Archive for the News Category

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

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 had a great week of testing this week. I am proud of all of our students for their hard work. Thank you for helping make sure the students got lots of rest this week.

Thank you so much for your flexibility in last week’s dismissal procedures. Safety is always our number one priority.

Please make sure you and your child have signed the Student Parent Compact form if you haven’t already done so.

Last week, we also sent home a counselor form.   Please make sure to only sign this if you do not give your child permission to see the counselor.  If you accidentally signed the form, please call the office and let us know.

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.

Fall Open House is being held on October 20th at 1 p.m. 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 between 1 and 2.

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

• September 27, 2024       No School -Teacher Retreat
• September 30, 2024       Access Academy begins: 3:00-5:00  Grades 6-8
• October 4, 2024             Mass- 2nd grade leads
• October 4, 2024             Friday 2PM Dismissal
• October 9, 2024             Mass- Staff Leads
• October 11, 2024           No School St Clair County 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

LIVING HER DREAM…“REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE AND WHOSE YOU ARE.”

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

Good afternoon families,
Our school year is off to a great start.  Time is going fast, and we are midway through the first quarter. As you see, progress reports are going home in the Thursday folder. Please talk with your child about always striving to do their best.

Our picture day has been moved to October 17th.  There will be a form to fill out in two weeks if you would like to buy school pictures.

Please make sure to bring a copy of your 2023 tax return from last year if you haven’t already done so.  Your tax returns are needed for Title I Office in District 189 for Federal Funding purposes.

Student Parent Compact Form is due in the STBCS office by Tuesday, September 24th.  Forms will be sent to the Title I office.

Iowa Testing is September 23-26th for 2nd – 8th grade students. Please make sure your students get lots of rest this weekend in preparation for the Iowa Assessments.  Arrival time is very important every day, but especially next week.  Please have students arrive by 7:45 so they are able to get ready for testing.  Please have your children arrive by 7:30 if they would like breakfast during the week of Iowa Assessments.

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

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

• September 20, 2024      *Pinwheels for Peace-Morning Prayer;  Peacemaker Day; Friday 2PM Dismissal
• September 21, 2024       International Day of Peace-Namaste’
• September 23-26            Iowa Assessment, Grades 2-8
• September 25, 2024       8:30 am Mass 3rd Grade leads
• September 27, 2024       No School -Teacher Retreat
• September 30, 2024       Access Academy begins: 3:00-5:00       Mass- 2nd grade leads
• October 4, 2024             Friday 2PM Dismissal
• October 9, 2024             Mass- Staff Leads
• October 11, 2024           No School St Clair County 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
• November 1, 2024         Mass- 7th grade leads All Saints Day
• October 31, 2024         Trunk or Treat 2PM (Gates will open at 1PM for decorating and close at 1:30 PM)

SEASON OF CREATION THEME FOR 2024: TO HOPE AND ACT WITH CREATION

September 1 World Day of  Prayer to October 4  Feast of St. Francis of Assissi, is the Season of Creation, a liturgical season dedicated to prayer, reflection, and celebration of God as Creator.  The season invites all Christians and all people of faith and good will to reflect prayerfully on the gifts of Creation and the mission given us by God to care for Creation and respond to  its needs and crises today. For more information, search seasonofcreation.org

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