Monarchs Newsletter 2026

St. Bernard School serves as a vital component of the multicultural St. Bernard Parish Community. We believe we are called by God to continue the mission of Jesus, while nurturing and developing each child’s unique talents. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to make Christ visible by: respecting all people, becoming positive examples, and sharing responsibility for the needs of others.

Website: stbernardcatholicschool.com.

Facebook Account: Bernard Bellflower

Instagram: st.bernard.school

We are excited to celebrate St. Bernard Feast Day together as a school community on Thursday, August 20!

Following our school Mass, families are invited to join us on the school field from 10:00–11:45 AM for a community potluck and Field Day activities.

🍽️ Potluck Assignments

To help make our celebration possible, we are asking families to contribute according to their child's grade:

Preschool, TK & Kindergarten: 1 case of water

1st, 2nd & 3rd Grade: 5 simple sandwiches (white or wheat bread, mayo, ham & cheese), packed in a disposable sandwich bag

4th, 5th & 6th Grade: 1 box of 10 Capri Sun pouches

7th & 8th Grade: 1 variety pack of chips (minimum 10)

Sandwiches: Please send them with your child on Thursday morning before 8:00 AM.

Water, Capri Suns & chips: You may bring these items to your child's classroom on Wednesday.

🏃 Field Day

After our potluck, students will enjoy Field Day activities with their classmates. Parents are welcome to join us as we celebrate our patron saint and enjoy time together as one St. Bernard family.

We look forward to a joyful day of faith, fellowship, food, and fun!

One Mission. One Family. Forming Saints & Scholars.

Dear St. Bernard Families,

Welcome to another wonderful school year! We are excited to partner with you as we continue our shared mission of forming students who grow in faith, academic excellence, and service.

The Catholic Church reminds us that parents are the first and primary educators of their children, and it is our privilege to walk alongside you in this sacred responsibility. When families, our parish, and our school work together, our children thrive.

As we begin this new year, our leadership team will focus on three important goals:

• Strengthening our partnership with St. Bernard Parish by encouraging greater family participation in Mass, the sacraments, parish ministries, and faith formation.
• Building a stronger school community by expanding teacher collaboration through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and increasing opportunities for parent leadership, volunteerism, and fundraising to enrich student learning.
• Planning for the future by developing a five-year strategic plan that will guide our mission, growth, and long-term sustainability.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We look forward to another year of learning, growing, and walking together in faith.

May God bless you and your family.

In Christ,

Mrs. Vanessa Rivas

We are delighted to welcome back our dedicated faculty and staff for the 2026–2027 school year! Your commitment to our students, our families, and the mission of Catholic education continues to make St. Bernard School a place where faith and learning flourish. Thank you for your faithful service; we are blessed to begin another year together.

Our returning faculty and staff include:

Ms. Carolina Valadez, Mr. Pedro Ramirez, Mrs. Varinia Lopez, Mrs. Allison Brandow, Ms.Lorena Murguia, Miss Eilene Rodriguez, Ms. Beth Swensen, Mrs. Erika Ramirez, Ms. Juliana Volz, Ms. Yvonne Arciniega, Mrs. Sylvia Cordero, Ms. Delfin. Mrs. Beltran and I, Mrs. Vanessa Rivas.

Welcoming Our New Teachers

Please join us in warmly welcoming the newest members of the St. Bernard School family!

• Ms. Catalina Cook – Kindergarten: Ms. Cook begins her first year as our Kindergarten teacher after serving for four years as Ms. Olson's Kindergarten Instructional Assistant. During that time, she learned from an outstanding mentor while building meaningful relationships with our students and families. She is excited to step into this new role and continue creating a nurturing, faith-filled classroom where our youngest learners can thrive. In addition to teaching Kindergarten, Ms. Cook looks forward to continuing to lead and grow St. Bernard School's Theater Program, helping students discover their God-given talents through the performing arts.

