Principal's Message to Mothers

The month of May is dedicated to mothers, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mothers have a special way of sharing the vision for all of us to see. May Mother's Day bring you closer to the Lord, as you remember your own childhood memories and the realization of how you have followed the example of Mary through your imitation of Christian virtues. You have been empowered with an enormous life-long task. May you be inspired to take the challenge. May God continue to guide you to do the great job you are doing. Motherhood is the most important job you'll ever have. Thank you for all you do for your children.

Mothers Day Prayer
Loving God,
As a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them
always with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ,
Our Lord.
Amen.

Sports Banquet

St. Benedict Athletic Club will sponsor its annual Athletic Awards Dinner for Grades 7 and 8 on Thursday, May 8 at The Beverly Woods Restaurant at 11532 S. Western Avenue.

Blooming Plant Sale

Don't forget to pick up your plant orders on Friday, May 9, from 12:00-6:00 p.m. at 2872 Vermont Street in Blue Island. Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraiser. Happy planting!

Hot Lunch Orders for Next Year

Order forms will be going out in mid May for hot lunch orders for August and September. Orders will need to be returned with payment this year. If you want your child(ren) to receive meals during those months, all you need to do is complete the order form and return it to school, with payment by the due date. Orders will be processed, saved, and a copy returned to your child(ren) on the first day of the new school year. If for some reason your child does not return, you may request and will be given a full refund. By ordering in advance, we hope to alleviate much of the confusion and expense at the beginning of the school year. Families with children eligible for free or reduced price meals at this time can continue to take advantage of those benefits for the August and September menus. However, you will need to reapply for free or reduced price meals again in the fall. Information will be sent home soon. Only new families will be allowed to place orders after the due date. Please note that there is a ten-cent increase for lunches next year. The cost will be $2.50. Milk will be the same cost of 35 cents.

 

     Student Council officer elections will be held in May so that officers are in place for the upcoming academic year.  Current seventh grade students will be eligible for officer positions.  All Student Council officers will be eighth graders.  Specifics about qualifications and the upcoming election will be presented to the seventh graders the first week in May.  Installation of the new officers will take place at our prayer service on the last day of school.  Many thanks to the students who served on Student Council during the 2007-2008 school year. We are grateful for your leadership and service to St. Benedict School.

 

May Crowning

     The month of May is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  During May, we remember that Mary loves and cares for each of her children.  Once again, the Women’s Club will sponsor the May Crowning.  It will be held on Monday, May 5 at 7:oo p.m. in church.  Second and eighth grade girls will participate. Congratulations to Katie Heffernan who has the honor of crowning the Blessed Mother this year.  In addition, congratulations to Emily Arenas who will carry the crown in the procession.

 

School House Rock

     Our seventh production presented by St. Benedict School and The Beverly Arts Center is scheduled for Friday, May 2.  Tickets are $5.00 each.  There will be a dress rehearsal for St. Benedict School students during the school day. Students can use the $5.00 ticket for the day and evening performance.  Students and parents are encouraged to attend the evening performance.  You will not be disappointed.  This is a marvelous musical production that has been facilitated by the director, musical director, and choreographer from the center.  Come out for an enjoyable evening! The students worked very hard for ten weeks after school with Mr. Whitaker and his team. The awesome performance is a result of commitment, teamwork, and creativity and follow through.  Congratulations on a job well done!

School Picnic

Our annual school picnic will be held on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The picnic will include a cookout, games and fun-filled activities.  Thank you in advance to H.A.S.A. and to all the parents who will volunteer.  Information will be sent home with details about the picnic.  Pray for nice weather!

    

Graduation Activities

     Eighth graders had a memorable trip to Milwaukee on April 24. On Wednesday, May 7. St. Benedict’s students will attend the Eighth Grade Ribbon Mass at 8:00 a.m.  The eighth grade students will wear caps and gowns and receive their ribbons.  A brunch is planned for the graduating class after the Mass.  On Friday, May 30, eighth graders and their families will celebrate with an Awards Assembly at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Potluck Dinner at 6:45 p.m.  The evening will end with the Junior High Dance at 8:15 p.m.  Graduation is Saturday, May 31 at the 4:00 p.m. Mass.  Thank you to seventh and eighth grade Room Moms for all that you will be doing to make these events so special.  Your help and dedication is appreciated.   

