Getting Ready for Break

We have a lengthier issue of School News this week, as we outline our bustling weeks before and after Easter break. Be sure to review all the content so you are best prepared for the end of year!

As a reminder, next Wednesday, April 16, we will dismiss at 11:50am (11:40am for Preschool). After Care is not available. The school and administrative office will then be closed until classes resume on Monday, April 28.

Stations of the Cross, Today!

This afternoon, at 1:45pm in the Church, our 8th grade students will lead the annual all school Stations of the Cross prayer service. We invite all families to join us for this meaningful religious devotion. Family seating is available behind the student body.

Boys VB Pack the House, Tonight!

Join us tonight in the gym as we celebrate the commitment of our 8th Grade Boys Volleyball athletes. The games begin at 6pm with our 5th grade team; 8th grade games begin at 7:30pm! The committee has organized an exciting evening including a Split the Pot Raffle. Raffle can be purchased online, with the drawing during the final game. Winner does not need to be present! Purchase tix here!

All children viewing the games should have a designated adult chaperone.

End of Year, Save the Dates

When we return from Easter Break, we will have just over a month left in the school year! We call your attention to a few key dates:

• Saturday, May 3 - Sacrament of First Holy Communion
• Monday, May 5 - iReady Diagnostic Week
• Thursday, May 8 - 7th Grade Trip to Springfield and PK Mother's Day Tea
• Friday, May 9 - All-School May Crowning
• Wednesday, May 14 - Jr. High Science Fair
• Thursday, May 22 - PK May Crowing
• Friday, May 23 - Spirit Day, 11:50am Dismissal
• Friday, May 30 - 8th Grade Graduation
• Thursday, June 5 - Last Day for Preschool and Kindergarten, 9am Kindergarten Graduation, followed by 10:50am PK and K dismissal.
• Friday, June 6 - Last Day for Grades 1- 7, 10:50am dismissal

The complete 8th grade events calendar can be found here.

The complete all-school events calendar can be found here.

Buckeye Scholarship, Deadline is Tuesday

The Parish's Buckeye Scholarship applications is available via FACTS Grant/Aid. Applications are due no later than April 15 and require the submission of your 2024 tax return for completion. Learn more.

Fun Food, Orders Due Next Week

The final Fun Food of the year is Friday, May 2! Joey’s Red Hot’s will be coming to St. Barnabas with a selection of hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. Orders are due over spring break on Friday, April 18. Please don’t delay, as late orders will not be accepted. As a reminder, our regular hot lunch provider, Gilhooley’s Country House, does not provide food service on Fun Foods Days. All students without a Joey’s order will need to bring a bagged lunch from home. Order today in Membership Toolkit.

School Board News

The School Advisory Board is seeking four new St. Barnabas School Advisory Board members to fulfill a 3-year term that will run from June 2025 through June 2028. Interested applicants should apply online by April 30. Additional details about the role and application are on our website. Apply today!

The Board will host an Open Forum Meeting on Monday, May 12. This is an opportunity to share your ideas and thoughts with the Board and the school administration. If you would like to speak at the meeting, email the School Advisory Board no later than Monday, May 5 at schoolboard@stbarnabasparish.org. In your email, please state the topic you would like to address. The first four people (adults only) who respond will be placed on the agenda. Learn more.

Operation Rice Bowl, due April 28

Catholic Relief Services is an effective anti-poverty organization and a force for good in the world. It is currently facing a loss of grant funding that puts many thousands of lives at immediate risk. Please consider giving generously to your children’s Rice Bowl boxes this year. Bowls, that went home at the start of the Lenten season, should be returned to school on Tuesday, April 28. Learn more about Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl.

Class of 2025

8th-grade families, be sure to check out the activities page for all the gradution "need to know". Remember to complete the required permissions and RSVP and register for the Men's Club Scholarship Contest. Class of 2025 events page

Boots and Buckeyes

Parent Foundation presents... Boots & Buckeyes, Friday, June 6! Celebrate the start to summer, while making difference for our students and teachers. Ticket sales, along with opportunities for sponsorship and auction are now live! Learn more.

Lost and Found

Once again, our lost and found collection is quite extensive. All unclaimed items will be donated over Easter Break. Stop in and/or remind your child to take a few moments to search the table. There are many valuable items, including coats, uniforms, lunch and water containers, and a plethora of hats and gloves.

Welcome baby Maeve!

Please join us in extending love and wellwishes to our Business Manager, Mrs. Jeanne Reilly, who welcomed her beautiful daughter Maeve Kathryn into the world last week. Maeve and Mrs. Reilly are doing well and enjoying their time at home alongside big brother Tommy and dad Kevin.

5Essentials Parent Survey

Please take a few moments to complete the 5Essentials Parent Survey that is being administered by the Archdiocese of Chicago in partnership of University of Chicago. All responses are completely anonymous, and your opinion is greatly appreciated. Begin the 5Essentials Parent Survey.

ASE Opportunity Grades 3 - 5

In partnership with Mirjam Quinn & Associates, we are launching two Social Emotional Learning and Executive Functioning After School Enrichment classes for students in 3rd - 5th grade.

• "Surf the Wave" Emotional Intelligence: After school on Tuesdays, April 29 - June 3
• "Executive Explorers" Executive Functioning: After school on Thursdays, May 1 - June 5

Register in Membership Toolkit, spots are limited.

Summer Camp Registration

Thank you to the many families that already signed up for summer camp! Academic-based, creative, adventure, and play - there is something for everyone! Check out the offerings and register today. 

2025-2026 Calendar

We are pleased to share our detailed school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. This calendar overview includes all vacation days and early dismissal dates for the next school year. View the calendar.

Easter Mass Schedule

• Holy Thursday Mass - Thursday, April 17 at 7pm
• Good Friday Stations of the Cross - Friday, April 18 at 3pm
• Good Friday, Lord's Passions - Friday, April 18 at 7pm
• Easter Vigil - Saturday, April 19 at 7pm
• Easter Mass - Sunday, April 20 at 8am and 10am

Rock of Ages

CAST & CREW - Thank you to the 60 members of our cast and crew who took to the stage last week for the incredible Rock of Ages. It was an absolute delight to witness your talent and dedication come together.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS - The musical would not have taken place without the support of our parent volunteers. Building sets, managing costumes, selling playbill advertisements, rehearsal supervision, and supporting the entire play weekend with ticket sales, concessions, and cleanup - it’s a true testament to “it takes a village.”

STAFF - To our teachers, who already give so much of themselves, we are so grateful to you! Ms. Anslee Rainwater and Ms. Patty Green for directing and choreography, Mrs. Natalie Bachler for set design, and Mr. Connor Grant for sound. 

LYNN DEHOYOS - Lynn, a school parent, has dedicated hundreds and hundreds of hours of creativity, thoughtfulness, and organization over the past five years to the St. Barnabas Theater Program. She has managed every single aspect of production for our five most recent school musicals. With her youngest child graduating this year, Lynn will be “retiring” from her volunteer role. Thank you for being a truly outstanding example of sharing time, talent, and treasure with our school community.

Ms. Abby Graeber

Thank you to Ms. Graeber who has been serving as the Art teacher while Mrs. Bachler was on maternity leave. Ms. Graeber's creativity, dedication, and care for the students will be missed. Thank you Ms. Graeber!