• Mrs. Cindy Alcazar – Second Grade: Mrs. Alcazar has faithfully served the St. Bernard School community for six years, exemplifying our values of Faith, Academics, and Discipline. She is excited to begin this new chapter as our Second Grade teacher, where she will bring her strong classroom management, dedication to student success, and love for Catholic education to help every child grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Mrs. Alcazar also has a passion for our 100 Mile Club and looks forward to continuing to support the program so our students can enjoy running, build healthy habits, and achieve their personal fitness goals.

• Ms. Vanessa Lizama – Third Grade: Ms. Lizama is passionate about creating an engaging, faith-filled classroom where every student is challenged to reach their full potential. She is excited to bring her passion for curriculum and instruction to St. Bernard School and is already collaborating with our faculty to strengthen reading and mathematics instruction. Her goal is to ensure every student builds a strong academic foundation while growing in confidence, curiosity, and their Catholic faith.
• Mrs. Stephanie Moran – Fourth Grade: Mrs. Moran brings valuable classroom experience and a deep love for Catholic education to St. Bernard School. She is dedicated to fostering academic excellence while helping each student grow in confidence, responsibility, and a love of learning. Mrs. Moran is excited to become actively involved in school life by supporting student activities and partnering closely with parents to ensure every child has a joyful, faith-filled, and successful fourth-grade experience.
• Ms. Jazmine Martir – Fifth Grade: Ms. Martir joins St. Bernard with a passion for student success and relationship-building. She is excited to guide students through the transition into upper elementary by providing strong instruction across all subject areas and helping every child reach their full academic potential. In addition to the classroom, Ms. Martir looks forward to supporting our faith community by helping lead student, staff, and parent retreats that foster spiritual growth, leadership, and a deeper relationship with Christ.

• Mr. Jorge Recendez – Sixth Grade: Mr. Recendez brings a wealth of experience in middle school education and educational leadership to St. Bernard School. He is passionate about developing confident communicators, critical thinkers, and faith-filled leaders. This year, he looks forward to launching a Speech and Debate Club to strengthen students' public speaking and analytical skills, as well as introducing a special school experience inspired by Tuesdays with Morrie that will encourage meaningful conversations about faith, character, relationships, and the lessons we learn from one another.

We are excited for the gifts and talents each of these educators will bring to our school community. Please join us in welcoming them to the St. Bernard family!

If you have not yet enrolled your child(ren) for the upcoming school year, we're here to help!

Our office staff is available to assist you with completing your enrollment through FACTS, including setting up your account, selecting a payment plan, and answering any questions you may have.

Please contact:

Miss Volz sbsoffice@stbernardcatholicschool.com

Miss Yvonne Arciniega sbsaccounts@stbernardcatholicschool.com

School Office: (562) 867-9410

We look forward to welcoming your family for another wonderful year at St. Bernard School!

School hours will be from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and on Wednesdays, 8:00 am- 12:00 pm.

7:30-7:59 Arrival (Parent Drive-Thru Drop-off)

7:50 Teachers will walk students to their classrooms

8:00 Gates are Closed

8:00 Tardy students go to the school's office and receive a tardy slip. Tardy will be recorded on Gradelink.

3:00 -3:15 Dismissal (Parent Drive-Thru Pickup)

3:15 Teachers will walk students to daycare.

• Preschool and TK-3rd-grade parents walk in to drop off & pickup students.
• Students in grades 4th-8th can use the Drive-Thru to be drop off & pickup.

Morning Assemblies Mondays & Fridays at 8 am

Assemblies on Google Meet Tuesday & Thursday at 8 am

The school staff has worked together to improve safety and efficiency during dismissal. Please review the following updates carefully:

🚗 Traffic Lanes

• Left lane: Parking access and exiting

• Right lane: Quick curbside drop-off

👦 Grades 2nd–8th

• The black gate next to the school playground is reserved for student drop-off and pick-up.

• No parking in this area.

• If a TK–1st grade student has an older sibling (grades 2nd–8th), the older sibling may pick up the younger one and walk them to the lunch area.

