Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye is a sentiment often said throughout the hallways of St. Barnabas and our entire community, especially during this time of year. We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and joy in making this year a success! 

It has been a week of smiles and good cheer as we acknowledge all the work and dedication that was jammed into this year. Our preschool hosted another "Shadow Day" earlier this week - thank you to our students and teachers for welcoming some new faces to the Early Childhood Center. Kindergarten enjoyed the wonder of nature with a butterfly release, and our 2nd-grade students practiced restaurant etiquette and conversation in the beloved annual journey to Horse Thief Hollow. Our 6th-grade students enjoyed an educational excursion to The Museum of Science and Industry as our 5th-graders had an active afternoon at Ridge Park. We hope each of these special moments creates a lasting memory.

We look forward to our final week together before summer break and are so thankful for the love, support, and partnership of the school community. 

It has been a fantastic week celebrating our 8th-grade students and their achievements. All of them have left a lasting impression on us and St. Barnabas. Congratulations, Class of 2023; we wish you all the love & success for many years to come! 

Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye!  ~ Mr. Stack and Ms. Sadowski.

GRADUATION TONIGHT

Tonight, we honor the 97th graduating class of St. Barnabas School at the 7pm Graduation Liturgy. It is a privilege to have played a role in the lives of this extraordinary group of students. They are kind, honest, hardworking, and committed. These students will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Once a Buckeye, Always a Buckeye!  

We present the Class of 2023

Antonio Barraco, Colin Barry, Daniel Barsch, Isaiah Bell, Isabelle Bradley, Matthew Brown, Makenzie Bryan, Tess Carson, Kobe Chancellor, William Condon, Max Cranley, Tessa Cranley, Mary Kate Cunningham, Emilia Czajkowskyj, Mary Deenihan, Sophia DeHoyos, William Doody, Christian Dossous, Martin Fiske, Aidan Gnatt, Lucas Hennessy, Anna Herber, Solomon Huffman, Leo Hughes, Darius Jones, Henry Konrath, Margaret Kurpeikis, Olivia Lake, William Loehr, Kellci Malone, Quinn McChesney, Aine McNamara, Donovan McNichols, Braden Miles, Owen Morgan, Avery Mullaghy, Margaret Murphy, Gavin O'Boyle, Isabela Peralta, Eloise Pfeiffer, Lucille Prendergast, Brendan Reilly, Julian Rojugbokan, Kruz Smith, Sasha Sobrevilla, Yamira Thomas, Kieran Towe, & Jacob Velarde-Alvarez

STUDENT COUNCIL 2023-24

We thank all the 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students that participated in Student Council elections this week. We were so inspired by each and every speech. Every student exhibited true Buckeye spirit with their courage and thoughtful articulation of their ideas. We thank each student for truly striving to make St. Barnabas the best it can be. Congratulations to our newly elected St. Barnabas Student Council

• Commissioner General - Abby Hilburger
• Assistant Commissioner General - Vivian Long
• Commissioner of Religious Affairs - Maeve Smith
• Commissioner of Finance & Charitable Affairs - Annmarie O'Malley
• Commissioner of Athletics - Cal Covotsos
• Commissioner of Diversity & Cultural Inclusion - Adoniah Irions
• Commissioner of Spirit - Lily Jackson
• Commissioner of Records/ Secretary - Delaney Towe
• Commissioner of Assemblies & Activities - Jimmy Jennings
• Commissioner of Ecology & Environment - Quinn Griffin
• Commissioner of Publicity - Mary Caroline Herber
• Commissioner of Safety - Carolyn Barry

LAST SCHOOL MASS

Our last school year mass is Friday, June 9, at 8:45am. We welcome all to join us at Church for a prayerful send-off.

STAFF DEPARTURES

As the school year draws to a close, we bid farewell to three of our teachers - Mrs. Katie Cimarolli, Ms. Jadyn Jordan, and Mrs. Nola O’Keefe. We thank them for their service to St. Barnabas and wish them all the best.  

We are already searching for the ideal candidates to join our team, but should you know of any qualified teaching candidates, please encourage them to explore St. Barnabas. Reach out to Mr. Stack at [email protected] and Ms. Sadowksi at [email protected].

iREADY DIAGNOSTIC

Earlier this week, parents/guardians were emailed the results of their child’s end-of-year iReady Diagnostic test. iReady-related questions in the week head may be directed to the teacher. Throughout the summer please connect with Mr. Stack at [email protected].

HOT LUNCH - NO LONGER AVAILABLE

During the final week of school, hot lunch will not be available. Therefore, all students should bring a lunch and drink from home beginning on Monday, June 5.

PERMISSION FOR PARK VISITS

As the school year draws to a close, we love to celebrate with outdoor activities and sunshine. During the final week of school, classes may walk to various local parks - Hurley, Ridge, and Barnard. If you do NOT want your child visiting a local park, please complete the OPT OUT form, and they will remain on campus with supervision.

FINANCIAL PAYMENTS

This a reminder that tuition should be paid in full (including before and aftercare dues) by the last day of school. iPads, report cards, test scores, and transcripts will not be released until all payments are current.

Tuition commitment forms for all families are now past due. If you have not already done so, please read, sign, and submit your tuition commitment to avoid a late penalty fee.

