Archive for the News Category

We are Children of The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

BUSSES
The court case was postponed until next week, so bussing continues until a decision is made. Keep the prayers coming.

MIDTERM
First quarter midterm was last Friday. We are hoping to send the midterm reports home with your child tomorrow, September 18, but we are having a bit of trouble with our new grading program. If we cannot solve the issues, progress reports will go out on Monday, September 21. Return the signed Progress Reports as soon as possible after you receive it. Please note that all tuition, meal, and Extended Day payments must be current in order to receive this report. Thank you for your cooperation.

MASS
Mass tomorrow will celebrate the life and work of St. Matthew, the Apostle and Evangelist. Sixth graders will lead. All are welcomed to attend.

NON-UNIFORM COUPON BOOKS
At last year’s Annual Benefit Dinner, coupon books were sold that allowed students to be out of uniform an extra day each month. The cost was $20/individual student or $30/family. Those families that purchased the coupon books received them on Monday, and their students may be out of uniform this Friday, September 18. (Make sure they bring in the coupon!) There are some coupon books left over, so if you are interested, please call the office and let Ms. Francine know. Send in the money and the coupon book will be yours!

ALTHOFF GRADE SCHOOL NIGHT
Just a reminder to join Althoff Catholic High School on September 18th at their home football game at Lindenwood University. You are encouraged to come in our school colors: red and black. This will be a fun opportunity to come together as a Catholic school community. Grade school kids will be invited onto the field before the game.

PINWHEELS FOR PEACE
Our students and staff will join over 3.5 million people across the globe in participating in the annual Pinwheels for Peace project as part of the International Day of Peace. As part of our Morning Prayer next Thursday, September 24, class pinwheels will grace the front lawn of our school with images and messages of peace and harmony. The thought is that the breeze will capture these messages and carry them throughout the world. Please come join us for Morning Prayer; we will gather at 8am. May peace one day prevail on Earth!

EXTENDED DAY-SESSION 2
Session 1 of Extended Day ends next Friday, September 25. Please complete the enclosed form if you are interested in enrolling your child in Session 2, which begins on Monday, September 28 and ends on Friday, November 6. The cost for the 6-week session is $50.00 for one child and $70.00 per family. The building of skills and more individualized instruction and homework help is emphasized.

LAND OF LINCOLN/ORGANIZATION OF BLACK LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Land of Lincoln along with The Organization of Black Law Enforcement will present: Ten Rules of Dealing with the Police for a Positive Outcome. The presentation is this Saturday, September 19 from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm at St. Augustine of Hippo Church., 401 Rev. J. A. Brown Blvd. All are welcomed. Flyers are posted at the school.

We are Children of The Way

CURRICULUM NIGHT
Tonight’s the Night! Hoping to see you all here. Curriculum Night begins in the chapel at 7pm. Staff members will be introduced, and then we will have our first speaker as part of our Family University…Judge Wharton.

We will walk over to the school together, so you can start your day with your “class”. Curriculum Night is the time for you to experience a bit of what your child experiences each day and to find out what will be covered in the curriculum and teacher expectations. You don’t want to miss it. At the end of the night (about 8:30pm), you will be given a Non-Uniform Pass…give it to your child, and they may be out of uniform on Friday.

FAST DIRECT COMMUNICATIONS
If you want to keep up with your child’s grades, classroom and school information, you need to login to Fast Direct Communications. Login codes were sent home about two weeks ago. Once you are connected, an email message will be sent to you and you complete the process. If you need help, we are opening our computer lab throughout the day on Wednesdays to our families. Just call the school and set an appointment time.

WE NEED YOU
As part of your commitment to Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, this year we are asking you to volunteer your “time, talents, or treasure”. There will be sign-up sheets in each homeroom on Curriculum Night. We need help in the following areas; building and grounds (maintenance/care), school cleaning, working in the classroom, working in the office, Annual Fund Drive, Annual Benefit Dinner, and/or any additional ways you feel can help. Our goal is to have all families involved. Please look at what you can do to make our school even stronger. We need you!

