May 20, 2025

Dear BMCs Bradley Site Families,

Thank you so much for a wonderful school year! Your children have grown so much, spiritually, emotionally, and academically. Our staff is grateful for the families we serve and the wonderful example and guidance that you provide your children. Please stay safe this summer and return to us ready to learn in the Fall.
May God’s blessings, continue to shine on you,
Mrs. Berg and BMCS Bradley Faculty and Staff

New Information

Donations Needed: The 1st-5th grade students will enjoy a school picnic on Thursday, May 29th. We are in need of donations of hot dog buns, individual bags of chips, and cases of water. Thank you in advance for your help!

No School, Monday May 26: In observance of Memorial Day there will be no school on Monday, May 26.

Kindergarten and PreK Last Day: Last day for these students is Wednesday, May 28th. Kindergarten students will celebrate in a graduation ceremony at 10:00 am. ALL PK and Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 11:30 am.

No Hot Lunch May 27, 28 & 29: Reminder: The last day of hot lunch will be Friday, May 23. Please send a cold lunch with your student the final week of school.

Mass and Awards Ceremony: Last Day of School for 1st-5th grade is Friday, May 30th: Please join our school community at 9:30 am for the End of the Year Mass and Awards. Students will dismiss at 11:30 am on the last day, and there will be NO AFTERNOON Extended Day services.

Swap Shop: As you are doing spring cleaning, please consider donating uniforms that no longer fit to our Swap Shop. Later in the summer, we will open our swap shop for parents to begin getting uniforms ready for next year. All items are FREE of charge.

New Family Tours: The grade schools will be opening their doors for new families to discover the McNamara Catholic School difference. If you know someone who is interested in enrolling their children next year, please encourage them to sign up for an individualized tour guided by the school principal. See information about our referral program below.

Referral Program: Get the word out! We have a referral program here at Mac. Refer a new family K-12 and once the student completes their first semester at Mac the referring family will receive a tuition credit. More information is available online or email Dawn Akerman at dakerman@bmcss.org

Summer Camp Sign Ups: There is something for everyone! With 22 different athletics and activities camps for all ages, you will never hear "I'm bored" this summer! Information and sign up links can be found here: https://www.bishopmac.com/o/bmcs/page/athletics

Finding Nemo: June 2 -13. 9am-12pm.  Open to all students grades 1 – 8.  Auditions for parts are May 20th & 21st at the Kankakee site in the Blackbox Theater

Bishop McNamara Catholic School 42nd Annual Gala: Do you have extra baskets lying around from your spring cleaning? Why not donate them to support the 42nd Annual Bishop McNamara Gala. The Gala committee is looking for basket donations to help create amazing silent auction items for next school year’s event. It’s a simple way to support the Gala! Any baskets can be dropped off at the Advancement Office at the Kankakee Site.

Irish Reading Group: We invite you to join school administration for a meaningful and engaging book study centered on the bestselling book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to come together as a community, learn from one another, and explore ways to support our children in today’s complex world. Details:

o   Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

o   When: Wednesdays, 10:00–11:00 AM

o   First Meeting: June 11th in the Student Success Center at the Kankakee Site

o   Format: Casual discussion—no pressure to attend every session!

o   This book study is designed to foster conversation, provide insights, and empower us as parents to create a healthier, more hopeful future for our children. Whether you can attend one session or all, your perspective is valued. If interested, please RSVP here: RSVP Link

Fundraising and Events

Jackie Keller Memorial Golf Outing: The Jackie Keller Memorial Golf Outing will take place on Friday, August 1st, at Aspen Ridge Golf Course. If you'd like to get a head start on your parent ambassador hours for the 2025-2026 school year, consider joining the Jackie Keller Memorial Golf Outing Committee. To get involved, contact Peggy Mayer at pmayer@bmcss.org.
Or sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A4FAEA629A3FA7-56967418-2025#/
RaiseRight (formerly Scrip): Start earning tuition credit 2025-26 now! By using gift cards to pay for everyday (and not-so-everyday) expenses, each participant can earn over $1,000 each year. For every gift card purchased, you receive earnings, 50% of your earned rebate will be applied to next year’s tuition. Questions, contact Sandy Kuntz at skuntz@bmcss.org.
Market Day: Look for the monthly specials on the Market Day website (marketday.com)!

Important Information

Attention ALL Families who would like to Volunteer: All parent ambassadors/volunteers are required to complete a VIRTUS/Protecting God’s Children course before assisting the school. Upon completion you may volunteer for your child’s classroom parties and other school activities. If you already have a Virtus.org account and have taken the Protecting God’s Children Course, simply log in to your account and make sure your dashboard is all “Green.”                   Then, (New this year) fill out a Parent Volunteer Application. (These can be found in the Parent Portal or you may request one from the school office.)
Step 1: Go to www.virtusonline.org to create an account.
Step 2: Accept and Acknowledge understanding of the Policy and Standards.
Step 3: Take the Protecting God’s Children online course through Virtus.org
Step 4: Give consent for the Name-Based Background Check through Virtus.org
Step 5: Fill out the Parent Volunteer Application

Important Dates:

May 23: 4th and 5th grade Wax Museum
May 23: Last day of Hot Lunch Service
May 28: Kindergarten Graduation, 10 am/ Last day for Kindergarten and PK students
May: 29: 1st-5th Grade Picnic Day
May 30: Last Day of School. Mass at 9:00 am followed by awards. No Extended Day. Dismissal at 11:30 am.

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