Week of July 25, 2021
From last week's social media....
Keeping You Up to Date All Summer!

There's LOTS of information, so be sure to read to the END of the newsletter (as always!)

  • ENJOY your Summer!

  • (If you haven't already, students...) Get started on your summer reading and review work! 4 weeks til school starts!

  • TOMORROW! Monday, July 26th - DEADLINE for BSN Sports Shop Orders. See details below!

  • WEDNESDAY, July 28th - DEADLINE to order PTO School Supply Kits - See below!

  • Tuesday, August 3rd - 4pm-6pm, Gently Used Uniform Swap. In St. Anselm's Hall @ SBCS

  • Tuesday, August 10th - Sign up Deadline for VIRTUS Training taking place on 8/17. See below.

  • Thursday, August 12th @ 7pm - SBCS Town Hall with Mr. Cruess via Zoom! All you need to know about what's the same, what's coming back, what's new, and what we're excited about for the coming school year! Plus, your questions!

  • Saturday, August 21st- (THIS IS A CHANGE IN DATE!) SBCS SPIRIT Night at The Flying Squirrels WITH FIREWORKS! Details below!

  • Wednesday, August 17th - 5:30pm (via Zoom) - VIRTUS TRAINING. Registration deadline is August 10th. See details below! Very important!!

Looking Ahead....
  • Monday, August 23rd - Welcome Fair
  • Tuesday, August 24th - 1st Day of School - Full Day Grades 1-8; Half-Day JK & K
  • Wednesday, August 25th - Half Day JK & K
  • The Comet Connection (this newsletter) now returns every week on Sundays! Please make time to read this every Sunday to get ready for a great week ahead

PLANNING AHEAD? Check out our school calendar on the website HERE!
Need a past newsletter? Check out our archives on the website HERE!
Principal's Corner
Diocesan Policy
Many of our parents have given feedback, both positive and negative, about the new COVID-19 policies for the upcoming school year from the Diocese. Please know that the Diocese put a lot of thought into the policy, carefully considered the recommendations of the CDC and VA Department of Health, and consulted with other private schools throughout the state. Be assured that we are maintaining prevention strategies here at St. Benedict. While masks are encouraged indoors, that will be a parental decision. We will, however, continue to physically distance the desks 3 ft. apart within the classrooms. In the cafeteria, where we cannot distance to that degree, we will have assigned seating to allow for contact tracing. We will also continue to place an emphasis on sanitizing and relying on our community to stay home when sick. We remain committed to keeping our students safe, healthy, happy, and learning together - just as we have throughout this pandemic. Our Diocesan schools worked hard to keep our students learning throughout the pandemic, and we will continue to follow the direction of the Office of Catholic Schools and will adapt as deemed necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our school family. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at scruess@saintbenedictschool.org or call 254-8850.

Diocesan Survey
I want to thank everyone who participated in this past year’s Diocesan-wide Parent Satisfaction Survey. We had a participation rate of 75%, so the data collected should provide an accurate representation of the opinions of our school community. After reviewing the results, I wanted to share with you both our top areas of opportunity for growth and areas of excellence. The survey results showed our major areas of growth to be in providing more opportunities for student mentoring, leadership, and athletics. Catholic identity was our greatest area of excellence, with a particular recognition of our strong mission and reinforcement of spiritual values. Please know that this data will be used by our School Board and school leadership as we conduct our strategic planning and create goals for the upcoming school year as part of our Continuous Improvement process. We are grateful to our families for the blessing of your ongoing participation and support!

A Note on Our Middle School Typing Program
Because we had a number of other summer prep-work this year for new students, we decided not to require the typing program we have used the past few years. However, if you would still like to have your student complete the course, go to https://www.typing.com/student, and sign up for a free account. Rising 6th graders and middle school students new to Saint Benedict should complete the “Beginner” course. Returning 7th graders should complete the “Intermediate” course and returning 8th graders should complete the “Advanced” course. We do plan to require this program for middle schoolers next summer.
Mrs. Autry's Reminders for a Great Start...
  • Registration Forms: This is just a friendly reminder to send in your Registration Forms if you haven’t already done so! This will help to cut down on your wait time at Welcome Fair! Please call Pam Autry in the main office (804) 254-8850 if you have questions or need another copy.