      We are very proud of our graduating class.  Please keep the graduates in your prayers.  

 

Summer School for Grade 1-4

     Summer School for students completing Grades 1-4 will run from Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 27. The cost per class is $135.  Notices will be sent home on May 9. Forms are available in the school office. If your child is recommended for summer school, please think about the three-week program.  If summer school is required for your child, your child must attend St. Benedict’s program or another summer school program. If your child attends another program, a written evaluation is necessary in order to advance to the next grade. Please note that Summer School is not being offered for students completing grades 5-8.

 

Preschool and Kindergarten Celebrations

     Preschool end-of-the-year celebration is planned for Tuesday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. in the gym.  Families and friends are invited to attend.

     The Kindergarten end-of-the-year celebration is planned for Wednesday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the gym.  Families and friends are invited to attend.         

     Information about the celebrations will be sent home by the teachers. These celebrations are very special occasions in these young children’s lives and are equally special for their parents. We are very fortunate to have excellent early childhood programs at St. Benedict School.  They are truly worth celebrating. 

Manna

    June 3 will be the last day to turn in orders for Manna this year.  Orders will be sent home on Thursday, June 5.   Special thanks to all of you who support the program.

Cookbooks

     Be sure to get your copy of the St. Benedict Cookbook.  They are $10 each and contain favorite recipes of school parents, staff and parishioners.  This is a great gift idea for Mother’s Day.

 

Check Your SMART Tuition Statements

     Credits for Manna will be posted on May statements.  Charges for unpaid balances for fundraiser commitments and charges for unreturned Life Touch Spring Portraits will also be added to your May statements. All volunteer hours needed to be recorded in the Volunteer Book in the school office by May 16 if you want credit for your ten hours.  Any volunteer hours you will serve in May can be put in the book in advance.  You need to be responsible for filling in the book by May 16.  The volunteer $100 charge will be added to your May  statement by May 20 if you have not served the ten hours.  If you don’t want the $100 fee added to your statement, FILL IN THE HOURS IN THE BOOK.

 

Golf Outing

Calling all parents and alumni!

    Our Golf Outing is scheduled for Saturday, May 17 at the Meadows Golf Course in Blue Island.  If you don’t golf, come out for the entertainment and dinner.  Mr. Whitaker is sponsoring the entertainment that will begin at 4 p.m. and Steffanelli’s is sponsoring the dinner that will be served at 6 p.m.  Our goal for this event is $10,000.  If you still need volunteer hours, you can earn 2 hours for attending the dinner and 4 hours for playing golf.  Hours can also be earned for sending in raffle donations.  Gift cards, gift baskets and items for gift baskets are requested.  PLEASE SUPPORT THIS EVENT!

 

Church Hall Rental

     A second meeting regarding rental of the Church Hall was held on April 23.  Things discussed included: Cost for rental of the hall, food options, (including packages) insurance, security and cleaning.   All the paperwork, including contract information should be in place by May 12.  Rental of the hall will be open to active parishioners and school parents.  All approvals will need to be given by the rectory.  Beginning on May 15, anyone interested should go to the rectory on Thursdays anytime between 6:30 –8:00 p.m. for approval and information. This should be an excellent source of additional funding for the school. 

Spring Concert

     Our annual spring concert will be held on Thursday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the gym.  This year’s theme is Motown.  Please note that participation in the Spring Concert is required.  Students will receive a U (unsatisfactory) in music if they do not attend. 

 

Financial Agreement and Registration for Next Year

     Fee information for 2008-2009 and financial agreements were sent home.  Financial agreements are due back by May 1.

 

Alumni News

     Berrone F, Class of 2004, is an Illinois State Scholar student.  He scored a 28 on his ACT.  He will be attending University of Illinois this fall hoping to major in Business Administration.  He also received a Business Scholarship for a total of $33,000 over a four-year period.  He credits Mrs. Monahan’s Math class for helping him being successful.

    Congratulations to John M, a freshman at St. Rita High School.  John was last year’s recipient of the four-year half tuition scholarship sponsored by a friend of St. Benedict.  John is doing very well and ranks number 4 out of 222 students.