Archive for the News Category

Good afternoon families,

All report cards have been sent home today in the Thursday envelope. Please make sure the report cards are signed and returned. If your child has a mandatory conference, please bring the signed report card with you to his/ her conference.  Some teachers have decided they would like to see all of their families.    Students are required to attend with their parents/ guardians.

Thank you to all of the families who have registered their students thus far.   The pizza party incentive will be on Wednesday, March 26th.  Those students who have enrolled thus far will receive a certificate for the first incentive.  Please make sure all required forms are completed and turned in to the office and tuition is current.

Open House is Wednesday, March 19th from 4-6:30PM.  Please bring a friend to come check our outstanding school.

Many Blessings,
Mrs. Ruppel

Parent Teacher Conferences

• March 19 1-7PM
• March 20 8AM- 1PM
• Conferences are mandatory for students with Ds, Fs, attendance or behavior concerns
• Please check conference sheet for time

Calendar

March

• 19    Mass- Staff Leads
• 19    12:30 Dismissal
• 19    Parent Teacher Conferences 1-7:30 PM
• 20    Parent Teacher Conferences 8AM- 1PM
• 20    No school
• 21    No School
• 26    Mass- 7th grade leads
• 28    Friday 2PM Dismissal

Good afternoon families,

I hope all of you can join us tomorrow, Friday,  for our Black History Month Program at  9AM in the chapel.  Students are allowed to wear African Attire. If they do not wear African Attire, they should wear their uniform.  No jeans.

Peacemaker Day will be celebrated March 7th.

Our first Enrollment  Incentive Day is coming up. Please make sure your students are fully registered for the upcoming school year by March 15th.

RETURNING STUDENTS REGISTRATION

Enrollment is open for returning students.  Please go to FACTS and enroll your child(ren) for 2025-2026.  The fee is $70.00 per student

Students enrolled between January 30th – March 15th and receive a Pizza Lunch and Free Dress Day.

Students enrolled between March 16th – April 15th and receive a Movie Day with Snacks

Students enrolled between April 16th – May 15th and receive an Extra Recess

If 85% of students are registered by May 15th, we will have an all-school Kickball VS Teachers Match

*Student MUST be current on Tuition and Medical/Health Forms to receive the prize*

If your child enrolls by March 15th, they will be eligible to receive all the prizes listed.

Absence

With all the viruses going around, please make sure to keep students home if they are experiencing sick symptoms. They are not allowed to come to school until they are fever and vomiting free for 24 hours.  Please make sure to always call the office when they are sick.  Thank you.

Many Blessings,
Mrs. Ruppel

FROM POPE FRANCIS: (For whom we pray for diligently during his time of illness)

“Artists and cultural figures must be “custodians of the beatitudes,” embracing their vocation to create beauty, reveal truth and inspire hope in a troubled world, Pope Francis wrote to people participating in the Jubilee for Artists and the World of Culture.” 

 We are artists!  What can we  do at STBCS to create beauty, reveal truth,and inspire hope?

“Art is not a luxury, but a necessity of the spirit. It is not an escape, but a responsibility, an invitation to action, a call, a cry,” said the homily Pope Francis prepared for the Jubilee Mass Feb. 16 in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Calendar

February

• 28    Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 28    Black History Month Program 9AM

March

• 5      Mass- First Grade Leads
• 7      Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 7      Peacemaker Day
• 12    Mass- 8th grade leads
• 14    Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 19    Mass- Staff Leads
• 19    12:30 Dismissal
• 19    Parent Teacher Conferences 1-7:30 PM
• 20    Parent Teacher Conferences 8AM- 1PM  – No school
• 21    No School
• 26    Mass- 7th grade leads
• 28    Friday 2PM Dismissal

Good afternoon families, 
Happy Catholic Schools Week.  

Feb. 2: We celebrate the Presentation of Jesus.  We see that Jesus comes to bring light, hope,and salvation to the world. This feast invites us to embrace the light of Jesus and to trust in His saving plans for us and the world.

Join us  in worship  with our special group of violinists Feb. 2 at St. Augustine of Hippo, 9:30 am.

We are hoping you will all be able to bring a new family to the open house today from 1-5PM.  Bring a new family to the open house and we will have a drawing for  two gift cards. There will be one for current families and one for new families that enroll.