👧 Grades TK–1st

• Families may park in the designated area closest to the church.

• Use the new pedestrian crossing near the church to walk to your child’s class.

🧸 Preschool

• Parents must park and sign their children in and out daily.

🚦 Parking & Pedestrian Safety

• Faculty and staff will park in designated areas to ensure pedestrians can walk safely without the hazard of cars backing out.

• Note: The newly added pedestrian crossing near the church will be open only for afternoon pick-up.

Lunch Area Guidelines (after school):

• No eating

• No devices or cell phones

• No restroom use

• No water fountain use

• Students may not change for sports practice until the gate closes at 3:15 pm

Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and organized for all students!

The Back to School Family Packet will be going home on the first day of school. This packet includes essential forms that need to be signed by parents or guardians. All the forms must be completed, signed, and submitted by August 28.

We will be offering after-school care to all families from Tk-8th grade. An additional monthly fee for this service will be charged through FACTS. The hours of operation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 12:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday.

We will also be offering before-school care from 7:00 -7:30 AM. An additional monthly fee for this service will be charged through FACTS.

Please sign up with Miss. Volz by by phone at 562-867-9410 or by email at sbsoffice@stbernardcatholicschool.com

School Hours 2026 - 2027

Arrival Time 7:30-7:59 am

School Hours 8:00- 3:00 pm (12:00 pm on Wednesdays)

The gate will close at 8:00 am

Tardy will begin at 8:00 am

Morning Assemblies Mondays & Fridays at 8 am

Assemblies on Google Meet Tuesday & Thursday at 8 am

To encourage school families, the staff, and parish families to celebrate Sunday Mass as a community, the school will send a Sunday Mass Attendance Card to all our students. Families are only required to come to mass on dates listed on the card but our pastor is also inviting us to attend all Sunday Masses.

Our school community believes "We are one body, one body in Christ."

St. Bernard School believes we are one in Christ because Jesus died for us on the cross for our salvation. Scripture Romans 12:4-5. For as in one body, we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. We are all part of Jesus Christ's body as a school community. Therefore, we must gather as one body, worship him, and receive His Body on Sundays.

Dear St. Bernard School Families,

I would like to share that I am currently working on hiring a part-time Physical Education teacher for St. Bernard School.

Our goal is to find a qualified, dependable, and enthusiastic teacher who will:

• Provide safe and engaging PE instruction for students in grades TK–8
• Teach age-appropriate physical fitness, sports skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship
• Encourage every student to participate and develop healthy lifelong habits
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment
• Follow all school safety procedures and Catholic school policies
• Work collaboratively with teachers, staff, students, and families

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Because this individual will work directly with our students, all school and Archdiocesan employment and safety requirements will be followed.

I understand the importance of providing our students with a consistent and meaningful Physical Education program. I appreciate your patience while I work to find the right teacher for our school community. I will share another update once the position has been filled.

Each group will only have 12 children per teacher

• Parents must provide snacks and lunch. No Microwavable food,
• The child must bring their own crib sheet for cots for nap time
• Must bring preschool supply list

Arrival and Departure

• Drop off and Pick up will be in the classroom
• Drop-off is from 7:30 - 8:00 am
• The parent/ Guardian must sign the child in and out daily.
• The child may not be dropped off earlier than 7:30 am or pick-up before 3:00 pm to avoid visitors coming to school.
• Pick-up is from 3:00-3:15 pm (children picked up after 3 pm will be charged a $5 per half an hour late fee).

Dear Parents,

To help students maintain and strengthen their academic skills over the summer, all returning students will be assigned Summer Homework through IXL (new students will not be assigned Summer Homework). Teachers are sending your child’s IXL login information along with this form. The lessons are called Summer Boost, and there is a total of 40 lessons students need to complete: 20 for reading and 20 for math.

Students should work on both Math and Reading activities throughout the summer. Summer Homework is due on Monday, August 24, 2026.