• Tuition Commitment for active parishioners can be found HERE.  
• Tuition Commitment for non-parishioners may be found HERE. 

BAND SOLOS

Congratulations to our musicians who performed at the recent Band Solo Competition. Special acknowledgment to Lauren Byrd (bass guitar), Christian Doussous (trumpet), Jacob Klos (saxophone), and Elizabeth Peterson (flute) on achieving perfect scores!

VIEW YOUNG AUTHORS

Support Bookies at 103rd and Western and view the works of our talented Young Authors that are showcased in the front window! Thank you to Bookies for supporting St. Barnabas, and congrats to the authors. Thank you to Eileen Stoiber for leading another successful year of the Young Authors program.

HOWL AT THE MOON

Gather with friends to start the summer and celebrate the Feast of St. Barnabas as you enjoy the dueling pianos of Howl at the Moon. Tickets are available for purchase on Give Central. Individual tickets are $35 in advance, purchase HERE. Premium seating tables for six are $300 and available for purchase HERE. Questions, contact Anita Snow at [email protected].

PAT MAC RIDE

On Friday, June 23, join the annual Pat Mac Ride. Learn more, get involved, and register to ride HERE. 

INFO SUNDAY

Sunday, August 20 - Save the Date for Info Sunday and the exciting kickoff to the school year! Join us for 10am mass, and then visit the school for all the 2023-24 school year details - turn in all medical forms, receive homeroom teacher assignments, pick-up Big Bucks tickets, and enjoy a teacher meet and greet.

STUDENT SUPPORT MEETINGS

Students with a Student Support Plan should expect a family email from Mrs. Maureen O'Donnell in early August to schedule your child's Student Support meeting. Meetings will be held the week of August 14th through August 25th. Throughout the summer, please email any new or updated evaluations to Mrs. O'Donnell at [email protected] and CC Mr. Stack at [email protected].

UNIFORMS

We are pleased to announce that our Preschool Buckeyes will be joining the rest of their fellow Buckeyes in wearing school uniforms next year. View the uniform details and standards for ALL GRADES HERE.

SPORTS REGISTRATION

Registration continues for Fall 2023 sports; based on league guidelines, registration due dates vary by sport; please see below for specifics and register on REGISTRATION BUZZ.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

• REGISTRATION DEADLINE - Thursday, June 15 for rising grades 3-5; closed for grades 6-8
• Coordinator: George Carson - [email protected]

FOOTBALL

• REGISTRATION DEADLINE - Thursday, June 15
• Coordinator: Brian Murrihy - [email protected]m
• Open to rising 4th - 8th grade students

CHEER

• REGISTRATION DEADLINE - Sunday, July 23
• Coordinators: Lucy Hubbird, Tara Miles, and Katrina Murrihy -[email protected]
• Open to rising 4 - 8

SOCCER

• REGISTRATION DEADLINE - enrollment accepted throughout the summer
• Coordinator: Kevin O’Kelly - [email protected]
• Saturday Soccer League open to rising PK - 4
• League Soccer open to rising 1- 8

SPORTS PHYSICALS FOR ALL

Per guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Elementary School Association, ALL St. Barnabas students must have an annual sports physical on file next school year. Sports physicals may be completed by your child’s pediatrician or at any clinic such as CVS, Walgreens, or St. Xavier Health Clinic. Sports physicals are due at Information Sunday, August 20, 2023. Students will not be permitted to participate in practice or games next year without a physical on file. Download the Sports Physical form HERE.  

MEDICAL FORMS FOR NEXT YEAR

In addition to sports physicals for all, annual medical forms are due for some grades. Students with an allergy action plan or who require medication must complete authorization forms annually. Medical forms and authorization forms are due at Information Sunday, August 20, 2023. Forms may be accessed HERE.

• Preschool - Medical Form
• Kindergarten - Medical Form, Dental Form, Vision Form, 
• 2nd Grade - Dental Form
• 6th Grade - Medical Form, Dental Form

KEY DATES FOR NEXT YEAR

With excitement, we share key dates for next year, including the first and last day of school and holiday vacations. At Information Sunday on August 20, 2023, we will release the complete calendar of the year, including early dismissals and professional development days.

In our final week with the 8th grade, we extend a note of thanks to Katie Morgan and Ann McNamara, who have led the 8th-grade event planning committee this year. Their tireless dedication played a large role in ensuring our graduates had an entertaining and fulfilling year. To those 8th-grade parents that led some of this week's events - Lynn DeHoyos for sharing her creative magic and organization skills in preparing the graduation lawn signs. The Baracco family generously supplied a beautiful picnic lunch for the grads. To Erin Konrath for capturing a truly special class picture. To the Barsch family, who will host a party this evening. And to our administrative staff and teachers who work quietly and diligently behind the scenes to ensure our graduates have the proper send-off they deserve. We thank you all for embracing the St. Barnabas Community. 

We also thank our Preschool staff for opening their hearts and classrooms for another successful Preschool Shadow Day. We look ahead with great anticipation at welcoming some of our youngest Buckeyes.

Lastly, thank you to all parents/guardians - we know the end of the year is a busy time with many moving parts. Thank you for the continued love, patience, and care you extend to your children and our school. We feel so fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive environment.