SBPS State of the School 2024

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Strong, vibrant parish schools will go through transitions. We know things don’t always stay the same. Just like the course of life, there are high points, low points, phases of increase and phases of decrease. While there are periods of success and periods of challenge, it is always essential to have a vision, stick to the mission and “not grow weary of doing good” for it is in perseverance in faith that successes will come.

Chicago Catholic schools have been impacted by the pandemic, demographic shifts, economic influences as well as teacher shortages.

Amid all this, St. Benedict Preparatory School, with the help of the School Advisory Board, has been planning for a successful future. Over the past two years, much of our work focused on envisioning a post-pandemic future for SBPS and creating a new strategic plan: Aspirations 2028. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve published the State of the School, but there have been so many developments, and there is so much being planned, that we feel it is important to bring this publication once again to our school families and partners. This State of the School is being published in tandem with the new tuition rates for the 2024-25 school year.

Many school parents make a significant financial commitment to send their child(ren) to St. Benedict Preparatory School. We want our families to know that we are committed to keeping parents wellinformed about where their tuition dollars are going, as well as the vision and plan for the school. We are planning for the coming 2024-25 school year. Part of the planning involves creating a realistic budget that projects the cost of quality, Catholic education. There is a lot to consider when setting tuition and determining the school financial goals. Our goal is to continue the success of school programs, implement the new school strategic plan all the while promoting our successes and accomplishments. We have also been addressing the physical plan needs and plan to continue this during the coming year.

There have been many improvements made over the past years at SBPS thanks to the dedicated staff, supportive parents, caring pastors and generous donors and parishioners. There are many successes which we are excited to share with our stakeholders.

Please enjoy this year’s State of the School 2024!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School

Making Catholic Education Affordable at SBPS

ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL HAS ADOPTED THE TUITION COVENANT FINANCIAL MODEL. ESSENTIALLY THIS PLAN ENCOURAGES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO:

• Base tuition on what it actually costs to educate a child (this is the standard rate)

• Provide financial assistance to families who demonstrate need (our Financial Aid Grants)

• Ask families who can afford the cost of this education to pay full cost or at least contribute the difference in costs between parishioner tuition and the per-pupil cost (Annual School Fund)

Families who demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply for a Financial Aid Grant. This grant is awarded to families with students in grades K-8. These grants award families up to forty percent of the amount of tuition. There are many factors considered in this process : income earned; number of children in Catholic schools or college; single parents; death of a spouse; loss of work; disability; etc.

Families need to complete an application and submit it to SBPS by Thursday, March 28th. Applications are available through the school website. The financial assistance form allows parents to explain any special circumstances that need to be considered. Families with more than one child in Catholic schools are encouraged to apply for the Financial Aid Grants. The goal is to support families of any size to afford a Catholic education for their children. Financial assistance awards will be awarded in April so that parents can make their decisions regarding reenrollment for next year.

OTHER FACTORS IMPACTING THE 2024-25 COST OF EDUCATION AT ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL:

• Approximate 5% Health Insurance Increase;

• Approximate 4% Increase in property/casualty insurance costs

• Approximate 4% wage increase for staff and teachers (wage increases set by Archdiocese)

• Increase in electrical costs and other utilities such as water and Internet

• Added mandatory operational expenses from Archdiocese

We value all that our parishioner families do for the parish and school. You make our community vibrant and dynamic. Membership as an engaged parishioner at St. Benedict Parish requires that families give of their time, talent and treasure to support its many ministries. This participation is essential to the life and the lifegiving of the parish. It is because of this participation that St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School will extend the $1,100 parishioner grant for each family, plus an additional $1,000 for each sibling. A family with three students K-8 is receiving a parishioner grant of $3100 in tuition discounts.

Please understand that being a parishioner at St. Benedict Parish means more than just completing the parish application. Since parishioners are given the benefit of lowered tuition, they are expected to attend Mass regularly, volunteer in parish or school ministries and support the parish financially according to the means of the family. Family participation in parish activities is essential for the growth and vitality of the school. This is the essence of stewardship.

We are dedicated to ensuring that all students are meeting their adademic potential, no matter where they begin. We measure our progress in this area by conducting i-Ready Diagnostic Assessments three times througout the school year. Teachers utilize the assessments to determine how to best personalize each student’s learning and monitor progress.

READING

MATH

Although our students significantly outperform statewide reading and math proficiency levels, our goals are set much highter to insure all students are growing academically.

86% of our students are on/above grade level for reading and 84% for math. According to the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), only 30% of Illinois students are meeting proficiency standards for reading and 26% for math.

