permission slip. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher.
Special Pick-up Instructions - If someone special will be picking your child up from school, please be sure to make a note of this on the "Special Instruction Sheet" at the front desk and notify Ms. Barb. If there is an emergency situation, please place a phone call to Ms. Barb to let her know of the arrangements and be sure to notify the person picking up your child that he/she will need to present a photo id at the time of pick up.
Early Dismissal - Please note that each Tuesday pick-up is at 2:00, not 2:45 as it is the other days of the week.
Spring Clubs - The preschool/kindergarten club offerings for the Spring Session are:
- Monday - Lego Club with Mrs. Mueller and Mrs. Kattner
- Monday - Alphabet Club with Ms. Shackleton and Ms. Tarris
- Tuesday - Mandarin Club Preschool
- Wednesday - Spring Music and Movement Club with Ms. Shackleton and Ms. Tarris
- Wednesday - Mandarin Club K-5th Grades
- Thursday - Let's Get Messy Club with Ms. Martin - FULL
- Friday - Dolly Club with Ms. Martin-
- Friday - Spring Fling Club with Ms. Owens and Ms. Kelley
DePaul Community Music Lessons (K & up)
Dear St. Benedict Prep Families,
We are excited to inform you that DePaul Community Music currently has open slots for new guitar and piano students at St. Benedict Prep! Individual, weekly lessons are held at St. Benedict Prep after school. Tuition is billed by term. Lessons are $30 per thirty-minute lesson. Openings are as follows:
Piano:
Openings on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Guitar:
Openings on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
We will continue to fill any vacant slots throughout the quarter.
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Congratulations to the group of "Benny's Best"
for the week of April 7 - April 11!!!!
Kindergarten:
Lexi Circ, Grace Balzarini, Jordan Ochoa, Charlotte Smyth, Emory Alford
1st grade: Kendall Kappel, Connor Schupp, Natalyse Luciano, Christina Galiano
2nd grade: Hiyab Hailu, Brendan Heneghan, Nicholas Guzina, Jacob Ports
3rd grade: Peyton Miller, Maggie Gorelick, Lilly Aylward, Emmett Heneghan
4th grade: Kaleigh Mueller, Maximus Ahlheim, Eric McKewin
5th grade: Allison Furman, Gaby Hart
Click here for more information on Benny's Best
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Elementary School News Grades 1-5 From Mrs. Nancy Feely,
Head of Elementary School
Upcoming Dates
Th 4/17 - Holy Thursday, 11:30 dismissal: NO LUNCH, NO AFTERCARE
F 4/18 & M 4/21 - No SCHOOL - Easter Break
T 4/22 - School Resumes - Earth Day Wear Green!
W 4/23 - Administrative Professionals Day
W 4/23 - 3rd grade field trip to the Copernicus Center for Bodyology play
Th 4/24 - 2nd grade Field Trip to Freedom Center/The Chicago Tribune
F 4/25 - All School Spirit Day! Show your Bengal Pride!
M 4/28 - First Grade Field Trip to Adler Planetarium
M 4/28 - All School Mass - 1:30pm - wear dress uniforms
F 5/02 - 3rd grade Wax Museum in Ackerman Center & Beaven Hall 3pm-4pm
Th 5/08 - Portfolio Night (4:30-6:30 PS, K, 1 / 5:20-7:20 gr. 2-5)
F 5/09 - No School - Professional Development day
W 4/14 - K-5 May Crowning Mass-8:30am
Easter Break
Easter Break will begin at 11:30 on Holy Thursday, April 17th. All students need to be picked up at 11:30am. There will be NO LUNCH SERVED and NO AFTERCARE on this day. School will resume on Tuesday, April 22nd.
Earth Day - Tuesday, April 22nd!
Students in PS through grade 5, wear green on Tuesday, April 22nd. The Environmental Awareness Club from the Secondary School arranged earth-friendly projects for classrooms to create for Earth day as well! (Secondary School students will wear green on April 24.)
