Book Fair Next Week!

The FSA is hosting the Scholastic Book Fair, an annual highlight and favorite event among our students. Students will visit the fair with their homeroom next Wednesday, November 12, or Thursday, November 13.

• VOLUNTEER - Volunteer help is greatly appreciated! If you wish to volunteer during your child’s visit, check out the homeroom schedule and sign up for the corresponding time slot. Volunteers may report directly to the Church Hall (basement) for volunteer check-in. Volunteer sign-Up.
• CLASS SCHEDULE - Students will visit the fair with their homeroom on November 12 or 13. View the schedule.
• PURCHASING BOOKS - students can use cash or set up an eWallet for cashless shopping. Book Fair volunteers will have an easy-to-access record of your child’s eWallet at check-out. Create an eWallet account at Scholastic.com.
• COORDINATORS - The Book Fair is managed by our dedicated FSA! Coordinators are Catherine Ryan-Cassel - cjryan51@gmail.com and Nora Quartaro - noraquartaro@gmail.com. For questions about purchasing books or volunteering, please contact Catherine or Nora.

View the fair details on the Scholastic website.

Girls Basketball

Our girls basketball season is winding down, but we still have a number of teams competing in the playoff bracket. Come out to Mother McAuley tonight for three games! 6 Red(A) at 6:15pm, 7 Red(A) at 6:15pm, 8 Red(A) at 7:10pm. Winning teams will advance to the championship rounds at McAuley on Sunday afternoon.

8 White(B) defeated St. John Fisher last night and will play in the championship game at McAuley on Sunday at 5:20pm.

Please keep an eye on the school's Facebook group page for updates as the teams move through the playoffs. It has been an incredible season of growth, teamwork, and athleticism. We thank our athletes for always striving to be their best and our coaches for their gift of time.  

Honoring Veterans

This weekend, the Parish will honor all veterans and partner with Mendel HS Alumni. After the Sunday 10am mass, all are welcome to join Mendel to lay wreaths at local cemeteries. Learn more about the Mendel initiative. 

We also invite all veterans and active-duty parents, grandparents, and friends to join us for our Tuesday 8:45am school mass as we prayerfully reflect on the sacrifice and dedication of all those who serve in our armed forces. 

Lastly, we extend a special thank you to school parent Pat Tierney, who recently returned home from his time overseas serving our country. Welcome home Pat and may God bless the Tierney family.

Art to Remember, order by Monday

Order keepsake art through Art to Remember to benefit our school art program. View art in the online St. Barnabas Gallery (sorted by homeroom) and place orders by November 10 to arrive in time for Christmas gifting! View the Gallery and order.

FSA Meeting, next Tuesday

Please join the FSA for their monthly planning meeting on Tuesday, November 11, at 7pm in the Main Hall. Upcoming initiatives include the Scholastic Book Fair, Santa’s Secret Workshop, and the Staff Stocking Stuffer. We look forward to coming together, meeting new friends, and collaborating to make this a memorable and fun year for all. Learn more and get involved!

If you can't make the November meeting but would still like to be involved, be sure to complete the FSA Interest Form to join the email distribution list and stay in the know on all things FSA-related.

School Board Open Forum

The upcoming School Board Open Forum will be held on Monday, November 17 at 7pm in the Media Center. The Open Forum represents an opportunity for St. Barnabas community members to share their ideas and thoughts with the Board and the school administration. Details and procedures for speaking at the Open Forum will be shared via email soon.

Season of Giving

Let us share love and care for those in need during this Season of Giving. A collection table is set up in our Main Hall, and donations are welcome through November 21. 

FOOD DRIVE - Join us in supporting the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry. Non-perishable food items may be brought to school and will be distributed to the pantry in time for Thanksgiving. In an effort to contribute a variety of items, we are requesting specific food items by grade level. Learn more.

STUFFED ANIMALS - Donate new or gently loved stuffed animals to support the Share a Bear Hug organization. Toys will be shared to provide comfort to migrant and refugee children arriving in Chicago. Learn more.

ASE Classes

Last week, we launched our new ASE programs. Spots still remain in Tuesday afternoon Chess Club (Gr 1- 8), Thursday morning Public Speaking (Gr 7- 8), and Thursday afternoon Salsa Dancing (Gr 3 - 8). Don’t miss your chance, register here!

Sessions begin next week, and the $75 payment is required by the first day of class. Please send cash or check (payable to St. Barnabas) to the school's Main Office, Attn: ASE. The complete calendar of after-school activities can be found on our website > Calendar & News > Calendar: Student Activities.

