The Buzz

‍Dear SBPS Parents and Guardians,  

I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying a wonderful summer filled with rest, family time, and God’s many blessings. It is hard to believe that we are already just one month away from the start of the 2026–2027 school year. As our new school year approaches, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the families joining the St. Benedict Preparatory School community for the first time, as well as a heartfelt welcome back to our returning Bengal families. Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education and faith formation. It is both an honor and a privilege to begin my 24th year serving as Head of School at St. Benedict. Each new school year brings fresh opportunities, renewed purpose, and excitement for all that God has in store for our community. We ask for His continued blessings as we journey together throughout the coming year. 

This summer has been filled with meaningful learning, reflection, and professional growth. In June, I had the privilege of traveling to Spain with twelve of our middle school students. Beyond experiencing the rich history, culture, and beauty of España, I was especially proud of how responsibly and maturely our students represented our school and faith community. 

I also participated in Cohort 5 of the Institute for Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Education (ILEE), where I joined Catholic school leaders from across the country for a retreat focused on the theme of The Spiritual CEO. This experience reinforced an important truth: effective Catholic school leadership begins with a deep and authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. As leaders, we are called not only to ensure excellence in academics, enrollment, finances, and operations, but also to nurture the spiritual vitality of our schools. The retreat challenged me to reflect on how we can continue strengthening St. Benedict as a community where faith and learning flourish together. 

Most recently, Mrs. Metz, Mr. Accardi, Father Ryan, and I attended the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Annual Conference. We explored best practices in school culture, literacy, advisory programs, artificial intelligence, and student leadership. It was also a tremendous honor to officially receive the 2026 NAESP Gold Star School Award on behalf of our entire St. Benedict community. This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of our parents, and the hard work of our students. I am grateful for opportunities to continue learning and growing as a leader, knowing that lifelong learning and ongoing faith formation are essential to serving our community well. 

As we prepare for the start of the school year, it is time to complete all required summer forms. Please use the link provided to access the forms and important back-to-school information. We ask that all forms be completed and submitted by Thursday, July 30, 2026. Please review the materials carefully, as some forms are grade-specific. Most forms are fillable PDFs that can be completed electronically, while others require a parent signature. To help us process forms efficiently, please scan and email all completed documents as PDF files rather than picture files. Families who prefer a printed packet may contact Carol Dodovich or Kathy Moore, and we will gladly assist you. 

For those looking to clear out gently used children's clothing, toys, or baby items, please remember that drop-off opportunities for the Baby and Kids Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, July 18, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. and Sunday, July 19, from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Additional details can be found later in this newsletter. 

Please also note our summer office hours. The elementary and middle school offices are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and closed on Fridays. The preschool office remains open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Thank you once again for your partnership, your trust, and the gift of your children. I look forward to welcoming our students back to school and beginning another year of faith, learning, and growth together. May the remainder of your summer be filled with peace, joy, and cherished family moments. May God bless you abundantly and keep you always in His loving care. 

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

• Order THE Bengal T-Shirt Today!  

• Baby and Kids Garage Sale Drop Off Dates in July  

• School Calendar 2026-2027  

• Middle School 2027 Croatia Travel Opportunity w/Mr. Stare Information  

Please find listed below important dates: 

• July 16, 2026 - New School Year Forms available on school website

• July 18-19, 2026 - Garage Sale Drop Off - see more info below 

• July 20-24, 2026 - Vacation Bible Camp - Rainforest Falls 

• July 30, 2026 - New School Year Forms are due today - complete and email to schoolforms@stbenedict.com (PDFs only - please no photos)

• July 30, 2026 - Medical Forms Due for incoming Grades K, 2, 6 and new families 

• July 31, 2026 - Last Day of Summer Camps  

• August 12, 2026 New Family Tour (grades 1-7) 4:00PM  

• August 12, 2026 Parent Preschool Orientation 5:30PM  

• August 12, 2026 Middle School Parent VIRTUAL Orientation 6:30PM  

• August 12, 2026 New Family Night Virtual Info and Q &A 7:30 PM  

• August 16, 2026 Back to School Mass and BBQ 10:00  

• August 18,2026 Teacher Meet & Greet (Grades 1-8) 4:00PM-5:00PM  

• August 19, 2026 First Day of School-Grades 1-8     

• August 19, 2026 Kindergarten Orientation 5:00 PM  

• August 20, 2026 First Day of Preschool  

• August 20, 2026 First Day of Kindergarten   

• August 24, 2026 Extended Care Begins (both AM and PM) for Grades PK-8  

May God bless us all! 

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of School 

Ms. Rachel Gemo,
Head of School