The Messenger - January 26, 2018

THE MESSENGER January 26, 2018 staopcs.org

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. -Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear STAOPCS Families, We're excited about kicking off our annual celebration of National Catholic Schools Week on Sunday.

We are asking students to wear official uniforms to Mass this weekend no matter which Mass or church they attend. Show your support for Catholic Schools and St. Anthony of Padua! Check the week’s schedule and join the celebration.

Our school calendar has been updated and posted to show our two makeup days for the ice/snow last week. We will have classes on Monday, February 19th and the last day of classes for PreK-7th will be Friday, June 1st. Without any other closures we’ll be able to maintain scheduled holidays. Remember that flu season is still upon us! Let’s keep working together to keep the number of flu cases from growing.

A reminder that re-registration for 2018-2019 continues online through Wednesday, January 31st for returning families. Tuition and fees were shared last Friday. We're already making plans for next year and hope that you will be here with us to see what the new school year will bring. Please spread the word that registration will open to new applicants on Monday, February 5th.

Our discipleship message as we look forward to National Catholic Schools Week asks a question: What would a Catholic school without discipleship be? The answer is easy - it would be a school without Christ. There are three things that are important to being a disciple of Christ: loving God, loving people, and making disciples. Loving God starts with making time for Him in our day and honoring Him in our words and actions. Loving people starts with those closest to us – our friends here at school and our family members. That love for people can grow and extend into the community and beyond – taking care of the poor, the lonely, and the oppressed. From the start, God showed us that being a disciple is all about making disciples. The Church teaches us that we live our faith and grow in faith by sharing it with others. That’s what discipleship is all about. It is discipleship and having Christ with us each and every day that makes our school a Catholic school. National Catholic Schools Week starts on Sunday and gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our school community here at SAOP. We hope you will join us in our week long celebration.

Don’t forget to sign up for STEPS for Students. We want our presence known downtown among the other Catholic schools in the Archdiocese on February 17th. Registration goes up after February 1. We need 96 more team members to reach 200 so Mrs. Nunez can kiss a pig on DNN! Father Tom, Mrs. Leddy, Mrs. Shamas, Mrs. Cunningham and Mrs. Tressel have all signed up! Remember you can walk, run or even snooze and support our school!

We gather at table with our parish family this weekend for Mass where we will hear in the Mark’s Gospel that Jesus has power over evil and anything that can harm us. Maybe we’ll attend the same Mass and get to see you there. God's blessings to everyone for a great National Catholic Schools Week!

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

FOLLOW US @STAOPCS ON:

IMPORTANT REMINDERS MAKE-UP DAYS Our school calendar has been updated and posted to show our two make-up days for the ice/snow last week. We will have classes on Monday, February 19th and the last day of classes for PreK7th will be Friday, June 1st. Click here to view the revised calendar.

As always, safety is one of our biggest priorities and we’d like to remind you of some important habits that will help to keep our children protected, and ensure our car line remains efficient. Here are a few reminders: 

Please DO NOT get out of your car. We are there to help your children get in and out of your car, load and unload backpacks, etc. Our middle school and most of our upper elementary students can do this independently.

Remaining in your car is safer and much more efficient.

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Please do not drive around a car that is still loading or unloading. This is extremely dangerous.

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For the safety of our children, use the designated southeast parking lot on the east side of the church to walk your students to school or pick-up from Sheltz Hall. The northeast lot is for Middle School students and siblings ONLY.

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Please remind babysitters, caregivers, and relatives of proper car line procedures. If you need a refresher on our car line, we encourage you to watch our video here: staopcs.org/arrival-and-dismissal-video.

Thank you sincerely for your partnership in ensuring a safe campus!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 CALENDAR Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

29

30

31

1

2

$1 T-shirt & Jean Day to benefit PACN

Registration closes for returning students

Love & Logic, 1 p.m.

Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

Mass (7-2), 9 a.m.

Boys Varsity Basketball Playoff Game, 5 p.m.

Rosary (en Espanol), 2:30 p.m Future Family Open House, 6:30 p.m.

NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - SEE PG. 9 5

6

Registration opens for new students Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

7

8

9

Mass (5A), 9 a.m.

