February is Black History Month in the United States, a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

The Black History Month 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor," focuses on the ways that "work and working of all kinds—free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people." -asalh.org

Blessed Sacrament Middle School's students learned about six Saints of African descent and for each Saint, they watched a video, read an article, and answered questions about their lives. The Saints were: Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Benedict of Palermo, Saint Felicity and Saint Perpetua, Saint Martin de Porres, Saint Charles Lwanga, and Saint Josephine Bakhita.

Friday, February 21 - NO SCHOOL MASS

Monday, February 24 - 8th Grade Visits The Historic Magnolia House and the International Civil Rights Center and Museum 

Wednesday, February 26 - Dismissal/Hora de Salida at 1:45pm

Friday, February 28 - School mass ⛪@ 8:30am; Report Cards go home;

Tuesday, March 4 - Out of Uniform- Wear Purple, Green and Gold; Mardi Gras Parade @ 10:00

Wednesday, March 5 - Ash Wednesday School mass ⛪ @ 8:30 am; Dismissal/Hora de Salida at 1:45pm

Thursday, March 6 - Last day to submit your application for an NC Opportunity Scholarship for new families.

Saturday, March 8 - Tentative Summer Uniforms Swap Shop Sale at 9 am at the Main Campus

Monday, March 10 - Spring Sports Begin!

Wednesday, March 12 - Dismissal/Hora de Salida at 1:45pm

Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest Winner!

"Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards." -VFW.org

In addition to our local VFW winners, Nicky Chacon was awarded 1st place for his Patriot's Pen essay by the Henderson VFW Chapter. Last Tuesday, February 18th a representative came to our middle school campus to give our students the award. Congratulations to Nick for winning! Great job! 💙💛

The Diocese of Raleigh is pleased to announce an opportunity for Catholic school families of African American and Native-American heritage for the 2025-2026 school year.

Through our African American and Native American Ancestry Tuition Assistance program, we aim to make Catholic education more accessible to eligible students from preschool through 12th grade. This vital initiative, supported by generous parish donations and a grant from the Black and Indian Mission Office, reflects our commitment to serving diverse communities throughout our diocese.

The 2025-2026 application for the African American and Native American Ancestry Tuition Assistance is now available at https://form.jotform.com/schoolsoffice/2025-26AAMENGrant.

This scholarship program is administered by the Diocese of Raleigh Office of Education.

Catholic school students (Preschool-12th grade) of African Ancestry and Native American heritage in the Diocese of Raleigh are eligible to apply for tuition assistance from February 1 - March 15, 2025.

The assistance awards are funded by parish second collection donations and a grant from the Black and Indian Mission Office founded by the Catholic bishops of the United States. All applicants MUST complete a Catholic school enrollment application before this application will be considered.

Decision letters will be emailed to parents no later than May 24, 2025. 

Tuition awards are sent from the diocese to the applicant’s school.

Please contact Anna Bragg at anna.bragg@raldioc.org or 984.900.3165 with any questions about this program.

EF Tip of the Week-Reading OUTSIDE of School

Reading is a fundamental skill that helps children learn, succeed, and enjoy life. According to the Reading and Academic Development Research Group, reading directly impacts: learning, behavior, and social development. Life-long consequences of depression, anxiety, and mental illness are associated with struggling readers. Research has shown that reading outside of school just ONE MINUTE per day exposes children to 8000 extra words per year; FIVE MINUTES per day - 282,000 words per year; THIRTY MINUTES per day - 1.8 Million words per year. (Stewart, Samantha, and Dr. Emily Solari. “Reading Science Considerations for Individuals with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.” The Reading League, 30 Jan. 2025, www.thereadingleague.org/journal/) 

What can you do parents:

• Read to your children
• Read with your children
• Model reading to your children 
• Devote time each day/week to all family members reading

Mrs. Kelley Champion

Blessed Sacrament School

Executive Function Coach

ELA Instructor

Seat Cushions for Sale-Fundraiser

Have you ever gone to a sporting event and the seat was either wet, too cold, or just very uncomfortable? Suffer no more! BSS will be selling seat cushions for families who would like to purchase one. These are portable, durable, and easy to clean! Mrs. VanWeest will be making them and part of the proceeds will help the BSS athletic department!

CLICK HERE to place an order online! *Please allow about a month to get yours as they will be custom ordered. Spread the word and support our Knights!

Thank you for your support and Mrs. VanWeest for spearheading this fundraiser. 💙💛

Buy Your BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL Yearbook

There's nothing else like your school yearbook. Get your hands on the limited edition collection of our stories from the year. Share it with your friends today and hang on to it for years to come!

