Archive for the News Category

DANCE COMPETITION

Congratulations to the students in Grades 6-8 who participated and who placed in the Ballroom Dance Competition with their classmates last Thursday.  We are grateful to Mr. Tom Obermeier, our ballroom instructor and MC, our staff, and the members of the St. Louis Ballroom Dance Competition who were here to judge the event. ***See names of the winners below.

CONGRATULATIONS

Graduation is this Friday, May 20. Congratulations to: Malynnda Aldridge-Johnson, JaMaya Bonner, Jasmine Bonner, Gonzalo Esquivel, Jayla Holcombe, Alisea Killiebrew, Ta’Lia Little, Ryan Luster, Ajazla Moore, Annie Pearson, Janyya Robinson, Alicia Vega, Anasia White, and Monica Williams. We wish them a future filled with God’s choicest blessings and much joy.

GRADUATION

The Graduation Mass is this Friday, May 20, at 8:30 am.  Graduates need to be at the chapel for pictures no later than 7:30am.  After pictures, they will come over to school for Morning Prayer and a blessing. As a school we will celebrate those who have been with us and demonstrated that they are more than ready to move onto high school.  A Graduation Brunch follows the Mass for all graduates and family members.

***SMART TUITION AID FOR 2016-2017

Since the first of May, there has been information on applying for tuition assistance through SMART Tuition in your Thursday’s envelope and newsletters. All families seeking tuition assistance need to apply through SMART. If you need help with this new format, contact SMART Tuition Aid or our office, and we will help you through it.  Applications need to be completed by the last day of school, May 27. 

***Please note that family tuition this year is: one child-$4,050, two children-$6,100, three children-$7,500, and four children-$8,000.

LAST DAY

The last day of school will be next Friday, May 27.  The day includes our End-of-Year Mass led by the staff at 8:30am, our select group of dance ministers, followed by End of Year awards.  Please know that all parents/guardians are welcomed to participate in this final Mass and celebration of the school year. Students will be dismissed for the summer at 12:30pm. There will be  breakfast and lunch, but no Extended Day. Students may be out of uniform.  We will have bus service.

END OF 4TH QUARTER/ REPORT CARDS

Fourth Quarter ends on May 27.  Report cards and honor roll certificates will be mailed on June 6.

LIBRARY BOOKS

The last day to return library books was Friday, May 13.  Do we have yours?

USB FLASH DRIVES

USB flash drives are being sent home with the students after presentations next week. Please put them in a safe place over the summer, as these can be used again next year.

MENTORS NEEDED

Do you remember your first year with children at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School?  Could you have used a little advice now and then about what to expect or what to do?  Could you have used a mentor?

This next school year we would like to have mentor families help new families navigate those first few weeks at a new school. If you would like to volunteer, please call the office at 397-0316 and let Ms. Francine or Ms. Mary.  Your name will go on a list, and as we get closer to the beginning of next school year, you will be contacted and matched with a family.  Thank you.

2016 DANCE COMPETITION WINNERS

Grade 6: Fox Trot-1st Place: Allen Searcy/Chelsee Logan; 2nd Place: Nino Stezen/Azia Douglas; 3rd Place: Antawon Chairs/Monye’ Rodgers

East Coast Swing: 1st Place: Damont Jenkins/Samantha Owens; 2nd  Place: Allen Searcy/Chelsee Logan; 3rd Place: Keadon Willis/Jordyn Tow
Grade 7: Rumba-1st Place: Alex Vega/Chloe Roddy; 2nd Place: Tarail Swygeart/Jackie Bownes; 3rd Place: James Gladney/Chenyia Brown

Tango-1st Place: Tarail Swygeart/Jackie Bownes; 2nd Place: Alex Vega/Chloe Roddy; 3rd Place: Martin Nambo-Limon/Laura Johnson
Grade 8: Waltz-1st Place: Annie Pearson/Alicia Vega; 2nd Place: Janyya Robinson/Anasia White; 3rd Place: Malynnda Aldridge-Johnson/Monica Williams

Salsa-1st Place: Annie Pearson/Alicia Vega; 2nd Place: Malynnda Aldridge-Johnson/Monica Williams; 3rd Place: Janyya Robinson/Anasia White

FIELD DAY

Field Day was this past Wednesday, May 11, from 1pm-3pm. Thanks to Mrs. Cathy Lisch for organizing this day. Although rain put a “damper” on it, fun was had by one and all.

