Parent Ambassador New Family Guide

An officially unauthorized guide to

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St. Benedict Preparatory School By our Parent Ambassadors

Aftercare What is it? Aftercare is a service that is available daily for students in Preschool through 5th grade. At the end of the school day, aftercare instructors go to each classroom and pickup children who are going to aftercare that afternoon. You don’t have to worry about getting your child(ren) to aftercare, the school takes care of that for you!

What do they do there? The kids will have a school provided snack, play outside when the weather allows, complete homework, and have free time to socialize, read, or play games.

When is it? Aftercare is available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3pm – 6pm. Aftercare is available Tuesday from 2pm-6pm.

How much? For the most updated fee structure, please contact the tuition office.

Athletics SPORTS, SPORT, SPORTS. We have a sport for everyone here at St. Benedict Prep! Programs vary by age. Please see below for a description of what we have to offer!

1. Baseball • The St. Benedict Prep Baseball team is available to boys and girls in 4th – 8th grades. The team plays in the spring and completes its season prior to the end of the academic year.

2. Basketball • The competitive basketball program is an option for 4th – 8th grade boys and girls. The number of teams per grade will vary each year due to the amount of interest.

3. Bitty Sports • Bitty sports are the cutest thing ever! There are two options: 1. Basketball – PS-3rd grade intermural basketball program.

This program has two sessions, fall and winter. Games are played at the Ackerman Center on Saturday mornings.

2. Tee ball – PS-3rd grade intermural tee ball program. Games are played at Kohlmer Playlot. The season begins in the spring and concludes prior to the end of the academic year.

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

4. Cross Country • Cross County season is in the fall and is open to all 4th-8th graders.

5. Dance • While not officially a school sponsored activity, St. Benedict Prep has partnered with Yvonne’s Dance Academy (YDA) to offer dance options. YDA offers dance classes for children in preschool through 8th grade. Class are hosted both on campus and at YDA’s studio on Irving Park Road.

6. Girls Softball • Open to all 7th and 8th grade girls. The season runs from spring until the end of the school year.

7. Girls Volleyball • Open to all 4th-8th grade girls. Two seasons annually, fall and spring.

8. Running Club • Too young for Cross Country, but eager to run? Running Club is for you! Running Club is for 1st – 3rd graders and meets once a week for conditioning. The season takes place in the fall and concludes with a Running Club Mini meet (and it usually involves ice cream!).

9. Track • 4th Grade Track The season runs every March and April. The 4th Graders are able to participate in the long jump and multiple running events. This level usually participates in four meets a year.

• 5th – 8th Grade Track The season runs every March and April. The 5th – 8th Graders are able to participate in both field (long jump, high jump, shot put, javelin, and discus) and running events.

Trimester Rotations Preschool – 5th grades have PE and foreign language (Spanish or French) twice a week throughout the school year. Preschool children also have music once a week.

Art, Music, and STEM rotate on a trimester basis. All children kindergarten through 5th grade will have either Art, music or STEM each trimester. That class will meet three times a week. That allows us to squeeze in an entire year of that course in one trimester!

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

Clubs What is it? In addition to aftercare, St. Benedict Prep offers many exciting clubs for your budding chef, artist, tech guru, and athlete.

The clubs are run by one or two St. Benedict Prep teachers. The teachers will create a flyer introducing the 6-8 week club. The flyers will be available online and will also come home via backpack flyer.

Clubs are generally limited to less than 20 students, so be sure to sign up quickly! They do frequently reach capacity.

How much? Club fees vary by program. Payment can be made via check or via Ren Web. When? Clubs meet weekly and generally last approximately one hour.

Festivals If you are looking for a good time, then you have come to the right place! There are plenty of opportunities to meet fellow school parents and parishioners!

1. Oktoberfest – Oktoberfest is usually the first weekend in October.

It takes place in the courtyard from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. There are carnival rides and games. No Oktoberfest would be complete without German beer, pretzels, and an authentic German Oompah Band; don’t fret, we have all three!

2. The Gala – This is the largest fundraiser for the school and parish.

It is usually held in March and takes place off campus. Dinner and cocktails are served at the event. The event also includes a band, live auction, silent auction (with plenty of items to bid on including sporting events, dining options, shopping parties, trips and one of a kind experiences), and a few other exciting moments. Also included in the silent auction are “teacher treats.” Teacher treats are a one of a kind experience with your child’s teacher. These treats can include bowling, movies, afterschool parties, a day at the zoo, and so many other options!

