May is a month full of beautiful and memorable moments and events at St. Barnabas. This week we were especially proud of our Buckeyes for their incredible and creative performances of Seussical, the amazing students who participated in the STEM/Science on Thursday evening, our 8th graders who so reverently and respectfully represented the St. Barnabas School community to honor Fr. Tillrock, and our sweet second graders who have been working so hard preparing for their First Holy Communion. Today we were decked out in red to support athletes participating in the Special Olympics! A special shoutout to our very own Danny Fahy, who is competing in the Spring Games! 

May God bless our 2nd graders tomorrow on their First Holy Communion. Please join us in praying for them this weekend. We hope the memories are with them forever and their relationship with God continues to flourish and grow.

Enjoy the beautiful weather, Buckeyes!  ~ Mr. Stack and Ms. Sadowski

SERVICE DAY

Faith, connection, dedication, and love. Our hearts are full after experiencing the wonder of St. Barnabas Service Day as we lived out our Root Belief, “We Are the Hands of Christ.” Close to 600 students, staff, and parent volunteers shared in the transformative power of service with 13 service organizations throughout Chicagoland.  We thank the dedicated committee members and staff that worked diligently throughout the school year to plan this day for others.  Thank you to all parent volunteers who graciously led their groups and snapped photos throughout the day and to our committee leaders - DaLina Baily, Lisa Davis, and Mirjam Quinn.  Thank you to John Dreznes for his behind the scene work in creating a meaningful video reflection on the power of service.  We invite you all to enjoy the beautiful video HERE.

FIRST COMMUNION

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, our 2nd-grade students will make their Sacrament of First Holy Communion. It will be a day filled with faith, reverence, and beauty.  2nd-grade students and families should arrive at the Church by 9:40am.  If you plan to photograph your child on campus before the mass, please arrive earlier as we ask all students to be in place and families seated at 9:40am.  God Bless our First Communicants.

10am MASS THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, May 7, at 10am, our 8th-grade students will join together for the Ribbon Ceremony Mass. We also invite all new communicants to wear their first communion outfits and celebrate their first Sunday Mass as a communicant. This Mass will serve as a meaningful celebration of the vibrant Catholic community of St. Barnabas School. We invite all families to attend as we honor the 8th-grade and 2nd-grade students.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Next week we honor our teachers with Teacher Appreciate Week!  Pease consider contributing snacks or drinks that our teachers can enjoy throughout the remainder of the school year, sign-up HERE to contribute.

PRESCHOOL NEWS 

We are thrilled to announce that we will offer students half-day morning AND afternoon preschool options next year in addition to full-day. Half-day afternoons are a new option, so please spread the word to all friends and neighbors that may be interested in becoming part of St. Barnabas Preschool. We are also hosting a Preschool Shadow Day for prospective families on Wednesday, May 31; please invite friends and neighbors to shadow!

END-OF-YEAR ASSESSMENTS

Next week, students in grades K-8 will complete our Savvas and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt curriculum-based assessments in Math and ELA. 

During the week of May 15, K-8 students will complete their end-of-year iReady Diagnostic test.

Wednesday, May 24, is the 7th and 8th Grade Constitution test. 7th-grade students will take the Federal Constitution test, and 8th-grade students will take the State of Illinois Constitution test.

These evaluations provide students, families, and staff information about each student's academic progress to ensure they are challenged and supported appropriately.

MAY CROWNING

Next Friday, May 12, at 1:45pm is the May Crowning.  This beautiful service is primarily led by the 2nd and 8th-grade students, and we invite all to attend.  The procession from the school into the Church will begin at 1:35pm, and the service will begin at 1:45pm. Parking is available in the lot.

THANK YOU SEUSSICAL

What a show!  Last week, St. Barnabas students put on four showstopping performances of Seussical the Musical.  We are in awe of the cast, crew, and production staff that worked to make this a memorable experience for so many.  A special note of thanks to all our brave actors, the creative crew, Director Ms. Anslee Rainwater, Art Director Mrs. Natalie Bachler, and Producer Lynn DeHoyos. I t takes a village, and we are so grateful for that village.  Click HERE for a complete list of thank yous for all! 

SCRIP NEWS

It is time to load up on Scrip tuition savings for all your upcoming purchases!  Communion and graduation gifts, teacher gifts, catering and groceries for parties, home renovations, and travel. The Original Pancake House has updated its card with $10 cards @ 10% back! Consider The Original Pancake House for carryout, catered brunch, or dining-in options.  Place your orders by 9am Monday to receive by Thursday. Questions to Julie McGrath, Script Coordinator, at [email protected].

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Monday, May 8 at 6:30pm all members of the Equity and Inclusion Committee are welcome to an outdoor reception. Please RSVP HERE.