MASS

Mass this week is on Friday, May 13, and will be led by Fifth Grade. The theme for Mass is: Followers of Jesus. Talk to your child about what are some ways they can recognize or know that a person is a “Follower of Jesus”.  How can they follow Jesus? Know that you are always welcomed to come and celebrate with us.

EIGHTH GRADE WEEK

Eighth graders are heading toward their final week as Sister Thea Bowman students. Today found them at their last Ballroom Dance Competition competing against each other in the waltz and the salsa. Next Monday and Tuesday (May 16 & 17) are their last academic days, and Wednesday will find them at King’s House on Retreat. They do not have school on Thursday and Friday is graduation!

GRADUATION

Eighth grade graduation is this next Friday, May 20.  We will honor the graduates and their families at Mass at 8:30am followed by a brunch. Please continue to encourage them to end their eighth grade year as the best versions of themselves! On Friday, they will be at school bright and early (7:30am) for their graduation pictures. We wish them a future filled with God’s choicest blessings and joy!

KINDERGARTEN TEA

On Tuesday, May 17, we will hold our “Kindergarten Tea”. How can you help?  Invite any families you know that have students who will turn 5 by September 1, 2016 to come and find out about our school. There are two sessions: the first is from9:30-10:00am, and the second “tea” runs from 1:30-2:00pm. Please have them call the office at 397-0316 to schedule a time.

***Last week we enclosed a pamphlet for you to enjoy and then pass on to someone you know who has a child that will enter kindergarten this year. Did you pass it on? Know that you are our best ambassadors!

LIBRARY BOOKS

The last day for 8^th graders to return library books is tomorrow, Friday, May 6.  Kindergarten through 7^th grade have until Friday, May 13. If a student has lost or misplaced a book, families must replace it. Special thanks to Sister Jean Kumke, ASC, who serves as our volunteer librarian.  We are grateful!

REGISTRATION FOR 2016-2017

Thanks to those of you who have returned your registration forms and fee.  It is important that current families recognize that the registration fee is now $100 per student.  It is assumed that current families have already requested tuition assistance for 2016-2017. The assistance will now be allocated to new families.

***If you know of anyone interested in attending in the fall, please have them call the office, and we will arrange an initial meeting.

KINDERGARTEN TEA

May 17, 2016

9:30 – 10:00 a. m. or 1:30 – 2:00 p. m. 

COME AND VISIT US…

We invite you and your child to visit and tour so you can see and experience the classroom first hand.

Our Registration is filling – please… Don’t Wait for the Waitlist!

Call (618) 397-0316

We are pleased to offer great educational value and benefits such as, smaller class sizes with a dynamic core curriculum including learning centers and weekly classes in Spanish, Art, Music, Physical Education, Library and Computer Technology.   Kindergarten students learn about God, read, solve math problems, learn science, and have fun with many activities and school projects. They learn values, self-respect, and respect for others.

They are inspired to learn as they prepare for first grade.

Every classroom in our school utilizes SMART board technology, and students enjoy individualized support and education. Every student matters and every student learns in a happy and secure environment.

Our Kindergarten Class at Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic School is waiting for your student to join our family. We can’t wait to meet you – come and learn what we are all about.

Incoming Kindergarten Students must be 5 years of age by September 1st.

Plan to visit on May 17, 2016.   Morning: 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.  or 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.  Don’t Wait!  The Class will fill quickly.