Shipping Information

Spring delivery to BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL.

CLICK HERE to order online now.

Made some memories this weekend ☘️

SPRING Sports SIGN UP!

It's hard to believe we are almost through the winter and into spring sports. If your child will be playing a sport this spring, please sign up using the link below. Please note that the girls' soccer sign-up will end much sooner than the other sports. Our conference directors need to know if we are having a team by 1/27 so they can make the game schedule. If you have any questions, please feel free to email jmorrison@bssknights.org.

If your child has not participated in a sport this year, you will need to fill out the required paperwork and return it to school before sports begin. A physical is also required before participation if there is not one on file with the school within the last calendar year (12-month period). This paperwork can be found on the BSS website under Athletics Documents.

Link to sign up for spring sports:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D45A8A923AB9-54476421-spring

Than you,

Mr. Morrison

Make sure you follow our BSS Athletics Facebook Page for the latest sports announcements.

The PECSAA website has directions to all game locations at this link: https://www.pecsaa.com/directions.html

CLICK HERE to access the winter practice schedule.

CLICK HERE for a list of Basketball Games & PECSAA Rules.

If your child did not play a sport in the fall, please email jmorrison@bssknights.org for the required paperwork.

Thank you!

Mr. John Morrison

Athletic Director

Sports Reminders:

***All athletes must have their "Athletic Permission and Emergency form for 2024-2025" and the "Athletic Physical Form" completed at the time of their first tryout/practice or they WILL NOT be able to participate. No exceptions.***

All athletes should come in proper clothing and footwear for their respective sport and bring a water bottle.

If you have any questions or concerns please e-mail jmorrison@bssknights.org

***Todos los atletas deben tener su "Formulario de permiso y emergencia atlético para 2024-2025" y el "Formulario físico atlético" completados en el momento de su primera prueba/práctica o NO podrán participar. Sin excepciones.***

Todos los deportistas deberán acudir con ropa y calzado adecuado a su respectivo deporte y traer una botella de agua.

Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, envíe un correo electrónico a jmorrison@bssknights.org

Please pray for:

Please continue remembering in your prayers those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Please pray for the residents of California affected by the intense fires.

Please pray for Joe Charamut as he recovers from a back injury.

Please pray for Mrs. Glenn and her family as they mourn the loss of her father-in- law and grandfather of Chris(7th), Don Glenn.

Please pray for Marlene Brooks, a former Kindergarten Assistant for BSS, as she mourns the passing of her husband, Joe Brooks.

Dear Parents,

The snow was great but looking forward to the beauty of Spring!

Mrs. Gomez

2025-2026 Tuition Rates Published!

Dear BSS Families,

Please review the 2025-2026 Tuition Rates for the upcoming school year! We have only increased the K-8 Tuition. The Little Knights's tuition, enrollment fee, and STEAMM Fees will remain the same. If you believe that your family will need a scholarship, please apply for an NC Opportunity Scholarship, which will open applications for new families on February 6th, 2025. CLICK HERE for more information. Your family is also welcome to apply to our BSS Scholarship via the FACTS Grant & Aid determination process-We just ask you to apply for an Opporutnity Scholarship first.

¡Se publicaron las tarifas de matrícula para 2025-2026!

Estimadas familias de BSS,

¡Revise las tarifas de matrícula 2025-2026 para el próximo año escolar! Sólo hemos aumentado la matrícula K-8. La matrícula, la tarifa de inscripción y las tarifas STEAMM de Little Knights seguirán siendo las mismas. Si cree que su familia necesitará una beca, solicite una Beca de Oportunidad de Carolina del Norte, que abrirá las solicitudes para nuevas familias el 6 de febrero de 2025. HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para obtener más información. Su familia también puede solicitar nuestra beca BSS a través del proceso de determinación de subvenciones y ayudas de FACTS.-Solo le pedimos que aplique a una beca de la opotunidad antes de solicitar un abeca a BSS.

Enrollment Timeline for the 2025-2026 School Year

CLICK HERE to access the BSS enrollment timeline we will follow this Spring. Families with a scholarship will receive their re-enrollment agreement towards in the next coming weeks. If your family will be adding a sibling, make sure that you let Mr. Rico know so he can add the new student to your contract and reserve his or her seat in the class roster for the upcoming school year. Remember, all new students must apply to our school, and submit a copy of their birth certificate, immunization records, and baptismal certificate if the family is Catholic. You can contact Mr. Rico at admissions@bssknights.org for any questions.

