Archive for the News Category

Another sign that school is slowly moving back to “Pre-Covid Normal”….PICTURE DAY for our students…a chance to show off those beautiful smiles!!!   Thank you for our students dressing appropriately.

October is a month of ingathering.  Migratory birds gather in moist flocks before departing.  Gnats form vapory clouds.  An old term for this time of year is “goose summer” because geese are in such evidence, hanging high overhead. 

Much of autumn evokes nostalgia, a lovely word that means “a desire for homecoming” (High schools and colleges have homecoming celebrations).  

*From the book School Year, Church Year.

As our evenings get longer and the need to begin spending more time indoors, please take these opportunities for continued reflection and prayer.  Sister Thea Bowman continues to provide a wonderful faith-based education for many reasons, and one of those reasons is for students to know God’s love and for us to extend that love to others.

Some important dates:

• October 20, 21:   Report Card Conferences Conferences
  *(attendance at your student’s conference is mandatory.)
• October 22: NO SCHOOL
• October 25: NO SCHOOL (This is not on the original schedule)
• October 28:  Living Rosary / Peacemaker Day
• October 29:  Truck-or-Treat (information included in packet)

For Your Information:

1. 1st Quarter Report Card Conferences, please make sure you are turning in your form for a conference time OR contacting the office (397-0316).  Remember that attendance at conferences is mandatory. Extended Session Students AND 6th, 7th, & 8th grade:  because of conferences on the evening of Wednesday, October 20, there will be no Extended Session nor Enrichment classes for Access.   
2. FACTS SIS:  As phone numbers and contact information changes, please do not forget to make those changes in your FACTS Account.   Updated information is critical for communication between the school and home.   (This is especially true as we approach inclement weather season).  If you have any questions or are having difficulty updating information, please contact the office.
3. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people each year.  This year’s event will take place October 26 – 29.  This event is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.  An informational flyer is included in the Thursday Envelopes.
4. Quick reminder that Reading Night will be held on Thursday, November 18.   Information will be soon available.
5. Students, Parents/Guardians and STB Staff:  Don’t forget to sign up for Rev. Tracy’s God’s Reader’s Book Club.  Contact Rev. Tracy at revthwiggins@srthea.org or call 618.397.0316.

One of the central tenets of our Catholic faith is helping those that are less fortunate.  Remember to continue to support our National Junior Honor Society Afghan Refugee Drive.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Acts 20:35

Each school year, STB conducts 3 or more fundraising events:

1. Bobo’s Pizza
2. Annual Fund Appeal
3. Benefit Dinner

Each one of these events brings in financial support for our students and staff.   The first fundraiser each year is our Bobo’s Pizza Fundraiser. We have decided to extend the deadline for orders and money from October 10 to October 15. No funds or orders will be accepted after the 15th.

If we achieve $16,000 worth of sales in 1 week, Mr. Keefe will not only allow the students to duck tape him to the wall during a school day, but he will allow each student in the home room that raises the most money to throw a pie in his face.

We understand that the time frame for sales is a little shorter than in the past, so hopefully this will motivate the students to get out there and sell those pizzas!!

Some important dates:

• October 8:  NO SCHOOL
• October 11:  NO SCHOOL
• October 13:  Picture Day
• October 20, 21:   Report Card Conferences Conferences
  *(attendance at your student’s conference is mandatory.)
• October 22: NO SCHOOL
• October 25: NO SCHOOL (This is not on the original schedule)

For Your Information:

1. Just a reminder that there is no school on Friday, October 8 and Monday, October 11. 
2. Report Card Conferences information was supposed to go home last week but didn’t make it into our Thursday envelopes.  The information for conferences in the envelopes this week.  For 1st Quarter Report Card Conferences, please make sure you are contacting the office (397-0316) to set an appointment with your student’s teacher.   Remember that attendance at conferences is mandatory.
3. Picture Day at Sister Thea Bowman is next Wednesday, October 13.   There is a picture form from LifeTouch included in the Thursday envelope.  Your school polo shirt is the expected clothing for the pictures.   (Color is up to you)
4. Reading Night has been moved from Thursday, October 14 to Thursday November 18.
5. Students, Parents/Guardians and STB Staff:  If you enjoy reading, sign-up and join the newly organized Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School God’s Reader’s Book Club. To confirm your membership contact Rev. Tracy at revthwiggins@srthea.org or call 618.397.0316.
6. (For our 6, 7, 8th Graders). Recently, representatives from Althoff Catholic High School visited STB to discuss the fantastic education and wonderful learning activities at Althoff.  Althoff is also conducting an open house. (A flyer is included in your Thursday envelope).  If you and your child are thinking of attending, this will be a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered.  (8th grade) Please begin scheduling shadow visits with 3 schools of your choice. Some students have already begun shadow visits.

