The Buzz

Dear SBPS Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for your partnership and engagement during last week's First Trimester Conferences. These conversations are an important part of our shared commitment to helping every child grow academically, socially, and spiritually. At St. Benedict Preparatory School, we believe that students thrive when families and educators work together in support of their God-given gifts. I hope your time with your child's teacher provided meaningful insights into your child's progress, celebrated successes, and identified opportunities for continued growth.

I would also like to thank the many parents who attended the recent Learning Portrait information sessions. Learning Portrait is an important tool that helps us more fully live out our commitment to knowing, valuing, and supporting each student as a unique learner. By providing a clearer picture of student growth and mastery over time, Learning Portrait helps foster productive conversations between students, parents, and teachers about learning, perseverance, and achievement. If you were unable to attend one of the sessions, a recording is available in the Learning Portrait section below. Additionally, all families should now be able to access Learning Portrait using the updated login process outlined in the email sent earlier this week. Going forward, I will continue to provide updates, tutorials, and helpful resources through The BUZZ to support families as we learn and grow with this new platform together.

Please join me in praying for our Cross Country State qualifiers, who will represent St. Benedict Prep this weekend at the Illinois State Meet. We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes and the dedication, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance they have demonstrated throughout the season.

Our girls competing at State are:

• Maren Castelli

• Mackenzie Dorgan

• Brinley Cromwell

We are also excited to celebrate our Boys Cross Country Team, which earned a second-place finish at the State Sectional Meet and will compete as a team at State:

• Tommy Anzur

• Declan Casale

• Bennett Faford

• Davis Greeby

• Redfield Irwin

• Ben Kordas

• Aiden Kowalski

• Joseph Radich

• Zach Thorn

• Jack Wroblewski

• Noah Zabor

May God bless these students with confidence, perseverance, good health, and the joy that comes from using their talents to the fullest. Win or lose, we are proud of the way they represent our school community.

On Saturday, October 17, we are pleased to host the City of Chicago Clerk's Office Mobile City Hall at St. Benedict. As a parish and school committed to serving not only our families but also our broader neighborhood, we are grateful for opportunities to welcome valuable community resources to our campus. This event will provide convenient access to a variety of city services for residents throughout the area. Additional information can be found below.

Finally, I encourage all school families to join us for the Installation Mass of Father Robert Ryan on Sunday, October 25 at 12:00 p.m. As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of St. Benedict Parish, it is particularly meaningful that we gather as a faith community to pray for our new pastor and support him as he begins this important chapter of leadership. Father Ryan has already blessed our school community in many ways through his presence, guidance, and commitment to Catholic education. Following Mass, there will be a reception in the gym for families to enjoy fellowship and celebration together.

Thank you for the trust you place in us each day. Rooted in our Catholic faith, we remain committed to creating a community where every child is known, valued, challenged, and loved; where academic excellence and faith formation go hand in hand; and where students are encouraged to discover and develop the gifts God has entrusted to them. Together, we are forming disciples, learners, and leaders who will use their talents in service to the Church and the world.

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

• Last Day to Sign Up for Middle School Croatia Trip

• Donate Blood and Earn an Out of Uniform Pass for your kids!

• Order this year’s yearbook now

• Sign up for bitty basketball

Please find listed below important dates: 

• October 16 - Preschool VIP Day

• October 17 - Mobile City Hall in GYM from 10am to 1pm - see information below

• October 23, 2026 Third Grade Rosary Prayer Service 9:30AM 

• October 25, 2026 - Father Ryan’s Installation Mass at noon with reception after

• October 29, 2026 Middle School Spooktacular 5:30-7:00 PM

• October 30, 2026 Halloween Celebrations

• November 1, 2026 All Saints Day   

• November 2, 2026 All Souls Day  

• November 2, 2026 All Souls Requiem Mass 1:30PM grades 1-8  

• November 6, 2026 No School Professional Development Day  

• November 11, 2026 - Veterans Day

• November 12, 2026 Middle School Trimester Final Exams-Math & SS 

• November 13, 2026 Middle School Trimester 1 Exams Day 2-ELA & Science 

• November 13, 2026 Last Day of Trimester 1

May God bless your family and our entire SBPS community as we continue this journey together.

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School

Ms. Rachel Gemo,
Head of School