MS. RACHEL GEMO,
HEAD OF PARISH SCHOOL
April 9, 2026 | VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 33
THE BUZZ FROM MS. GEMO | LOWER SCHOOL NEWS - GRADES PRESCHOOL-3
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS - GRADES 4-8 | WEEKLY CALENDAR | HSA
Dear SBPS Parents and Guardians,
Happy Easter! As we enter the Easter season, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus and the promise of new life it brings. Easter invites us to reflect on God’s love, renew our faith, and rejoice in hope: values we strive to nurture in our students each day. I encourage our families to embrace this sacred time through prayer, meaningful conversations, and joyful traditions at home and attending Mass with us on Sundays. May this season strengthen our partnership as a school community and inspire us to live as witnesses to Christ’s light and love.
Gala Week is Here! ✨
The excitement is building as we officially kick off Gala Week! This is your go-to moment to stay in the loop on everything happening leading up to the big night.
🎉 Silent Auction Launching This Week
Our full Silent Auction Catalog will be published and e-mailed to everyone this week, get ready to browse and plan your bids! From unforgettable experiences to one-of-a-kind items, there’s something for everyone.
👀 Sneak Peeks
Keep an eye out for featured items being highlighted throughout the week on Gala Instagram, you won’t want to miss what’s in store.
📲 Stay Connected
Be sure to follow @stbensgala on Instagram for real-time updates, previews, and important reminders.
⏰ Event Timeline
Silent Auction Opens: 12:00 PM (register early for easy access! Reminder, the most popular post parties, wine/bourbon pull etc. sell out quickly!)
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Dinner & Program Begin: 7:30 PM
💛 Thank You to Our Premier & Platinum Sponsors
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our top sponsors:
Old Town Med Spa ($10,000)
The Newman Family ($10,000)
The Roock Family ($7,500)
Your support makes this special night possible for our community. Let’s make it an unforgettable week!
As we continue to strengthen our school community, I also invite you to prayerfully consider applying to join our Advisory Board. We are seeking parents with gifts in marketing and communications, finance, facilities, stewardship, and those who feel called to support our teachers through the Annual School Fund. We also welcome parents who are passionate about strengthening the connection between home, parish, and our rich Catholic faith. Applications are due April 23, 2026. If you would like to learn more and meet current members, please join us for the upcoming Board Member Meet & Greet—details are included below.
There’s a lot more important information below. Be sure to check out the following:
Advisory Board Member Application - Applications due April 23, 2026
Preschool Open House on April 17, 2026 for prospective families
Summer Camp Registration
Please find listed below important dates:
April 11, 2026 - A Night in the Emerald City GALA 2026 at Rockwell on the River - see below to determine how you’d like to support this event!
April 14, 2026 - Young Inventors Fair Grades 4 and 5 in GYM
April 15, 2026 - Board Member Meet and Greet with prospective board applicants - come and check it out! Consider joining the board. 6:45PM in library - see below for more info
April 17, 2026 - Preschool Open House for Prospective Families beginning at 8:30AM
April 22, 2026 - 8th Grade Confirmation Rehearsal
April 23, 2026 - Advisory Board Applications Due - see below for details
April 25, 2026 - 8th Grade Confirmation at 1PM in church
April 27, 2026 - No school for students grades 6-8 - Agora prep day
April 27, 2026 - Virtual Parent Workshop at 6:30PM (see info below) RISE Together in partnership with DePaul University
May 1, 2026 - 3rd Grade Wax Museum
April 27-May 1, 2026 - AGORA TRIPS for grades 6, 7 and 8
May 7, 2026 - Middle School Spring Fling
May 8, 2026 - No School - Professional Development Day
May 11-15, 2026 - Teacher Appreciation Week!
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.