  • Clinic Reminders: All NEW students and rising Kindergarteners need a physical for the new school year. Junior Kindergarten students and rising 7th graders may need to update their immunizations. Please contact your doctor’s office this summer, so your child is ready for the first day of school. If your child requires any medication (prescription and/or over-the counter) the clinic must have a signed medication administration form for each medication before they can give the medication to your child. Ask the doctor now, especially if your child has certain allergies or medical conditions that require an emergency action plan. (i.e. asthma or anaphylaxis). Thanks for your help in keeping everyone healthy and safe!

  • Summer Hours at SBCS: The school will be open M-F from 9am to 2pm, but please be sure to CALL FIRST: 254-8850. We might be in different parts of the building and unable to hear the door or the phone, so please be patient when reaching out. Thanks!
Safe Environment - VIRTUS Training
VIRTUS Training is required for ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS who wish to volunteer in our school. Without VIRTUS certification and background screening (which is part of the process) you are not allowed to volunteer in the classroom or in the school during school hours - NO exceptions (that means no class parties, field trips, guest readers or other fun events in our school). We have a special opportunity coming up for our parents on Wednesday, August 17th at 5:30pm to help you receive your Virtus Training from the convenience of your home via Zoom. (Keep in mind, in the future, training will be returning to in-person sites around the Diocese, so take advantage of this convenient opportunity to help us keep our SBCS community safe!👍)

You must register by AUGUST 10TH.

Steps to Register:
1) Set up an account at https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/.  
2) Choose NEW registration, Diocese of Richmond.  
3) Leave the option to choose a session blank
4) Email bwingfield@saintbenedictschool.org to complete your registration.  Do not forget this final step!
The BSN Sports Shop CLOSES TOMORROW
Order your exclusive centennial P.E. uniform TODAY!


The sportswear displays SBCS's own centennial logo, celebrating our 100 years of service!

Youth and adult sizes available. Orders must be received by midnight on July 26, orders will be distributed to families at the Welcome Fair on August 23. Order Today!

As a reminder, all students in grades 2-8 are required to wear an SBCS approved PE Uniform. Legacy P.E. uniform designs are still acceptable.

Contact Juliet D'Agostino with any questions @ julietdagostino@yahoo.com
Stress-Free School Supplies - deadline Wed!
Your SBCS is once again be providing an opportunity to purchase your child’s School Supply Lists for the 2021 Academic Year. The PTO will shop for and place your child’s supplies in their classroom so they are ready for success on day one! (This is offered as an optional service for our Comet families and is not required.) Deadline to order is THIS WEDNESDAY!




Just click on your grade level(s) to order your kits today!

Orders should be submitted no later than Wednesday, July 28, 2021










Sidenote: If your child must have a required Homework Assignment Journal (Grades 3-8), those will be automatically delivered to their classroom and you will be billed $5 through FACTS.

QUESTIONS?? Email yoursbcspto@gmail.com with any questions. 
PTO News
Join us at our 1st SPIRIT NIGHT OF THE YEAR at the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game on Saturday, August 21st for a whole lot of FUNN, plus their famous in-your-face FIREWORKS!!

We'll have a section in the stands, so buy your tickets today! A portion of the proceeds will come back to our school, so let's have FUNN!!

Uniform Swap is August 3rd
Please join us on August 3rd from 4pm-6pm for our Fall Uniform Swap. This is a great opportunity to find some gently used uniform items for your students before the start of the school year. Uniform items are $2.00 a piece or swap your no longer needed pieces for new ones. Please note there is no credit system in place for Uniform Swaps. If you can't find something to swap, you can keep your items for next time or donate them to the program.

Click HERE to volunteer for the Uniform Swap!

Embroidery is back! A FEW MORE SPACES LEFT!
One of our amazing Comet Grandma's is offering embroidery again this summer. She is offering embroidery of polo shirts for $5 each. Please drop off your shirts at the school front desk by Thursday August 5th - just be sure to call ahead so the staff know to expect you! Shirts will be returned to you at Welcome Fair on August 23rd. If you are not able to make it to the Welcome Fair, the shirts will be delivered to your child’s classroom for the first day of school. You must reserve your shirts in the sign up form HERE. When dropping off shirts, please include your name, phone number and email, so we can match your registration. There is a maximum of 40 shirts so SIGN UP to guarantee your spot! Limit of 5 shirts per family. If you need more than 5 embroidered or have any questions please reach out to Beth Middleton - middletonb820@gmail.com.  