Friday, April 25th is ALL SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY!
All students can wear any SBPS top with jeans, athletic pants, or shorts (weather permitting.) Let's show our BENGAL PRIDE!
Reminder: When contacting the office to report a student absence, please call 773.463.6767 and talk with Mrs. Dodovich. Or, if sending an email about a student absence, please include Mrs. Dodovich AND your child's teacher on the email. Mrs. Dodovich's email is [email protected]
Warm Weather Uniform
The warm weather uniform option started April 15th.
- Navy or tan shorts may be worn as a dress uniform option (shorts of modest length)
- White gym shoes may be worn with shorts
- PE shorts may be worn as a PE uniform option
- Please still pay attention to the temperature and dress your child appropriately. Thank you!
Portfolio Night - May 8th
Thursday, May 8th is Portfolio Night from 4:30-6:30pm for 1st grade and from 5:20-7:20pm for grades 2 through 5. On Portfolio Night, your child will hold a student-lead portfolio conference reflecting a near school year of learning and growth. Look for information about the night and how to schedule a specific time soon.
Clubs for Spring Season
Spring clubs are in session! A few started this week, and others still have room to sign up!
Wednesdays - New! Around the World Club gr. 2-4 CLICK HERE FOR FLYER
Fridays - New! Karate CLICK HERE FOR FLYER
Need a great idea for your child's next school day off?
CLICK HERE for DAY OFF Basketball Camp FlyerMonday April 21st and Friday May 9th
Karate classes coming to St. Benedict Prep!
Sensei Bambouyani, from the International Traditional Karate Association, is offering karate classes for students in K-5 on Fridays afterschool, starting April 11th. Read this article to learn more about karate in general. See above for the flyer to sign up.
Sensei Bambouyani is looking for a (Virtus trained) parent or volunteer to help out with the karate sessions. Find more information about volunteering in this flyer.
Looking for Summer Camp or Summer Enrichment?
See what St. Benedict Prep has to offer! Sign up before April 25th and receive a discount!
For students entering grades 1 and 2 for next year, check out the primary offerings. There are half day and full day options.
CLICK HERE FOR GRADES 1&2 OFFERINGS.
CLICK HERE FOR GRADES 1 & 2 REGISTRATION FORM.
For students entering grades 3, 4, or 5 for next year, check out the elementary enrichment offerings. These offerings are half day (8:30am-12:30pm), focusing on digging deeper into subjects such as Art, Science, and Music, as well as polishing chess skills, or exploring Chicago on field trips! Some highlights are: Art Enrichment with Mrs. Stancin, Music Experience with Ms. Cowen, Science (S.T.E.M.) exploration with Ms. McGuinn.
CLICK HERE FOR GRADES 3-5 OFFERINGS.
CLICK HERE FOR GRADES 3-5 REGISTRATION FORM.
5th Grade Transition to Secondary School
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION - WINE & CHEESE EVENING:
In order to provide a smooth transition to Secondary School Ms. Mickelburgh and Mr. Potempa invite all current 5th grade parents to a Secondary School Evening Info Session. Please RSVP for this session by contacting Ms. Ivette Class in the Secondary School Main office (773) 539-0066 or [email protected]
Where: Hedenreich Hall (New location)
When: Portfolio Night-May 8th 7:30-8:30pm
5th Grade Shadow Days: April 28th-May 2
Each current 5th grade student will spend one day during the week of April 28th with a current 6th grader. This experience will help give the 5th graders an opportunity to witness what a day in the life of a 6th grader is like in order begin ease the transition to the Secondary School. You will receive your student's assigned day in early-mid April.
6th Grade Orientation: Save the Date!
August 18th from 8:00-11:00am
Music News from Ms. Stamper
Payment for elementary band and string lessons must be turned in for Trimester 2 to Ms. Lawlor in the office. Payment for lessons-only is $150 and lessons plus after school clubs is $165.