WE WELCOME Mr. Tim Keefe – New Principal
Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School

As we prepare for a new school year, we welcome our new principal.

We are excited to share this wonderful news. Tim Keefe has been in school administration for many years.

Mr. Keefe stated “I am very excited about this opportunity and to lead the faculty and staff at Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic School. I have met a few of the employees already and witnessed their care and dedication to the mission of the school. Together, I look forward to how we can support and guide the students academically and spiritually.”

Congratulations to our Graduates!
This fall our graduates will attend:
Althoff Catholic High School, Rosati-Kain, Nerinx Hall, SIUE Charter and other area high schools
Our alumni also attend
Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Grand Center for the Arts and
Gibault Catholic High School
We are proud of all of our graduates!

Students and Experiences at Sister Thea Bowman

Inspire, Prepare, Empower

Graduates share how their experiences have shaped their lives and prepared them for their future…

“Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School has helped me learn what it means to be
a peacemaker. To be a peacemaker means to help others and be respectful to others with your actions and words. School has helped me grow in my faith and I thank Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School because they showed me what it means to be God’s follower… (AC)”

READ MORE

A Message from our Family:

“STBCS is more than a school, it is a family! Like a family, everyone was involved with Tamia’s learning experience. From the morning greeting to the school dismissal, the day was filled with scholastic and spiritual development. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, and our family is happy to be part of that. She has grown in confidence and respect. STBCS is “One in a million” school. If you have a student K-8th grade – give them the opportunity to experience learning in the STBCS environment.”

A Message from our Student

Ms. Yannah will attend Althoff Catholic High School this fall. She received several academic awards and honors and the recipient of three scholarships.
Yannah shared, “I really liked religion class – because we can talk about God. ACCESS Academy provided a longer academic day, as well as drama, improv, dance and robotics club. Although not strong in math initially, I worked hard and learned – now I’m an A+ student and High Honor Roll. I will attend college and become an orthodontist.”

To learn more about sponsoring a child’s tuition
Please email Roberta: rtrost@srthea.org or call 618-397-0316.

THANK YOU!

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

We have made it through the second week of Summer Session, and students are still engaged. We are making up some lost ground, so we hope to start next year close to where we should have been without COVID. Let’s keep prayers going that reopening will not be reversed, and let us continue to pray for those impacted physically, mentally, and spiritually by COVID, and for those who still remain unemployed or under-employed.

REPORT CARDS, FAMILY HANDBOOK, 2021-22 CALENDAR

These were all sent home today. If we missed your student’s report card in the rush, please contact the office!

BOBO’S PIZZA AND KATYDIDS CANDY SALE PICK-UP DAY!!!

Orders will be at the school on June 15 th with a BOBO’s truck here to serve our families at 11:30! Please come by to get your orders, and a huge thank you for your wonderful participation as we had about $5,000 in sales!

REGISTRATION:

Current families need to enroll ASAP! We will only take 15, and wait-list the rest until we find out the numbers we can fit in a classroom next year. Don’t lose your spot!!!
We are online with registration. Go To STBCS.COM, click on FACTS and sign up for an account to reenroll. Our DISTRICT CODE is: STBCS-IL

EMERGENCY BROADBAND PROGRAM!!! GET UP TO $50 TOWARDS INTERNET!!!

JUST STARTED!!! Go to https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit and start your application! All families on Free/Reduced Lunch Program qualify…you just need to fill out the application!!! Don’t miss this
opportunity! Also, this program provides up to $100 towards a tablet, laptop, etc purchase!!!

UNIFORMS TOO SMALL, BUT THEY STILL LOOK GOOD?

If you have gently used uniform items that don’t fit, please wash them and send to the school for our loaner closet! If you are out at the thrift store and see a black or brown belt for a good price, think of us!!!