Cronograma de inscripción para el año escolar 2025-2026

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para acceder al cronograma de inscripción de BSS que seguiremos esta primavera. Nuestra oficina de admisiones las familias becadas recibirán su acuerdo de reinscripción en las siguientessemanas. Si su familia agregará un hermano/a, asegúrese de informarle al Sr. Rico para que pueda agregar al nuevo estudiante a su contrato y reservar su asiento en la lista de clase para el próximo año escolar. Recuerde, todos los estudiantes nuevos deben aplicar a nuestra escuela y presentar una copia de su acta de nacimiento, registro de vacunas y certificado de bautismo si la familia es católica. Puede contactar al Sr. Rico en admisiones@bssknights.org por culaquier pregunta.

Spring Endorsements for Opportunity Scholarships Families

BSS families who are recipients of an NC Opportunity Scholarship, make sure you ENDORSE that your child is attending BSS this Spring so the NCSEAA releases the Spring portions of the scholarship to us. Any questions, contact Mr. Rico at admissions@bssknights.org. Thank you!

Respaldos de primavera para familias con becas de oportunidad

Las familias de BSS que reciben una beca de Oportunidad de Carolina del Norte, asegúrese de ENDROSAR que su hijo/a asista a BSS esta primavera para que NCSEAA nos entregue las partes de la beca de primavera. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con el Sr. Rico en admisiones@bssknights.org. ¡Gracias!

Welcome to Blessed Sacrament School!

We are excited for another school year. Thank you for choosing Blessed Sacrament School for your children's education.

Blessings,

José Rico Benavides

School Tours

Mr. Rico will be available at the office on Mondays & Wednesdays for any questions or concerns related to admissions.

You can reach Mr. Rico at 336-570-0019 ext. 212 or by email at admissions@bssknights.org Hablamos Español!

Here is a link to our admissions page: https://www.bssknights.org/admissions

Middle School Field Trips!

Dear Parents,

A friendly reminder that the permission slip/registration form for the MS trip and $100.00 deposit are due. Send it to the office ASAP. If your child is not going on the MS trip, we will still need the slip checked stating that my child will not be attending the trip. Thank you!

Estimados padres,

Un recordatorio amistoso de que se debe entregar el formulario de permiso/inscripción para el viaje a MS y el depósito de $100.00. Envíalo a la oficina lo antes posible. Si su hijo no irá al viaje de MS, aún necesitaremos que se revise el comprobante que indica que mi hijo no asistirá al viaje. ¡Gracias!

• Our 8th-grade students will have an opportunity to travel to Lancaster, Hershey, and Monticello which will take place on May 8-10, 2025. CLICK HERE to access the draft itinerary for the 8th-grade trip.
• Our 6th & 7th grade students will have an opportunity to travel to Atlanta, GA which will take place on May 19-20, 2025. CLICK HERE to access the draft itinerary for the 6th & 7th grade trip.

You should have received a copy in your yellow folder communicator or look below for a form to fill out and return to your child's homeroom teacher:

• CLICK HERE to access the Registration Form/Permission Slip for the 8th Grade Trip.
• CLICK HERE to access the Registration Form/Permission Slip for the 6th & 7th Garde Trip.

Payment for the trip

Once you have returned a signed document to your child's homeroom teachers, please submit payment to our school office or you can make an online payment(s) via the following links:

CLICK HERE to pay in FULL ($560) for the 8th-grade field trip for a student to Hershey, PA.

CLICK HERE to pay in FULL ($336) for the 6th & 7th-grade field trip for a student to Atlanta, GA

CLICK HERE to make your $100 DEPOSIT payment if you are not paying for the trip in full. DUE by January 30th.

CLICK HERE to make the first or second PARTIAL payment of $230 for the 8th-grade field trip for a student to Hershey, PA DUE February 13th & March 13th respectively.

CLICK HERE to make the first or second PARTIAL payment of $118 for the 6th & 7th grade field trip for a student to Atlanta, GA DUE February 13th & March 13th respectively.

Do you want to come on the trip with your child? You must be a Chaperon

CLICK HERE to pay in FULL ($702) for an adult to accompany a student-SINGLE ROOM for the 8th-grade trip to Hershey, PA.

CLICK HERE to pay in FULL ($618) for an adult to accompany a student-DOUBLE ROOM-Please indicate who you would like to room with. This is for the 8th-grade trip to Hershey, PA.