GIRLS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS

Tryouts for Girls’ basketball are next week. Current 5th - 7th (rising 6th - 8th) girls that wish to be considered for the A team basketball must attend at least one session on Monday, May 8, or Wednesday, May 10. Independent evaluators complete the assessments; parents & coaches are not permitted in the gym. Advance registration is NOT required. Online registration will be released in the coming weeks.  Questions regarding basketball tryouts may be directed to George Carson - [email protected]. 

Athletes should meet in the St. Barnabas School Gym on either Monday or Wednesday. 

• Rising 6th graders - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
• Rising 7th graders - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
• Rising 8th graders - 7:30pm - 8:30pm

SPORTS PHYSICALS 

Per regulations from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Elementary School Association, all St. Barnabas students (grades PK-8 grade) 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 or Walgreens.  Sports physicals are due at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.  Students will not be permitted to participate in practice or games next year without a physical on file. Download the Sports Physical form HERE.  

Please note - this sports physical form is separate from the required Illinois State Board of Education medical/immunization records, dental, and vision forms.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication of our 2022-2023 Student Council members!  Student Council is an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, plan events, and engage in service to the school community.  On Tuesday, May 9th, we will host an informational meeting for students in grades 5-7 who are interested in running for next year's Student Council.  The meeting will take place immediately after school in Mrs. McGowan's Room 207.  Speeches and the election for next year's Student Council will be held on Wednesday, May 31st.

BEAN BAG & BOARDS WANTED

Student Council is hosting its first annual "8th Grade Barnabags" bean bag tournament on Friday, May 19th, and is looking to borrow boards and bean bags for the tournament. Please email Mrs. McGowan [email protected] or Ms. O'Neill [email protected] if you can lend boards and bags for this event.  

All 8th-grade students are invited to participate in the “Barnabags” fundraising event. The event will take place during the school day, and additional details will be shared soon. Proceeds will support the Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation, which supports ovarian cancer research and childhood literacy initiatives.  

TALENT SHOW

The annual Talent Show will take place on Thursday, May 25th. All students in grades K-8 are invited to participate in a solo or group act. Interested participants should submit this FORM by Friday, May 19th. All talent show participants must attend a mandatory rehearsal and run-through on Tuesday, May 23rd from 3-4 pm. View FLYER for more details.

NEW MEMBER APPLICATION

At this time, we are seeking three new Board members to fulfill a 3-year term that will run from June 2023 through June of 2026 to bring the number of Board members to 11. Please click HERE for the application. Applications are due by next Friday, May 12.

OPEN FORUM

The Open Forum meeting will be held on Monday, May 22 at 7 pm, in the Church Hall.  The Open Forum meetings happen twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. If you would like to address the School Advisory Board during the Open Forum, please review the details HERE and email the School Advisory Board no later than Friday, May 12, 2023.

We look forward to hearing from those who would like to participate in the Open Forum and hope that many of you choose to apply for the Board positions.

MOTHER-SON BASEBALL GAME

The FSA is hosting a Mother-Son baseball game next weekend - Saturday, May 13 at 6:10pm Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros. Click HERE for details and to order tickets. Questions, contact Katie Rao at [email protected].

ART FAIR

"Unique and United," join us for a celebration of the visual arts when the art fair returns as an in-person event. All students will showcase their school-created art on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 and Culture Club will host a Craft Fair. Please join us for a special 10am mass on Sunday, May 21, prior to the Art Fair, to honor and celebrate the artists.

SPIRIT DAY

Volunteers are needed for our all-school Spirit Day on Friday, May 26. Volunteer opportunities throughout all grade levels are still available, a reminder that all volunteers must be Virtus compliant. Learn more and sign-up HERE. Questions, contact Maggie O’Reilly at [email protected].

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 now 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].

YEARBOOK HELP WANTED

The St. Barnabas yearbook has been on hold for the past few years, and we would love to bring back this cherished keepsake. Parents/guardians interested in learning more or volunteering for this project may reach out to Ms. Sadowski at [email protected].

RIDGE RUN

Register HERE with the St. Barnabas team for a $5 discount if you plan to run the BAPA Ridge Run this year! Use code: team2023, team captain: Ms. Grace Sadowski when registering. We are not hosting a formal group training this year, but feel free to connect with your running buddies and plan a few training days together.  

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS OF THE LITURGY

Wednesday, May 10, at 7pm in the Church, teens, and adults are invited to join Dr. Anne McGowan in a prayerful reflection on the signs and symbols of the liturgy. The evening includes exploring the connection between Mass and our daily lives through poetry, music, and movement.

PEACE CAMP VOLUNTEERS

Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran on 94th and Oakley will host their annual one-week "Peace Camp." June 26-30, and this year, St. Barnabas will be a co-sponsor of the camp. We are looking for a variety of volunteers to help. To learn more, please see the LINK on the parish website.