THE MESSENGER January 13, 2017 staopcs.org

Congratulations to our Geography Bee Winners!

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear School Families, We always have plenty to celebrate! Congratulations to Mrs. Birsinger's class for being the first class to reach 100% participation in The Fund for St. Anthony! They enjoyed a dance party this week. Everyone enjoyed ice cream at lunch celebrating the Fund topping our third goal of $120,000. Congratulations to the winners of our school Geo Bee for this year! We are thrilled to have 69 members already signed up for our STEPS for Students team. Auction Gala sign-up parties are filling up as well. We ended the week with an awesome Pep Rally to kick off next week’s Spirit Week for basketball. Our Discipleship message for the week is about trust in God. Problems and obstacles are all around us, like waves on the ocean. Some days are difficult and are a challenge to get through. We sometimes find ourselves bobbing up and down in the water just trying to survive. What does God tell us about these times? Joshua 1:9 says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." God wants us to trust in Him because He already knows what the future holds. How many of us worry about something that has not even happened yet? How many times do we forget to invite God in to help with our struggles and fears? We need to remember that He is always with us. He gives us strength and courage to face whatever challenges come our way. He will turn our worries and fears into confidence and peace, if we let Him. SAOP offers two exceptional opportunities for a child’s early childhood educational experience. Our school and the Little Saints Early Childhood Program both provide loving Catholic environments that foster a lifelong love of learning. For years, both have been assigned to the supervision of Mrs. Nunez, as the parish Director of Education. It has been a goal to find ways to bring the programs closer together operating as "one department" in serving the educational needs of our parishioners. After months of research, discussion, reflection and prayer we are happy to announce initial plans: 

Little Saints is now included on the school website bringing education together.

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Parishioners will be given priority in registration for Little Saints rather than utilizing a lottery system for openings.

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The School Advisory Committee has assumed responsibility for Little Saints policies, approval of tuition/fees, compensation & budget as it does for the school.

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The school’s Pre-K classes will move from half-day to full-day, 5 days a week in ’17-‘18. Little Saints will remain 9 am to 2 pm with 3-day and 2-day options. Check next week’s Messenger for details on the full-day Pre-K program!

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Little Saints & SAOPCS Pre-K will use the same religion series in ‘17-‘18. The programs will continue to collaborate on curriculum for the future.

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A comparison chart highlighting the distinctions of both programs is available on our website at www.staopcs.org. We encourage families to review this when making decisions on which program best fits their needs.

Change is never easy, but bringing two already excellent programs closer together to serve the needs of our community in a better way is good for our children and for our parish. Over time unity and collaboration will bring strength and erase lingering perceptions of competition. We are extremely excited about the possibilities and look forward to seeing where God leads us next! Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mrs. Petillo and her family as they grieve the unexpected loss of her father last Friday. Reports cards for the 2nd quarter are being released today through email. Re-enrollment for ‘17-’18 opens on January 23rd. It's online this year so stay in touch with The Messenger, email and social media for details. Our annual celebration of National Catholic Schools Week begins on the 29th and we look forward to joining Catholic schools across the nation in celebrating the blessings of Catholic education. We hope you all enjoy the 3-day holiday weekend ahead.

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

2017-2017 Registration Information Campus Tours of Common Areas

Registration Timeline

Thursday, January 12 | 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 19 | 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26 | 10:00 a.m.

Monday, January 23 | Registration Opens for Returning Families Wednesday, February 1 | Registration Closes for Returning Families Monday, February 6 | Registration Opens for New Students Wednesday, February 15 | Registration Closes for New Students Saturday, February 25 | Screening Day for New Student Applicants Friday, March 10 | Decision Emails Sent

Future Family Open House Thursday, February 2 | 6:30 p.m.

January/February 2017 Calendar Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

16

17

18

19

20

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—NO SCHOOL

Spirit Day at California Pizza Kitchen! Must bring flyer available on our website.

Parent–led Rosary (en Español), 2:30 p.m.

Campus Tours, 10 a.m.

23

24

Registration opens for Returning Families Parent–led Rosary, 8:15 a.m.

Love & Logic, 1 p.m.

Mission Matters Parent Meeting, 8:15 a.m.

25

26

27

Parent–led Rosary (en Español), 2:30 p.m.

Campus Tours, 10 a.m.

$1 T-shirt & Jean Day benefiting Feed My Starving Children

Love & Logic, 1 p.m.

Mission Matters Parent Meeting, 8:15 a.m.

100th Day of School! Registration Closes for Returning Families

30

31

Parent–led Rosary, 8:15 a.m. Early Release (10:30, 2:15, 2:30)

1

2

3

Parent–led Rosary (en Español), 2:30 p.m.

Campus Tours, 10 a.m.

Spaghetti Dinner Saturday, Feb. 4 4—8 p.m.

Love & Logic, 1 p.m. Future Family Open House, 6:30 p.m.

National Catholic Schools Week—see page 5 for details

ALL–SCHOOL NEWS Mission Matters: Points of Discussion

SPIRIT DAY

Mission Matters: POD is a parent–seminar series that is presented by our Administration.

You must bring the flyer to receive 20% of your purchase contributed back to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. You can download and print the flyer here! We also have flyers available at the front desk. Thank you for supporting our Spirit Days!

“Communicate & Celebrate” January 18th 8:15 a.m. Join us for coffee and a preview of our 2nd half of the year!

Mission Matters: Points of Discussion Mission Matters: POD is a parent–seminar series that is presented by our Administration. "Safety & Crisis Management (Carpool Changes)" January 25th, 8:15 a.m.

2B 1B 8A

LOVE AND LOGIC PARENT TRAINING Starting Thursday, January 12th Training is six weeks long and will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Life Building Room 204. Love and Logic helps raise responsible kids and provides simple and practical techniques to help parents with kids of all ages. Love and Logic is a philosophy founded in 1977 by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D. It is the approach of choice among leading educators, parents, and other professionals worldwide. Please contact Janay O’Connor, School Counselor at joconnor@staopcs.org or (832) 482-4168 to participate! MIDDLE SCHOOL WRITING LEADERS 2nd Quarter 6th—Rebeca Amparan, Collin Dufrene, Samantha Ros, Christopher Poisler

NURSE’S NOTES 01-10-17 01-11-17 01-13-17

Join us for Spirit Day at California Pizza Kitchen on Tuesday, January 17th!

Strep Throat Strep Throat Influenza

7th—Isa Guzman, Rachel Strapp, John Hill, Sarah Page 8th—Michael Day, Matias Ramirez de Alva, Will Rizzo, Emily Nelli

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2017 January 29th—February 4th We are celebrating Catholic Schools week using the national themes provided by the National Catholic Educational Association while also recognizing the charisms of our Patron Saint, St. Anthony of Padua. Join us in celebrating this special week.

Sunday, January 29 | In Our Parish Students are encouraged to wear their uniforms to Mass; Greeters & Ushers are needed for 11 a.m. Mass— sign-up to help serve! Sign-up Genius Monday, January 30 | In Our Community | Charism of Mercy Classroom Penny Drive begins: Students are encouraged to collect and donate pennies in their classrooms throughout Catholic Schools Week. Collected funds will be donated to Catholic Charities of Houston. Tuesday, January 31 | Celebrating Our Students | Charism of Voluntary Poverty Pajama Day!* *As on all Free Dress days, clothing must be modest and appropriate. Please refer to Family Handbook for further guidelines. Wednesday, February 1 | Celebrating the Nation | Charism of Understanding Classroom Poster Contest featuring American Saints & Cathedrals Students will sit with their Paduan Pods at weekly Mass. Thursday, February 2 | Celebrating Vocations | Charism of Knowledge Dress Your Vocation!* What will you be when you “grow up”!? *As on all Free Dress days, clothing must be modest and appropriate. Please refer to Family Handbook for further guidelines. Friday, February 3 | Celebrating Faculty, Staff & Volunteers | Charism of Faith Show your favorite staff member love by praying for them! Saturday, February 4 | Celebrating Families Join us for the 8th Grade Spaghetti Dinner from 4—8 p.m. in Bishop Sheltz Hall to support the Legacy Scholarship Fund

