"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”- Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote inspires us to reflect on the amazing community we have here at St. Barnabas. When we look around our hallways, classrooms, parish, and neighborhood, we see the helping hands of so many coming together to share kindness, support, and love in a variety of different ways. As we enter into this three-day weekend to celebrate the life and impact of Martin Luther King Jr., let us all take a moment to reflect on all the extraordinary humans in our lives who set the example of what it means to be “The Hands of Christ.” There was a contagious buzz of joy this week as we were reunited with our students, staff, and community after a wonderful Christmas break. It is great to be back in the swing of school and 2023. We hope you and your families enjoy a bit of the calm and quiet in these January days before the excitement of Catholic Schools Week, Open House, and all the adventure to come! 

We will see everyone on Tuesday. Have a wonderful weekend! - Mr. Jonathan Stack & Ms. Grace Sadowski 

EMAIL SCAM

Recently, St. Barnabas has been part of an email scam. Someone is sending emails that mimic Father Donovan’s email address and begin with a brief note of appreciation for their commitment to the Parish. After the recipient actively engages, a request is made to purchase e-gift cards. St. Barnabas Parish is actively working with the Archdiocese of Chicago to pursue this matter. Please use caution, and if you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Geri Doherty at gdoherty@stbarnabasparish.org

ENROLLMENT FOR 2023 

On Monday, all school families were emailed pre-registration details for the next school year. In order to secure your spot for the next school year, we ask that our current families pre-register your child(ren) by Monday, January 16, 2023. Please include the names and next school year grade levels for all returning students. If you have any new students you will be registering, please indicate their name on the form. Complete pre-registration HERE.

iREADY DIAGNOSTIC

Next week, our students will complete their mid-year iReady Diagnostic testing. iReady is an assessment tool administered throughout the entire Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. The results of the tests will be shared with parents/guardians in mid-February. The diagnostic is completed by students in grades K-8 three times per year: at the beginning of the year, middle, and at the year’s end. This evaluation is one piece of each student’s individual academic assessment. It is used as a component of Math and ELA placement and in the upper grades, it is part of a student’s high school application process. As with all tests, assignments, or schoolwork, please encourage your child to take their time and try their best.

EMPOWER ILLINOIS

Empower Illinois is a scholarship-granting program for grade K-12 students in private (including Catholic ) schools in Illinois. The reservation form for a 2023-2024 tax credit scholarship will open on Wednesday, January 18, at 6:30pm. The reservation is the important first step in the application process, it reserves a family’s place in line for a scholarship opportunity.  Read more about the process HERE. 

ATHLETICS GAME SCHEDULE

VIEW the Grade 4-8 Basketball and Volleyball Schedule for the Week.

We have a competitive week with 46 games scheduled for the Buckeyes and 20 home games! Please note that occasionally there are last-minute adjustments to the game schedule that may not be properly indicated. Individual team coaches always have the most up-to-date schedule.

SWEETHEART SOIREE

The Sweetheart Soiree is just a week away! Order tickets HERE by Tuesday, January 17. Daughters and their date, bring your dad, uncle, or any special guest to celebrate on Friday, January 20, 7pm - 10pm in the school gym. $35 for a pair of tickets (1 daughter + date). Additional guest tickets are $5 each.  

Volunteers are needed for the event; sign up HERE.

OPEN HOUSE

Help us spread the word for our upcoming showcase. The Open House on Sunday, January 29, is both a celebration for our current school families and an opportunity for prospective families to experience a glimpse into our dynamic school. Do you have a friend or neighbor with school-age children? We encourage you to extend them a personal invite toour Open House.

NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

This Monday, January 16, is a National Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  There are still spots available to volunteer with the Community Involvement Committee at Belhaven Nursing Home, 11401 S. Oakley Ave., from 2pm - 4pm. Open to all ages, plan to interact and play games with the residents. To register, please email the committee at community@stbarnabasparish.org. All adult volunteers must be Virtus trained.

THEATER ARTS

Registration for our Spring musical is now open! All 5th - 8th grade students are invited to join the cast or crew for Seussical, Jr. Cast auditions will take place February 8 - 9th, and performance weekend is April 27-29. View the complete details HERE.

SCHOOL BOARD

The next School Advisory Board Meeting is Monday, January 23, at 7pm in the Media Center.

“School Board Share:” The Board plans to discuss a possible amendment to their by-laws to add an elected member or members to the School Advisory Board. There will also be further discussions regarding a policy that would articulate the guidelines around visitors who are interested in attending a Board meeting. The Board also intends to discuss re-instituting and potentially updating the Strategic Plan, which, due to Covid, was put on a temporary hold. If you have questions or issues that you'd like to bring to the Board's attention, please send an email to: schoolboard@stbarnabasparish.org.

FSA UPDATES

Save the Date for a few exciting FSA events on the horizon: 

• President’s Day Ice Skating Party: Monday, February 20th
• St. Barnabas School & Parish Float in the Southside Irish Parish: Sunday, March 12 

MEN’S CRHP

All men of St. Barnabas are invited to The Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) Men’s Retreat, March 25-26. For more information or to register, please email stbmenscrhp@gmail.com or connect via phone or text with Brent VanHootegem at 312-498-6274, or Joe Stoiber at 773-590-4305. Additional details can be found HERE.

UPCOMING PACK THE PEWS

Saturday, January 21 join us at 4pm Mass, followed by a soup and chili potluck. We look forward to sharing good cheer! Sign-up to bring your favorite soup or chili HERE. Volunteer to help with the event HERE.

FIRST COMMUNION PICTURES

2nd Grade families, Van Gogh Photography will take First Communion Pictures on Wednesday, March 8 in the Church Hall. Ms. O’Neill’s homeroom is scheduled from 5:25 - 6:15pm; Ms. Cloonan’s homeroom is 6:15 - 7pm. Communion photos are an optional purchase, but to be included in the class composite, students should plan to be photographed.  CLICK for more details.

COMMUNITY EVENT

The St. Barnabas community is welcome to the Danny Golden Skating Party, enjoy this fun event for all!