BUSSING
Wanted you to know that we were successful in court this past Monday. Our motion for a Temporary Restraining Order was granted and District 189 needs to restore bus service within 7 days. Sheila Burton did a wonderful job; so many blessings to her and the Land of Lincoln…also to all who showed up in court in support of STBCS…families, students, Advisory Board members, and friends.

We will do our best to make sure that bus students know when and where they will be picked up. This information should come through District 189. Please feel free to call the bus company if you have not received the information by Friday. Busses are required to start on Tuesday, September 8th.

Keep the prayers going because on September 16 we head back to court. If you would like to attend the session, it will be at 10am at the Belleville Courthouse, Room 401.

MASS
Our first Mass for the year will be Friday, September 4, at 8:30a.m. in the chapel. This is our Opening Mass; classes will walk in with their Peace Flags. You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year. Ordinarily, our Masses are every Friday at 8:30a.m. Please check the calendar for any alternate dates.

REDUCED/FREE MEAL APPLICATION
Don’t forget to complete the application for free/reduced meals and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for the application is tomorrow, September 4. Please note that failure to return a completed application form will result in full payment of meals.

We are Children of The Way.

PEACEMAKER ACTIVITY
Tomorrow is our first Peacemaker Activity of the year. Students who were peacemakers during August (no Orange WIN slips!) will attend a Peacemaker Activity on Friday, August 28, at 2pm.  Ice Cream Sundaes and some outdoor time are part of the plan!  Peacemakers may also be out of uniform that day.  Please check the handbook for appropriate clothing on Non-uniform Days (p.23 of Parent/Guardian/Student Handbook).

REDUCED/FREE MEAL APPLICATION
Don’t forget to complete the application for free/reduced meals and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for the application is Friday, September 4. Please note that failure to return a completed application form will result in full payment of meals.

DISTRICT 189 BUSES
Some parents/guardians are contemplating suing the District if they continue to deny bus transportation to their children.  If you would be interested in possibly pursuing this option, please call Ms. Francine at 618-397-0316, and let us know as soon as possible.

CURRICULUM NIGHT
Please plan to join us for Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 3, from 7:00p.m.-8:30p.m.  This is a night for Parents/Guardians only, and we ask that children not attend this event.  We will do our best to start and end on time.  Please plan to stay for the entire presentation.

We will begin in our school chapel (located next to the school) and have the second part of the evening in the school building.  You will have the opportunity to hear about our school, experience some of the schedule of a “mini-school day”, and receive information from your child’s teachers about the curriculum for this new school year.  As a part of our Family University, Judge Wharton will be our keynote speaker.

MASS
Our first Mass for the year will be Friday, September 4, at 8:30a.m. in the chapel.  This is our Opening Mass; classes will walk in with their Peace Flags. You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year.  Ordinarily, our Masses are every Friday at 8:30a.m.  Please check the calendar for any alternate dates.

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

A GoFundMe account has been set up to cover our $5,000 deductible cost to repair our windows and the other damage caused by vandals recently. Please consider donating at http://www.gofundme.com/uc2d6stg

We are Children of The Way

THIS YEAR’S THEME
This year’s theme is “We are Children of The Way”. A thought for family discussion: what does it mean to be a child of God and how can we follow His path? If you would like to share your thoughts, please email me at thea_bowman@yahoo.com. I would love to hear them!

THANK YOU
We have had an exceptional start to the new school year, especially since we have not had bussing. Thank you for doing your part in making sure your child is here every day and ready to learn. We look forward to continuing our partnership with you in providing a quality Catholic education for your child.

DISTRICT 189 BUSES
At this time, we still do not have bussing for our students. Although District 189 does have to provide busses for our students, families need to live on “existing bus lines” and the busses will run according to the closest elementary and middle school schedule. This does not work for our families. We appreciate how difficult this is and commend all of you for getting your students here on time. Please remember, your student may arrive as early as 7am and go into the cafeteria and stay until 5pm as part of our Extended Day program.