Our Mission

Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, a ministry of the Diocese of Belleville, is committed to deepening faith in Jesus Christ, and to providing a holistic learning approach to faith development and education within a Catholic framework. Our mission is to inspire, prepare, and empower kindergarten through grade 8 students in East St. Louis and surrounding communities, to become the next generation of wholesome, responsible, and dedicated leaders of their communities and of our world.     At Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School we are…

• Working Together as Peacemakers
• Learning in a Culture of Faith
• Experiencing Academic Excellence and an Excitement for Learning
• Succeeding in the Adventures of Reading, Writing, and Math
• Growing in Inner Discipline and Creativity through Violin, Dance, and Visual Arts
• Preparing for the Technology of Today and Beyond in Computer and Science Labs

At Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School we have…

• All Day Kindergarten
• Financial Assistance Available
• Classes from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with an optional Extended Day Program from 7:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
• Breakfast and Lunch Programs
• Bus transportation for those within the district
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program
• Dance residencies which culminate in the Advent Program and Spring Concert
• Home visits by staff
• Rolling Tutor Program

At Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School we celebrate…

• Advent Prayer Service
• Annual Benefit Dinner
• Annual Spring Concert
• Black History Month
• Catholic Schools Week
• Diversity Day
• Dramatized Stations of the Cross
• Extended Day for all grades
• Peacemaker Activities
• Red Ribbon Week
• Spirit Day
• Women’s History Month

Camp Crusader offers various camps including athletic, drama, and art for various age levels. Registration is available at althoffcatholic.org. **Limited Availability**

New Incoming Freshmen

Cheerleading Try-Outs: Clinic days on Thursday, May 12th and Friday, May 13th from 4-6pm. Tryout Day on Saturday, May 14th 12:00pm. All located in Heritage Hall at Althoff Catholic High School. For more information contact Coach Joey Wiley at jojoonthego2@aol.com.

Dance Try-Outs: Clinic days on Monday, May 9th and Tuesday, May 10th from 3:30pm-6:30pm. Parent informational meeting at 5:30pm on Monday, May 9th. Tryout Day on Wednesday, May 11th at 5:30pm. All located in Heritage Hall at Althoff Catholic High School. For more information contact Coach Kati Melton at kati.melton@yahoo.com.

Christ has risen. Alleluia!

SPRING CONCERT

We look forward to seeing you and your family and friends at our annual Spring Concert this Sunday, April 24, at 3:00p.m., in our school chapel.  Students should arrive at the chapel no later than 2:40p.m., dressed in plain white shirts/blouses and dark slacks and dark shoes.  No jeans or tennis shoes, please.  Jewelry is limited to stud earrings and a plain wristwatch. This is a required event for your child. Thank you for your cooperation!  There will be no school on Monday, April 25, in celebration of our Spring Concert.  School will resume on Tuesday, April 26.

MIDTERM

Fourth quarter midterm is Friday, April 22. Progress reports will be sent home with your child on Friday, April 29.  Please note that all outstanding balances for tuition, meals, Extended Day, and Benefit Dinner must be paid in order for this report to be sent.  Please contact the school office for more information.

REGISTRATION FOR 2016-2017

Thanks to those of you who have returned your registration forms and fee.  It is important that current families recognize that the registration fee will become $100 per student after Friday, April 29.  Registration is not considered complete until all forms and required documents are filled out and returned with the fee. Tuition assistance is available to our returning families first, then new families. You will need to apply through SMART Tuition Aid.  The sooner you return your registration packet and register online, the better chance you have of receiving tuition assistance. Please call if you need help accessing the computer. Our computer lab is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and Ms. Harriel will be available to assist you. We would love to see 100% of our students return for another great school year.

MASS

Mass this week is on Friday, April 22 and will be led by the Kindergarten class.

CHICAGO

Eighth graders are heading to Chicago on Wednesday, April 27, very early in the morning. They will take the Mega-bus and spend the day exploring all that the “Windy City” has to offer. Pray for traveling mercies.