8TH GRADE CLASS GIFT

This year’s 8th graders are introducing, as its 2016–2017 Class Gift, The Legacy Scholarship Fund which encompasses a full tuition scholarship presented to a student in financial need for the 2017–2018 school year. In essence, our 8th graders will be “paying it forward” by raising funds for tuition and fees to be used next school year. To accomplish this goal, they will be hosting a School–Wide/Parish–Wide Spaghetti Dinner! Mark your calendars and plan on joining us for this festive evening as we raise funds for a very worthy cause...all happening during Catholic Schools Week. Special thanks to our major donor: Daniel Miranda of Laranxa Cater & Bites

STEPS FOR STUDENTS

FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 What is Steps for Students? Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk welcomes runners and walkers of all ages across the Archdiocese of Galveston–Houston to enjoy a USATF sanctioned 5K race and day of family fun in support of our Catholic schools! Why should we participate

STEPS FOR STUDENTS SCHOOL–WIDE GOALS 50 team registrants: Student registrants who are registered to participate by Feb. 5th will silly string administration on an episode of DNN (Dolphin News Network). - GOAL MET! 75+ team registrants: All students will enjoy a week of music at lunch. VERY CLOSE TO GOAL! UPCOMING STEPS FOR STUDENTS EVENTS:

in Steps for Students? Because you know that Catholic schools are making a difference in the lives of our students and in our communities. How do I sign–up? Online Registration for Steps for Students is now open—click here to join the St. Anthony of Padua team! Already registered? Yay! We can’t wait to see you on February 18th! Be sure to encourage your students to ask friends and family to support their participation in Steps for Students through their online fundraising page!

Registration Fee Increases to $25 Wednesday, February 1st Free Shoe Day Friday, February 10th All students are encouraged to wear shoes of their choice (following dress code guidelines) to show support for Steps for Students and Catholic education. $5 Free Dress Day Benefitting the STAOPCS Team Friday, February 17th All students will be encouraged to bring $5 for free dress to show their support of the STAOPCS Steps for Students team. Steps Participation Day Tuesday, February 21st All students who participated in the Steps for Students 5K on Saturday, February 18, 2017, (either walking/running or volunteering) will be encouraged to wear their Steps shirt/ jeans/shoes of their choice (following dress code guidelines) to school.

FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY HELP OUR STUDENTS CELEBRATE OUR SUCCESS!

Thank you to all of the families

When we reach our Fund for St. Anthony school–wide goals this year students will be able to celebrate too!

who have helped

$40,000 –15 minutes of extra recess GOAL MET!

$120,000 Fund

$80,000 – Free Dress Day GOAL MET!

for St. Anthony

$120,000 – Ice Cream at Lunch GOAL MET! $150,000 – Free Dress with Kona Ice

us reach our

Goal! Students loved their ice cream treats!

Additional Classes that reach 100% participation in the Fund for St. Anthony will receive a Free Dress Day! Overall family participation in the Fund is currently at 55%.

Beacon of Light Mr. Virgil Brady Mr. and Mrs. David Doucet Mr. and Mrs. Shane Fruge Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Girotto The Hardham Family

THE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY Partners in Mission Shaune Stauffer Principal's Guild Melony and B.J. Bergeron Lan and Steven Brady Heidi and John Bong Dr. and Mrs. Robert Cook–Norris

Mr. and Mrs. Zoltan Hazos Mr. and Mrs. Mario Mendez

Circle of Saints Anonymous (2) The Abib Family Ileana and Alfredo Amparan Abby and Geoff Beatty Carey and Michael Bell Angela and Mark Coscio Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo De Aguirre Sarah and Joe Fedele Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Fedoruk Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Franklin Mr. and Mrs. Karl Hansen The Hernandez–Parks Family Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Knopp

Mr. and Mrs. Lane Lease The Lorenzetti Family The Martin Family Catherine and Mark Miller Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Nahigian Mr. and Mrs. Navarro Mr. and Mrs. Nate Olsen The Hardham Family The Hernandez–Parks Family Dr. and Dr. Jason Piefer Mr. and Mrs. Jose Ramirez Mr. and Mrs. Jason Rivers D’Ette and Frank Sommers Mr. and Mrs. David Tressel Mr. and Mrs. Brian Velardo Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wells Lynice and Michael Wing Mr. and Mrs. Bart Wittmer

FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY Pam and Ronnie Bilnoski Mr. and Mrs. Tony Birsinger Ms. Cortney Bishop Blue & Green Club Mr. and Mrs. Tim Booth Marianne and Mark Baca Mr. and Mrs. Mark Boyd Mr. and Mrs. Eric Burbage Mr. and Mrs. John Brandon Rosalia and Brian Burke Mr. and Mrs. Hal Brumfield Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Dixon Mr. and Mrs. Craig Burch Mr. and Mrs. William Evans Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Carson Alicia and Mark Filley Mr. Nestor Cayanan Matt and Jill Gregory Mr. and Mrs. James Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Thor Gunnlaugsson Mr. and Mrs. Brian Coomes Mr. Gordon Kloesel Crust Pizza Alden Bridge Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Martinez Mr. and Mrs. Dan Cunningham Eva and Patrick McKenna Ms. Liz Curtin Mr. and Mrs. Brett Merritt Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Dalton The Nunez Family Mr. and Mrs. Jerod Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Steve Parsons Deacon Baldy’s The Strecker Family Ms. Courtney Dewlen Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo De Azevedo Mr. and Mrs. William Walker Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dohm Ms. Emily Domingo Friends of St. Anthony Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dompnier Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Betancourt Mr. and Mrs. Perry Dueitt Anna Marie and Paul Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dykes Mr. and Mrs. Matthew White Mrs. Suzanne Ettman Mr. and Mrs. Greg Childress Dr. and Mrs. Mark Filley Mr. and Mrs. Paul Coleman Tammy and Carey Fishman Mr. and Mrs. Mario Cruz Ms. Laura Foy The Delangel–Aguilar Family Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flynn The Enia Family Dr. and Mrs. Peter Gambertoglio Kathleen Graff Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Giannotti Paula and Mark Lee Mr. and Mrs. Mark Glanville Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McIninch Ms. Kari Golden Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Melchiorre Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Gregory Stacey and Brett Merritt Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Gomez Mr. and Mrs. Mitsutaka Nakao Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Harwood Mr. and Mrs. Joe Newcomb Mr. Daniel Hayden Mrs. Ramona Ortiz–Stamps Mr. and Mrs. Matt Hebert The Richards Family Mr. and Mrs. John Held Mary and Mike Ross Mr. and Mrs. Doug Hill Kendall and Mark Shamas Betty and David Hollas Mr. and Mrs. William Stamps Mr. and Mrs. Joey Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stevens Tracy and Samir Honnekeri Mr. and Mrs. Fergie Theriault The Ibrahim Family Mr. and Mrs. Brian Usner Mr. and Mrs. Danny Word Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Waterman Mr. and Mrs. Clint Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Whatley Mr. and Mrs. Pete Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Matthew White Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Babu Kuttarappallil Mr. Thomas Juranek Supporters of St. Anthony Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Kemp Anonymous (3) Mr. and Mrs. John Kiliddjian Mrs. Charlotte Aldrich Mr. and Mrs. Jay Kinch Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Alvey Miss Skyler Knight Mr. and Mrs. Danny Amador Mr. and Mrs. Michael Koett Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Bartels Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kowalchuk Melita and Neven Krstulovic Opara Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Bayer Mr. and Mrs. Babu Kuttarappallil Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Beatty The Kwiatkowski Family Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Beirne Mary Beth and Joel Larkin Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bierbaum Mr. and Mrs. Shane Leahey

PADUAN PATRONS

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Leddy Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Otero Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Leslie Mr. Steve Long and Mrs. Susan Smith