Trimester 3 payments should be turned in by the beginning of trimester 3 for 1st-5th grade band and strings. The new schedule will be posted the instrumental music website: sbpsinstrumentalmusic.weebly.com
Please join us for our instrumental concert on May 7, 2013:
Strings at 6 PM
Band at 7 PM
Voice and Piano Lessons Available with Ms. Miriam Cowen
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Secondary School News Grades 6-12
From Ms. Erika Mickelburgh,
Head of Secondary School
SAVE THE DATE:
April 21 - No School Easter Monday
April 24 - Earth Day Awareness- Students May Wear Green shirts and Jeans.
April 25 - Spirit Wear Day PreK-12
April 28 - May 2nd-5th Grade Shadow Day
May 8 - Portfolio Night
May 9 - No School PD Day & PROM
THURSDAY April 17
NHS meeting for all new inductees at 7:30am in Ms. Landor's classroom (221)
FRIDAY April 18
Good Friday - No School
MONDAY April 21
Easter Monday - No School
TUESDAY April 22
Mass Today
Boniface Mass in the Chapel
2:10 Dismissal
WEDNESDAY April 23
University of Illinois Trip
11:45 Environmental Awareness Club (Ms. Landors Classroom)
3:20 Study Center in Library
3:15 Newspaper Club Room 325
3:15 Art Club Room 335
3:20 Study Center
3:30 Anime Club
3:50 Band Club
THURSDAY April 24
Earth Day Awareness-all students may wear green shirts and jeans.
In recognition of Earth Day there will be an out of uniform day for all students who wear green in the Secondary School on April 24th. Show your Earth Day pride and wear green on the 24th of April!
3:15- NJHS Meeting
3:15 Math Team Meeting
FRIDAY April 25
Students May Wear Spirit Wear Today
7:25 Math Team Meeting
7:30 Prom Committee
Parents: Please view the updated course catalog for 2014-15. Over the next month, all students will chose their classes for next year. Please review elective choices with your child. Also, look for course registration sheets in the mail over the next few weeks.
Junior Parent meeting on May 1st, 7 pm in Kittler hall. This will prepare parents for the College application process and other senior year events. Please enter through the door at 3911 N Bell. University of Illinois Field trip on April 23rd from 7 am-5 pm. Juniors and admitted seniors are welcome to attend. Please ensure that your student is at school by 6:50 am so that they do not miss the bus. We will be exploring the University of Illinois's campus, as well as introducing the student to some of the academic supports that are available through the university.
Secondary School parents, have you re-enrolled your child for grades 6-12 for the 2014-15 school year? It helps us to know for planning purposes and students will be selecting courses soon. Plus, it reserves your child's spot! Please contact Erik Petersen, Director of Admissions for the Secondary School, to complete re-enrollment or if you have any questions or if you need assistance at
773-509-3831 or [email protected].
Parents we need your help!
We understand that many of your students have cell phones and if they are feeling sick during the school day they just give you quick call or text. We are asking that when this happens PLEASE instruct them to go to the Nurses office and wait for your arrival so that they can be taken care of while they wait. This is important, so that your child can receive the necessary assistance and care. Thank you in advance for your support in this matter.
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Secondary School Library News
April is Poetry Month in the Secondary School
Poetry T-Shirt Available
Support our final Poetry Day by purchasing the 2014 Poetry Slam T-Shirt. There is no better way to celebrate than wearing comfortable jeans with your new shirt on Wednesday, April 30. Please pick up an order form from Ms. Roberts. The cost of the shirt is $7.00. All forms and payments must be received by Tuesday, April 22
Mini-Poetry Slams
On Wednesday, April 30, students are invited to participate in the secondary St. Benedict Poetry Slam. Students who are interested should write and perform their own poems. Performers may use a wide variety of styles: a hip-hop rant, traditional forms (sonnets, sestina, etc), a stream of consciousness or some narrative. Poems must be less than 3 minutes. The PERFORMANCE and the POEM are equally important.
