The Messenger - December 15, 2017

THE MESSENGER December 15, 2017 staopcs.org

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

-1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear School Families, Christmas Break is almost here! We often remark on how quickly time has flown by since August. But we also talk about how wonderful the year has been, how much we have accomplished already, and how we see and feel God's presence with us each and every day. Our culture of kindness and discipleship are alive and well. Sunday marks the 3rd week of Advent and we are all anxiously awaiting Christmas and the celebration of Christ's birth.

Our discipleship message this week is about setting aside time to be holy. Advent is a great time to change old habits and begin new ones that bring us closer to Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, “You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God.” Holy doesn’t mean being perfect or thinking that ourselves as better than others. Being holy simply means setting ourselves apart for sacred use – for Jesus to work in and through us. Jesus wants us to spend quiet moments with him so He can work in our hearts and minds. It is during those quiet times that He is creating the person He designed each one of us to be. Pope Francis stated, “Like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.” His words tell us that holiness calls for simplicity. It also calls for a large measure of kindness and charity towards others. When we take time to holy, Jesus is able to do more in and through us than we could ever ask for or imagine.

The Family Survey on culture and climate, Catholic identity, charism, communication and Parker Uniforms.

Thank you if you have already completed the survey. It’s not too late to participate. The survey will remain open through Wednesday, December 20th. We would like to hear from everyone! We are looking forward to Christmas programs and concerts in the coming days. Classroom Christmas parties will be lots of fun and a great way to end the first semester and 2017. VIRTUS© is not required to participate in Christmas parties.

We hope you can join us for those on Wednesday.

We want to thank everyone for the generosity shared during the holidays. We, along with the members of our staff have received such wonderful goodies, treats, notes, gifts, prayers, etc. All are reminders of how blessed we are to be a part of the SAOPCS community.

One of the hallmarks of our school community is the generosity seen especially in times of need. On Tuesday, December 19th we are having a special $5 Free Dress Day to help one of own. The Vacek family needs our support as medical bills and needs continue to rise with Mrs. Vacek’s hospital care and treatment.

We are asking students and staff to donate $5, but if you would like to give more, please do. All of the funds donated on Tuesday will go directly to the Vacek family. Thanks in advance for your generosity.

Advent continues as we gather at table with our parish family this weekend for Mass. In the Gospel we will continue to hear about the preaching of John the Baptist and how he made way for Jesus, the Messiah.

Maybe we’ll attend the same Mass and get to see you there! May Advent bring God's blessings to you and all of our school families.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

FOLLOW US @STAOPCS ON:

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.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 CALENDAR Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

18

19

20

21

22

Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

$5 Free Dress Day to support the Vacek Family

Mass (7-1), 9 a.m.

Early Release, 2:15 & 2:30 p.m.

Christmas Break!

Beyond the Bell closes at Dismissal 25

26

27

28

29

4

5

11

12

Merry Christmas Christmas Break!

1

2

3

Happy New Year Christmas Break!

8 Classes resume!

Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

9

10

Celebrate & Rosary en EspaĂąol, Communicate, 2:30 p.m.

Paduan Parent Info session, 8:15 a.m.

Mass (Faculty), 9 a.m.

ALL–SCHOOL NEWS 1ST & 2ND GRADE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM TUESDAY, DEC.19TH 5:30 P.M. | GYM BAND AND MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT TUESDAY, DEC.19TH 7:00 PM | GYM NURSE’S NOTES December 8, 2017 to December 14, 2017: 12-12-17 12-12-17 infection 12-13-17 12-13-17

PK3 3B

Pink eye and viral infection Pink eye and upper respiratory

5A 8B

Influenza A Strep Throat

SPRING SPORTS SIGN-UP The STAOPCS Spring Sports season is just around the corner. STAOPCS needs to know how many student athletes are interested in participating in Boys Baseball (7th & 8th), Girls Fast Pitch Softball (6th thru 8th) or Boys & Girls Track (5th thru 8th) for the 2018 season.

To sign-up for sports complete the commitment form and send in to Dale Quickel by Friday, Jan. 19th.

FAMILY SURVEY Continuous school improvement can only happen with input from our school community. Your feedback is essential as we work to better serve you and create a positive experience at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. Please complete the following brief survey (one per family) by Wednesday, December 20, 2017. This survey focuses on specific topics—there will be another survey in 2018 to address academics, homework and more.

