Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

There is NO School this Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  

Please take the opportunity to reflect on the life and work of this vital leader in the Civil Rights Movement. MLK Day is designated as a national day of service. Let's honor Dr. King's legacy through service and volunteerism. Helping out at an organization or with a neighbor in need, whether your acts are large or small, let them be filled with kindness and love. 

Re-enrollment Commitment

Thank you to the many families who have already returned their re-enrollment commitment. Your quick response makes things much easier for our administrative team, and we are grateful. If you have not completed your form, please do so by next Wednesday, January 24.

If you have an additional sibling at home that you plan to enroll for the first time next school year, please be sure to include their information so we may secure a spot.

Buckeye Scholarship Application

Catholic families who are registered and active parishioners of St. Barnabas Church are potentially eligible for the parish's needs-based Buckeye Scholarship. Information regarding the scholarship can be found here.

Applications will be accepted from January 15 through April 15, 2025 and require the upload of your 2024 federal tax return and supporting documents/schedules. Upon logging into your FACTS account, under the "FACTS Grant & Aid" heading, you should be able to click "Start Application" and choose the 2025-2026 term. If you have any issues accessing the financial aid application, FACTS customer support number is 866-441-4637. Notification of award decisions will be communicated to all eligible applicant families in mid-May.

Fun Food Orders Close at 3pm

On Thursday, January 30, the FSA will host Fun Food with Home Run Inn Pizza. Orders are due by 3pm today, and late orders will not be accepted. On Fun Food days, our traditional Country House hot lunch service is not available. Place orders and register to volunteer

Sweetheart Soiree Tonight

To all the girls and their dates attending the Sweetheart Soiree tonight - we wish you a beautiful evening filled with dancing, joy, and memory-making. The dance begins at 7pm; please enter at the gym doors. A HUGE thank you to the FSA and 6th-grade parent volunteers who have worked diligently to create this special evening.

Children's Book Drive Next Week

Karen O'Hara, former St. Barnabas Preschool teacher and PlaySmart Literacy volunteer, is helping to coordinate a new and gently used children's book drive for PlaySmart Literacy. We will be collecting books all of next week in the Main Hall. Learn more and share in this simple act of kindness.

Mass with the Bishop

On Tuesday, January 21, we are privileged to welcome Bishop Robert G. Casey to St. Barnabas Church to celebrate mass with our school community, and we invite you all to join us at the 8:45am mass. After mass, our 8th-grade students will have the opportunity to meet with the Bishop as part of their Confirmation journey. 

We also ask all students to wear their regular uniform (no gym uniforms) in honor of this special mass.

Get Behind the Vest Dress Down Next Week

Every year, many of the schools in the 19th Ward come together to raise money for Get Behind the Vest, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's initiative to supply replacement bullet-proof vests to Chicago Police Officers (and their K9 companions).

Next Friday, January 24, all students are encouraged to contribute $3 and dress down in blue to show appreciation for our St. Barnabas police families and to support all members of the Chicago Police Department for their dedication. Contribute online or bring $3 cash to school next Friday.

VB Pack the House Next Friday!

Next Friday, January 24, we will celebrate the commitment and athleticism of our 8th-grade girls volleyball athlete with Pack the House in the school gym! 8B vs. Annunciata begins at 6pm, followed by 8A vs. CJB!

Pack the House reminder: all children viewing the games should have a designated adult chaperone.

Boys Volleyball

Registration for Boys Spring Volleyball (Grades 4 - 8) is open. The season will run from mid-March through early May. Learn more and register by January 24

Sunday, Jan 26 - Open House

Sunday, January 26, please gather as a parish and school community for the 10am Mass. After Mass, visit the school to tour classrooms, then visit the gym for shared treats and conversation with leaders of our auxiliary boards and student activities.

We ask each of you to think of your friends and neighbors and encourage any prospective families to register for a school tour! Learn more and help share Enrollment and Open House details!

Sunday, Jan 26 - Sweets Table

Last year, thanks to the generous support of many of you, we hosted a "Sweets Table" at our Open House to be enjoyed by both of current and prospective families. We loved the personal touch it added, and we hope to continue this new tradition. Please consider making a contribution of homemade or store-bought treats to share - cookies, small cupcakes, donuts, candies, brownies, etc. Learn more and sign-up here to help out.

Monday, Jan 27 - Evening Bulls Game

The Archdiocese, in partnership with the Chicago Bulls, has arranged a Catholic Schools Night at the United Center to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. The Bulls take on the Denver Nuggets at 7pm. Purchase tickets here.

Tuesday, Jan 28 - Grandparents Mass

Tuesday, January 28, We invite grandparents to join our weekly all-school mass on Tuesday, January 28 at 8:45am. Following the school mass, our grandparent guests are invited to a coffee reception in the Main Hall of the school. Please spread the word to your cherished family members that we would love to honor their impact and hope to see them at mass.

Wednesday, Jan 29 - Hall of Heroes

As part of CSW, we hope to honor our loved ones who have served in the Armed Forces with our Hall of Heroes. If you have a family member who has served or is currently serving in the military, please send in a photo along with this brief description sheet so we may honor them on our Hall of Heroes wall. 

Thursday, Jan 30 - Vocation Panel

We are hosting a panel of professionals to speak to our students about their careers. If you are passionate about your job and interested in speaking with the students on Thursday, January 30 please fill out the interest form. 

Friday, Jan 31 - Trivia Night

Don't miss out on a fun evening with the School Board's upcoming Trivia Night! Team tickets are now available for purchase. Gather a team of six and order tickets today!

Luminary Collection - We were able to donate $2,065 to Catherine's Caring Cause, the charity selected by our 8th-grade students for their Christmas Luminary sales. Thank you to all who purchased luminaries for their house or block, and an extra note of thanks to our 8th-grade students, parents Katie & Diego Gonzalez, and Mrs. McGowan for all their effort.

Preschool Coffee - On Wednesday, we hosted a Preschool Open House. It was a wonderful morning and we thank all those parents who attended or helped spread the word! We had an excellent turnout, and it was heartwarming to see so many young children and families exploring our Preschool classrooms.