RECALL: Beech-Nut Nutrition Issues Voluntary Recall of Cereal Product

Beech-Nut Nutrition has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal. The specific Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice item (UPC Code
#52200034705) being recalled has an expiration date of 01MAY2022 and product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX. Consumers who may have purchased Beech-Nut Rice Cereal with
product codes 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX with expiration of 01MAY2022 should discard the product.
They can also go to www.beechnut.com/ricecereal, or call (866) 272-9417.

Calendar

JUNE
June 1-25 Summer Session
June 4 Report Cards completed
June 8 Report Cards go home
June 25 Early Dismissal at 12:00.

SEXUAL ABUSE HOTLINE: Anyone wishing to report an allegation of sexual misconduct by a priest or other
diocesan personnel please call the hotline: 800-640-3044.

LIKE our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/theabowmanschool
If our first line (618) 397-0316 is busy, try our second line (618) 397-4926!

Help us reach our tuition assistance goal of $100,000 by participating in our Virtual Online Auction featuring over 100 auction items! Win $10,000 in our Mega Raffle. Registered guests are automatically entered into our Attendance Prize drawing.

HIGHLIGHTS!

Fund A Need – Donor will match dollar for dollar up to $25,000
MEGA Raffle – $100 per ticket to win $10,000
Michael Kors Purse Raffle – 1 for $20, 3 for $50 
Gift Cards Raffle – Value $300 – 1 for $20, 3 for $50
Drawings will be held March 15 – winners will be notified!
Auction Items: Dinner for 8 with Bishop McGovern, Golfers Tee Time and so much more!

Thank you to all of our donors and Sponsors

REGISTER HERE

Virtual Auction

March 13, 2021
Bidding opens March 10-13, 2021

More exciting details and how to register coming soon

MEGA-Raffle

Chance to win $10,000!

1st Prize – $10,000
2nd Prize – $1,000
3rd Prize – $500

Tickets: $100
Buy 1, Get 1 / Buy 2, Get 3 / Buy 3, Get 5

CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets through our PayPal account. Make a note for MEGA-Raffle and we will send you the ticket stub.

Or email Karen Waide at kwaide@srthea.org
Purchase Now for Early Bird Drawings!

Drawing will be held on March 13, 2021
Tickets are on sale now!

---

“Each One Teach One” match returns in 2021!
For every dollar you give to “Fund-A-Need” an anonymous donor will match up to $25,000

For questions or sponsorship opportunities, contact Roberta Trost
rtrost@srthea.org or call (618) 397-0316

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

We started some more focused work on a special virtual Advent Service for this year. It is hard to celebrate and prepare for Christmas when we have so many stresses, but we hope to present a gift to our school, families, and communities through an Advent celebration to put our focus back on God with Advent.

We know Thanksgiving is going to be difficult this year, but celebrate and be thankful for those closest to you, and maybe have students write a nice note or draw a picture for those not able to attend your traditional celebration!

THANKSGIVING TURKEY AND FIXIN’S BASKET    

If you got a ticket, please redeem it on Monday, November 23:  Pops #3 at 8322 State St between 2:00 and 5:00.

TJ PIZZA FUNDRAISER     POSTPONED

Due to high COVID Numbers, the Sunday event is postponed.

We still have the opportunity to do order forms. They will be due Monday, Nov 30, and pick-up will be Monday, Dec 14 at 3:30 PM. If you need an order form or more information, please contact the school.

CURRENT COVID SITUATION

Gov Pritzker has moved IL into Phase 4, Tier 3. He has left the school closure decision to each District. We are under the Diocese of Belleville, and as of now, we will continue in the Hybrid mode. If you have a student in-school, and you feel it safer to go remote, please contact the office, so we can make the transition smooth. If a change in school Hybrid mode happens, you will receive a notice from the Principal.

THANKSGIVING BREAK

Our school week ends Tuesday with Mass at 2:15, then we are off until Monday, Nov 30. Be Safe; Be Thankful!

MASS TIME:   2:15 PM on FRIDAY

Mass attendance is required for all students (in-school and remote). ZOOM ID: 308 416 1793   PW: brtom

SPECTRUM INTERNET ASSIST PROGRAM

If you do not have Spectrum Internet, You Qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch Program, and want to sign up for free Spectrum Internet through a special program, please email Adult’s name, student name(s) and address to info@srthea.org. Put Spectrum Internet in the Subject line. We will put you on the list to pursue the free internet package.