EVERETT MOODY PARK

And not quite so far from home, the kindergarteners will join with other area Catholic Schools on Friday, April 29, to spend a day at the park getting to know each other.

PUNTOS
22 de abril de2016
“Somos niños/as del camino, la verdad y la vida.”

Concierto de Primavera: El domingo, el 24 de abril es la fecha del Concierto de Primavera. Los estudiantes necesitan llegar al menos a las 14:40pm a la capilla, con camisas/blusas blancas, pantalones de color obscuro y zapatos de color obscuro. No tenis o pantalones de mezclilla. De joyería solo aretes pequeños y reloj de mano color negro si se desea. Esto se requiere para todos los eventos. Gracias por cooperar!

No habrá clases el lunes 25 de abril

MITAD DE CICLO ESCOLAR. Es este 22 de abril. Se te enviaran las boletas de calificación el viernes 29.Si no has pagado la mensualidad, o comida o cases extendidas por favor paga primero de lo contrario no se te enviaran los reportes de tus hijos. Llama a la oficina para más información.

FORMAS DE REGISTRO PARA 2016-2017. Agradecemos a quienes hayan completado el registro para el siguiente ciclo escolar, ya saben quieres lo hagan antes del 29 de abril pagaran solo $50, luego de esta fecha serán $100. El registro no estará completo hasta que no hayas pagado la inscripción en la oficina. Hay ayuda económica pero ocupas hacerlo pronto para poder acceder a ella. Si ocupas ayuda para hacer tu pedido de ayuda por computadora solo dínoslo. Nos encantaría tener a tu hijo de nuevo el próximo ciclo escolar.

Misa: La Misa es viernes, 22 de abril preparado por Clase Kinder.

Chicago: Los estudiantes de octavo vana Chicago para un día de aventura. Ora para un buen viaje.

Everett Moody Parque: Los estudiantes de Kinder van más cerca a parque con estudiantes de cinco otras escuelas.

SPRING CONCERT

We look forward to seeing you and your family and friends at our annual Spring Concert next Sunday, April 24, at 3:00p.m., in our school chapel.  Students should arrive at the chapel no later than 2:40p.m., dressed in plain white shirts/blouses and dark slacks and dark shoes.  No jeans or tennis shoes, please.  Jewelry is limited to stud earrings and a plain wristwatch. This is a required event for your child. Thank you for your cooperation!  There will be no school on Monday, April 25, in celebration of our Spring Concert.  School will resume on Tuesday, April 26.

***Enclosed in this week’s envelope is the Parent/Guardian Spring Concert Commitment Form. Please return it tomorrow.

MIDTERM

Fourth quarter midterm is Friday, April 22. Progress reports will be sent home with your child on Friday, April 29.  Please note that all outstanding balances for tuition, meals, Extended Day, and Benefit Dinner must be paid in order for this report to be sent.  Contact the school office, if needed, for more information.

REGISTRATION FOR 2016-2017

Thanks to those of you who have returned your registration forms and fee.  It is important that current families recognize that the registration fee will become $100 per student after Friday, April 29.  Registration is not considered complete until all forms and required documents are filled out and returned with the fee. Tuition assistance is available to our returning families first, then new families. You will need to apply through SMART Tuition Aid.  The sooner you return your registration packet and register online, the better chance you have of receiving tuition assistance. Please call if you need help accessing the computer. Our computer lab is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and Ms. Harriel will be available to assist you. We would love to see 100% of our students return for another great school year.

MASS

Mass this week is on Thursday, April 14, and will be led by Grade 1.

NON-UNIFORM PASS DAY

Tomorrow, April 14, is our April Non-Uniform Pass Day. If you purchased a coupon book at last year’s Benefit Dinner, tomorrow is the day to redeem the April coupon.

NO CLASSES

There will be no classes this  Friday, April 15, due to a morning Staff meeting and an afternoon Professional Learning Communities meeting, and on April 25 due to Spring Concert.