Extended Day Update

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Meghan Jones to the Extended Day team; she is transitioning to the role of Director. Ms. Jan is still very much involved and will continue to be part of the Extended Day team. Moving forward, we ask that all parents and caregivers picking up students from After Care, use door 10 for pickup.

Progressive House Hosts Wanted!

The Men's Club is hosting the annual Progressive Mixer on Saturday, December 6. This event helps to fund the Christmas Staff Stocking Stuffer and is a fun, adults-only event. Tickets will be available to purchase soon. 

The Men’s Club is still looking for host houses for the event. Please contact Pat Wirtz at pwirtz@alumni.nd.edu if you are interested in hosting or would like to learn more.

Volley For Veterans

On Wednesday, November 19 (a 1:30pm dismissal day), our Student Council will host Volley for Veterans. All students in grades 5 - 8 are welcome to participate in this fun after-school volleyball event that supports veteran causes. Registration will be shared directly with students by the Student Council, and advance registration is required.  

Schedule Reminders & Save the Dates

Academic Reminders -

• Last Day of Trimester 1 - Friday, November 21
• Report Card Day - Friday, December 5

Schedule Notes -

• No School - Friday, November 7
• 1:30pm Dismissal - Wednesday, November 19
• Thanksgiving Break - begins Tuesday, November 25 at 11:50am, class resumes Monday, December 1
• Christmas Break - begins Friday, December 19 at 11:50am, class resumes Tuesday, January 6

Save the Date Christmas Events -

• Advent Wreath Making - Sunday, November 30 at 11am
• Progressive Mixer (adults only) - Saturday, December 6 at 6pm
• Santa's Secret Shop (student, school day event) - Wednesday, December 3 - Thursday, December 4
• School Christmas Pageant (featuring 1st, 5th, and 7th grade students) - Friday, December 12 at 1:45pm
• Christmas Luminary Kit Pickup - Sunday, December 14
• Preschool Pageant - Thursday, December 18, 10am School Performance, 6:30pm Friends and Family

Photo Gallery

We have a new feature on our website, thanks to the creative gifts of school parent and professional photographer, Meghan Jones. Meghan makes time to capture many of our key events with her talented eye, including recent events Service Day, Homecoming, and Pack the House.

You can view Meghan's images on the website in the Calendar & News > Photo Gallery section. View the gallery. > Use password: Buckeyes.

Turkey Trot

Join team “Run Like a Cheetah” as part of the annual Beverly Hills Turkey Trot. Run or walk the 5K through the beautiful streets of North Beverly on Saturday, November 29. School families and friends are welcome to participate in support of team Run Like a Cheetah. All proceeds benefit the 19th Ward Youth Community and the John McNicholas Brain Tumor Foundation. Learn more and register.

Halloween - thank you to the many parents who helped out on Halloween. Fun Food volunteers and class parties—neither of those special, lasting memories would be possible without parent help. We know Halloween is often a busy and hectic day for parents, and we appreciate you sharing your time. We also thank parents for attending the parade, sending treats to homerooms, and supporting your children in their creative costumes. We hope your family had a wonderful time celebrating Halloween this year.

Fun Food - thank you to Elise Mayer for again coordinating an awesome Fun Food event. It was another successful day in support of the FSA and Barraco's. We also thank the FSA for generously providing complimentary Fun Food to our staff! Please save the date for the next Fun Food event in January.

Ofrenda Altar - thank you to the many families who shared pictures of their loved ones for our Ofrenda Altar. It was a beautiful display of the lasting inspiration our loved ones leave on our hearts, minds, and daily lives.

• FAMILY RESOURCES - School Policies and Procedures
• STAY IN THE KNOW - Link to top news & events
• REPORT AN ABSENCE - Report illness or planned absence by 8am
• HOT LUNCH - Country House food service
• STAFF DIRECTORY - Staff emails
• FAMILY DIRECTORY - DirectorySpot Access
• ROOM PARENTS - Contact Info for each homeroom
• INCIDENT REPORT - Online Incident Reporting Form
• CLASS OF 2026 - 8th Grade Events Page
• VOLUNTEER - Get Involved!
• TREATS FOR TEACHERS - Donate drinks and snacks for staff
• BUCKEYE SHOP - Spirit Wear and Uniform Apparel
• SCHOOL NEWS ARCHIVE - Links to previous issues
• PHOTO GALLERY - Links to Meghan Jones images