MS. RACHEL GEMO,
HEAD OF PARISH SCHOOL
February 5, 2026 | VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 25
THE BUZZ FROM MS. GEMO | LOWER SCHOOL NEWS - GRADES PRESCHOOL-3
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS - GRADES 4-8 | WEEKLY CALENDAR | HSA
Greetings SBPS Parents and Friends:
Tomorrow our faculty will gather for a dedicated day of professional development as we continue our partnership with DePaul University’s RISE Together program under the leadership of Dr. Molly Cinnamon. Catholic Communities of Belonging is a rich, year‑long formation experience designed to help Catholic schools grow as vibrant centers of welcome, intercultural understanding, and authentic solidarity grounded in Catholic Social Teaching. Through the RISE framework—Reflection, Inquiry, Self‑awareness, and Empathy—along with the transformative Words of GRACE developed by Dr. Donna Kiel, our teachers are being equipped with tools that strengthen relationships, deepen community, and nurture the dignity of every child of God. As our staff nears the completion of this training, we look forward to offering parent workshops in the months ahead. We are excited to share this meaningful resource with all of our school families.
Our 2026 Gala Committee has also been hard at work preparing A Night in the Emerald City. This important fundraiser brings our community together in joy and generosity, and there are many ways for families to participate and support the event—please see the post below for details. We also have several upcoming activities designed to build excitement and fellowship, including Thursday’s Oz‑themed out‑of‑uniform day for our students. After such a long winter, these moments of fun and connection are truly welcome—we hope you’ll join us!
Speaking of winter, the snow and ice around campus have made arrival and dismissal more challenging. For the safety of all children, please refrain from parking in or near the crosswalks. We have noticed this becoming a daily pattern, and it places students in the middle of the street where conditions can be slippery. We ask for your patience and partnership—if you need to circle the block to find a safe parking spot, we will keep your children supervised until you arrive. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Teachers are finalizing second‑trimester progress reports, which we anticipate emailing to families on Tuesday, February 10 after school. We encourage all parents to schedule a conference—either in‑person or virtual—to discuss your child’s growth. Conferences will be held on Thursday, February 12 in the evening and virtually on Friday, February 13. Please remember there is no school for students on Friday, February 13. Hard copies of the iReady Winter Diagnostic Reports will be sent home by Wednesday, February 11. Conference sign‑up links were shared earlier this week, and families wishing to meet with STEAM teachers will find additional links in the post below. Sign‑ups will close on Wednesday, February 11.
We also celebrate two wonderful alumni achievements this week! Congratulations to SBPS graduates Marian Johnson and Emily Firestone, who were inducted on Tuesday evening into Northside’s chapter of the Spanish Honor Society. Both students were selected in their very first semester of eligibility—an extraordinary accomplishment! One parent shared, “Thanks for instilling a love of language learning!” We are grateful to be able to offer Spanish language instruction for all students in grades PK–8, and moments like this remind us how meaningful that foundation can be. Proceeds of the Gala each year help support the cost of our robust school programming!
As we look ahead to February, our schoolwide virtue focus will be Kindness, one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Students will participate in a schoolwide Kindness Challenge, and we warmly invite families to join in by taking up the challenge at home as well. Our world can always use more kindness—and the beautiful truth is that the transformation can begin with us. More details are available below.
February also marks our celebration of Black History Month. This year, students will collaborate to create a “Garment of Destiny,” a community art project honoring influential Black leaders whose lives and contributions have shaped our shared history. This meaningful work will help students reflect on our call to justice, dignity, and unity. Please see the information below to learn more.
Finally - GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR BBALL BENGALS playing in this weekend’s playoffs! We know you will represent SBPS in a tremendous way!
There’s a lot more important information below. Be sure to check out the following:
2026 Gala Update for Feb 5 - A Night in the Emerald City
2nd Trimester Conference Sign Up Links for STEAM TEACHERS
Kindness Calendar
Please find listed below important dates:
February 6, 2026 - No School Professional Development Day for Faculty
February 7 and 8, 2026 - Basketball Playoffs Begin - Come out and Cheer on our Bengals!
February 10, 2026 - 2nd Trimester Progress Reports emailed home
February 10, 2026 - Gala Committee Meeting 7:30PM in Upper School Library
February 11, 2026 - Last Day to sign up for 2nd Trimester Conferences
February 11, 2026 - Out of Uniform (in advance of St. Valentine’s Day) Students may wear pink, red and purple tops with school uniform bottoms
February 12, 2026 - Out of Uniform - Oz-Themed Out of Uniform Day - see right for more information!
February 12, 2026 - Gala 2026 Tickets Go on Sale - Get yours today!
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 17, 2026 - Palm Burning Prayer Service in Courtyard - please send in last year’s PALMS for the service
February 17, 2026 - Mardi Gras - Out of Uniform Day - Students may wear Gold, Green and Purple with School Bottoms
February 18, 2026 - Ash Wednesday - Lent Begins
February 27, 2026 - Middle School Winter Chill in GYM - 5:30 to 7PM
March 16-20, 2026 - Spring Break - no school
May God bless us all!
Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School
Ms. Gemo’s Prayer Corner
Please pray for the sick of our school and parish community in need of health and healing:
St. Raphael, of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, Angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways. Amen.