April 22, 2025

New Information

Out of Uniform Day: Thursday, April 24th, is an out of uniform day with a minimum donation of $2 to help the children going to the Steubenville Conference this summer.

5th Grade Step-Up Day: We’re excited to welcome our future Junior High students on Step-Up Day on Friday, May 2nd! The 5th graders will arrive at the Kankakee site around 10:35 AM, grab lunch in the cafeteria, and settle in before joining our current Junior High students. Junior High will have lunch from 10:45–11:15 AM, with Connections beginning at 11:20 AM.

8th Grade Step-Up Day: The Amazing Race to High School! 
On Friday, May 2nd, our 8th graders will get a sneak peek into high school life with a fun and interactive “Amazing Race”-style Step-Up Day experience! The high school will dismiss early at 1:15 PM, and the excitement will kick off at 1:20 PM. Our 8th-grade students will team up to complete challenges, explore the high school campus, and meet members of our amazing high school staff—all while having a blast!

I-Ready: May 5-9 our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will be taking their third and final i-Ready Diagnostic Test of the 24-25 year on the following days:
- May 6 & 7 (Tuesday & Wednesday) – iReady Math Diagnostic during regular Math classes  
- May 8 & 9 (Thursday & Friday) – iReady Reading Diagnostic during regular Reading classes  

Note: (6th grade Reading testing will continue into the following week due to their field trip to the Field Museum on May 9th.) There’s no time limit for these tests. Students who need more time can finish during study hall or Connections the following week.  

To help your child do their best, please ensure they:
Get a good night’s sleep  
Come to school with fully charged devices and earbuds/headphones  
Are present on testing days and take their time to complete the assessment 

Fine arts 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

Relaxed Dress Code: May 1st relaxed uniforms can be worn to school. Please refer to the student handbook for any questions.

8th Grade Parents: There is an informational meeting about the Steubenville Conference Thursday, April 24th for parents at 3:10pm to go over cost, location, and any questions.

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

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

April 30: Business after hours 5-7pm @ the Kankakee site
May 1: Relaxed dress code begins
May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8: Mac Pac Meeting, 6pm. Bourbonnais Site
May 16: Early dismissal @ 12pm
May 22: 8th Grade Graduation
May 26: Memorial Day. No School
May 30: Last Day of School

Find your Tuesday Folder attachments and additional documents at the button below: