As the ease and relaxation of summer begins to wind down, we are all beginning to gear up for a focused fall. That starts this month as all Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood schools will look to begin the 2026-2027 school year on a positive note.
First Day of School
For students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools students will begin classes on Monday, August 24. Preschool students across all CPS schools will begin the following day, on Tuesday, August 25.
The first day varies at the neighborhood’s parochial schools. Christ the King and St. Cajetan will hold their first days on Wednesday, August 19, both scheduling half-days with the first full days occurring on Thursday, August 20. St. Barnabas’ first half day will be on the 20th, with a full-day planned for Friday, August 21. St. Walter-St. Benedict will start the following week, with the first half-day scheduled for Tuesday, August 25 and first full-day on Wednesday, August 26.
Ice Cream Social Celebrations
Both St. Cajetan and St. Barnabas will hold ice cream socials to ring in the new school year. St. Barnabas has theirs planned from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 and St. Cajetan will have one during their packet pickup from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, August 17.
MPHS Orientations
Morgan Park High School has shared important information on orientations planned for the start of the school year. Academic center orientation will be Thursday, August 6; incoming 9th grade student orientation is Thursday, August 13 and returning student orientation is Thursday, August 20.
St. Barnabas Names New Principal
The next principal at St. Barnabas Elementary School is no stranger to the community. Grace Sadowski has officially been placed into the role on a permanent basis, the school announced in a social media post over the summer.
“It is truly the honor of a lifetime to continue to serve the community that has become my home and my heart,” Sadowski told The Villager. “The future of St. Barnabas is incredibly bright because of the people who have built this community over the years and those who continue to dedicate themselves to our school and parish every day.”
Sadowski has been at St. Barnabas for 15 years, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and, most recently, interim principal. She holds a Master of Arts in educational leadership and administration from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, with a minor in early childhood, from Saint Mary’s College.
“As we begin this new chapter, Ms. Sadowski is committed to building on the strong traditions that make St. Barnabas so special, while leading us into the future with faith, joy and purpose,” the school said in a statement. “Her deep love for Catholic education and unwavering commitment to our students, families, faculty, parish and community will continue to guide St. Barnabas for generations to come.”
Sadowski added, “As I begin this new role, my hope is that St. Barnabas will always be known as a place where faith, joy, belonging, and academic excellence flourish. To our students, families, teachers, and staff, thank you for your trust, prayers, and unwavering support. I look forward with gratitude and excitement for all that is to come!”
MPA Theatre Camp Brings the Performing Arts to Life
Morgan Park Academy’s Summer Performing Arts Intensive this summer gave students in grades 2–8 an immersive introduction to the collaborative world of theatre, culminating in a dynamic showcase performance that highlighted four weeks of creativity, hard work and artistic growth.
More than simply rehearsing a show, campers explored every major aspect of theatrical production, including acting, singing, dancing, technical theatre, backstage operations, stage management and professional theatre etiquette.
Throughout the program, students rotated through daily workshops that allowed them to develop performance skills while also gaining hands-on experience with lighting, sound and behind-the-scenes production. Every participant had the opportunity to shine both onstage and off, building an appreciation for the many roles that bring a theatrical performance to life.
The final showcase brought families and fellow campers together to celebrate everything the students had accomplished. Featuring choreography, staging, lighting, sound cues, and polished performances, the production reflected the teamwork, confidence and dedication campers developed throughout the summer. Designed as a showcase rather than a fully licensed production, the performance gave students the freedom to creatively demonstrate the skills they had learned in a supportive and engaging environment.
Beyond the applause, the program fostered collaboration, communication and self-confidence while teaching the value of preparation, professionalism and ensemble work. The Summer Performing Arts Intensive proved to be an unforgettable experience that empowered young performers and technicians alike to discover new talents and share them proudly with the community.