As a way to contribute to the Gala, class projects are created by and sold by each classroom or grade. In past years, these adorable projects have included photo books, blankets, stationary, games,

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

handprint art and more. It’s a great way to get our kids involved and excited about the Gala!

Cocktail attire is recommended for the Gala.

3. BenFest – Benfest is a three-day festival usually held on a weekend in the middle of July. BenFest begins on Friday at 4pm and lasts until Sunday at 7 pm. The surrounding blocks of Leavitt and Byron are closed to traffic for the festival. There are popular bands that play in the evenings and kid friendly options during the day. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer as well festival food, beer tastings, carnival games, and mini golf!

Illness

What do you do when your kiddo is sick?

1. Call the main office of whichever school your child is a student and report the absence.

2. Email your child’s teacher.

3. If your child has a contagious ailment (flu, strep, lice, etc.,) please also call Nurse Perez.

Map Of the School Campus Where is everything? Although it can seem overwhelming at first, you’ll get your bearings quickly. All the buildings are connected…. you can cross the campus without ever going outside! The kids frequently do this during cold/inclement weather.

A few important places to know: BEAVAN HALL AND THE ACKERMAN CENTER – These are in the same building which is located at the corner of Irving Park Road and Bell. Beavan is downstairs and Ackerman is upstairs. You can access either through the front doors on Irving Park or through the back door which is just off of the courtyard entrance.

KITTLER HALL – Located on the third floor of the Bell St. side of the campus. It is located directly above the secondary school cafeteria.

You will be/have been here for Kindergarten promotion.

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

HEIDENREICH HALL- Otherwise known as the cafeteria. This space is frequently used for open houses, parent meetings, and similar events.

3911 BELL– All after school pickups: aftercare, clubs, tutoring, dance, etc., occur at 3911 N. Bell. This is the official entrance to the campus after school hours. After school hours begin at 3:30 pm M, W, Th & F. 2:30 pm on Tuesdays.

3920 N. Leavitt

Elementary School Main Entrance

Boys Restroom Girls Restroom

STOP 9

STOP 9

Head of Upper School Ms. Mary Deletioglu

Door #3

Boys Restroom

Preschool Playground

Byron Ave. Gate

ce an tr En ell l B oo N. ch 1 es 90 Pr 3

Preschool

Head of Lower School Ms. Rachel Waldren

Door #2 Elevator

Secondary School Office

Head of Parish School Ms. Rachel Gemo

Door #4

3911 N. Bell After School Entrance

Secondary School Library

Door #5

Preschool Gross Motor Room

Early Childhood Wonder Room

Courtyard

Door #1

Girls Restroom

Elementary Office

Convent/Native American Ministry Center

Main Gym

Bell Ave. Courtyard Entrance

St. Benedict Church

Parish Rectory 2215 W. Irving Park Rd

Ackerman Center Beaven Hall

Preschool Gym

3941 N. Bell Main Gym Entrance

MAIN FLOOR CAMPUS MAP

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An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

Religious Life/Sacraments Family Mass The parish and school participate in a Family Mass one Sunday each month. Family Mass is typically the 2nd or 3rd mass of the month, but the date can vary due to the St. Benedict and CPS school calendars. Both school and religious education families participate in these masses.

How does it work? Each grade is assigned and hosts one Family Mass per school year. A sign up genius will be sent to each family in that month’s designated grade, requesting child volunteers for mass as well as donated refreshments (donuts or orange juice) for a reception following the mass.

Family mass occurs at both the 9am and the 10:30 masses.

First Communion/Reconciliation This is a big sacrament for the Second graders! First Reconciliation usually takes place in March/April and then First Communion follows in May. The Director of Catechesis will send out a sign up genius with the different dates from which you may choose. The sign up genius will be sent to all St. Benedict Prep families as well as Religious Education families that have a child (usually a 2nd grader) making their first communion.

There is a fee associated with First Communion. A portion of the fee includes a group photo of the Communion day as well as an individual picture of your child receiving the host.

After all the First Communions have been held, the school takes part in the May Crowning Mass. This usually occurs at an all school mass on a Wednesday in May. The communicants arrive to school wearing their first communion outfits and take part in the mass. They also take a group picture after mass of all the St. Benedict Prep second graders. Parents are invited to this mass and each student has half a pew reserved for his or her family. It is nice if a parent is able to attend this ceremony.

Confirmation Confirmation takes place in 8th grade. Service hours are required.

This sacrament is under the direction of the Director of Catechesis.