CLICK HERE to pay in FULL ($488) for an adult to accompany a student-SINGLE ROOM for the 6th & 7th grade trip to Atlanta, GA.

CLICK HERE to pay in FULL ($392) for an adult to accompany a student-DOUBLE ROOM-Please indicate who you would like to room with. This is for the 6th & 7th grade trip to Atlanta, GA.

CLICK HERE to make your $100 DEPOSIT payment if you are not paying for the trip in full. DUE by January 30th

CLICK HERE to make a PARTIAL PAYMENT SINGLE ROOM for an adult to accompany a student for the middle school trip (any amount-WE WILL KEEP TRACK FOR YOU).

CLICK HERE to make a PARTIAL PAYMENT DOUBLE ROOM for an adult to accompany a student for the middle school trip (any amount-WE WILL KEEP TRACK FOR YOU).

Summer Uniforms

Friendly reminder, we will be transitioning to Summer Uniforms on April 7th, 2025!

Winter uniforms begin next Monday, November 4th. Just a few reminders:

1. French Toast items run very differently in sizing from Lands End. Sounds like the tops are much smaller.
2. Review our Uniform Guidelines by CLICKING HERE.
3. If you order any logo items and they are the wrong size, they CANNOT be returned.
4. Orders are arriving in about a week. So if you need new shirts, you should order them as soon as possible to receive them in time.
5. Graham Sporting Goods is the ONLY provider of PE shirts. French Toast will not be offering them.

Recordatorio amistoso: ¡usaremos nuestros uniformes de Invierno el proximo Lunes, 4 de Noviembre!

Los uniformes de verano comienzan el próximo lunes, 7 de abril. Solo algunos recordatorios:

1. Los artículos de French Toast tienen un tamaño muy diferente al de Lands End. Parece que las tapas son mucho más pequeñas.
2. Revise nuestras Pautas Uniformes HACIENDO CLIC AQUÍ.
3. Si solicita algún artículo con el logotipo y tiene el tamaño incorrecto, NO SE PUEDE devolver.
4. Los pedidos están llegando en aproximadamente una semana. Entonces, si necesita camisetas nuevas, debe pedirlas lo antes posible para recibirlas a tiempo.
5. Graham Sporting Goods es el ÚNICO proveedor de camisetas de educación física. French Toast no los ofrecerá.

Lunch Information

My Hot Lunchbox is excited to be partnering with Blessed Sacrament School again this year as the hot lunch provider. To begin ordering lunches, click the link below to log in or follow the instructions to create your free account!

Important Note: You will need to Update Your Profile with the student's correct teacher to view the meal calendar.

ORDER NOW!

Lunch Ordering is Now Open for Blessed Sacrament School for August – December 2024

Monday: Chick-Fil-A

Tuesday: Cici’s Pizza

Wednesday: Hursey's Bar-B-Q

Thursday: Zaxby’s

Friday: La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (888) 894-8295 or email us at info@myhotlunchbox.com. We are looking forward to serving your school!

If you are bringing lunch to your child, please make sure it is labeled with your student's name and grade level and leave it on the table just outside the front door of the school--Do not forget to buzz the office to let us know you dropped by.

PE Uniforms:

You can still purchase PE uniforms locally at Graham Sporting Goods. They have yellow PE shirts, solid sweatpants, and zip-up jackets. You do NOT have to get the logo on the sweatpants, but it must be on the jacket and sweatshirt.

PE pants need to be solid navy. There should not be any lines down the sides or decals on them.

Let me know if you have any Winter Uniform questions!

We are currently working on a touring day of Bishop McGuinness Catholic HS in Kernersville, NC for our 8th grade class. However, if you already know you are interested in getting information, please check out the following links and be mindful of dates. We have had many BSS students graduate or are currently attending BMHS. All of this information is currently available in your child’s Executive Function Google Classroom. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you, Mrs. Champion

BMHS Website Link        Virtual Tour Link

A Villain Walk is a great way to get a feel for the Bishop experience during the school day. They will begin with a welcome session, followed by a group tour from 9-10AM. You must sign up in advance. Spots close quickly. 

March 6 & 20

Application Link

• Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open on November 1, 2024.
• Financial Aid Applications will be available November 22, 2024 for the 2025-26 School Year

Placement Test Dates:

• Saturday, February 22, 2025 9:00am-12:00pm
• Saturday, March 15, 2025 9:00am-12:00pm
• Placement Tests are required for ALL grade 9 applicants. Pre-registration is required-see application for more information.