LouLou's Beignets Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Loyo Mr. and Mrs. Lane Lyons Mr. and Mrs. Brian Mackenzie Miss Kimberly Mallet Mr. and Mrs. Tony Marchbanks Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Marsan Marie Mater Mr. and Mrs. Cristofer Mattern Mr. and Mrs. Clay McCollor Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mckinney Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Miller Courtnie and Kevin Mims Mrs. Sarah Mixon Mr. and Mrs. Craig Moorman Miss Cadence Moorman Dr. and Mrs. Michael Morris Mr. and Mrs. Ken Motsenbocker Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Mullis Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Naeher Brigitte and Nguyen Nguyen Ms. Carah Nunez Mr. and Mrs. Tommy O'Connor Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O'Hare Mr. and Mrs. James O'Neill Mr. and Mrs. Cesar Ortiz Garza Mr. and Mrs. Fazil Osman Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Otero Mr. Toby Pacheco Mr. and Mrs. John Page Panera Bread Ms. Kristi Parks Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Walker Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Pavlock Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pawelek Ms. Selina Perez Nicole Petillo Aida and Robert Picone Miss Chloe Porras Ms. Meghan Preuss Mr. and Mrs. Dale Quickel Fr. Tom Rafferty Mr. and Mrs. Mauricio Ramirez Dr. Alisa Reed Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Reyes Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rios Mr. and Mrs. Bernardo Roblesgil Mr. and Mrs. Gaston Rodriguez Mr. and Mrs. Rolando Rodriguez Ms. Christina Samay Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Sanchez Mr. and Mrs. Raul Sanchez Leon Mr. and Mrs. Don Schenk School Advisory Committee Shankz Golf Mr. and Mrs. Michael Selles Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Smith STAOPCS Student Council

Mr. and Mrs. David Stevens Judi Strapp Kelly and Brett Sturgeon Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Strobel Mr. and Mrs. Tajong Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Toomey Mr. and Mrs. Brian Twellman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vacek Mr. and Mrs. Valerio Mr. and Mrs. Tom Vicknair Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Walker Mr. and Mrs. Barton West Mr. and Mrs. George Williams Mr. and Mrs. Harry Winslow Ms. Cathy Wogan Mr. and Mrs. Danny Word Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wunch Mr. and Mrs. Ken Yu Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Zion

Matching Gifts Shell Oil Company Foundation Apache Corporation

ATHLETICS SPRING SPORTS! SAOPCS Spring Sports Sign–ups are going on NOW. The Deadline is: Friday, January 20th.

Baseball – Boys: Grades 7th & 8th – Practices and Home games will be held at Spring Klein Baseball Park (field 7), 22418 Rothwood Rd, Spring, TX 77389

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The first practice is Monday, February 6th @ 4–6 p.m.

Softball – Girls: Grades 6th, 7th & 8th – Practices and Games will be held at Alden Bridge Sports Complex, 4751 TX 242 The Woodlands, TX 77382.

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The first practice is Monday, February 6th @ 4–6 p.m.

Track – Boys & Girls: Grades 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th —Practices are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4– 6 p.m.—at The Woodlands High School 9th Grade Campus, 10010 Branch Crossing Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77382. Meets will be held at various schools throughout the Houston area – TBA

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The first practice is Wednesday, February 1 @ 4—6 p.m.

Please return your commitment forms to Mr. Quickel as soon as possible. Spring Sports Sign-up form is found in ParentsWeb under Resources. Sign-up form deadline is Friday, January 20th.

16TH ANNUAL GALA Our Special Gala Edition of The Messenger was sent on Monday, Jan. 9th—Please click here to read. Sign-up parties are open for registration! Please visit the Gala website to see all of our offerings at 501auctions.com/ staopcs. NEW Couples Parties were added this week: A Brazilian Rodizio Party and a Tequila Tasting & Karaoke Party! HOW CAN YOU HELP? Donate to the auction - We are accepting donations for all areas of the auction! New this year: We have conveniently set up a gift registry at Amazon.com. Additionally, maybe you have a vacation home to offer or tickets to the theater or a sporting event; these are always popular items! Or you can collaborate with other families and put together a big-ticket item, such as a trip, a painting class for girlfriends, use your imagination! Whatever you choose to donate, you can submit your items easily through our auction website! Thank you for your support of this fun event!!

AROUND STAOPCS

4th Grade Moving Crust Lab! Book Buddies with Little Saints 1A Pizza & Dance Party!

Our Varsity Basketball team earned 2nd Place at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Varsity Basketball Tournament

Winter Sports Pep Rally Fun!

AROUND OUR PARISH

REGISTRATION JAN. 21ST FROM 11:30-1:30 PM ONLY