***FAST DIRECT COMMUNICATION
In this week’s Thursday envelope, you will find a “Parent Activation” message from Fast Direct Communications. Please follow the steps to set up your account. If after you receive an email from Fast Direct and still need some help, call the school. We will set up a time for you to come into our computer lab to finish the process. Through Fast Direct Communication, you will be able to check your child’s grades and assignments and keep in closer contact with his/her teacher.

SCHOOL SAFETY
After last week’s vandalism, we are looking into increasing our security cameras for greater coverage of the school and adding new security measures within the school as needed. We want you to know that we will do all we can to insure your child’s safety at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School.

NEW UNIFORM COLORS-LOOKING FINE!
I think we all love the new uniform colors. Your students are looking fine! We’ve added one more twist on this year’s uniform…black tennis shoes and white tennis shoes are still required, but they may now wear laces that go with the school colors…white, forest green, red, and black.
PICKING UP YOUR STUDENT
Morning drop off is going quite well, especially without the buses, but there is still some confusion about afternoon pick up. If your student is in Kindergarten through fourth grade, you will pick them up at the front of the school. Students in grades 5-8 will meet their rides at the back of school unless they have family members in the younger grades; they then may go out front to meet their ride. When picking up at the front, you must pull into a parking slot. Do not have your child cross the road to come to your car. Also, if you go around the back, wait for your child to come to you and then continue to drive toward the graveyard and around the side of the cafeteria/chapel as you exit onto Church Lane. Do not go against traffic. Your child’s safety is our top priority. Thank you.

REDUCED/FREE MEAL APPLICATION
Don’t forget to complete the application for free/reduced meals and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for the application is Friday, September 4. Please note that failure to return a completed application form will result in full payment of meals.

CURRICULUM NIGHT
We look forward to seeing you at our Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 3, from 7:00p.m.-8:30p.m. Please help us plan by completing and returning the commitment form.

MASS
Our first Mass for the year will be Friday, September 4, at 8:30a.m. in the chapel. This is our Opening Mass; classes will walk in with their Peace Flags. You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year. Ordinarily, our Masses are every Friday at 8:30a.m. Please check the calendar for any alternate dates.

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

Vandals smashed windows and threw around books at Sister Thea Bowman School in East St. Louis. More than 35 window panes in the science lab were smashed, books and other materials were left all over the floor. Schools officials said the damage is estimated be in the thousands of dollars. Police are looking for the person or people responsible. The school plans to rebuild.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help us cover our $5,000 deductible cost. Please consider donating at http://www.gofundme.com/uc2d6stg

Last East St. Louis Catholic School vandalized – KSDK Channel 5

Vandals strike at Catholic school in East St. Louis – KMOV Channel 4

Vandals break windows, not spirit, at Sister Thea Bowman School – Belleville News Democrat

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:5-6

WELCOME
We are delighted to begin another year and to have you and your family as part of our school community. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Ice Cream Social. We look forward to continuing our partnership with you in providing a quality Catholic education for your child!

DISTRICT 189 BUSES

Latest update
District 189 informed us last Monday that they would not be busing our students this year. After getting Land of Lincoln involved, we have now been told that they will bus our students but that the parents/guardians need to set up the information by calling the District office. So this is what needs to happen: if your child/children need busing, you need to call Yvonne Jackson at 618-646-3081. Let her know that your child goes to Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School and that you need busing. They will ask for your address. If you are on an existing bus line, you will be given a time and a bus stop for your child. Ask about how your child will get home. We hope that they will be cooperative; please call Ms. Francine and give the information to her, so we know which children are being bussed. Thank you. We truly understand that this may make getting your students here more difficult for you. Another possibility is to try talking to other families and work out the possibility of carpooling with families near you. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

DISMISSAL

Students are dismissed at 3:30pm. Kindergarten through fourth grade will dismiss from the front of the school while the older students in grades 5-8 will dismiss from the back. Know that students are always supervised by staff members and they are not allowed to cross the street if you park across from the school. Your child’s safety is top priority for the STBCS community.

SIGNED FORMS

Thank you for returning the signed Handbook Verification and Internet Use forms that were due on the first day of school. (They were included in the packet that was sent in the mail the end of June.) If you still need any of this information, please contact the office.