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

Weekly Mass/All School Masses St. Benedict Prep students attend mass weekly. Each grade is assigned a day of the week to attend mass. The students will attend the 8:30 am community mass each week on their assigned day.

The school also has a few all school masses each year. These masses are usually surrounding a special event, i.e., Christmas Mass, May Crowning, etc. The entire student body attends these masses and must be in dress uniform.

Uniforms Uniforms are ordered through Lands’ End. Sign up for Lands’ End emails and you will receive promotional emails that can be used for uniform purchases.

A few uniform tips: Your child will have gym twice a week so it is nice to buy two of the summer and winter gym uniforms.

There is a girls uniform and a boys uniform. The shirts for the girls are cut a bit smaller and have smaller sleeves, the boys cut is more boxy. The same goes for the gym shorts. The girls have a more tapered fit where the boys are more boxy. The sweatpants for the girls are a yoga style with a flare in the leg where the boys are a more traditional style sweat pant with elastic at the ankle.

The HSA sponsors a uniform resale a few times a year. The prices are substantially lower than that of Lands’ End. It is a great time to stock up for future years as well as replenish sizes during the school year.

What is Dress Uniform? Dress uniform is basically any non-gym uniform. Skirts, dress, pants or shorts (during summer uniform session) are all considered dress uniform.

Summer vs. Winter Uniforms – Shorts are ONLY allowed to be worn from August until October 15th and again April 15th until school is out in June. This applies to gym and regular uniforms.

Please refer to the website for an updated list of uniform requirements.

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

Volunteering There are many ways to volunteer at St. Benedict Prep! If you are looking for a certain way to share your talents, we certainly have a place for you!

1. Advisory Board a/k/a The School Board - The Advisory Board is comprised of approximately one dozen committed parents who want to assist the administration in making St. Benedict Prep even better! The Board meets monthly.

2. Athletics - Bitty Sports 1. Basketball – PS-3rd grade intermural basketball program.

This program has two sessions, fall and winter. Volunteers are needed to coach individual teams as well as oversee the program.

2. Tee ball – PS-3rd grade intermural tee ball program. This program runs every spring. Volunteers are needed to coach teams and help oversee the program.

- Concessions The St. Benedict Prep gym is hopping during basketball season! In order to keep all of our visitors happy, we need volunteers to assist in the concession stand. It’s a great view of the basketball game!

- Competitive Sports Coaches are needed for 4th-6th grade basketball, volleyball, and baseball teams. Assistant coaches are also needed for Cross Country and Track. You can help your son or daughter learn to love the sport and get your photo in the yearbook to boot!

3. Field Trips Do you love riding on a big yellow school bus? PS – 8th grade classes go on multiple field trips per year and need chaperones to accompany them. The classroom teacher will reach out to the classroom parents when he/she is in need of chaperones.

4. Gala Committee The Gala is St. Benedict Prep single largest school fundraiser.

The Gala committee is comprised of about two dozen members working together to create an exciting, memorable annual event.

It raises a lot of money for the school, too!

5. Garage Sale Committee Are you a type A personality? Like to organize and purge?

This may be the event for you! The annual Garage Sale is the

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

third Saturday of each September. The committee needs help marketing, sorting and organizing donations, and working the event.

6. Girl Scouts St. Benedict Prep hosts Girl Scout troops starting in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Troop leaders are needed for each grade.

7. Home and School Association – a/k/a the HSA The HSA is St. Benedict Prep version of the PTA/PTO. The HSA runs the room rep program, plans community building events (Father Daughter Dance, Mother Son events, etc.) and teacher appreciation month.

8. Parent Ambassador Program Parent Ambassador’s help spread the word about how great our school and community are. They assist with marketing events and school tours. **Please note, ALL volunteers must have successfully completed the required background checks and VIRTUS training before they will be allowed to volunteer at ANY school event. VIRTUS training is offered at St. Benedict Prep every fall. If you have any questions about VIRTUS training or the required forms, please reach out to Ms. Gemo.

An Officially Unauthorized Guide to Almost Everything you need to know about St. Benedict Preparatory School

Important Numbers to know!

Call 773/539-0066

Carol Dodovich (ES Main Office) – ext. 1180 Kathy Moore (MS Main Office) – ext. 1251 Cathy Nota (PS reception) – ext. 1390 Rachel Gemo – ext. 1220 Nurse Heather Perez – ext. 2330 Rectory – 773-588-6484 Ben Mazzone (Tuition Office) – ext. 2354 Rachel Waldron - ext. 1380