Love & Logic, 1 p.m.

Spring Pictures

Early Release Day (2:15/2:30 p.m.)

Rosary (en Espanol), 2:30 p.m

Spirit Day: Crust Pizza (to benefit 8th grade class gift), 11 a.m.– 9 p.m.

12

13

14

15

16

Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

Box Tops Due

Ash Wednesday

PTC Wizard (conferences) opens, 9 a.m.

$5 Free Dress Day benefiting Steps for Students!

Love & Logic, 1 p.m.

STAOPCS Fish Fry & Stations of the Cross

Early Childhood Mardi Registration closes for Gras Parade, 2:00 new students p.m.

Mass (5B), 9 a.m.

Rosary (en Espanol), 2:30 p.m.

INTERNET SAFETY WEEK

REGISTRATION INFORMATION 2018-2019 Registration Information Campus Tours of Common Areas

Registration Timeline

Thursday, January 11 | 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 18 | 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 25 | 10:00 a.m.

Monday, January 22 | Registration Opens for Returning Families Wednesday, January 31 | Registration Closes for Returning Families Monday, February 5| Registration Opens for New Students Wednesday, February 14 | Registration Closes for New Students Saturday, February 24 | Screening Day for New Student Applicants Friday, March 9 | Decision Emails Sent

Future Family Open House Thursday, February 1 | 6:30 p.m.

ONLINE RE–ENROLLMENT FOR RETURNING STUDENTS THOUGH PARENTSWEB©:  Re–enrollment for returning students is Monday, January 22 – Wednesday, January 31.  You will receive an email on Monday when your re–enrollment packet is ready on your ParentsWeb© account.  If you have not created a ParentsWeb© account, directions will be in the email you receive when your packet is ready.  This process allows you to complete your student’s re–enrollment for the 2018– 2019 school year online.  Detailed instructions will guide you through the process.

FACTS© TUITION MANAGEMENT: We continue our partnership with FACTS© Management Company to help us manage our tuition payment program, financial aid assessment and incidental billing. We believe this program offers greater efficiency and financial stability for the school while providing conveniences to families.  Payment Plans: You will be able to choose from different payment plans that best suit your family’s needs. Automatic payments can be made from a checking or savings account or from a variety of credit cards.  Convenience & Security: Along with different payment plan options, your payments are processed securely through a bank-to-bank transaction.  Peace of Mind Insurance: FACTS© offers this optional benefit for only $20 per year per family. In the event of death of the Responsible Party or spouse, the remaining tuition balance owed for the current school year is paid to the school.  Consumer Account: You may check your personal account or make payments online from the convenience of your home or office anytime.

If you have any questions or require assistance contact Cathy Russell at: crussell@staopcs.org.

2018-2019 TUITION ASSISTANCE St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is pleased to offer two options for tuition assistance for the 20182019 school year – the St. Anthony of Padua Tuition Grant Program and the Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program.

St. Anthony of Padua Tuition Grant Program

Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program

Available to:

St. Anthony of Padua Parishioners

Any Catholic School Student

Grade Levels

K – 8th

K – 8th

Qualifications

Economic Need

Economic Need

Limitations

Limited to a portion of tuition only – usually no more than 50%

Range from $500 to $2500 per family towards tuition only

DUE DATE

March 31, 2018

February 9, 2018 (90% of available funds will be distributed)

Families applying for financial aid will need to complete an application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Note that after the due dates additional monies may not be available. The only applications that will be considered after these dates will be those of an emergency nature – loss of job, serious medical situations, change in family status, etc.

Applicants apply online by clicking the following link—FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Once an online application has been completed, the following required information must be uploaded in PDF format or faxed to 866-315-9264.  Copies of your most recent Federal tax form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ including all supporting tax schedules  Copies of your 2017 W-2 forms for both you and your spouse  Copies of supporting documentation for Social Security Income, Welfare, Child Support, Food Stamps, Workers Compensation & TANF FACTS will report to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and the Archdiocese showing the amount a family can reasonably be expected to pay towards tuition. The sole purpose of the report will be for the awarding of available funds. This information will be held in strictest confidence. The SAOP Tuition Grant Committee including the principal and pastor will award grants for the SAOP Tuition Grant Program.

