Kankakee Tuesday Folder Updates
May 20, 2025
New Information
Field Trip: The 6th and 7th grade classes will be walking to LaDelicia ice cream shop in Meadowview on Thursday, May 29 during the school day. Permission slips will be sent home on Monday; please have students return their slips by Friday, May 23. Families will be charged $2.50 automatically in Facts so there is no need to send money.
Camp MOSH: Registration is open for Camp Mosh 2025; all local youth grades 6-12 are invited! This service camp (based at MBVM Parish) runs every other summer; we serve our local community in a variety of ways. It's fun, rewarding and local! Registration link and info: https://www.mbvmchurch.org/campmosh
Hot Lunch Accounts: All lunch accounts must be paid in full by Friday, May 23rd. The last hot lunch day will be Tuesday, May 27th. Students can use their accounts, but can no longer go negative. Please be sure to send your students a lunch on May 28 & 29. There will be no hot lunch.
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.
o If interested, please RSVP here: RSVP Link
Finding Nemo summer camp: Open to all students 1st grade- 8th grade students! This camp runs from June 2nd-13th from 9am-12pm each day. Auditions for parts are May 20th & 21st at the Kankakee site in the Blackbox Theater
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
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.
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
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.
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
Relaxed Dress Code: As of May 1st relaxed uniforms can be worn to school. Please refer to the student handbook for any questions.
Front Parking Lot: Parents and students, please remember that the spots in the front lot, closest to the school, are reserved for auction purchasers. This includes school parking, events and games! Please refrain from using these spots at any time. We also have construction going on. Please be mindful of the equipment and marked off areas.
Daily Announcements: There will be daily announcements posted on our website at bishopmac.com/page/announcements.
Item Drop-offs: Parents needing to drop off something during the day, please make sure to drop off at the Main Office. Please make sure the item is marked with your student's name.
Late Students: The Junior High doors are locked at 8:01 from 2:59. Please use the main doors on Brookmont Blvd. for any student arriving late or leaving early during the school day.
Leaving Early: Any student leaving early during the day for an appointment, etc. please call the main office in the morning. We will give your student a pass to get out of class. They will then come to the main office to sign out. Students need to be retrieved at the main doors on Brookmont Blvd..
Spirit Wear Day: Each Friday we will have a Spirit Wear Day. Your student may wear uniform bottoms with any style Bishop McNamara Catholic School shirt.
Attention New Families! Protecting God’s Children Seminars: All parent ambassadors/volunteers are required to complete a VIRTUS/Protecting God’s Children course before assisting the school. If you are a new parent or have not completed the course please see the information below
In order to volunteer in any capacity, i.e., classroom parties, lunch duty, parent work day etc. the Diocese requires certification. Please see the following steps for completion:
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
Follow BMCS Online: Be sure to “like” Bishop McNamara Catholic School on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@Bishop McNamara) and Instagram(@bishopmcnamara). Our website is www.bishopmac.com.
Important Dates
May 21: 8th grade bowling field trip
May 22: 8th Grade Graduation
May 26: Memorial Day. No School
May 29: 6th & 7th grade walk to LaDelicia
May 30: Last Day of School
June 11: Irish Reading Group