Please join us on Friday to celebrate our Parents/ Guardians. Breakfast and registration will be from 8-9:30 on Friday. The breakfast will be  in the library of the school.  Spelling Bee will be  in the foyer of the school following breakfast. COME, JOIN US!

The Office of Risk Management, Diocese of Belleville, completed the annual inspection today.  We truly have a safe physical environment.  All categories were listed with Positive Finding. Quote from the report,“The school is secure with proper safety protocol.” 

Please continue to bring in baby items.  Items are listed below.

• Infant needs
• Bottles
• bibs/burp clothspacifiers
• Baby Wash
• Baby Lotion
• Newborn diaper
• Toddler needs
• 2T-5T clean gently used clothing
• socks
• new underwear

RETURNING STUDENTS REGISTRATION

Enrollment is open for returning students.  Please go to FACTS and enroll your child(ren) for 2025-2026.  The fee is $70.00 per student

Students enrolled between January 30th – March 15th and receive a Pizza Lunch and Free Dress Day.

Students enrolled between March 16th – April 15th and receive a Movie Day with Snacks

Students enrolled between April 16th – May 15th and receive an Extra Recess

If 85% of students are registered by May 15th, we will have an all-school Kickball VS Teachers Match

*Student MUST be current on Tuition and Medical/Health Forms to receive the prize*

If your child enrolls by March 15th, they will be eligible to receive all the prizes listed.

Parent Survey

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill out the parent survey.  We are gathering data at this time for further study. Thank you again for your feedback.

Absences

Please make sure to call the school office if your child will not be at school every morning they will be absent.  Please also make sure your child is on time. We like all of the students to do be here before 8AM. Thank you so much.

Calendar

January

• 26- 2/2 Catholic Schools Week
• 29     Mass- 6th grade leads
• 31     Friday 2PM Dismissal

February

• 2     9:30  Mass: Special group Violin plays at St Augustine of  Hippo, East St. Louis
• 5      Mass- 5th grade leads
• 7      Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 12    Mass- 4th grade leads
• 14    Friday 12:30 PM Dismissal Teacher Inservice
• 17    Presidents’ Day – No School
• 19    Mass- 3rd grade leads
• 21    Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 26    Mass- 2nd grade leads
• 28    Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 28    Black History Month Program 9AM

Many Blessings,
Mrs. Ruppel

December 12th, 2024
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Good afternoon families,

We are preparing for our Advent Prayer Service on Wednesday, December 18th. All of our students participate in this prayer service. Please join us. All Students will need to be here by 5:15 PM on Wednesday, December 18th. Special Group Violin will need to be here by 5PM. There will be no extended day and no Access Academy.

Please call the office if your child(ren) are in need of a coat or jacket. We have free brand new coats available.

Please encourage your child(ren) to work diligently on their studies during the next week. Friday December 20th is the end of the 2nd Quarter. Report cards will be sent home Thursday, January 9th in the family folder.

Illnesses
Unfortunately, we have had a lot of students sick during this cold and flu season. Please make sure to keep your child home for 24 hours if they have a fever or if they throw up. This is important to help not spread any illnesses.

Absences
Please make sure to call the school office if your child will not be at school every morning they will be absent. Thank you so much.

Summer School
Access Academy will not be offering summer school this year. Summer school will be provided for families in current grades K-7th grade if there is enough interest. Summer
School is a great and available tool to provide enrichment and extra study skills for your child. More information to come.

Althoff Catholic High School
Shadow visit dates are now available for 8th graders. Information & Sign up can be found at: https://www.althoffcatholic.org/admissions/visit.cfm. More future shadow dates are Thank you so much for supporting Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School.

The Third Week of Advent is known as the week of JOY. ..This week the candle is Pink, for rejoicing. The Third Week of Advent celebrates the joy of Christs’s coming to earth. Rejoice!

Share your happiness with others.

Many Blessings,
Mrs. Ruppel

Calendar – December

• 13 Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 17 9:30 AM Advent Prayer Service Rehearsal
• 18 Advent Prayer Service 6PM All students participate
• 18 Mass- Staff leads
• 18 No Extended Day and No Access Academy
• 20 Friday 12:30 Dismissal No Extended Day and No Access Academy
• Dec. 23- Jan. 3rd Christmas Break
• School resumes January 6th, 2025.