PAYMENT NOTE: For both Embroidery and the Used Uniform Swap, we prefer you pay through FACTS, however, cash and check will also be accepted (no credit card). By paying with FACTS you are authorizing a charge to be entered on your FACTS incidental account. All the normal incidental payment options will be available to you. Refunds will not be available.

We need you!
We are expecting a busy year now that all of our regularly scheduled activities are back on the calendar! We have an awesome line up of Spirit Nights, Family Socials and programs for the kids in the works. Which means we need you to help make it happen!

The PTO is currently in search of a few key positions:

PTO Board Secretary: This position is great for those that love organization! Over the years we have created a lot of new programs and events, as well as tweaked some existing ones. We are in search of somebody who can help catalogue and curate these programs to make them accessible and easy to use for PTO Boards to come.

Passive Fundraising Coordinator: Want to help out but don't think you can make it to alot of events? This is perfect for the person who is savvy with technology and the internet. Our Passive fundraising program has the potential to bring in a significant amount of dollars to the school. Passive fundraising is the money that we earn when our families shop at retailers that give back a portion of sales to the school. We are in search of somebody to manage, promote and grow family participation in this program.

If you are interested in any of these positions, please reach out to Georgia.a.Riccobono@gmail.com
Summer Reading & Middle School Math Review
Of course we want our Comets enjoying their summer and having a great time - but we don't want them to forget about their academics or quality summer reading! Parents, there are 6 weeks remaining until the first week of school, so please make sure your Comet knows what their required summer reading assignments are and Middle School students should take some time for Mrs. Barlow's middle school math review work. (New families see below to the New Family section to see additional information under "Prep for Success this Fall".)


New Family Information


Make your Welcome Fair experience stress-free by returning all forms to Mrs. Autry in the front office by AUGUST 1ST. These forms include:
  • Registration forms packet - provided to you in your welcome kit folder.
  • Original Birth Certificate - please bring it by school so we can lay hands on it and make a copy. We have to touch the original - we cannot accept a copy (state requirement).
  • Any custody documents we need to have on file.
  • Medication Administration & Authorization Form - required for all over-the-counter and prescription medications. The Diocese will not allow us to distribute any medication without this form signed by a physician.

Set Up Your FACTS Account - this is how we handle all of our incidental and tuition billing at SBCS. All families must set up a FACTS account (this is different from ParentsWeb). Go to https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3R2M2 to set your up today. Our Finance Office has reached to you already to assist you in this process. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Wingfield, Director of Finance, at bwingfield@saintbenedictschool.org.

Set Up Your PARENTSWEB Account. Parentsweb is our online hub where you can check grades, track absences, record your volunteer hours and receive alerts. You can now go on to Parentsweb to set up your account. (Parentsweb can be accessed via our website. Top left corner on our home page.) Here's a 3-minute video about how to set up your account (password is Portal).

Get Virtus Trained & Background Checked so you can volunteer at your child's school! SEE INFO ABOVE!

Prep for Success this Fall! You've received your child's prep kit for Fall, which includes an overview of their recommended review work and workbook (Grades 1-8) to help them get ready for a great start at SBCS. In addition, your student (Grades 1-8) will have summer reading assignments which can be found HERE on our website. Middle School students also have recommended Math, Latin and Grammar reviews provided at the same link. Questions? Email your child's teacher or Mrs. Ridgely at admissions@saintbenedictschool.org.

Uniforms - While we will be having a Gently Used Uniform Swap in August, we recommend all families purchase 2 complete uniform sets to start the year off. The swaps are always hit-or-miss, so please do not wait for that event to get your child properly outfitted for their new school year. All uniform information can be found on our website here. (See the left hand column for your child's grade-level uniform information.) Generic items can be purchased anywhere. For embroidered logo items, unless otherwise offered through the school (ex. Spirit Gear), they can be purchased through Flynn & O'Hara or Land's End. (Please note: if you wish to have clothing items embroidered with our logo elsewhere, it must be of the exact same item style, material, color and logo presentation as provided by one of the above uniform stores.)

Any other questions? Please email Gretchen Ridgely at admissions@saintbenedictschool.org. We are here to help!!
Comet Sports are BACK!!
Believe it or not, the fall season is just around the corner! SBCS hopes to field several teams this year:

1st & 2nd grade soccer: Co-ed. No experience required. Brief practices before Saturday games at St. Edward's. A minimum of 2 coaches and 10 players per team. $25 fee to be billed by FACTS.