There will be no actual transfer of funds to the family if assistance is allocated. Instead the funds will be credited to the family’s tuition account. Families will be responsible for the balance of tuition to be paid in accordance with the tuition and fees policy. In the genuine spirit of Christian sharing, if during the school year a family receiving a grant becomes financially able to attend school without financial assistance, that family is expected to pay the remaining tuition, thus allowing aid to be extended to another family in need.

A family receiving a tuition grant must provide volunteer services to the school in support of various school activities. Families receiving tuition grants will be required to document volunteer activities at mid-year and, if applicable, as part of the application process for the following school year.

A Catholic school education is an investment in the future and we appreciate the opportunity to serve your family’s educational needs. If you have questions please contact Cathy Russell at crussell@staopcs.org.

ALL–SCHOOL NEWS BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL PLAYOFF GAME MONDAY, JAN. 29 | 5:00 PM. Come out and support your Dolphins! Students attending the game can stop by the concession stand for a free spirit item and free cup of popcorn. We hope to see you there!

SPIRIT DAY Crust Pizza—Benefits 8th grade class gift!

Wednesday, Feb. 7th | 11 a.m.—9 p.m.

Must mention STAOPCS 8000 Research Forest Drive, Suite 340 The Woodlands, TX 77382

UNIFORMS Due to the closure of Parker Uniforms this is an excellent time to sort through used uniforms at home and here at school. Please consider donating items you aren’t using, and visiting our used uniforms to find items you need. We also have limited sweatshirts and fleece jackets in stock. Contact Emily Booth if you need any of these items for your students!

JANUARY WRITING LEADERS 1ST GRADE-Christopher O’Connor, George Tamas, Ricky Bucio

NURSE’S NOTES Just a reminder that the flu is active in our immediate area! In addition to the efforts made at school, please help us prevent spreading the flu by being pro-active!

4TH GRADE-Anderson Dufrene, Christopher Ross, Riley Martin, Barrett LeMaster

Nurse notes for 01-22-18 to 01-25-18: 01-22-18 PK4A & KB Reported case of strep throat 01-23-18 PK4A Reported case of the flu 01-25-18 PK4A Flu like virus (but tested negative for flu)

5TH GRADE-Izzy Coscio, Cooper Hansen, Anna Bong, Brooke Larkin

**please note we have had a few cases of a tummy bug, but each has been a little different and we have several out with viruses, colds, coughs, etc.**

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES* *Parents—Make sure you are logging your Paduan Points in ParentsWeb.

YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK MASS—JAN. 28TH

Who? Any student from 4th-8th grade can participate in this contest.

Greeters & Ushers are needed for 11 a.m. Mass—sign–up to help serve! .Jan. 28 Mass Sign–up Genius FISH FRY & STATIONS OF THE CROSS—FEB. 16 PARENTS: There are opportunities below to bring in baked goods for selling at the fish fry.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: There are service opportunities to assist the Knights during the fish fry at the baked goods table.

FAMILIES: There are opportunities below to participate in Stations of the Cross.

Fish Fry & Stations Sign-up Genius

What? A design cover contest for the SAOPCS 2017-18 Yearbook.

When? Your cover design is due to Mr. Mattern

by Friday, February 9th.

Where? You turn your cover design into Mr. Mattern in the library.

Why? You get eternal fame as the designer of this year’s yearbook cover and you also will receive a free 2017-18 yearbook.

How? You need to think of the following instructions, “Kindness means remembering J.O.Y. and thinking of OTHERS.”

NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 28—February 3 Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2018 is “Catholic Schools: Learn.

Serve. Lead. Succeed.” Throughout the week we will focus on the value Catholic education provides and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.

Sunday, January 28 | Celebrating 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



School Information Tables will be in Sheltz Hall after weekend Masses.

Monday, January 29 | Celebrating Our Community 

$1 T-shirt & Jeans Day to support Pregnancy Assistance Center North (PACN)

Tuesday, January 30 | Celebrating Our Students 

Students will gather with their Paduan Pods and enjoy a picnic lunch in the Gym! Entertainment to be provided by STAOPCS staff! PLEASE NOTE: The lunch room will be closed to visitors for this fun event.