REGISTRATION FOR SY2016-2017

Registration packets for current families were handed out during Report Card Conferences. Those families who complete the registration and return the packet to the school by April 29 are entitled to a registration fee of $50.00 per child. After April 29, the fee per child is $100.00. Registration is not considered complete until all forms and required documents are filled out and returned with the fee. Tuition assistance is available to our returning families first, then new families. You will need to apply through SMART Tuition Aid. The sooner you return your registration packet and register online, the better chance you have of receiving tuition assistance. Please call if you need help accessing the computer. We will open our computer lab and Ms. Harriel will be available to assist you. We would love to see 100% of our students return for another great school year.

OPEN HOUSE- “EACH ONE, REACH ONE”

An Open House for potential new school families will be held on Tuesday, April 12. Open House times are 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m. and 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. You are our best ambassadors to others about our school. Please invite those you know who have grade school students to consider attending this event. Have them contact the school office at 618-397-0316 to sign up to visit. Also, if you know of a church or preschool that would be willing to pass out STBCS flyers to interested families, contact the office and we can make sure that the flyers are available

MASS

Mass this week is on Friday, April 8, and will be led by Grade 2. The theme of our Mass is “Be at peace with everyone”. Talk with your children about the importance of peace in our communities and our world. Have them recite the Peacemaker Pledge and ask them how they are living those words.

CARDINAL RED

To celebrate Cardinal Opening Day, this Monday, April 11, students are encouraged to wear Cardinal Red and enjoy the beginning of another season of Cardinal baseball!

NON-UNIFORM PASS DAY

Next Thursday, April 14, is our April Non-Uniform Pass Day. If you purchased a coupon book at last year’s Benefit Dinner, tomorrow is the day to redeem the March coupon.

NO SCHOOL

There is no school on Friday, April 15, due to a Staff Meeting and scheduled PLC (Professional Learning Teams) time.

UNIFORM POLICY

Knee-length khaki color walking shorts or capris may now be worn. Black or white tennis shoes are still a must-have, along with white socks that can be seen. Belts and nametags are beginning to go missing. Please take time to review the uniform policy found on pages 22-24 in the handbook and help your child stay in complete uniform during this last quarter.

Inscripción para 2016-2017: ¿Recibieron paquetes de inscripción durante las conferencias, si?  Las familias que completa paquetes ael ntes el 29 de abril pueden inscriben cada niño/a para $50.00.  Si inscribe niño/a después el 29 de abril el costo es $100.00/niño/a.  Si quiere ayuda con mensualidad necesita inscribir con SMART Tuition Aid por internet.  Las primeras familias que quiere ayuda tienen más oportunidad a recibir.  Llama la oficina si necesita ayuda con este proyecto.

Casa abierto: Para nuevas familias tenemos casa (escuela) abierto el martes, 12 de abril.  Una sesión es 8:30 – 11:30 y otra es 13:00 – 15:00. Llama  Ustedes están mejores embajadores de nuestra escuela.  Por favor, invita familias que tienen niños/as de esta edad.  Las familias necesitan llamar la oficina a 618-397-0316.  Tenemos folletos para pre-escuelas y iglesias para propaganda.

Misa: Tenemos la Misa el viernes, 8 de abril.  El tema es “La paz con todos.”  La clase 2 está preparando la Misa.

Rojo para Cardinales de Béisbol: El lunes, 8 de abril los estudiantes pueden llevar en camisas de rojo para los Cardinals.

No clases: No hay clases el viernes, 15 de abril porque tenemos una reunión de Equipo y una reunión con maestros de cinco otras escuelas.

Pantalones cortes: Los estudiantes pueden llevar pantalones cortes o capris ahora.  Necesita llevar tenis de negro o blanco con calcetines blancos. Cinturas y nombre IDs esta importante.  Mira reglas pp. 22-24.

Christ has risen. Alleluia!