REDUCED/FREE MEAL APPLICATION

Don’t forget to complete the application for free/reduced meals and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for the application is Friday, September 4. Please note that failure to return a completed application form will result in full payment of meals.

EXTENDED DAY

As you are aware from the handbook, we have an Extended Day program for students in grades K-8. This optional program runs Monday through Friday from 3:30pm-5:00pm. In order to make sure we are prepared for your child, please take time to review and sign the registration form, and return it with the fee tomorrow.

PEACEMAKER ACTIVITY

Ordinarily, our first peacemaker activity for the year is at the end of September. As a special incentive, students who are peacemakers during August (no Orange WIN slips!) will attend a Peacemaker Activity on Friday, August 28, at 2pm. Ice cream might be involved!

MASS

Our first Mass for the year will be Friday, September 4, at 8:30a.m. in the chapel. You are welcome to join us for this Mass, as well as all Masses held throughout the year. Ordinarily, our Masses are every Friday at 8:30a.m. Please check the calendar for any alternate dates.

NO SCHOOL

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

THE LAST QUOTE OF JOY
Every newsletter had a quote of joy for you to reflect on during the week. This is the last one and our gift to you.
ULTIMA QUOTACION DE ALEGRIA
Todas noticias tuvieron una quitación de alegría para su reflexión. Esta es la ultima como un regalo a ti. Pero no puedo traducir las poemas.

Today is my day to dance lightly with life,
sing with songs of adventure,
invite rainbows and butterflies out to play,
soar my spirit and unfurl my joy.

Namaste’

LAST DAY
The last day of school is tomorrow, Friday, May 28th. 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 and a collage of photos taken throughout the year. 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.

And “Yes”, we do have bus service. Blessings to Illinois Central!

Thank you for coming on this journey of faith and JOY with us. We wish you all a blessed summer and will see you in the fall. Mark your calendar: the Ice Cream Social is Monday, August 10. The first day of school is Thursday, August 13!

ULTIMO DIA
El último día del año escolar es mañana, viernes, 28 de mayo. El día va a incluir la Misa preparado por el Equipo a las 8:30, nuestras bailarinas y, después la Misa, premios del fin del ano y fotos de todo el año. Conoce que todos están invitados a celebrar en fin de año escolar. Los estudiantes terminan a las 12:30. Hay desayuno y almuerzo pero no hay Día Extendido. Los estudiantes no necesitan llevar uniformes.

Y “Si” tenemos servicio de los buses. Gracias a Illinois Central.

Gracias para esta jornada de fe y ALEGRIA con nosotras. ¡Una verano bendecido! Veremos en agosto para Helado Social que es lunes, 10 de agosto. Camenzamos clases el martes,13 de agosto.

CONGRATULATIONS
Graduate Jamoznee Williams was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Althoff Catholic High School. Congratulations!
FELICIDADES
Jamoznee Williams recibe $1,000.00 beca a Segundaria de Altoff. ¡Felicidades!

TITLE I SUMMER SCHOOL
The Title I Math Summer School will begin Tuesday, June 2, for the students who brought back signed registration forms. Mrs. Migalla will teach the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades at 8:00- 10:00am. Mrs. Brown will teach the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades from 8:00-10:00am, and also the 6th and 7th grades from 10:00am – 12:00 noon. All classes will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through the month of June. We are looking forward to having a great time with math!
***Remember: Notices are going home today to those students who have registered for summer school. If you do not receive one, and thought you should, please contact us as soon as possible.
CLASES DE VERANO DE TITULO I
Las clases de matemáticas de Titulo I comienzan martes, 2 de junio para los estudiantes que han registrado. La Señora Migalla ensenara La Kinder, primero y segundo a las 8:00 – 10:00/ La Senora Brown ensenara 4 y 5 a las 8:00 – 10:00 y, también, 6 y 7 a las 10:00 – 12:00. Todas clases están martes, miércoles y jueves por el mes de junio. Esperamos un buen tiempo con matemáticas.

