Archive for the News Category

MASS
This Friday’s Mass will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Similar to our Pope Francis, St. Francis worked to bring a greater awareness of the need to care for the poor and people on the fringe of society.  Grade 4 leads the Mass this week. Know that you are always welcomed to attend.

YOUTH GROUP
St. Augustine of Hippo Catholic Church in East St. Louis extends a special invitation to our 8th grade students-the opportunity to join their youth group. JaMaya and Jasmine Bonner participated this past Sunday as a guest of Malynnda Aldridge-Johnson at a Teen Challenge workshop. Please see the flyer enclosed in this week’s Thursday envelope if you are interested in your child joining the youth group.

TESTING
Next week, students in grades 3, 5, and 7 will continue with testing as they complete the Cognitive Ability Test. Also, if a student missed a section of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, time will be given to help them make it up.   In order to give your child every opportunity to continue to do well, please make sure they get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and get to school on time.  Thank you for your cooperation.

DIOCESAN CONVENTION
There will be no school on Friday, October 9, because our staff will participate in the annual Diocesan Convention at Holy Trinity in Fairview Heights

BUSSES
We have been told by the bus company that even if District 189 teachers strike, that we will still have bus service.  Many blessings!

We are sorry to say that there will be no bus service on Monday, October 12.  Although we have school, District 189 observes Columbus Day and bus service is not provided.  We were very proud of how many students made it to school those first weeks when we did not have bus service. Please try to ensure your child comes even when District 189 does not have school. Thank you.

PICTURE DAY
Life Touch Studios will be here on Friday, October 16 to take photos of every student. A flyer regarding pricing and other important information is included in this Thursday’s envelope. Buying school pictures is optional, but if interest is low, next year they will probably only take the pictures of students who purchase packages. Students may be out of uniform on Picture Day, but must dress appropriately. Thank you, in advance, for reviewing the non-uniform guidelines in the handbook.

NON-UNIFORM PASS DAY
Due to Picture Day being Friday, October 16, students who purchased the Non-Uniform Pass Coupon Book may be out of uniform on Monday, October 19. This is a change to the date on the September coupon.

SPEAKING OF UNIFORMS
Cooler weather is on the way. Students are allowed to wear long sleeve white, hunter green, red, or black uniform shirts or they may wear button- down sweaters in the same colors over their uniform shirt, or they may wear a STBCS sweatshirt with a uniform shirt underneath. School sweatshirts are available in green or white. Youth sizes-Adult XL are $14.00; XXL and larger are $16.00. Payments may be made in cash or a check payable to the school.

We also want to thank all of you who have made the effort to make sure your child is in the correct uniform day after day.  Many blessings!

EXTENDED DAY-SESSION 2
Session 2 began 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. Please make sure that you have signed your child up for the new session. They may enter late, but there is a $10 extra charge attached to late registration. For the next six weeks, students will have the opportunity to attend Liturgical Dance Classes under the direction of Rev. Tracy Holliway-Wiggins.

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

PINWHEELS FOR PEACE

Our students and staff joined 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.  During our Morning Prayer today, class pinwheels graced 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. May peace one day prevail on Earth!

MASS

Mass tomorrow will be led by the fifth graders.  All are welcomed to attend.

TESTING

Students in Grades 2-8 will take the Iowa Assessment Test starting this Monday, September 28, and going through Wednesday, October 7. Students will normally be tested in the morning when they are more alert.  In order to give your child every opportunity to do well, please make sure they get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast and get to school on time.  Thank you for your cooperation.

BUSSES

Thank you to all the parents/guardians, friends, staff, and students who came to support us Wednesday in court. The judge listened carefully to both sides of the issue and is now taking all things under consideration. We will let you know when a decision is made. Keep a-praying!

PEACEMAKER ACTIVITY

The September Peacemaker activity will tie in with our “Pinwheels for Peace” theme as peacemakers in grades K-8 create designs about peace with colored chalk on the blacktop.  This activity will take place on Wednesday, September 30 from 2-3pm. Students who have not received an orange WIN slip in September will be able to be out of uniform, enjoy a snack, and participate in the fun. Did your child stay a Peacemaker? Please feel free to come and enjoy this event and create your own vision of peace.

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. Would you like your child to be out of uniform one extra day a month? 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!

EXTENDED DAY-SESSION 2 

Session 1 of Extended Day ends this Friday, September 25. Session 2 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. Forms were sent home last week and are due no later than this Monday.

BUSES: El juez cambió la fecha del segundo juicio. Tal vez es la próxima semana. Ahora los buses continúan recoger los estudiantes.

MEDIO DE CUATRO: El medio del cuatro termino el viernes pasado. Si Dios quiere, recibirá las notas mañana. Pero tenemos problemas con sistemas nuevas. Por cierto, si no recibe no viernes entonces recibe el lunes. Envía a escuela a escuela con firma pronto. Necesita pagar total mensualidad y otras cosas antes recibe notas.

MISA: Mañana la Misa (8:30) de honra San Mateo. Clase 6 está preparando.

FICHAS PARA NO UNIFORME: A la Cena de Beneficio en marzo pasado, algunas personas compraron fichas para un día cada mes que los estudiantes no llevan uniforme. Para un ano cuesta $20.00/niño o nina o $30.00/familia. Si quiere, paga $20.00 o $30.00 en la oficina.

“PINWHEELS” PARA LA PAZ: Nuestros estudiantes y equipo reunirán con 3.5 millones en el mundo para una actividad de la paz el próximo jueves, el 24 de septiembre. Ponemos “pinwheels” en frente de la escuela con la esperanza que el mensaje de la paz pasara en todo el mundo. Viene a las 8:00 para esta, si es posible.

NOCHE PARA ESTUDIANTES DE k-8 Y PADRES/CUIDOSES: El Althoff Secundario da un invitación para venir a un jugar futbol americana en Universidad de Lindenwood el viernes, 18 de septiembre.

DIA EXTENDIDO: Sesión 1 de Día Extendido terminara el viernes, 25 de septiembre. Sesión 2 es de 28 de septiembre a 6 de noviembre. Cuesta $50.00/persona o $70.00/familia. Es un tiempo para tarea, ayuda individual. También, tienan oportunidad a participar en Danza de Alabanza con Rev. Holloway-Wiggens.

TIERRA DE LINCOLN/ORGANIZACIÓN DE POLICIA AFRO-AMERICANAS: El sábado, el 19 de septiembre a St. Augustine de Hippo, 401 Rev. J.A. Brown Blvd., hay una presentación de: Diez Leyes de Interacción con Policía para un Buena Solución.

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.