Please note that completion of the Summer Homework will be reflected in your child’s academic performance. Students will receive grades for both Math and Reading on their First Trimester Report Card.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s learning and helping them start the new school year strong.

Dear St. Bernard School Parents,

We are excited to announce that this year's St. Bernard Parish Festival will be a three-day celebration! The festivities will begin on Friday, October 9, and continue through Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11.

Throughout the weekend, our students will perform on their assigned days, showcasing their talents and helping bring energy and excitement to our parish festival. We look forward to celebrating our faith, school, and parish community together.

Festival Volunteer Sign-Up is Now Open!

The volunteer schedule is now live on Track It Forward, and families may begin selecting their shifts.

As part of our school service commitment, every St. Bernard School family is required to complete one 4-hour festival volunteer shift. Your time and support are essential to the success of this important fundraiser, which directly benefits our students and school programs.

Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to our St. Bernard community.

We look forward to celebrating with all of you!

Staff Retreat 8:30-2:30- Office Closed

Preschool, TK &Kinder Parent Meeting 6 pm- Classrooms

Move-in Day! Kinder only

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass

Student Council Training 12:30-3:00 w/ Miss. Valadez

Move-in Day! PK-8th Gr.

First Day of School 2026-2027

School Uniform

12:00 Dismissal -No Daycare

No Lunch

No Mass

School Uniform

12:00 Dismissal

Celebrating the Feast of St. Bernard

We are excited to celebrate the Feast of St. Bernard, our school’s patron saint, as one St. Bernard family! Parents are warmly invited to join us for the celebration beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the green field/playground.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. – School Mass
Our Student Council will lead our school community at Mass.

• Students in Grades 1–8 should wear their Mass uniform.

• Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten may wear their PE uniform, as they will not be attending Mass.

10:00–10:45 a.m. – Family Potluck
Students and families will enjoy a community potluck on the green field/playground. Each class will be assigned a food item or dish to contribute. Teachers will provide families with additional information about their class assignment.

10:45–11:45 a.m. – Field Day
Students will participate in fun Field Day activities celebrating our school community. Students in Grades 1–8 will have an opportunity to change into their PE uniforms after Mass.

12:00 p.m. – Dismissal

Parents Are Welcome!

We invite our parents to join us beginning at 10:00 a.m. for the potluck and Field Day celebration. Teachers will also reach out to families who may be able to bring canopies to provide shade during outdoor activities. If you are planning to join us, please stay until the end; we will be too busy to dismiss students before 12:00 pm

We look forward to celebrating the Feast of St. Bernard together with faith, fellowship, and school spirit!.

School Uniform or Free Dress

12:00 Dismissal -No Daycare

No Lunch

First Full Day of School

PE 2nd, 6th, 5th Gr.

Morning Care 7:00 - 7:30 am

Lunch Service begins

3:00 Dismissal

After-School Care 3:15-6pm

Choir Practice Gr. 4-8

PE 4th, 7th, Kinder Gr.

Mass led by Student Council

Mass Uniform

PE TK Gr.

Faculty Meeting 1:00

After-School Care 12:15-6pm

PE 1st, 8th, 3rd Gr.

Student Council Free Dress Pass Fridays for $2

Festival Raffle Tickets Kick-Off

PE TK-8th Gr.

PLC & Room Parent Meeting 6 pm

Mass led by 8th Gr.

Wear Mass Uniform

12:00 Dismissal

Faculty Meeting 1:00

After-School Care 12:15-6:00 pm

Mandatory In-Person - Back to School Night 6 pm

Ms. Arci's Birthday!

