The Buzz

Dear SBPS Parents and Guardians,

What an exciting week it has been for our school community! We were honored to learn that St. Benedict Preparatory School has been named a 2026 Illinois Governor's Blue Ribbon School, one of only 24 schools in the state to receive this distinction. SBPS was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School, an honor that reflects outstanding student achievement and academic excellence.

While we are certainly proud of this recognition, it is important to remember that awards such as this are not earned overnight. They are the result of years of dedication, collaboration, and commitment to our mission. I am profoundly grateful to our faculty and staff, whose professionalism, expertise, and unwavering belief in our students make St. Benedict Prep such a special place. Every day, they challenge students to grow academically, nurture their faith, and help them discover the gifts God has given them. This recognition belongs to them, and I hope you will join me in celebrating their remarkable accomplishment.

This award is also a testament to the partnership between our school and families. One of our core beliefs is that students thrive when parents and educators work together in support of each child's growth and formation. We are blessed with a community that values learning, faith, service, and belonging, and this honor reflects the collective efforts of students, families, faculty, and staff. Above all, we give thanks to God for His many blessings and for the opportunity to carry out this important mission together.

I also 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 continue celebrating the 125th Anniversary of St. Benedict Parish, it is especially meaningful to gather as a faith community to pray for our pastor and support him as he begins this important chapter of leadership. Father Ryan has already brought tremendous energy, faith, and dedication to our parish and school communities, and we are grateful for his commitment to Catholic education and the spiritual growth of our young people. Following Mass, families are invited to enjoy a reception in the gym. If your family has created a poster for the celebration, please be sure to send it to school by the end of the day on Friday, October 23.

October is also the Month of the Holy Rosary, a time when Catholics throughout the world turn to Mary in prayer and reflection. Tomorrow, our third-grade students will lead our school community in a Rosary Prayer Service. We are grateful for this opportunity to grow together in faith and to continue passing on the rich traditions of our Catholic heritage to the next generation. A special thank you to Ms. Smith, Ms. Carlino, Ms. Brizgys, and Mrs. Thompson for helping prepare our students for this meaningful experience.

Finally, we will close next week with one of our students' favorite traditions: Halloween at St. Benedict Prep. We are grateful to our Home & School Association for the many fun activities they have planned. As we prepare for the festivities, I encourage families to review the costume guidelines included below to help ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable celebration for all.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and support. Together, we are building a community rooted in faith, characterized by belonging, and committed to helping every child discover and develop their God-given potential. May God continue to bless our students, families, faculty, and staff as we grow in wisdom, faith, and service together.

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 is October 29!

• Nominate a Teacher for the Golden Apple Today!

• ‍ Father Ryan’s Installation Mass is Sunday, October 25

• Halloween Costume Guidance for Friday, October 30

Please find listed below important dates: 

• 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 - sign up your child or to volunteer below

• 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 - indoe below

• November 3, 2026 - Election Day   

• 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