You can also see how our students compare to local CPS schools.

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools students State of Illinois Students St. Ben’s Bell Coonley Audubon

INCREASING STUDENT PROFICIENCY OVER TIME

Not only have we achieved gains in the percentage of students reaching proficiency in both reading and math, we have also seen the percentage of students falling seriously behind decrease each of the last three years.

Learn Fearlessly PROGRESS

iReady Scores

These graphs show the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade level benchmarks. Students perform better the longer they are with us. In the middle school years, achievement really comes from students hard work and perseverance. We are blessed to have a student and faculty culture that values learning and growing.

Investing in a K-8 SBPS education pays off. When we look at the middle school’s test scores, we can see achievement continues to blossom. In a competitive high school market, students must test well to get into the top schools.

The next chart shows the success and growth of the same cohort of students as they travel through the middle school years.

Proof is in High School Acceptances: Of the members of the Class of 2024 who tested at a Catholic High School, 97% got into their top choice.

Middle School Progress

Why Catholic Education? Why a St. Benedict Catholic Education?

With the 5 Essentials Survey data, we can measure the important “soft” markers of school strengths. As you can see from the chart above comparing SBPS to most of the local public schools – there is something that stands out about Catholic education. Our community – students, staff and parents –are united in a common set of values and expectations. Grounded in faith and united in mission, the St. Benedict community creates a safe, caring, supportive environment where collaboration, commitment and high expectations translates into excellence. Yes, a Catholic Education costs more than a public education – but your children are worth it!

Learn Fearlessly PERFORMING ARTS ALIVE AT

Strings

1ST-8TH GRADE

106 students

Band

4TH-8TH GRADE

60 students

Benedictine Children’s

3RD-8TH students

Drama

6TH-8TH GRADE

56 students

Benedictine Children’s Choir

3RD-8TH GRADE

30 students

Lead Responsibly

Parents Answer the Call

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

2023 FUN RUN RAISED $144,000+

2023 GARAGE SALE RAISED $37,000+

2023 ANNUAL SCHOOL FUND RAISED $250,000+

2024 GALA GOAL - $300,000

THANK YOU COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND DONORS!

THE SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD WILL BE SEEKING NEW MEMBERS SOON Areas of expertise and interest needed: Facilities & Construction, Marketing, Communications, Diversity & Inclusion, and Catholic Education. Email to learn more at sbpsadvisoryboard@stbenedict.com.

State of the School 2024

Serve Joyfully ATHLETICS

Student Athletes

FALL

Football - 25

Cross country - 126

Girls Volleyball - 82

WINTER

Boys Basketball - 118

Girls Basketball - 83

Dance - 14

SPRING

Baseball - 48

Track - 30

Boys Volleyball - 41

Girls Volleyball - 81

BITTY SPORTS

Running Club - 70

Basketball - 160

Cheer - 48

Coaches

FALL

Cross Country - 8

Football - 2

Girls Volleyball - 10

WINTER

Boys Basketball - 24

Girls Basketball - 18

Dance - 1

SPRING

Baseball - 3

Track - 6

Boys Volleyball - 5

Girls Volleyball - 10

BITTY SPORTS

Running Club - 1 Head coach with 6-10 parent volunteers each day

Basketball - 42

Cheer - 3

School Culture THE BUZZ AROUND THE BLOCK

What our Teachers are Saying

“I feel responsible that all students learn.”

- 90%

“I feel loyal to this school.”

- 92%

“I would recommend this school to parents seeking a place for their child.”

- 90%

What our Students are Saying

“I feel safe with my teachers at this school.”

- 98%

“I feel safe in my classroom.”

- 92%

“My teacher helps me catch up if I am behind.”

- 88%

“I usually look forward to each working day at this school.”

- 90%

“Teachers respect other teachers who take the lead in school improvement efforts.”

- 94%

“I feel it’s important to pay attention in class ”

- 96%

What our Parents are Saying

“I am likely to recommend our school ”

- 99%

“I am satisfied with the education my children are getting at our school.”

- 93%

“My child regularly talks to me about their school day.”

- 92%

“I support some or all of the school fundraising programs.”

- 96%

“I feel it’s important to try hard to get good grades.”

- 98%

respected

“I feel respected by my child’s teacher .”

- 98%

“I feel to to

“Teachers feel respected by other teachers”

- 94%

“Administration makes clear to the staff the leadership’s expectations for meeting instructional goals.”

- 92%

“Administration has provided me with the support I need to improve my teaching.”

- 92%

feel it’s important to attend school every day.”

