The Buzz

Dear SBPS Parents and Guardians,

Greetings from our nation’s capitol, Washington DC. I have the pleasure, along with Father Ryan and a number of our middle school teachers, to travel with our 8th graders for this milestone Agora trip. We’ve been having a great trip so far and I’m so proud of our student travelers. Thank you to all the families who supported this past winter’s popcorn sale and helped raise funds for families to afford this trip. Our Sixth graders are learning about Chicago neighborhoods. Our Seventh grade has been traveling around the region - visiting Springfield, St. Louis, Galena, Milwaukee and more, learning about these important cities and locations, as well as midwest agriculture. Please keep us all in your prayers that the rest of our travels go smoothly. Thank you to all the teachers and staff who serve as chaperones and help with the planning and success of these trips.

There’s a few information sessions for parents coming up next week. On Monday, May 4, Father Ryan, Kim McMillan and I will be hosting our “Safe and Sacred” Parent workshop in person at 7PM. This is meant for parents of 4th, 5th and 6th graders whose children will be soon learning in school about puberty (5th grade) and human reproduction (6th grade). We go over what is covered in the classroom, the parents’ role and how to answer tough questions with the lens of faith. We hope you join us.

On Wednesday, May 6th we will offer a virtual information session for families of students who are interested in traveling to Italy in December 28 and join the Benedictine Children’s Choir who will be singing for a Papal Mass and a big Christmas concert. This event only happens every 5 years and we are pleased to offer it to our families. Check out the information.

Then on Tuesday, May 12, Third Grade parents are invited to learn more about our athletic program. Check the details below.

There’s a lot more important information below. Be sure to check out the following:

• Safe and Sacred - Talking to Your Children about Puberty and Human Reproduction with the lens of faith parent workshop

• Benedictine Children’s Invite to Sing for the Pope in December 2028 - see below to learn more

• Summer Camp Registration

Please find listed below important dates:

• May 1, 2026 - 3rd Grade Wax Museum

• April 27-May 1, 2026 - AGORA TRIPS for grades 6, 7 and 8

• May 4, 2026 - Safe and Sacred Parent Workshop - Parent Presentation on Family Life, Puberty and more - what we teach and how to talk to your children (in person)

• May 6, 2026 - Papal Liturgy - Pueri Cantores International Choir Opportunity Parent Information Session (Virtual)

• May 7, 2026 - Middle School Spring Fling - see below for RSVP and dress code

• May 8, 2026 - No School - Professional Development Day

• May 11-15, 2026 - Teacher Appreciation Week!

• May 12, 2026 - Athletics social for 3rd grader parents - RSVP information below

May God bless us all!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner

Please pray for Ms. Zadrozny’s nephew, Cody, who is currently serving on the USS Lincoln in the Middle East. Please pray that God keep him and all our troops safe during the current conflict in the region.

EASTER PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
We praise You for the joy of Easter and the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who through His Resurrection brings us hope, renewal, and everlasting life. As we celebrate this sacred season, bless our school families with peace, faith, and gratitude. May the light of the Risen Christ guide our children as they grow in wisdom, compassion, and love, and strengthen us as partners in nurturing hearts rooted in Your truth. Fill our homes with the joy of Easter and help us to live each day as witnesses of Your mercy and grace.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.