3rd & 4th grade soccer: Co-ed. No experience required. Brief practices before Saturday games at St. Edward's. A minimum of 2 coaches and 10 players per team. $25 fee to be billed by FACTS.

5th-8th grade boys' soccer: No experience required. Practices (if any) TBD by coaches. A minimum of 2 coaches and 15 players. $50 fee to be billed by FACTS.

5th-8th grade cross country: Co-ed. No experience required. Practices TBD by coaches. 2+ afternoon meets per season. $25 fee to be billed by FACTS.

5th & 6th grade flag football: Co-ed. No experience required. Brief practices before Saturday games at Westhampton Field at Patterson and Libbie. A minimum of 2 coaches and 8 players. $50 fee to be billed by FACTS.

7th & 8th grade flag football: Co-ed. No experience required. Brief practices before Saturday games at Westhampton Field at Patterson and Libbie. A minimum of 2 coaches and 8 players. $50 fee to be billed by FACTS.

League schedules will be shared as they arrive, but most seasons will run from early September through mid to late October.

Registration closes Monday, August 23. In order to ensure that SBCS and the leagues are prepared for the season, this is a hard deadline and no late registrations will be accepted.

As always, our ability to fields teams depends on student interest and on Virtus-trained volunteer coaches. If your student is interested in playing, and if you Virtus-trained and able to volunteer as a coach, please fill out the form HERE. If you have questions, please contact Jeff Cronheim at jcronheim@saintbenedictschool.org
Middies Middle School Sports at BSoR!!
Benedictine College Prep and Saint Gertrude High School offer middle school athletic teams throughout the year, which are open to fifth- through eighth-grade students from area Catholic, private, and public schools, as well as homeschool students. Our Middies Program is designed to foster a love of sports and a way for middle school students to get acquainted with BCP and SGHS. Teams practice at the high school facilities and are coached by wonderful mentors who will help each young person in his/her athletic goals--whether it be learning a new sport or preparing for high school athletics. We hope you will join us! ☘️
 
Fall Offerings -- There's still time to register!
BCP Football ($175)
SGHS Field Hockey ($150)
SGHS Volleyball ($125)
 
Spring Offerings:
SGHS Lacrosse ($150)
SGHS Softball ($125)
BCP Lacrosse ($175)
BCP Baseball ($175)
 
Fall 2021 Middies Information
Practices for field hockey and volleyball will begin in early September. Teams will practice twice-a-week, in addition to games with other area middle schools. The volleyball team will also participate in the RVC Middle School league on Tuesdays. Register by August 23 to participate in SGHS Middies field hockey or volleyball.
 
Benedictine Middies football program will practice on August 4 and 5, 5:45 to 7:30 p.m., at Benedictine. Then, beginning Monday, August 8 the team will practice each week through August, Monday through Thursday, 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Normal practice schedule on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays with games on Wednesdays will begin in September. Register by August 4 for BCP Middies football.
 
If you are interested in any of our spring offerings, we are now accepting registrations for all sports. Click here to register for Benedictine Middies. Click here to register for Saint Gertrude Middies.
Substitute Teachers Needed
Saint Benedict School is looking for substitute teachers. Applicants should have their college degree and will have a background check performed as part of the application process. Please contact Sean Cruess or Pam Autry at 804-254-8850 if you are interested. Thank you!
ST. BENEDICT OKTOBERFEST IS COMING!!
THE 16TH ANNUAL St. Benedict Oktoberfest is BACK - Sept. 17, 18, 19, 2021 in our Festplatz at the corner of N. Belmont and Hanover Aves. We are so excited and we know that RVA is as well, since our Oktoberfest is one of Richmond's TOP FESTIVALS! Welcoming 40-50K guests, however, means that MANY HANDS are needed, and because our school is the BIGGEST beneficiary of the event, ALL of our families are asked to work AT LEAST ONE SHIFT - and we are grateful for your generosity of time in helping to make this an AMAZING EVENT! This is a GREAT way to get a lot of volunteer hours in 1 weekend!!


We also need Junior Captains in the areas of TICKETS/ID's, DECORATIONS, GRILL, and PACK-UP. Please email Gretchen at volunteers@saintbenedictoktoberfest.org if you are interested in learning more about these important and key positions. VIELEN DANK!