The Buzz

Greetings SBPS Parents and Friends:

What a spirited Catholic Schools Week it has been as we joyfully celebrate our community and this year’s theme, “Rooted in Faith.” Throughout the week, we have prayed for our parish, for vocations, for our faculty and staff, for our families, and for our students—each an essential part of our St. Benedict family. On Tuesday, we gathered for Mass with a special focus on Catholic Social Teaching. On Wednesday, our 8th graders took on the faculty in our second annual volleyball game—be sure to check out the link below for a glimpse of the fun. And this Friday, our student leaders will host Mini-Olympics for our preschoolers and kindergarteners, a tradition that is sure to bring smiles.

Thank you for all the ways you support our parish school, and thank you for choosing St. Benedict for your children.

This Friday, we also welcome guests to our rescheduled Winter Open House. I am grateful to our Marketing Committee, the Home & School Association, and Christina Carlile and Ashley Foster for their leadership and flexibility in organizing this important event. Attendance numbers look strong, and we are encouraged by the number of applications already submitted for next year. Your positive word of mouth continues to be one of our greatest strengths—thank you for being such enthusiastic ambassadors for our school.

Thank you as well to everyone who joined us at the Bengal Bash Athletic Fundraiser last Saturday. Congratulations to our brave karaoke performers! We are grateful to the Athletic Board for hosting such a lively event, and we look forward to sharing how the net proceeds will enhance our athletic programs.

A beloved St. Ben’s tradition is the 8th grade trip to our nation’s capital as part of their final Agora experience. The cost of the trip is over $2,000, and our students are working hard to fundraise. Please consider supporting their popcorn sale—details are included below. The flavors are delicious, the portions are generous, and your support helps ensure every student can participate in this once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity.

As we look ahead to February, our schoolwide focus will be Kindness, one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Students will participate in a kindness challenge, and we invite families to join us by doing the same at home. Our world can always use a little more kindness, and the beautiful news is that the change can begin with us. More details are available below.

We will also celebrate Black History Month in February. Students will collaborate to create a “Garment of Destiny,” honoring influential Black figures whose contributions have shaped our shared history. Please see below for more information about this meaningful project.

As this wonderful Catholic Schools Week comes to a close, we give thanks to God for the blessing of this community. May we continue to support and pray for one another.

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

• 2026 Gala Update - A Night in the Emerald City

• 8th Grade Washington DC Popcorn Fundraiser - thank you for supporting our 8th graders

• Kindness Calendar

Please find listed below important dates:

• January 29th- February 1st - 8th Grade Popcorn Sale to Support Washington DC Trip

• January 30, 2026 - PK-8 Open House 8:15AM to 10AM 

• February 1, 2026 - 8th Grade Parent Night in GYM - 5:30PM, 6:30PM and 7:30PM - cheer on our Bengals and support our parents

• February 4, 2026 - HSA Spirit Shop Open in GYM Lobby from 2-6PM

• February 5, 2026 - Eucharistic Adoration in School Chapel - 7PM

• February 6, 2026 - No School Professional Development Day for Faculty

• February 12, 2026 from 4PM to 7PM 2nd Trimester Conferences - in person

• February 13, 2026 from 8AM to 12PM 2nd Trimester Conferences - virtual - no school for students this day

• February 16, 2026 - No School for Presidents Day Holiday

• February 18, 2026 - Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins

May God bless us all!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner

A Prayer for Catholic Schools Week - Rooted in Faith

Loving and gracious God,

We thank You for the gift of Catholic education

and for calling us to serve as witnesses to Your love each day.

Root us deeply in faith,

so that all we do is grounded in Your truth,

Your mercy, and Your hope.

We praise You for the gift of faith we celebrate this week.

Strengthen our trust in You

and help us give thanks in all circumstances.

Bless our community—may the seeds of kindness we plant

grow into compassion, unity, and joy.

We lift up our parish and pray for an increase in vocations.

Call forth leaders with generous hearts,

and guide them to serve Your Church with courage and love.

Bless our teachers and staff,

whose dedication helps faith, knowledge, and service take root in young hearts.



We thank You for our families,

the first teachers of faith and love.

May their support and partnership continue to nurture growth and belonging.

And we celebrate our students—

may they grow strong in wisdom, kindness, and faith,

always shining Your light in the world.

May this Catholic Schools Week renew our spirits,

strengthen our mission,

and remind us that together we are

rooted in faith and growing through service.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.