You can also apply for Spectrum Internet for $17.99 per month for households with students qualifying for Free/Reduced Lunch. You can do this directly if you go to: https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist. Act quickly!!!

WHY DO WE WEAR A FACE MASK???

The CDC just announced studies show the Face Mask protects others from your airborne COVID19 virus spread, and it also provides protection to you from COVID19 virus spread from others around you! WEAR YOUR MASKS PLEASE!

VIRTUAL ADVENT SERVICE

We are starting to plan our service! How can you help? Make sure your student attends each Violin class and practices!

Calendar

November

20 Mass 2:15 PM (Staff Leads)

24 Mass 2:15 PM (Staff Leads)

25-29 Thanksgiving Break

LIKE our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/theabowmanschool  or our web page at stbcs.com.

If our first line (618) 397-0316 is busy, try our second line (618) 397-4926!

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

We are about through week two of academics and week three of school. You and your students are doing well to navigate the virtual world of education! We ask you or another adult with the students to team with our teachers and check in on your students at least once an hour. Are they engaged, on task, ready to learn? The more we work as a team, the better our students will do!

I NEED HELP, WHO DO I CONTACT?

For Academics or class issues, we ask you to start with your homeroom or subject teacher. You may use your student’s school email or Google Classroom to correspond with a teacher. If you are not sure or need office assistance, send any questions to info@srthea.org, or call the office at 618 397-0316 / 4926.

ARRIVAL AND SIGN -ON

In-person students: arrive from 7:15 – 7:35 for breakfast; 7:50 if not eating breakfast; remote students log in by 7:55.

NEED AN INTERNET HOTSPOT OR LOAN DESK?

We have requested more HotSpots for families without internet, and we hope to get them soon.  If you need an internet hotspot or desk for your student, please send an email to info@srthea.org.

ATTENDANCE

If a student has an issue, the parent/guardian should send the teacher a message and contact the office.

FACTS for TUITION

All families must be enrolled in FACTS by now. Students will not be allowed in class if this is not done. For questions, contact the office or go to: https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/42LK1 . If you are going to have an issue with a payment, contact FACTS first 866-412-4637, then follow-up with Ms. Francine.

NO SCHOOL

There will be NO SCHOOL on Labor Day, Monday, Sep. 7.  School will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

FREE DENTAL CLINIC: Please see the flyer! Monday October 12, 2020, Columbus Day at the SIU School of Dental Medicine. Pre-Registration Required! Please call 618-474-7200 to pre-register. Appointments for October 12th will be accepted starting September 1st . DUE TO COVID-19, NO WALK-INS WILL BE ACCEPTED

STUDENT TESTING USING AIMSWeb – ALL STUDENTS

We will begin Tuesday with Student Testing in Language Arts and Math using AIMSWeb. It will be a short test done in-person with our in-person students, and via ZOOM with our remote students. Homeroom teachers or staff will let each student know the schedule.

STUDENT TESTING FOR IOWA ASSESSMENTS STARTING SEP 21 – GRADES 2-8

We need to test our students using the IOWA Assessment Testing series. Unfortunately, this will require us to test students at the school. We are working on a plan now to safely allow students to be at school for the testing time

TEACHER OFFICE HOURS

Each Homeroom teacher will host an evening Office Hours weekly, so parents/guardians can ask questions, seek help, or just discuss information with the teacher. Please be sure to attend to keep communication open!

2020 CENSUS AND VOTE!!!

It is very important that you and your family are counted in the CENSUS! If you have not put in your information, please go to: https://2020census.gov/.  America needs your Vote! If you need more information on registering to vote, voting by mail, or if you want to help on Election Day, go to: https://www.illinoisvotes2020.com/.

Calendar

September

7 Labor Day. No School

11 First Mass 2:00 PM (Staff Leads)

18 First Quarter Mid-Term; Pinwheels for Peace Project; Mass 2:00 PM (Staff Leads)

21 Iowa Assessment Begins

25         Mass 2:00 PM (Staff Leads)

LIKE our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/theabowmanschool  or our web page at stbcs.com.

If our first line (618) 397-0316 is busy, try our second line (618) 397-4926!