- Practice Audition: In order to participate, please attend ONE of the auditions after school in Kittler Hall either on Thursday, April 23 or Friday, April 24 from 3:15-4:00. High school students may also audition during Flow during 4(a). The poem does not have to be memorized-although encouraged. This is an opportunity to practice.
- Mini-Slams: The slams will occur at Kittler Hall on Wednesday, April 30 during middle school recess and high school 4 (a) and 4(b). The seniors will compete against the juniors. The sophomores against the freshman and the middle school will also host its own slam. A first and second place winner will be determined and prizes awarded.
Published Poet, Laura Goldstein, Will Preside Over Poetry Slams 
Students are invited to hear Laura Goldstein speak about her experience as a poet and author. Her book, Loaded Arc, deals with "relationships (such as) hurricane Katrina and inequality, fluctuating bank balances and television, attempts at accounting for everything." A resident of Chicago, Goldstein "has published six chapbooks as well as poetry and essays in the Denver Quarterly, American Letters and Commentary, MAKE Magazine, and How2, Jacket 2."Laura Goldstein will be hosting our mini-slams and will be available for high school classes to hear her read poetry and talk about the writing process. A signed copy of her book will also be available for purchase.
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3rd Annual Summer Reading Program - "Read Around the Block".
CLICK HERE to find out more.
Need another way to fulfill service hour requirements?
Join the Illinois District 12 Little League Challenger Division Buddy Program.
Save the Date for this year's Junior-Senior Prom!
Friday, May 9th at 7PM
Scholarship Update:
Congratulations to St. Benedict Prep Seniors!
So far, the Class of 2014 has earned over 2.8 MILLION DOLLARS
in scholarships!
Congratulations to Joya Kitoko for her admission to Knox College and Columbia College, Christina Marbury for her admission to the University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign, Kim Mera for her admission to the University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign, and Annatai Malone for her admission to Augustana College, Xavier University, Saint Xavier University, and Saint Louis University. Jessica Figueroa was also awarded the Comcast Leaders and Achievers National Scholarship.
Senior Parents - College Financial Aid
Now is the time to apply for financial aid. The FAFSA is open and financial aid deadlines are quickly approaching. Please remember, there is only one website to fill out the https://fafsa.ed.gov/. FAFSA can be difficult to navigate the first time around. Please set up an appointment with Ms Mueller if you need FAFSA assistance. Don't delay! State grants usually close by early April. Contact her at [email protected].
If you have any questions about financial aid, or would like help filling out the FAFSA, please set up an appointment with Ms. Mueller at [email protected]. Do not delay!
Voice and Piano Lessons Available with Ms. Miriam Cowen
DePaul Community Music Lessons
Dear St. Benedict Prep Families,
We are excited to inform you that the DePaul Community Music currently has open slots for new guitar and piano students at St. Benedict Prep! Individual, weekly lessons are held at St. Benedict Prep after school. Tuition is billed by term. Lessons are $30 per thirty-minute lesson. Openings are as follows:
Piano: Openings on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Guitar: Openings on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
If you are interested in registering or have any questions, please contact Zoe Nelson via email: [email protected] or phone: 773-325-7262. We will continue to fill any vacant slots throughout the quarter.
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Arts & Culture in the 47th Ward:
Cornelia Arts Building
A Series of Weekly Articles by Office Intern Luis Lopez-Reichling, Senior at St. Benedict Preparatory School
Over the past 30 years, the Cornelia Arts Building (CAB) has evolved into a cornerstone of the local visual arts community. Today, the facility defines itself as a creative "incubator" hosting 40 local artists under its roof. Formerly an ice block manufacturer (back in 1910!), the building at the corner of Ravenswood and Cornelia is now a local hotspot where artists can rent space and showcase their work. "Elegant, casual and memorable" is the description used by a resident who attended last month's gala and was impressed by the open, laid back atmosphere and diversity of artists. Most importantly, the organization has succeeded in sustaining a community of creative minds in the 47th Ward.