“I think the difference between me and some people is that I’m content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we’d have a tremendous light.” Sister Thea Bowman

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Good afternoon families,
I hope you all have a very Happy Halloween.
Tomorrow, November 1, All Saints Day, we will have Mass at 8:30AM. Seventh grade will lead the Mass.

Advent Prayer Service Change of Day
Advent Prayer Service will be December 18th at 6PM. All students participate in the Advent Prayer Service so attendance is mandatory.

Althoff Catholic High School
Shadow visit dates are now available for 8th graders. Information & Sign up can be found at: https://www.althoffcatholic.org/admissions/visit.cfm. More future shadow dates are added weekly.

FRESHMAN PLACEMENT TEST

We know that choosing the right high school is a big step and we are here to help answer any questions you have! We welcome all 8th graders considering Althoff Catholic to apply for
admission and take the placement test. If you are not ready to apply, you can take the test before applying. Just pay a $25 testing fee.

TESTING DATES FOR 2025-2026 FRESHMEN:

December 8, 1 p.m. – This is the only placement test that will be considered for merit scholarship selection.

Thank you so much for supporting Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Ruppel

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle as real strength.”
Never miss an opportunity to show goodness.

Calendar

November

• 1 All Saints Day Mass – 7th grade leads
• 1 Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 6 Mass- 6th grade leads
• 8 Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 11 Veterans Day (No School)
• 13 Mass- 5th grade leads
• 15 Friday 2PM Dismissal
• 20 Mass 4th Grade leads
• 22 Friday 2 PM Dismissal
• 26 Mass – Staff leads
• 27-29 Thanksgiving Break (No School)

WE ARE HIRING!
send your resume to principal@srthea.org

Job Posting: 3rd Grade Teacher at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (2024-2025 School Year)

Reports to: School Principal

Location: 8213 Church Lane, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203

Salary: $32,515 – $35,000

FLSA Classification: Exempt

About STBCS:

Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School invites applications for a mission-driven 3rd Grade Teacher position for the 2024-2025 school year. Our school prepares students in grades K-8 through holistic learning, academic excellence, personal empowerment, and a deepening faith in Jesus Christ within the Catholic tradition. We seek educators passionate about inspiring, preparing, and empowering future leaders.

Our Value Proposition

At Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (STBCS), we create a vibrant, mission-driven community where teachers have a meaningful impact on students’ lives through holistic learning, academic excellence, and personal empowerment in a supportive, faith-filled setting. Team members benefit from a fulfilling work culture enriched by:

• Purposeful Impact: Join a mission that nurtures K-8 students’ academic success, personal growth, and deepening faith in Jesus Christ.
• Holistic Learning Programs: Inspire students through small class sizes, Education through Music and the Arts (violin, dance, choir, visual arts), and
  STEM initiatives like Robotics and advanced computer technology.
• Supportive Resources: Access the Academic Success Center, Believe Literacy Lab, and extended after-school care, all designed to support student success
  and development.
• Accessible Education: Our income-based tuition model ensures an inclusive community where every family can access quality education.
• Professional Growth and Development: Teachers are encouraged to grow through continuous learning and professional support within a collaborative
  environment.

If you’re a compassionate educator looking to make a difference in a mission-focused school, STBCS is the place for you.

Position Overview:

Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School is seeking a 3rd Grade Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about teaching in a faith-filled environment, dedicated to student growth, and committed to positively impacting students’ lives.

Responsibilities:

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Understand the school’s and state’s requirements to teach 3rd grade students and create a corresponding curriculum
• Modify teaching plans according to varying needs of students Assess students by observing them closely and provide special attention to students struggling with concepts
• Create reports to chart out students’ progress and communicate their achievements and limitations to parents
• Provide parents with information on how to help their children achieve higher results
• Assist students in creating projects to help them understand difficult concepts
• Develop key incentives to ensure students’ participation in class

Essential Qualifications:

• Illinois Teaching License
• Bachelor’s degree
• Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check clearance
• Experience in a teaching environment, preferably K-4 th
• Strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders of the school
• Proficiency with e-learning and classroom technology
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their resume to principal@srthea.org and assistantprincipal@srthea.org.

Join a community dedicated to holistic education, compassion, and academic excellence. Apply today to make an impact at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School!

“I think the difference between me and some people is that I’m content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we’d have a tremendous light.”
Sister Thea Bowman 

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Good afternoon families,

We are looking forward to seeing you all this week during Parent Teacher Student Conferences. Meetings  are mandatory and students are required to attend with you. Students are not allowed to return to school until the Parent Teacher Student Conference has been completed.  Please make sure to come to the conference. Looking forward to seeing you.