***SMART TUITION AID FOR 2015-2016
Since the first of May, there has been information on applying for tuition assistance through SMART Tuition in your Thursday’s envelope. 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 29.
***Please note that family tuition this year is: one child-$4,000, two children-$6,000, three children-$7,000, and four children-$7, 5000.
***MENSUALIDAD “SMART” DE AYUDA EN 2015-2016
Después el primero de mayo hubo información de aplicaciones de asistencia de mensualidad por SMART enviado cada jueves. Todas las familias que quieren asistencia necesitan aplicar por SMART. Si necesitan ayuda de aplicación llama SMART Tuition Aid o llama la oficina de escuela y ayudamos por el proceso. Necesita cumplir las aplicaciones antes el fin de clases, 29 de mayo. Nota que mensualidad es: un niño/a $4,000.00. Dos niños/as $6,000.00, y tres niños/as $$7,500.00.

END OF 4TH QUARTER/ REPORT CARDS
Fourth Quarter ends on May 29. Report cards and honor roll certificates will be mailed on June 8.

NOTAS DEL ÚLTIMO CUARTO
El último cuarto termina el 29 de mayo. Enviamos notas y certificados de honor el 8 de junio.

REGISTRATION FOR 2015-2016
An upcoming registration meeting for prospective new families is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th at 9am and 1pm. Thanks for communicating this information to your family and friends. Please ask them to call the school office for an appointment. These are the last appointments for this school year.

INSCRIPCION PARA 2015-2016
Una reunión para familias nuevas es martes, 9 de junio a las 9:00 y a las 13:00. Gracias para comunicar esta información a su familia y amigos. Da favor de llama la escuela para un tiempo—mañana o tarde. Están última oportunidad en este ano.
VIOLIN CLASSES
Information regarding violin classes this summer with Mr. Phil was sent home last week. If you are interested in having your child attend, please contact Mr. Phil at TingeStudios@gmail.com or call 618-972-8772.

CLASES DE VIOLIN
Información de clases de violín en el verano con Senor Phil fue enviado la semana pasada. Si tiene interés, contacta Senor Phil a TingeStudios@gmail.com o llama 618-972-8772.

UNIFORM-THOUGHTS FOR NEXT YEAR
Ready to go shopping for next school year? Add two more shirt colors to your list, if you’d like…red and black polo shirts (without logos) will be allowed along with our current white and forest green shirts.
PENSAMIENTOS DE UNIFORMES PARA EL ANO QUE VIENE
¿Está lista para comprar cosas del ano que viene? Hay colores nuevos – roja y negra camisas sin logos y colores que tenemos— blanca y verde camisas.

GOLF TOURNAMENT
The East St. Louis Catholic Grade School Alumni Golf Classic will be held Friday, July 17, at Grand Marais Golf Course. Part of the money raised through this Golf Tournament is given to our school for operating costs or tuition assistance. If you enjoy golfing, this would be a great way to give back to STBCS. (See flyer.)
TOREO DE GOLF
El torero de golf de Alumni de Escuelas Católicas de E. St. Louis es el viernes, 17 de julio en Grand Marais Golf Course. Un parte de dinero ganado es un donativo a nuestra escuela para costo de operaciones y asistencia con mensualidades. Si le gusta golf, es una oportunidad a participar.

“Give me joy, joy, joy, down in my soul.”

CONGRATULATIONS
Graduation is this Friday, May 22. Congratulations to Mahogany Bonner, Valerie Bownes, De’Ariah Collier, Bernicia Dorris, Arius Edwards, Booker T. Grisby III, Elizabeth Pearson, Jajuan Savannah, Arajah White, and Jamonzee Williams. We wish them a future filled with God’s choicest blessings and much joy.

GRADUATION
The Graduation Mass is this Friday, May 22, at 8:30 am. Graduates need to be at the chapel for pictures no later than 7:15am. 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

NO SCHOOL
There is no school on Monday, May 25, due to Memorial Day.

LAST DAY
The last day of school will be next Friday, May 29. 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 and a collage of photos taken throughout the year. 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 are hoping to have bus service, but have not heard a final word from the bus company. Will keep you posted.

