Share Your Opinions

We are a community of unique learners, always growing and learning is a Root Belief we live by every day at St. Barnabas. We ask ALL families to share their perspectives, both positive feedback and suggested areas for improvement. 

The two surveys below will help us celebrate the incredible things happening every day and make adjustments so we can continue to grow and learn, becoming the best school we can be. 

Project Match - We are gathering input from parents and guardians about our Project Match Program. Last week, we shared via email an overview of the Project Match Program to our school families in 1st - 8th grade. We invite you to share your insights on the program. Please complete a separate survey for each child in your household, Grades 1-8 > Project Match Survey.

Archdiocese Monthly Pulse Survey - Early this year, the Office of Catholic Schools implemented a quick “monthly pulse” survey that they email to all families at the beginning of each month. Some of you may have already completed the February survey sent to you directly by the Arch early this week, but for easy access, we have also linked it here. We encourage you to take a moment to share your thoughts in the February Pulse Survey.

Order SB Apparel

The Buckeye Shop is open through February 22 for a new round of orders. Items will be delivered in early March. Order gym uniforms, dress-code-approved sweatshirts, and Buckeye spirit wear, available in sizes for toddlers to adults! The Buckeye Shop

Jr. High Science Fair

Parents, younger siblings, and family members are welcome to attend the Junior High Science Fair Viewing & Awards Presentation next Thursday, February 12, at 8:15am in the gym. Learn more.

A few additional reminders from Junior High Science teacher, Ms. Gaytan:

• Friday, Feb. 6 - Lab Reports Due: Students must submit their final lab reports digitally via Google Classroom by 11:59pm
• Monday, Feb. 9 - Poster Board Due: Students must bring their physical poster boards to the Innovation Center upon arrival at school that morning.
• Wednesday, Feb. 11 - Judging: Students will present their projects to the judges during their regularly scheduled science class.

Valentine's Day Observed

On Friday, February 13, we celebrate Valentine's Day. Students are welcome to dress down in Valentine’s colors (red, white, pink).


Bringing a Valentine's card or small favor for classmates is optional. If bringing Valentines to share, please ensure every student in the homeroom receives one. If needed, you may confirm the number of students in the class with the room parent. Absolutely NO edible treats or candy are permitted as favors. Thank you for your cooperation.

Some homerooms, especially in younger grades, may host classroom parties during the last period of the day (2pm - 2:45pm). Please keep an eye out for party news from the room parent or homeroom teachers. A reminder that all parents volunteering at school for class parties must be current in their Virtus Volunteer requirements. For some people, these requirements expire mid-school year; please log in and confirm you are compliant.

Book Sale

Former St. Barnabas principal Sr. Carol Mucha, RSM, will host a book sale after the 8am and 10am Sunday Masses this weekend to raise funds for various ministries in Chicagoland. Sr. Carol was principal of St. Barnabas School from 1988 - 1993, and many alumni parents remember her with great fondness. We invite you all to join us for Mass, then support Sr. Carol and her mission work.

Tax Documents

In preparation for tax season, families are able to pull necessary tax documents directly from their FACTS Tuition Management Account to claim the Illinois Education Expense Credit. 

• sign in to FACTS
• at the FACTS Financial Home, click "View Details"
• select “Payment Summary”
• select the required year, then "Print"

It's been a great start to Black History Month with our beautiful mass on Tuesday and our successful BHM Spirit Wear sale. To all who placed orders (151 items sold!!) - you’ll receive your merchandise in mid-February.

Dance Rehearsal - Grades 3 - 8 rehearsals for the assembly performance will take place this afternoon from 3pm - 5pm in the Church Hall. Please enter and exit the Church through the "Choir-side doors" (north side; handicap-accessible doors near the Rectory). 


Grade 3 - 8 Rehearsal, in the Church Hall:

• Friday, February 6, 3pm - 5pm
• Friday, February 13, 3pm- 4:30pm
• Sunday, February 22, 2pm - 4pm

Grade 1 - 2 Rehearsal, in the Media Center:

• Friday, February 13, 3pm - 4:30pm
• Friday, February 20, 3pm - 4:30pm


If your child has not yet registered for the upcoming assembly dance and would like to join, please register today > Register for Dance Performance.

Each year, we celebrate the life and legacy of former St. Barnabas student Patrick McNamara. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 2, Patrick and his family spent 11 years searching and fighting for a cure. Patrick inspired everyone around him through his unyielding humor, positivity, and determination. In 2011, in support of Patrick, St. Barnabas classmates, parents, parishioners, and friends came together to shave their heads and raise funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation and its fight against pediatric cancer. We continue this tradition with our annual Pat Mac Day, and each year, a new wave of young Buckeyes learns they have the power to make a difference and that “We are Pat Mac’s Pack!”  

On March 6, we will come together in the school gym to raise funds for two incredible charities: Pat Mac’s Pack and St. Baldrick’s Foundation. There are many layers to this exciting and heartwarming day: 


Head Shave or Hair Cut - to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Students (parents and staff) interested in head shaving and hair cutting are encouraged to register and start fundraising as soon as possible! There is a $75 minimum fundraising requirement, and recognition awards will be presented to the top 10 students and the top family fundraisers. 