Founded in 1986, CAB has established itself as an important cultural resource with programs such as Friends for the Arts and Ravenswood ArtWalk. Its themes have largely been post-modern and abstract, and feature a variety of media such as textiles, paint, woodwork, minerals and even books. One of the largest art buildings on the northside of  Chicago, CAB provides local artists with affordable studio space. The director Jason Messinger, who is a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, is an active painter and sculptor committed to developing a diverse mix of local and international artists at the center. CAB's notable resident organizations include the not-for-profit school Fire Arts Center of Chicago dedicated to maintaining classical sculpture techniques. Class schedules are available on the CAB website and artists are available for private lessons.
I urge you to visit the free public gala taking place on May 26th from 6 to10 PM. It will feature jazz music, artist exhibits and delicious food. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with a group of impressive, cutting edge artists working in the 47th Ward.
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Notes from Nurse Kathleen
PINK EYE/CONJUNCTIVITIS ALERT
We are experiencing an increase in the number of students with Conjunctivitis. The cases are sporadic and not isolated to a particular classroom. Pink Eye is an inflammation on the mucous membranes lining of the eye and highly contagious. In order to limit the number of students exposed, please do not send your child to school if they have the symptoms listed below:
Redness of the sclera ("white of the eye")
Discharge from the eye (watery or yellow/green)
Eye is itching
Eyelids may be red and/or swollen
Crusts in the corner of eyes, especially on waking up from sleep
If a student comes to school with symptoms of Pink Eye, I will be calling a parent to pick up the student. The student will need to be treated by your pediatrician, and may return to school after treatment has begun and there is no longer discharge from the eye. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Please call or e-mail me if you have questions or concerns.
Kathleen Moore RN BSN
School Nurse
773-495-1476
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It is not too early to be thinking about what medical documents your child will be required to turn in for the 2014-2015 school year. Why not get these appointments out of the way now so you can enjoy the warm weather when it finally arrives? My suggestion is to turn in the medical forms now so you can relax over the summer without worrying about your health care providers fitting you in before the school year starts. Below are the Health Care Forms that are required for Students entering the following grades:
Kindergarten
-Physical
-Dental
-Eye
2nd Grade
-Dental
6th Grade
-Physical (Tdap Booster required)
-Dental
9th Grade
-Physical (Tdap Booster required if not previously given)
The Illinois Department of Public Health is requiring all students entering 6th grade through 12th grade to show one dose of Tdap vaccine. If your child had a 6th Grade or 9th Grade physical within the last two years then you are likely complaint.
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. The forms are available for downloading on our website or in the Main Office. Your child's pediatrician can also send them electronically to me at [email protected]
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Library News from Mrs. Susina and Mrs. Roberts BACK TO TOP
"Poem in Your Pocket Day is Coming!"
As we did last year, we will celebrate "Poem in Your Pocket Day" during library class, which really turns one day into a weeklong celebration.
Students will bring a poem to school on the day that they have library class during the week of April 21st (Monday classes will bring their poems onMonday, April 28th as there is no school on April 21st), and we will share these poems during library. They may keep the poem in their pockets that day and even the rest of the week if they would like.
The students are encouraged to share their poems with classmates, teachers, etc. They may also bring extra copies of their poems to add to our "Poet-Tree" display, or to tuck into a book in our library for someone to find. What a fun way to celebrate Poetry Month!
"Hooked on Books" Club - Grades 2-5 
The "Hooked on Books" Club will meet on Tuesday, May 13th during recess. We will be reading Frindle by Andrew Clements. Students should have the book read before our meeting date so that we can discuss the entire book. 2nd graders will meet during their recess time at 12:00 pm and 3rd through 5th graders will meet during their recess time around 12:40 pm.