COMMITMENT

It was wonderful seeing so many of you at our Third Quarter Report Card Conferences. Thank you for making the effort to come at your scheduled time and listen to all the “exceptional” things about your child and maybe “still needs to be worked on” behaviors. One more quarter to go. Encourage your child(ren) to strive be the best version of themselves each and every day, and end the year on a strong note.

MARCH MADNESS

The March Peacemaker Activity was held on Wednesday, March 30.  Students who had not received an orange WIN slip were out of uniform, received a snack, and participated in basketball games in the gym.  Congratulations, Peacemakers!

MASS

Mass this week is on Friday, April 1, and will be led by Grade 3. This is our Third Quarter Awards Mass and to celebrate the Easter Season, there will be a liturgical dance.  Know that you are always welcomed to come and celebrate with us and your children.

REGISTRATION FOR SY2016-2017

Registration packets for current families were handed out during Report Card Conferences. Those families who complete the registration and return the packet to the school by April 29 are entitled to a registration fee of $50.00 per child. After April 29, the fee per child is $100.00. Registration is not considered complete until all forms and required documents are filled out and returned with the fee. Tuition assistance is available to our returning families first, then new families. You will need to apply through SMART Tuition Aid.  The sooner you return your registration packet and register online, the better chance you have of receiving tuition assistance. Please call if you need help accessing the computer. We will open our computer lab and have someone available to assist you. We would love to see 100% of our students return for another great school year.

OPEN HOUSE- “EACH ONE, REACH ONE”

An Open House for potential new school families will be held on Tuesday, April 12.  Open House times are 8:30a.m.-11:30a.m. and 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m.  You are our best ambassadors to others about our school.  Please invite those you know who have grade school students to consider attending this event.  Have them contact the school office at 618-397-0316 to sign up to visit.

SHORTS

Knee-length khaki color walking shorts or capris may now be worn starting tomorrow, April 1.  Black or white tennis shoes are still a must-have, along with white socks that can be seen. Please take time to review the uniform policy found on pages 22-24 in the handbook.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Thank you to the sixth graders and Sister Sharon Van Horn, ASC for their dramatization of the Stations of the Cross.   What a prayer-filled way to move into Holy Week.

MASS

Mass this week is a celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem just a few days before He was crucified and died on the cross for us. It is this Friday, March 18, and will be led by Grade 5. Know that you are always welcomed to come and celebrate with us.

REPORT CARD CONFERENCES

Please mark your calendar for report card conferences, which will be held for Grades K-8 on Wednesday, March 23, from 9:00am-8:00p.m.   Upper Grade families, for the most part, will meet with all their teachers at one time, as well as Grades 4 and 5. A form stating the time of your conference is included in this Thursday’s envelope. Please note that students are required to attend the conferences with their parent/guardian. 

Please note: All outstanding balances, including the Annual Benefit Dinner fee of $100, must be paid before the conference is held and the report card is issued. A student returns to school ONLY after the conference is held. 

REGISTRATION

Registration packets for current families will be handed out during Report Card Conferences. Those families who complete the registration and return the packet to the school by Friday, April 29 are entitled to a registration fee of $50.00 per child. After April 29, the fee per child is $100.00.
Online registration is required for SMART Tuition and SMART Tuition Aid. Tuition Assistance is available to our returning families first, then new families. You will need to apply online through SMART Tuition Aid.  The sooner you return your registration packet and go online, the better chance you have of receiving tuition assistance. 

Registration is not considered complete until all forms and required documents are filled out and returned with the fee, and you have completed the online registration. 

MARCH MADNESS

The March Peacemaker Activity will be held on Wednesday, March 30.  Students who have not received an orange WIN slip may be out of uniform, receive a snack, and participate in basketball games in the gym.  Congratulations, Peacemakers!

SHORTS

Knee-length khaki color walking shorts or capris may be worn beginning Friday, April 1.  Please take time to review the uniform policy, found of pages 22-24 in the handbook