Temporary Tattoo & Hair Dye - to benefit Pat Mac’s Pack

Those not up for the shave or cut can still be part of the action. Students may opt for a temporary Pat Mac’s Pack tattoo or, new this year, temporary green hair dye! 

Spirit Wear & Dress Down - to benefit Pat Mac’s Pack

Those interested in purchasing Pat Mac’s Pack apparel should place their orders by February 17. Items will be delivered in time to wear to school on March 6, or on any Spirit Wear Friday throughout the year. Students are also invited to contribute $3 and dress down in Pat Mac apparel or any green, Irish-inspired clothing.

Volunteer

This is a truly special day and a great way to feel the impact and connection of our school community. Sign up to join us on March 6!

Evening Celebration

Eat, drink, and be Irish! The Pat Pack Foundation welcomes guests from all over Chicagoland to an epic St. Pat's Party in our school gym. Enjoy a night of drinks, food, dancing, raffle prizes, and games all supporting Pediatric Brain Cancer Research. The event is ages 21+, and St. Barnabas families receive a special $40 discount code per person! Valid for online ticket sales only. Use Code: BUCKEYE

Visit the Pat Mac Day page to learn more and access the contribution links!

Girls Flag Football (Grades 5 - 8) - Registration is now open for Girls Flag Football! Please register by February 23. The season begins in early March and runs through May. Varsity (Gr. 7 - 8) will practice 3 - 4 times per week, and games will be held on Sundays at high school fields. JV (Gr. 5 - 6) will practice 3 - 4 times per week; the game schedule and field locations for the JV league are still being finalized > Flag Football Registration

Co-Ed Spring Soccer (Grades K - 8) - Season begins in mid-March and runs through May. Learn more about specific program details and register > Soccer Registration.

Interest in Co-Ed Flag Football (K - 3), Fall of 2026 - The Athletic Board would like to gauge interest for a Grades K - 3 Co-Ed Flag Football league for next fall. Games will be held on Sundays at the Marist HS indoor facility in Palos Heights. Current PK 4 - Grade 2 families, please share your feedback.

Monthly Planning Meeting - Join the FSA on Tuesday, February 10, for the monthly planning meeting - 7pm in the Innovation Center!

Presidents’ Day Ice Skating Party - On Monday, February 16, the FSA welcomes all school families to the Morgan Park Sports Center for the annual Presidents' Day Ice Skating Party. Free skate rental for all, compliments of the FSA, 10am - 12pm. Learn more

Horse Thief Hollow Eat & Earn - Enjoy a meal at Horse Thief Hollow, and they'll donate 10% back to St. Barnabas School! Mention "Buckeyes" when placing your dine-in order anytime February 16 - 22. Learn more.

Mother Son Bowling - The Mother Son event is making its return! Sunday, April 19, from 5pm - 7pm at Arena Lanes for Cosmic Bowling! Learn more and purchase your tickets!

Trivia Night - Thank you to our School Board, led by the tremendous efforts of Jeana Reichard and Olwen Hahn, for planning an incredibly successful Trivia Night. To all the attendees, thank you for your support. We hope you had a fun evening! Funds raised from this year’s event will benefit The Sheridan Fund, which supports school families experiencing hardship and loss.

Black History Month - Thank you to all the parents who were involved in our Black History Month planning, including those helping with the assembly preparations and the setup of the beautiful hallway displays. We thank Katina Smith, Elizabeth Cadichon, Lisa Davis, Loudjine Jean-Michel, and Jude Baptiste for sharing their time and talent in decorating our hallway, and the many families and Bronze Balloons who donated funds toward the decorating and resources. 

Boys Basketball Pack the House - Thank you to Carolyn Burke, Heather Wills, and all the 8th-grade parents involved with the planning and preparation for the Boys Basketball Pack the House, a lasting and special memory for this fantastic group of young men. We also thank all the fans - students, siblings, alumni, parents, grandparents, and extended family for their support and enthusiasm. Lastly, to our Class of 2026 Boys Basketball athletes, thank you for making us proud. Your sportsmanship and dedication throughout your years on the court have been an honor to witness.

• FAMILY RESOURCES - School Policies and Procedures
• STAY IN THE KNOW - Link to top news & events
• REPORT AN ABSENCE - Report illness or planned absence by 8am
• HOT LUNCH - Country House food service
• STAFF DIRECTORY - Staff emails
• FAMILY DIRECTORY - DirectorySpot Access
• ROOM PARENTS - Contact Info for each homeroom
• INCIDENT REPORT - Online Incident Reporting Form
• CLASS OF 2026 - 8th Grade Events Page
• VOLUNTEER - Get Involved!
• TREATS FOR TEACHERS - Donate drinks and snacks for staff
• BUCKEYE SHOP - Spirit Wear and Uniform Apparel
• SCHOOL NEWS ARCHIVE - Links to previous issues
• PHOTO GALLERY - Links to Meghan Jones images