Is Nick Allen a troublemaker? He really just likes to liven things up at school -- and he's always had plenty of great ideas. When Nick learns some interesting information about how words are created, suddenly he's got the inspiration for his best plan ever...the frindle. Who says a pen has to be called a pen? Why not call it a frindle? Things begin innocently enough as Nick gets his friends to use the new word. Then other people in town start saying frindle. Soon the school is in an uproar, and Nick has become a local hero. His teacher wants Nick to put an end to all this nonsense, but the funny thing is frindle doesn't belong to Nick anymore. The new word is spreading across the country, and there's nothing Nick can do to stop it.
Students can check this book out of our school library (keep in mind we have only one copy) or the public library. If you would like Mrs. Susina to order a copy of the book for you, please send $4 (cash if possible) to school. CLICK HERE for RSVP/order form. Contact Mrs. Susina at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Booked for Lunch - Grade 1 
The "Booked for Lunch" Club will meet on Tuesday, May 20th during lunch. We will be reading The One and Only Stuey Lewis: Stories from the Second Grade by Jane Schoenberg, which was a 2014 Monarch nominee. Students should have the book read before our meeting date so that we can discuss the entire book.
"So what if Stuey isn't the world's best reader, is only allowed to trick or treat around one block, doesn't get to play on his soccer dream team, and has to put up with the most annoying girl on the planet. Somehow Stuey always makes life work and when he puts his mind to it, he can survive anything-even second grade."
Students can check this book out of our school library (keep in mind we have only one copy) or the public library. If you would like Mrs. Susina to order a copy of the book for you, please send $6 (cash if possible) to school. CLICK HERE for RSVP/order form. Contact Mrs. Susina at [email protected] if you have any questions.
"Show Your Love for "Wonder!"
 "Wonder" by RJ Palacio is the winner of both the Bluestem and Caudill Reader's Choice Awards this year. Students at SBPS named it their favorite book, as well.
"Wonder" is the story of August Pullman who was born with a facial difference that had prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid-but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face.
The Children's Craniolfacial Assosciation is selling t-shirts to raise funds that will go directly to improving the quality of life for people with facial differences and their families. Visit https://www.booster.com/ccakids4 for information about the organization and how you can order your own shirt.
Four lucky students will be "Librarian for a Day" thanks to the SBPS Ball and Auction held last month!
 
On Friday, one of our first graders, Francesca Kromkowski, had her chance to be librarian. She read aloud to a kindergarten and two 1st grade classrooms. She shared "The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog" by Mo Willems, as well as some funny and spooky poems.
Our Librarian for a Day filled teachers' mailboxes, created her "favorites" book display, and helped unpack 4 boxes of new books for our library, in addition to the checking in and checking out of books. How busy she was!
The Book Fair is Less Than a Month Away!
Our Buy One, Get One Free Scholastic Book Fair
will take place Monday, May 5th through Thursday, May 8th in the secondary school library.
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30-4:00
Tuesday 8:30-3:00
Students will visit the book fair during their regular library times, but can also do some shopping after school. We will be open during Portfolio Night (hours TBA).
This is a great way for students to stock up on books for summer reading. Hope to see you there!
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Secondary School Library News
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Elementary and Middle School Athletics
From Mr. Chris Deakins, Athletic Director
T-Ball Registration - Deadline approaching - April 17!
Parents, please click here for a letter from Coach Deakins regarding Pre-K t-Ball. The St. Benedict Preparatory School Athletic Program ("Athletic Program") provides a competitive sports program as an extension of the St. Benedict Preparatory School Academic Program. All participants will learn the fundamentals of each sport and be given the opportunity to develop strong, healthy, and disciplined minds and bodies. Participants will also develop a sense of good sportsmanship, fair play, team spirit, and Christian leadership.
Go Bengals, Go!
If you have any questions regarding athletics, please contact Elementary School Athletic Director, Chris Deakins at [email protected] or (773) 509-3829. Thank you!