Hard copies went home—or you may complete it online at: http://bit.ly/STAOPCSSurvey2017

LOGGING PADUAN POINTS Our goal is 100% volunteer participation from our families during the school year.

We will notify families of their current Padua Points accumulation in 2018, so please enter your points! *2017–18 Paduan Points Required: 20 points per family.

Volunteer hours* can be logged in ParentsWeb by following these simple steps: 1. Log in to ParentsWeb. 2. Select “Family Information” from the ParentsWeb navigation list.

3. Select the name of the parent who has volunteered, then select “Service Hours ” (link next to Parent Contact Info).

4. Select “Add Service Hours”.

5. Select the Date of service. Select Description from drop down list. Enter Total Hours or points assigned to your duty – a list of volunteer positions and points assigned to them are listed online at: http://staopcs.org/volunteer– opportunities The Note & Verified By Field sections are optional and can be used for further detail about volunteer service. Select “Save”. Service hours summary will appear after saving.

ALL–SCHOOL NEWS

LOST & FOUND Please remind your students to check the lost and found tables for any missing items before Christmas break!!! On December 20 all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.

GIVE YOUR STUDENTS SOMETHING THEY’LL TREASURE YEARS FROM NOW—THE GIFT OF MEMORIES!

We have limited sweatshirts and fleece jackets in stock.

Contact Emily Booth if you need any of these items for your students!

Order your 2017-2018 yearbook at www.balfour.com $40.00—Price increases to $45 on Jan. 1st!

Click the logo to view our YouTube channel to watch past episodes of DNN, Mission Matters Presentations, and more!

HOMECOMING PHOTOS TopScore Photography graciously photographed our Homecoming game this year! You can click the photo above to view the gallery. 10% of all purchases will be donated back to STAOPCS! Username: St. Anthony of Padua Homecoming Game 2017 Password: 54751

STEPS FOR STUDENTS

FEBRUARY 17TH, 2018

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! Runners, walkers, strollers, and wagons are ALL WELCOME! You can even “Snooze” for students to show your support!

Why should we participate in Steps for Students?

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!

STEPS FOR STUDENTS EVENTS On–site Steps for Students Registration

Anytime | Advancement Office Visit the Advancement Department on campus during school hours and we will assist you in registering for the race and setting up your fundraising page!

New Year’s Party for Steps for Students Registrants

Friday, January 12th | 7:40 a.m. | Gym All registered participants (as of 1/10/18) on the STAOPCS Steps for Students team will be invited to a New Year’s Party in the Gym from 7:40 a.m. – until after morning announcements. We will celebrate with music, balloons, small giveaways, donuts and milk!

Because you know that Catholic schools are making a difference in the lives of our students and in our communities. By registering to run and joining a team you can designate your registration fee and any pledges you collect to benefit St. Anthony of Padua’s team.

$5 Free Dress Day Benefitting the STAOPCS Team

How do I sign–up?

Steps Participation Day

Online Registration for Steps for Students is now open—click here to register!

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! 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.

LUCKY HEARTS GALA

FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY WHY 100% PARTICIPATION? Because each child is an important part of the St. Anthony community, our goal is for every family to make a gift every year to the Fund for St. Anthony.

There is strength in numbers – many gifts add up to a large sum each year, and every gift makes a difference no matter the amount. The cumulative effect of consistently high participation propels us even further and speaks to our shared commitment to our students and our school.

WHEN AND HOW CAN I GIVE?

With the proposed tax reform your donation may be worth more this year than next. Check with your tax advisor!

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You can give anytime, when it is best for your family! The Fund for St. Anthony campaign will conclude June 30, 2018.

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We accept cash, check, credit card, appreciated securities.

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Online giving is available for one-time gifts or recurring gifts may be made through the Parish online giving portal.

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Many employers offer matching programs that could double or triple your gift; we encourage you to check with your company.

