The Buzz

Greetings SBPS Parents and Friends:

This week’s note is going to be a little shorter than normal because I am traveling with the 8th Graders in DC and taking a moment during our lunch to prep this week’s BUZZ. I can’t tell how how blessed and privileged I feel to be traveling with an amazing group of 8th graders and teachers in our nation’s capitol. I also just want to thank everyone who supported the 8th grade popcorn sale back in January. Every single 8th grader was able to travel this year because of your support and generosity - all 65 soon-to-be graduates. You’d be proud of these students. We have been complimented so many times about our students, their intelligence, behavior, respect, etc. (I suspect that our 6th and 7th grade students are also receiving the same compliments on their respective trips as well.) This is why your investment in our school is so important. These students represent the final outcome we want for our graduates. It is humbling to experience.

Your support for our school was SO EVIDENT at this past Saturday’s Gala and again I thank you. The families’ generosity and love for SBPS is so palpable. I know the Gala committee is excited to share the good news with all of you soon, but those of you who were there on Saturday could probably tell that we did amazing! Your support allows to get to the point where we can take a big group of 8th graders to DC and have an amazing time of learning, maturity and friendship - our students are exemplifying Christ in the world - a world that so sorely needs Him.

Please pray for our second graders who will be receiving the sacrament of First Eucharist on Saturday. We are grateful for all the teachers, parents, family members and priests who have formed them in faith.

I hope all of you check out the new parent dialogue series below. We need to continue our conversation about inclusion, diversity and equity through the lens of faith her at St. Ben’s. I look forward to our conversations.

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

• RSVP: St. Ben's Dialogue Series - Racial Identity and Sense of Belonging

Please find listed below important dates:

• May 2, 2025 - YEARBOOK ORDERS DUE

• May 3, 2025 - First Communion at 10AM and noon

• May 5, 2025 - Grades 1-5 Talent Show at 1:30PM

• May 6, 2025 - Third Trimester progress reports go home

• May 7 and 8, 2025 - iReady Final Diagnostics for Math in the AM

• May 8, 2025 - Middle School Spring Fling

• May 9, 2025 - No School Professional Development Day

May God be with us always!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner

Prayer for Pope Francis

Loving God, today, we grieve for our beloved
Pope Francis. We know you join us in our
grief, that you too weep at the death of your
dear friend and companion as Jesus did at the
tomb of Lazarus.

Welcome our beloved Pope Francis into your
waiting arms. Envelop him in your eternal
love. And comfort us in our mourning as we
strive to continue to follow his Gospel
example to encounter Christ in all people and
in all places.

We thank you for the gift of Pope Francis.
Through his life and teaching, you showed us
how to love and serve one another, how to
hear the cries of the poor and the cries of the
earth and respond in compassionate love.

Pope Francis, pray for us. Mary, Mother of
Sorrows, comfort us. Amen.