- 98%

“My teacher expects everyone to work hard.”

- 98%

“The teacher wants us to become better thinkers, not just memorize things.”

- 93%

“The administration looks out for the personal welfare of the faculty members.”

- 96%

“The administrators at this school are effective managers who makes the school run smoothly.”

- 9o%

“The teachers do their best to help my child learn.”

- 97%

“Teachers have my child’s best interest in mind.”

- 96%

“I am comfortable sharing my concerns with teachers at the school.”

- 96%

“The school makes me aware of the important information and news about the school.”

- 100% State

School Culture

Catholic Identity - What Parents and Students are Saying

We believe our faith-based approach to education not only contributes to greater academic outcomes, but also provides the next generation with the skill set and moral compass to achieve a fulfilling, successful tomorrow. We measure our progress on Catholic identity initiatives through a supplemental survey to the annual 5Essentials Survey.

We believe that supportive environments encourage growth. We measure our progress in this area by conducting the 5Essentials Survey annually. This survey includes teachers, students, and parents, and was developed by the University of Chicago. Their research has shown that schools strong on at least three of the five essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student learning than schools weak on three or more.

“Masses and prayers at our school effectively engage the children and meet them where they are at in their faith journey.”

- 95%

“Parents encounter teachers and staff witnessing the Catholic faith in their interactions with others.”

- 94%

“We have a program of service activities that I can use to teach the children about how their faith connects to helping others.”

- 93%

“When

we pray and go to Mass together at my school, students have many opportunities to actively

participate ”

- 92%

“My school teaches me about the value of love and respect for people of all races.”

- 95%

“Students are encouraged to explore their beliefs using critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate what they believe.”

- 94%

“Religious instruction is academically rigorous and rooted in Catholic catechetical teaching.”

- 98%

What Make SBPS Different

Most school supplies included in tuition (only need to buy a few things during summer)

No additional instructional/book fee (Tuition covers approx $320 per student)

20 Middle School Electives

Creative Writing

Sportology

No mandatory service hours

No mandatory fundraising

Field trips in PK-5 are included in the tuition (approx $115 per student)

Middle School programming (Electives, Advisory, Agora, Bengal Prep, House)

Inclusion Program, Full-Time Nurse and Counselor

Artificial Intelligence (Inspirit AI – AI Education Program by Stanford + MIT Graduates)

Community Outreach

Theater

Art

Civil Rights

Creative Writing

Popular Literature

Coding Journalism

Gardening Dance

Epic Engineering

Geometry

International Studies

Forensics Communications Band Strings

Technology Makes a Significant Impact on School

What does the Annual Tech Fee go toward?

We are raising the Tech Fee this year for grades 1-8 to $325 per student. Did you know that SBPS spends on average $467 $438 per student in grades 6-8? The tech fee only covers a portion of the per pupil expense such as the laptop and lease tion, safety and security measures, online subscriptions and Office 365. Online textbooks and technology personnel are

SBPS TECHNOLOGY SPENDING (see below for some of the largest categories for per pupil tech expense).

$87.51 per student safety and security

$27.32 per student student and staff productivity & communications

$54.80 per K-5 student iReady Platform $40.51 per student Internet and Tech Infrastructure

As you can see, the cost of integrating technology in the educational experience for SBPS students comes with a significant did not exist 5 years ago. Schools need to employ important safety measures and the demands on the network have increased years. With our eyes always on the future, we’ve been able to meet the ever-changing technology needs of education.

Each year, SPBS invests in our technology infrastructure and tools to enhance teaching, learning and communications, nology is embedded into every part of our lives because it provides a wealth of benefits—efficiency, access, connectivity, few. The same can be said for the benefits of technology in education when used as a tool for learning and teaching.

HERE ARE JUST 7 REASONS WHY TECHNOLOGY IS IMPORTANT IN A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION:

1. Access to information and resources such as digital libraries, online platforms and open educational resources.

2. Connects the classroom experience to the real world

3. Prepares students for the post-secondary school and the modern workplace – students learn digital literacy, information collaboration and communication, creativity and innovation.

4. Global awareness and cultural exchange

5. Supports different types of learning styles

6. Teaches students how to be responsible online

7. Adds a fun factor to learning through educational games, online polls, coding and programming

School Budgets

$467 per student in grades K-5 and lease costs, accidental damage protecare NOT included in this total.

$40.51

$246.00 per grades 1-8 student Laptop lease, accidental damage protection, warranty and case

significant price tag. Many of these costs increased significantly over the past communications, and student and staff safety. Techconnectivity, and personalization, to name a information management,