END OF 4TH QUARTER/ REPORT CARDS
Fourth Quarter ends on May 29. Report cards and honor roll certificates will be mailed on June 8.

LIBRARY BOOKS
The last day to return library books was Friday, May 15. Do we have yours?

USB FLASH DRIVES
Ms.Harriel will send home USB flash drives on Wednesday, May 27 with students in Grades 1-3. Grades 4-7 will bring their flash drives home by that Thursday, May 28. 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.

TITLE I SUMMER SCHOOL
The Title I Math Summer School will begin Tuesday, June 2, for the students who brought back signed registration forms. Mrs. Magalla will teach the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades at 8:00- 10:00am. Mrs Brown will teach the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades from 8:00-10:00am, and also the 6th and 7th grades from 10:00am – 12:00 noon. All classes will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through the month of June. A reminder will be sent home next week to those who are signed up. We are looking forward to having a great time with math!

ROBOTICS COME TO STBCS
Next week, the students at STBCS will start to explore the world of robotics and technology with 5 new Legos Robotics Kits. Each class will have an introductory session where students in small groups will follow a computer’s directions to first build a “robot” figure from Legos, then they use a laptop to program it to do different activities. Maybe they will build a barking dog or snapping alligator…be sure to ask them

***SMART TUITION AID FOR 2015-2016
Since the first of May, there has been information on applying for tuition assistance through SMART Tuition in your Thursday’s envelope. 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 29.
***Please note that family tuition this year is: one child-$4,000, two children-$6,000, three children-$7,000, and four children-$7, 5000.

UNIFORM-THOUGHTS FOR NEXT YEAR
We are thinking of adding two more colors to our uniform for next year: along with white and forest green shirts, students would also be able to wear red or black polo shirts (without a logo). Let us know your thoughts by emailing Ms. Mary at: thea_bowman@yahoo.com. Your opinion is important.

GOLF TOURNAMENT
The East St. Louis Catholic Grade School Alumni Golf Classic will be held Friday, July 17, at Grand Marais Golf Course. Part of the money raised through this Golf Tournament is given to our school for operating costs or tuition assistance. If you enjoy golfing, this would be a great way to give back to STBCS.

I find joy in everyday, not because life is so good, but because God is. Romans 15:11
Hay alegría en cada día, no por que la vida es bueno pero por que el Dios es presente.

EIGHTH GRADE WEEK
Eighth graders will have quite a final week as they celebrate “Eighth Grade Spirit Week”. Today found them on their eighth grade trip to the YMCA Camp at Potosi, Missouri, and Friday, they will celebrate Spirit Day by dressing as their favorite “Nerd”…(Albert Einstein, anyone?). Monday, they may dress in their Professional Best, and Tuesday will find them at King’s House on Retreat. Wednesday, May 20, is their last academic day; all work is due.
PROMOCION
Los estudiantes de Octavo van a hacer una semana final como celebran “El espíritu semana”. Hoy fueron en el campo YMCA en Potosí, MO y el viernes llevan en ropa de su “Nerd” favorito…(¿Alfred Einstein alguien?). El lunes pueden llevar en su mejor profesional y martes van a Casa de Rey para un retiro. El miércoles 20 de mayo el último día de clases; todo trabajo es completo.

GRADUATION
Eighth grade graduation is this next Friday, May 22. 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! Wednesday is a day to clean lockers and desks, practice for their graduation, and be a part of their last STBCS Field Day. Thursday, they are off, and then Friday, they will be at school bright and early (7:15am) for their graduation pictures. We wish them a future filled with God’s choicest blessings and joy!
PROMOCION
La promoción para clase 8 es el viernes, 22 de mayo. Honoramos los en promoción y sus familias en la Misa a las 8:30 y un “brunch”. ¡De favor continúan animar los estudiantes a ser sus mejores personas! El miércoles es para limpiar sus cosas, practican para la promoción y participan en “Field Day”. El jueves no hay clases y el viernes llegan a las 7:15 para sus fotos. ¡Esperamos un futura lleno de muchas bendiciones de Dios y mucha alegría!