Pep Rally - Monarch Pride

Mrs. Murguia's Birthday! 9/5

Labor Day - No School

Mother Mary's Birthday

Mass led by 8th Gr. -Wear Mass Uniform

12:00 Dismissal

Faculty Meeting 1:00

After-School Care 12:15-6:00 pm

*

Knights of Columbus Flag Ceremony

STAR Testing

Grandparents Day

Mass led by 8th Gr. -Wear Mass Uniform

Grandparents Breakfast 9:00-10:00 am

12:00 Dismissal

Faculty Meeting 1:00

After-School Care 12:15-6:00 pm

*

*

Mass led by 8th Gr. -Wear Mass Uniform

12:00 Dismissal

Faculty Meeting 1:00

8th Gr. Parent High School In-Person Meeting 6 pm

Festival Pre-Sale Tickets Form Due

Parish Raffle $ Due

Festival Sponsor Form Due

Tentative Non-Student Day: Faith Formation Day for Teachers (we are on the waiting list),

*

Mass led by 8th Gr. -Wear Mass Uniform

Virtue of the Month Awards for Respect

12:00 Dismissal

Faculty Meeting 1:00

8th Gr. Parent High School In-Person Meeting 6 pm

Selfless Love Day: Dress Down $2 for Missions

Custodian Day-

Tentative Non-Student Day: Faith Formation at St. Joseph High (wait listed)

Please note: event dates, times are subject to change or cancellation

We’re happy to continue offering hot lunches for our students this year!

Please be sure to mark your selected lunches on both charts of the order form. If you forget to place an order, just call the school office that morning so we can make sure your child is included for lunch. The school will bill you accordingly. We accept cash only for this service.

Thank you for your help in keeping everything running smoothly!

Please note that St. Bernard School does not allow students to bring or have lunch delivered from fast-food restaurants.

St. Bernard School uses Track It Forward as its official volunteer sign-up and service-hour tracking system.
Families will use their Track It Forward account to:

• Sign up for Bingo sessions and other volunteer opportunities.
• Submit completed volunteer hours.
• Monitor progress toward the annual service requirement.
• Review approved and pending service hours.
• View upcoming volunteer commitments.

After completing an approved volunteer activity, parents must submit their hours through Track It Forward. School administration will review the submission and approve the hours after participation has been verified.
Only verified and approved hours will count toward the annual family service requirement.

Register or Log In to Track It Forward

Each St. Bernard School family must complete the following service requirements between June 1 and May 31:

Bingo Service
Each family must complete 15 Bingo hours, equivalent to:

• Three five-hour Bingo sessions

Bingo sessions are held on Fridays. Families must register for their sessions through Track It Forward.
A $150 no-show fee will be assessed for each missed Bingo session. Missed Bingo sessions cannot be rescheduled or made up.
Families may select the $450 Bingo Buyout Option, which is equivalent to the three required Bingo sessions.

Parish Festival Service
Each family must complete:

• Four parish festival hours

Festival volunteer opportunities and instructions will be posted as they become available.

Additional School Service
Each family must complete:

• 10 additional school service hours

These hours may be earned through approved school events, activities, programs, and service opportunities.

Total Annual Requirement
Each family is responsible for a total of:

• 15 Bingo hours
• 4 Parish festival hours
• 10 Additional school service hours
• 29 Total service hours

Bingo, parish festival, and additional school service requirements are separate. Extra hours completed in one category may not automatically replace hours required in another category unless approved in advance by school administration.

St. Bernard School is pleased to participate once again in the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) Tuition Assistance Program for new students. Applications are available now and will remain open through April 2027.

If you know a family looking for a school with a strong academic foundation centered in Christ, we encourage you to refer them to St. Bernard School. Your recommendation is one of the greatest gifts you can give another family.

CEF applications are available in the School Office or can be downloaded using the link below.

Thank you for helping our St. Bernard family continue to grow!

St. Bernard School offers tuition assistance through the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) for eligible returning students.

Families must submit a new CEF application each spring for the upcoming school year. Tuition assistance does not automatically renew from one year to the next.

Applications and supporting documents must be completed by the required deadline to be considered for an award.

CEF applications are available in the School Office or can be downloaded using the link below.