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From Mrs. Julie Fox, Athletic Director
Athletic Events of the Week:
Baseball:
Monday, 4/21 vs. CICS-Ellison 4:30pm Home
Tuesday, 4/22 vs. Muchin Prep 4:30pm Away
Saturday, 4/26 vs. Chicago Hope Academy 2pm Away
Softball:
Wednesday, 4/16 vs. St. Joseph 4:30pm Away
Monday, 4/21 vs. DeLaSalle 4:30pm Away
Tuesday, 4/22 vs. Willows 4:30pm Away
Wednesday, 4/23 vs. Seton Academy 5:00pm Away
Girls' Soccer:
Wednesday, 4/16 vs. Holy Trinity 4:30pm Home (Douglas Park)
Monday, 4/21 vs. Josephinum 4:30pm Home (Douglas Park)
Tuesday, 4/22 vs. St. Joseph 4:30pm Away (At school)
Wednesday, 4/23 vs. Chicago Hope Academy 4:30pm Away
Boys' Volleyball:
Thursday, 4/24 vs. Proviso West 4:30pm Away
House Service Day took place TODAY!!!! Pictures to follow next week.
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The Home & School Association (HSA) at St. Benedict Preparatory School is a NCEA Award winning organization of Parents / Guardians whose mission is to foster closer relationships between parents, school staff and the parish. Membership is free - there are no dues. Let's work together to provide our children with a wonderful school community! If you have any HSA related questions, comments or suggestions, please email [email protected].
Ice Cream Social
This year's ice cream social will be Friday, April 25th (6:30 - 8:30pm)
This is a free event for all PS - 8th grade families
Location: HS Gym & School Courtyard
*This event also includes the semi-annual Spring Uniform Resale in the HS Gym.
See attached flyer for more details
We will also be sponsoring a coloring contest. See attached coloring sheets.
Please turn all coloring sheets in by the end of the day on Thursday August 17th! Winners will be drawn at random the week after the ice cream social.
Spring Uniform Resale
As you spring clean and finally switch out your winter clothes, please consider donating outgrown uniform pieces for this year's sale. There will be a bin in the elementary school office for donations. Only logo'd and plaid pieces- no khakis or plain white blouses. Items will be sold at the ice cream social on April 25th.
HSA Family Directory
This year, the HSA Family Directory is available online through any browser, including your smartphone. See the links below. An email from the directory ([email protected]) was sent earlier this month with instructions on how to access the directory and confirm your information. If you did not receive the email (please check your spam folder), please send an email to [email protected] and we will sort it out.
CLICK HERE to Login to the online directory
CLICK HERE to Login with your mobile device
St. Benedict Preparatory School Cookbook
� Price Sale!!!!
Our cookbooks with recipes from parent and staff and contributions from the kids are now being sold for $15-half of the original price! If you want one (or another) for yourself, a family member or friend-turn in the attached flyer with $15 payable to St. Benedict H S A.
CLICK HERE for a flyer.
Faculty & Staff Birthdays
Below are the upcoming birthdays being celebrated by our St. Benedict Prep faculty and staff in April. As you see them around the school, please wish them a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Birthdays:
Full Name Grade Level Birth Date Position
Ms. Miriam Cowen 2nd-12th April 8th Music Teacher
Mr. Chris Deakins ES/MS April 18th Athletic Director/Gym
Mrs. Jill O'Grady PS April 24th Teacher
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Have a helpful suggestion to offer? Not sure how to send it along? The Award-Winning SBPS Advisory Board has a great way to connect with them. Send an email to the marketing committee of The " Idea Hub" button on our website (landing page: www.stbenedict.com) is a direct email to the marketing committee of our school board. This suggestion box is just a click away and another way St. Benedict Prep wishes to improve communication here at school. Thanks to everyone who has already sent in a suggestion. It is greatly appreciated.
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Please pray for our high school students who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil mass.: Monika Espinosa, Nicholas Gust, Bernard Lorbes, Laura Mata, Crystal Munoz, Hugo Navar, Malani Rosa, Casandra Romero, Juan Romero, and Jailene Salguero
St. Benedict, Pray for Us.
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