Dear St. Barnabas School Families - With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, we share some key points as you prepare for the year ahead. We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend at Information Sunday and hope you can join us on Thursday evening from 6pm - 8pm for the FSA’s annual Ice Cream Social.

This weekend, August 18, is Information Sunday! This is our exciting kickoff to the school year and a required attendance day for all families. Join us for 10am mass, then visit the school. Read below for everything you need to know about this important day.

Family Authorization

Each year, all families are required to acknowledge the terms outlined in our Family Authorization; one form is required per family. The Family Authorization is an agreement between the school and all parents/guardians and students.

Arrival

Information Sunday begins after mass at approximately 11:15/11:30. Families can arrive at school in a staggered manner between 11:15am - 11:45am. Please check in at the school's Main Hall to drop off school supplies, see the classroom, and meet the teachers.  All staff will be at mass; the school's doors will not open until all staff is in the school.

School Supplies

Communal shared supplies (paper towels, tissues, wipes, plastic bags) can be dropped off in our Main Hall. There is no need to label these supplies. All other supplies should be labeled with the student's name and can be brought to homerooms after check-in. View the supply lists. 

Check In

After dropping off your shared school supplies, please check in with a School Board member to receive your Family Packet. This packet contains homeroom teacher assignments, your Big Bucks Raffle Tickets, and helpful details about the school year.

Medical Forms

Medical forms are due today!  Student-athletes are required to submit a sports physical (or annual health form that authorizes sports). Students with grade-level health requirements (Preschool, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 6th Grade) and any students with medical action plans must submit their necessary forms.  Please carefully review your forms to ensure all information, including students' grade levels and all required signatures, are complete before turning in. View medical forms.

Volunteer Forms

To volunteer in any capacity throughout the school year, all adults are required to go through the Virtus Training and Compliance Program. We recommend that all parents/guardians take action on their required steps at the start of the year.  

• New families, please learn about the process and how to begin.
• Returning families, each year, every parent is required to turn in CANTS 22 AND CANTS 689. We encourage you to print, complete, and turn in at Information Sunday.

Jr. High iPads

All 6th-grade students and newly enrolled 7th-grade students should visit the Media Center to pick up their new iPads.

Please note: You must submit your Family Authorization before iPads can be released.

Homeroom Visits

After check-in and supply drop, you can visit your child's new homeroom! Drop off individual supplies, greet the teacher, and say hello to classmates.

Visit the Gym

After your homeroom visit, stop by the school gym. Free, gently used uniforms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and Spirit Wear will be available for purchase! Representatives from many of our school organizations will be on hand to answer questions.

We are actively interviewing for two Junior High school roles. We continue to uphold our high standards, and while we have interviewed numerous people for the roles, we have not yet found the ideal candidate. Should you know of anyone for our Junior High ELA or Science positions, please reach out to Mr. Stack and Mrs. Sadowski.

8th Grade Parents

Monday, August 19, at 6pm in the Outdoor Classroom. At least one parent of the Class of 2025 is required to attend. We will outline the exciting and action-packed year ahead. Topics covered include an outline of all events and activities, volunteer requirements, behavior expectations, and details about an optional HSPT Preparation Course.

New Parents

Tuesday, August 20, at 6pm in the Main Hall. At least one parent is required to attend for those who are newly enrolled at St. Barnabas School (Preschool - Grade 7). Our administrative team will outline what life at St. Barnabas is all about, and some of our parent volunteer committees will be on hand to share ways you can be involved.

All Parents - Back to School Night

Thursday, September 5, at 7pm in Church and School. All parents are invited to hear from our administration about our goals and expectations for the year ahead and then have the opportunity for a brief classroom meeting in the homerooms. The evening wraps up with an adult gathering in the gym and our Early Bird Big Bucks Drawing.

Student Support Plans

Meetings for those students with Student Support Plans begin this week. If you have not yet received your scheduled meeting time, please reach out to studentsupport@stbarnabasparish.org.

To best acclimate our students to the routine of the school day, we are on a shortened schedule for our first couple of days.

First Day of School

Thursday, August 22

• Preschool 7:45am - 9am
• Kindergarten - 8th Grade 7:45am - 10:50am

All families are encouraged to gather together in the parking lot for a brief morning blessing. Teachers will be situated throughout the lot, welcoming their homeroom students.

Following the blessing, Grades K - 8 students proceed inside. Preschool students and families will gather for an 8am - 9am orientation (parents meet with teachers in the Church while the students explore the classroom with preschool aides and school staff).

After the blessing or orientation, parents/guardians (and younger siblings) are invited to a Welcome Coffee on the Rectory porch hosted by our FSA. 

Second Day of School

Friday, August 23 - shortened schedule

• Preschool 7:45am - 10:50am
• Kindergarten - 8th Grade 7:45am - 1:30pm

Preschool-Grade 2 students should bring a snack and water bottle. Kindergarten - Grade 8 should also bring a bagged lunch. Hot lunch service begins after Labor Day.

First Full Week

Monday, August 26 - Friday, August 30 - regular schedule begins

• Morning Arrival - The doors open at 7:45am and the tardy bell rings at 7:55am. 
• Afternoon Dismissal - Full-day preschool students dismiss each day at 2:50pm (half-day PK at 10:50am). Students in Kindergarten - Grade 8 dismiss in a staggered manner from 2:55 - 3pm. 
• Extended Day - provides before and after-school child care for an additional fee. Before Care is available from 6:30am - 7:45am and After Care is available from 3pm - 6pm. After Care is NOT available on 10:50am and 11:50am early dismissal days. All students utilizing Extended Day must be pre-registered. Enroll in Extended Day.

All school families are invited to St. Barnabas Park (behind the Early Childhood Building, adjacent to the south end of the parking lot) on Thursday night from 6pm - 8pm! Enjoy meeting new families and connecting with old friends at the annual FSA Ice Cream Social. Families are also welcome and encouraged to visit St. Barnabas Church on Thursday evening at 7pm for a special mass on this Holy Day of Obligation - The Assumption of Mary.