St. Bernard School chooses uniforms for their students because:

• Encourages distinctions of character and personality instead of appearance
• Places emphasis on learning, not clothing
• Reduces peer pressure and social stigmas
• Equalizes economic diversity
• Allows for cohesive presentation as a group
• A simple dress code and uniform allow teachers to enforce the code equally
• Lowers long-term clothing costs
• Facilitates security by identifying outsiders
• Enhances school spirit
• Simplifies dressing and dress code

St. Bernard School dress code is intended to instill modesty, good grooming habits, and neatness in appearance. It is to maintain a proper academic environment within the school and reduce superficial competitiveness so that character rather than appearance can be the focus.

Students are expected to come to school appropriately dressed at all times, with clean and in-order clothing.

The parent is responsible for ensuring the child can be and is in uniform each day.

• There should be no holes in, or stains on, the uniform
• Students wear clothing in proportion to their body size
• Tattoos, both temporary and permanent, are not allowed
• Fingernails are clean and trimmed.

In order to facilitate lost-and-found items so they may be returned to their rightful owner, names should be written on all clothing.

School is no place for make up jewelry, nail polish, or artificial or sculptured nails. Costume jewelry may not be worn, and the school will not be held responsible for missing items. Smart watches are not allowed. Girls may wear one pair of stud earrings worn in the lobes only, and one simple necklace of a religious nature is the only jewelry that is permitted.

Hairstyles: St, Bernard School expects proper grooming for all students. The school embraces traditional hairstyles and haircuts. It is the parent's responsibility to monitor their children's hairstyles.

• Boys’ haircuts must be evenly layered with no discernible lines or designs. Hair must be above the ears, eyebrows, and one inch above the collar. Cuts should be neat and trimmed. Boys must always be clean-shaven.
• Girls are never permitted to wear make-up or nail polish. All hair accessories must be the color of the plaid of the uniform.

For the 2026-2027 school year, the school will have Michael's Uniform as the only approved vendor to sell the school's uniform.

Michael's Uniform

You may place an online order through their Website Link

All parents who will be helping at school or parish event must be fingerprinted cleared and VIRTUS train. Once parent is cleared then can participate as chaperons help at school and parish events.

Click of the monthly calendar for dates and places hosting.

Register online or call the place to reserve your spot for the training. Classes begin on time, they don't accept later arrivals.

St. Bernard School –School ID Code: 26431
Important: Do not use the district code to create your account. You must use the personalized invitation link sent to your email.

Step 1: Check your email for the FACTS Tuition Management invitation sent to the email address we have on file in Gradelink.
Step 2: Open the email and click the secure invitation link.
Step 3: Click the blue button "Set Up a Payment & Pay Re-Enrollment Fee."
Step 4: Create your username and password.
Step 5: Get and copy the verification code, then go back to your account.
Step 6: Verify your account using the confirmation email sent by FACTS.
Step 7: Log in to your FACTS account.
Step 8: Select your tuition payment plan:

• 10-Month Plan: July – April
• 11-Month Plan: July – May

We are happy to help!

Miss. Volz sbsoffice@stbernardcatholicschool.com.

Miss. Arciniega sbsaccounts@stbernardcatholicschool.com

ClassDojo is the school communication platform that teachers, students, and families use every day to build close-knit communities by sharing what's happening at school and in the classroom.

• School-wide Communication on School Story
• Newsletters, calendars, announcements, events, and reminders are posted to our School Story
• Fundraising Forms are posted
• Teachers share photos and videos of the classroom activities.
• Private Messaging
• Instant translation

Let's Get connected!

1. Download the app ClassDojo App Link
2. Sign up as a parent
3. Use the following School's Link! SB's School Story Link
4. Type in your child's name and your child's homeroom teacher will approve your connection.

School’s Office Hours

8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. M-T-TH-F

8:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. Wednesdays

Facebook Page: St. Bernard School, Bellflower

Instagram: st.bernard.school

Email: sbsoffice@stbernardcatholicschool.com
Website: www.stbernardcatholicschool.com
Location: St. Bernard School, Bellflower, 9626 Park St, Bellflower, CA 90706
Phone: 562-867-9410

Contact Form: Link