MASS
Mass this week is on Friday, May 15, and will be led by Fifth Grade. Know that you are always welcomed to come and celebrate with us.
MISA
La Misa está preparada por clase 5. ¡Bienvenidos a todos!

NO BUS SERVICE
This Monday, May 18, there is no bus service. District 189 is off for Malcolm X Day. We have school!
NO BUSES
Este lunes, 18 de mayo, no hay buses. Districto 189 no tiene clases por el Día de Malcolm X. Tenemos clases.

LIBRARY BOOKS
The last day for 8th graders to return library books was last Friday, May 8. Kindergarten through 7th grade has until this Friday, May 15. 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!
LIBROS DE LA BIBLIOTECA
El ultimo día para clase 8 a llevar libros es el viernes, 8 de mayo. Kinder par clase 7 tienen hasta el viernes, 15 de mayo. Si un estudiante perdió un libro, la familia necesita trae una libro nuevo. Muchas gracias a la Hermana Jean Kumke, ASC que es bibliotecaria como voluntaria. Apreciamos.

END OF YEAR FIELD TRIPS
Grades Kindergarten through third grade will have their end-of-year field trip next Tuesday, May 19, while Grades 4-5 will go to Grant’s Farm on Thursday, May 21. Please remember that if you ever want to be a part of your child’s field trips, you need to have the Initial Child Protection Training or Refresher Training offered through the Diocese before you may go.
“FIELD TRIPS”
Clases K-3 tomaran “Field Trip” martes, 19 de mayo para el fin de ano. Clases 4-5 van a “Grant’s Farm” el jueves, 21 de mayo. Recuerda que si quiere participa con su niño/a necesita el certificado de Protección de niños de el Dioses de Belleville antes puede participar.

FIELD DAY
Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 1pm-3pm. Thanks to Mrs. Cathy Lisch for organizing this day and to Melissa Lawson (Jordyn Tow’s mother) for adding a little Zumba to our afternoon.
“FIELD DAY”
Field Day esta planificado para miércoles, 20 de mayo—13:00 a 15:00. Gracias a Señora Cathy Lisch que está organizado el día y Melissa Lawson (la mama de Jordyn Tow) que da un poco “Zumba” en la tarde.
***SMART TUITION AID FOR 2015-2016
In last week’s envelope, you found information on applying for tuition assistance through SMART Tuition. 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 29.
***Please note that family tuition this year is: one child-$4,000, two children-$6,000, three children-$7,000, and four children-$7, 5000.

***MENSUALIDAD “SMART” ASISTANCIA PARA 2015-2016
En el sobre de ultima semana recibo información para aplicar para asistencia de mensualidad por SMART. Todas las familias que quieren necesitan aplicar por SMART. Si necesita ayudar con esta manera nueva, llama SMART o nuestra oficia y ayudamos con esta. Aplicaciones necesitan enviar antes el fin de año escolar, 29 de mayo.
***Nota que la mensualidad este ano es: un niño/a es $4,000, dos niños/as es $5,000, tres niños/as es $7,000 y cuatro es $7,500.

UNIFORM-THOUGHTS FOR NEXT YEAR
We are thinking of adding two more colors to our uniform for next year: along with white and forest green shirts, students would also be able to wear red or black polo shirts. Let us know your thoughts by emailing Ms. Mary at: thea_bowman@yahoo.com. Your opinion is important.
PENSAMIENTOS DE UNIFORMES PARA EL PROXIMO ANO
Pensamos de dos mas colores a nuestros uniformes para el próximo ano: con camisas blancas y verde los estudiantes pueden llevar polo camisas de roja o negra. Por favor envía sus pensamientos por correo electrónico a Miss mary at: thea_bowman@yahoo.com. Su opinión es importante.
POETRY UNLIMITED
Eighth graders finished our Poem in the Pocket Week with an original poem by Arajah White.
No puedo traducir.

I AM HERE
Have you ever felt neglected,
Or ever felt rejected?
Have you ever been judged
That it made you hold a grudge
Like you have no friends
That will be with you til the end
That don’t stick to you like glue
But was a bird that flew
If this is true,
Just know that
I AM HERE FOR YOU!