The Buzz

Greetings SBPS Parents and Friends:

As a faith community, we join in prayer for all of those affected by the recent school shooting tragedy in Minneapolis and grieve the loss of life and terrible harm to innocent children and their teachers of Annunciation Catholic School as they gathered at Mass. In light of this awful event, it is important to know that student and staff safety remains a top priority at St. Benedict Preparatory School and all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago.  

Here at SBPS, we have protocols in place to regulate all visitors and schedule drills for any and all types of emergencies. In addition, through the Archdiocese’s Security Office, we are able to maintain regular communications with local and state law enforcement. Still, we call upon the entire school family to remain vigilant--as employees, parents and students.  

Tragedies like this can evoke a wide array of responses in young people—frustration, fear, anger and other deeply felt emotions.  All of these are real and valid.  We are here to listen and help them process those feelings. 

Parents, I encourage you to talk with your children, but most importantly to listen and allow them to share their feelings with you. And always feel you can alert any school administrator or teacher with your safety concerns and questions.   

Again, let us keep the students, families, parishioners, and friends affected by this horrific shooting in our prayers in the coming weeks and months, that they may know the love of God in the midst of this tragedy, and that they may receive the love, help, and support that they need at this terrible time.  

One another note, I strongly encourage parents to read the post below about Mastery-Based Learning (MBL). There are links to two great videos that help explain the overall concept and reporting approach to student mastery. This week I focus on the ROLE OF HOMEWORK and preview the HOMEWORK Proficiency Scale. Please take the time to read this information. And if you didn’t get a chance to read last week’s information, it’s still there in the post below, just under the new information.

I just ask for your patience with us, especially your children’s teachers, as I share short and timely tid-bits about MBL. It’s natural that parents have questions when things in school change. Please know that moving to MBL will take St. Ben’s to the next level of Catholic school excellence and further supports the Vision for our Graduates. After watching the videos and reading through announcements as we roll out MBL, should you still have questions, please direct them to me. Please give me the time, attention and trust as we roll out MBL.

We hope that everyone is able to make it to our annual Parent Mixer on Friday night in the courtyard. The event is free and most parents attend this event. We will have good appetizers and light fare dinner items, adult beverages and music. It’s a good time to hang out and meet other school parents and building community! Please no children.

Also plan to attend our Grandparents Day Mass in Church on Sunday, September 7 at 10AM. Afterwards, students may show their grandparents the school classrooms. No reservation necessary. We hope they can make it.

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

• Chess and Theatre Club Sign up information

• Parent Mixer RSVP - please let know you are coming!

• Updated SBPS Mastery-Based Learning - please read a high-level overview with some helpful videos to watch

Please find listed below important dates:

• September 1, 2025 - No School - Labor Day Holiday

• September 3, 2025 - iReady Diagnostics for grades K-8

• September 3, 2025 - HSA Spirit Shop in GYM FOYER from 2-6PM

• September 3, 2025 - Middle School Back to School Night at 6PM in GYM

• September 4, 20205 - Bengal Cubs 2-year old program OPEN HOUSE 9AM-11 AM

• September 4th at 7:30pm - Upper School Library - HSA Volunteer and Grade Rep Kick-off Meeting

• September 5, 2025 - St. Ben’s Annual Parent Mixer - no cost - it’s free! Get your babysitters now! For all school parents PK-8 Be sure to RSVP

• September 7, 2025 - Grandparents Day Mass 10AM in Church - Have your child show their GP’s their classroom after Mass

• September 9, 2025 - Grades K-5 Back to School Night - 6PM in GYM

• September 13, 2025 - Baby and Kids Garage Sale - Volunteer or Shop!

• September 14, 2025 - Preschool Playdate - SBPS Courtyard - 2:30 to 4:30PM

• September 14, 2025 - Kindergarten Playdate - Revere Park - 2:30 to 4:30PM

May God be with us always! Let’s continue to have a great start to the new school year!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner

Prayer for the Annunciation Catholic School Community and an End to Gun Violence

Heavenly Father,
In this time of sorrow, we lift up the Annunciation Catholic School community to You. Embrace each student, teacher, and family member with Your healing love and grant them comfort and strength.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, we beg You to bring an end to the violence that wounds our schools and our hearts.
Send Your Spirit to guide our leaders, protect our children, and inspire us all to be instruments of peace and justice.
May Mary, Our Mother, who said “yes” at the Annunciation, intercede for us and help us say “yes” to love, compassion, and change.
Amen.