Trunk or Treat will be on Thursday, October 31st. Please have your car parked in the parking lot before 1:30PM. The gate will open at 1PM and lock at 1:30PM.  If you cannot make it, please bring in either $5 dollars or 2 bags of candy if you are able.

Thank you.

Althoff

Shadow visit dates are now available for 8th graders. Info & Sign up can be found at: https://www.althoffcatholic.org/admissions/visit.cfm. More future shadow dates are added weekly.

Thank you so much for supporting Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Ruppel

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle as real strength.”
Never miss an opportunity to show goodness.

Calendar

• October 23, 2024           Mass-Staff leads
• October 23, 2024           12:30 Dismissal
• October 23, 2024           Parent Teacher Student Conferences 1-8PM
• October 24, 2024           Parent Teacher Student Conferences 8AM- 1PM    No school
• October 25, 2024           No School
• October 31, 2024         Trunk or Treat 2PM (Gates will open at 1PM for decorating and close at 1:30 PM)
• November 1, 2024         Mass-7th grade leads All Saints Day

I think the difference between me and some people is that I’m content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we’d have a tremendous light.
Sister Thea Bowman 

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Good afternoon families,

Access Academy is off to a great start this week.

Please encourage your children to continue to sell items with our BoBo’s Fundraiser.

BoBo’s Fundraiser
We are pleased to kick-off our Fall fundraiser and partner up with BoBo’s Fundraising.  The Fundraiser ends October 10th.  Please continue to sell items. We encourage you to pay online if you are able.  Also, each individual that sells 18 items will get to go on a game truck during school.

Fundraiser packets and  cash payments are due Thursday, October 10th.   Checks are discouraged.  Please pay online if at all possible. Delivery will be Friday, November 15th.

Althoff
Shadow visit dates are now available for 7th and 8th graders. Info & Sign up can be found at: https://www.althoffcatholic.org/admissions/visit.cfm. More future shadow dates are added weekly.

Althoff Fall Open House is being held on October 20th at 1pm The event has a structured schedule so families should expect to be here until about 3:15 p.m. Families can sign up at: https://www.althoffcatholic.org/admissions/visit.cfm

Emma Fest
October 5th
Jones Park
2920 Argonne Drive
East St. Louis, IL
Parade at 11AM
Festival Starts at 11:30AM
Free Rides and Free Admission for Everyone
Our Special Group violin will be performing at 1:30.

Dismissal Times and Procedures

Dismissal is Mondays through Thursdays at 3PM and Fridays at 2PM.  Please make sure to pick up your child on time everyday.  It states in the handbook that if a student is not picked up within the first 15 minutes of dismissal time, families will be charged $10.00 for every 15 minutes late.

Health Forms
Please make sure your health examination forms are up to date and that we have a copy.  Please turn all forms into the office. Physicals, immunizations, dental forms, and  eye exams are due to the office ASAP. Thank you

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Ruppel

Calendar

• October 4, 2024             Mass- 2nd grade leads
• October 4, 2024             Friday 2PM Dismissal
• October 9, 2024             Mass- Staff Leads
• October 10, 2024           BoBo’s Fundraiser forms and money due
• October 11, 2024           No School Teacher Institute
• October 14, 2024           Indigenous People’s Day- No School
• October 16, 2024           Mass- 8th grade leads
• October 17, 2024           Picture Day
• October 18, 2024           Friday 2PM Dismissal
• October 23, 2024           Mass-Staff leads
• October 23, 2024           12:30 Dismissal
• October 23, 2024           Parent Teacher Student Conferences 1-8PM
• October 24, 2024           Parent Teacher Student Conferences 8AM- 1PM    No school
• October 25, 2024           No School
• October 31, 2024         Trunk or Treat 2PM (Gates will open at 1PM for decorating and close at 1:30 PM)
• November 1, 2024         Mass- 7th grade leads All Saints Day

THE SEASON OF CREATION Sep 1, 2024 to Oct 4, 2024

“If we learn how to listen, we can hear in the voice of creation a kind of dissonance.  On the one hand, we can hear a sweet song in praise of our beloved Creator; on the other, an anguished plea, lamenting our mistreatment of this our common home”.

Pope Francis