Wednesday, January 31 | Celebrating the Nation 

Students will sit with Paduan Pods at Mass.

Thursday, February 1 | Celebrating Vocations 

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.



An interview with Father Tom will air on DNN.

Friday, February 2 | Celebrating Faculty & Staff 

Show your favorite staff member love by praying for them! In class, students will write appreciation letters for the support & facilities staff who help keep our school running smoothly!

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Faculty & Student Basketball Game!

Saturday, February 3 | Celebrating Families 

Enjoy your weekend with your family!

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Here are some ideas: Write a family prayer that you share together daily; have a game night; make a spiritual tree of baptisms, marriages and ordinations in your family; go on a nature hike; watch a favorite movie!

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And share your family time on social media using the hashtags: #staopcsfamily #NCSW2018 and you might see your images on our page!

STEPS FOR STUDENTS

OUR TEAM SHIRT! ALL REGISTERED TEAM MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE A TEAM SHIRT!

FEBRUARY 17TH, 2018

Thank you to student Evie Fleming for the design!

100% CLASS PARTICIPATION: Each class reaching 100% participation in Steps for students by Friday, February 16th will receive a free shoe for a month pass (not valid on Mass days)!

200+ TEAM REGISTRANTS: Mrs. Nunez will KISS A PIG on DNN! NEW! ST. ANTHONY TEAM T-SHIRTS Thank you to Doucet Safety Analysis, LLC for generously sponsoring this year’s team t-shirts! Each registered team member will receive a shirt!

LAST DAY TO “SNOOZE FOR STUDENTS” Thursday, January 31st Too early in the morning to run? This option allows you to be a Virtual Participant and still support our school with your registration fee. T-shirt included but no race packet or runner’s bib will be issued.

REGISTRATION FEE INCREASE Thursday, January 31st Registration fee will increase to $30 on Feb. 1st. $5 FREE DRESS DAY BENEFITTING THE STAOPCS TEAM Friday, February 16th All students will be encouraged to bring $5 for free dress to show their support of the STAOPCS Steps for Students team.

IPAD DRAWING Tuesday, February 20th All Steps for Students participants/families who raise over $500 through their Steps for Students fundraising page will be entered into a drawing to receive a “loaded” iPad! STEPS PARTICIPATION DAY Tuesday, February 20th All students who participated in the Steps for Students 5K on Saturday, February 17, 2018, (either walking/ running/volunteering or “snoozing”) will be encouraged to wear their Steps shirt/jeans/shoes of their choice (following dress code guidelines) to school.

REGISTER TODAY: HTTPS://STEPS4STUDENTS.ORG/

LUCKY HEARTS GALA

PARTIES & SOCIALS ARE OPEN! Please visit the Gala website to reserve your spots at 501auctions.com/staopcs.

UPCOMING PARTIES & SOCIALS—REGISTER NOW! Tuesday, February 13 | 8TH GRADERS: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party Tuesday, February 13 | 7TH GRADERS: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party Tuesday, February 13 | 6TH GRADERS: Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party Thursday, February 15 | Paduan Palette Painting Party Thursday, February 15 | 2ND GRADERS: Puzzle and Pizza Social Sunday, February 18 | 5TH GRADERS: Petting Zoo and Pizza Party Friday, February 23 | Pizza and Ice Cream Sundae Bar With the Principals (K-3rd) Friday, February 23 | Pizza and Ice Cream Sundae Bar With the Principals (4th-8th) Friday, February 23| 1ST GRADERS: Jedi Knight/Princess Leia Party* *PLEASE NOTE: Registration will close for the 1ST GRADERS PARTY on Jan. 31st!

NEW PARTIES ADDED! 7th Annual Dad's Night Out With a Side of Scotch and Cigars Tequila Tasting and Karaoke Couples Party AMAZON REGISTRY: We have conveniently set up a gift registry at Amazon.com to Www.501auctions.com/staopcs make donating an auction item quick & convenient!

HOW CAN YOU HELP? We are accepting donations for all areas! 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 sincerely for your support of this fun event! Please feel free to email Amazon Registry advancement@staopcs.org if you have any questions!

AROUND STAOPCS

AROUND OUR PARISH