Category: School

Lego League Has Great Outcomes at Qualifier Tournaments

(December 21, 2024) — All four SPS Lego League teams have completed their Qualifier Tournaments and the results are as follows.

All four teams scored either 190 or 195 points on the competition table. This is the most consistent table scores amongst our teams in our many years of Lego League.

At the Dec. 7, 2024 tournament, the Rubbish Rascals, one of our 7th grade teams, earned the Rising Star Award. This award celebrates a team that the judges notice and expect great things from in the future.

In the Dec. 14 tournament, the Chickens of the Sea, the other 7th grade team, earned the Core Values Award.  This team displays extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, knows they can accomplish more together than they could as individuals, and shows each other and other teams respect at all times.

In the Dec. 14 tournament, the 8th grade all girls team (pictured), Let’s Get Kraken, earned the Robot Design Award. To our knowledge, this is the first time we have had an all-girls Lego League team and this may be only the first or second time a team from our school has won a robot design award. This team uses outstanding programming principles and solid engineering practices to develop a robot that is mechanically sound, durable, efficient, and highly capable of performing challenge missions.

The three teams earning awards also earned slots to advance to the Sectional tournaments in January.

Special thanks to all the coaches for committing the time to coach these teams since the start of school. The Peoria area Qualifiers have been and continue to be some of the most competitive in the state so to have the teams perform as well as they did says a lot about the kids and the coaches.

Spring Student Showcases

(April 25, 2024) — The month of May brings us several opportunities to experience what our students have been learning this year.

May 8, 2024

Generational Journey, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Junior High Hallway. This school year, 7th grade students have been focusing on the corporal work of mercy, visiting the sick. Students have been writing letters to shut-ins, visiting people at Buehler Home, and interviewing Buehler residents about their lives.  The 7th graders will present their project, “Generational Journey,” to their families on May 8.  They will share what they have learned about themselves as well as have conversations about what we can learn from other generations.

States Fair, 6:00 -7:00 p.m., School Gym. Our 4th graders present their final projects on our states. Learn sneaky smart facts and taste test some food from our 50 states.

May 9, 2024

Capstone Community Night, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., School Gym. Our 8th graders will show case their capstone service projects conducted this school year. Learn about our community and how we can do more for those in need around us.

Spelling Bee Top Finisher

(April 17, 2024) — Congratulations to 8th grader, Evy Kennedy, on her 2nd place finish at the Region 2 Spelling Bee in April.

Diocesan Tuition Assistance Grants

(March 27, 2024) — Tuition assistance scholarship grants are available for the 2024-2025 school year. These grants were established as a result of the Diocese of Peoria ROOTED IN FAITH Campaign and named in honor of Archbishop Spalding, the first Bishop of Peoria.

To be eligible:

• Student (grades K-12) enrolled in a Catholic School in the Diocese of Peoria.
• Family is an active member of a Catholic parish in the diocese.
• Show financial need, objectively assessed through the application process.

Information about the grants and application materials may be obtained from the St. Philomena or Peoria Notre Dame offices. Or go to the Diocesan website www.cdop.org under Catholic Education and then under Financial Assistance. Consult the detailed protocols and procedures and checklist for all requirements necessary to be eligible for an award.

Parents must apply online at: online.factsmgt.com/aid. Families of students currently receiving grants are reminded that all grants are for one year only, and anyone seeking to renew a grant for the 2024-2025 school year must reapply.

Deadline for completed applications is April 26, 2024. Notification of grant awards will be made in June 2024.