Classroom P articipation in the Fund for St. A nthony

100% 90% 80% 70% 60%

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY PADUAN PATRONS

THE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY Pastor’s Circle Mr. & Mrs. Steven Brady Ms. Shaune Stauffer Principal’s Guild Mr. & Mrs. Mario Mendez Beacon of Light Mr. & Mrs. David Doucet Mr. & Mrs. Joe Fedele Dr. & Mrs. Christopher Fedoruk Mr. & Mrs. James Little Mr. & Mrs. Sam Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Jason Rivers Circle of Saints Mr. & Mrs. Alfredo Amparan Mr. & Mrs. Geoff Beatty Mr. & Mrs. Michael Bell Mr. & Mrs. John Bong Mr. & Mrs. Navell Carrone Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Castillo Mr. & Mrs. Rodrigo DeAguirre The Gonzalez-Vizzani Family Ms. Bridget Hebert Mr. & Mrs. Lane Lease The Lorenzetti Family Mr. & Mrs. Billy Martin Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Nahigian Mr. & Mrs. Chip Nunez Stephanie & John Ourso The Piefer Family Mr. & Mrs. Marco Poisler Mr. & Mrs. José Ramirez Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Sloan Mr. & Mrs. David Tressel Mr. & Mrs. Brian Velardo Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Walker Mr. & Mrs. Michael Wing

Blue & Green Club Mr. & Mrs. Roberto Abib Mr. & Mrs. Mark Baca Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Bitting Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boyd Mr. & Mrs. Hal Brumfield Mr. & Mrs. Scott Custer Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Dickinson Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Graeve Mr. & Mrs. Matt Gregory Mr. & Mrs. Brian Hayes Mr. & Mrs. James Kalke Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Kemp Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Larkin Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Martinez Mr. & Mrs. Bruce McIninch Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McKenna Mr. & Mrs. Brett Merritt Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Oghena Mr. & Mrs. Randy Pais Mr. & Mrs. Brian Twellman Mr. & Mrs. William Stamps Dr. & Mrs. Jason Strecker Mr. & Mrs. William Walker Mr. & Mrs. Brad Walters Dr. & Mrs. Kevin Whatley Friends of St. Anthony Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo Betancourt Mr. & Mrs. Byron Blaschke Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Brennan Rosalia & Brian Burke Mr. & Mrs. Paul Carroll Mr. & Mrs. Greg Childress Mr. & Mrs. Paul Coleman Mr. & Mrs. Stan Doiron Mr. & Mrs. Jason Enia Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fantazia Mr. Gordon Kloesel Mr. & Mrs. Chase Lambin Paula & Mark Lee Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Rabalais Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ross The Sanchez-León Family Mr. & Mrs. Brandy Snipp Mr. & Mrs. Michael Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Josh Veach Mr. & Mrs. Matthew White Mr. & Mrs. Harry Winslow Supporters of St. Anthony Anonymous (13) Mr. & Mrs. David Aldrich Mr. & Mrs. Danny Amador Mr. & Mrs. Tom Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo Arana Mr. & Mrs. Tito Bernardo Mr. & Mrs. Paolo Biagi Mr. & Mrs. Chris Bierbaum Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Bilnoski Ms. Teresa Bishop Mr. & Mrs. Tim Booth Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Brignac

Ms. Patricia Broussard Mr. & Mrs. Kelley Carson Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Cavaluzzi Mr. & Mrs. Jose Cervantes Mrs. Carita Christiansen Mr. & Mrs. James Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo Correa Dr. & Mr. Mark Coscio Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Cunningham Jill & Ronny Daigle Mr. & Mrs. John R. Daigle Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Dalton Mr. & Mrs. Rodrigo DeAzevedo Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dohm Mr. & Mrs. Frank Dompnier Kristy & Arthur Doyle Mr. & Mrs. Perry Dueitt Mr. & Mrs. Emile Dufrene Mrs. Suzanne Ettman Mr. & Mrs. Paul Evanko Mr. & Mrs. Juan Failde Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fantazia Tammy & Carey Fishman Mr. & Mrs. Ruben Garcia Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Garza Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Gillispie Mr. & Mrs. Mark Glanville Ms. Kari Golden Ms. Kathy Graff Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Grimm Mr. & Mrs. John Held Mr. & Mrs. Eric Heuring Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Hill Mr. & Mrs. David Hollas Mr. & Mrs. Joel Hron Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Jannes Mr. & Mrs. Barton Joffrion Mr. & Mrs. Pete Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Michael Johnston Mr. & Mrs. Mackie Jouett Mr. Thomas Juranek Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Kerrigan Mr. & Mrs. Jay Kinch Mr. & Mrs. Michael Koett Dr. & Mrs. Neven Krstulovic The Kwiatkowski Family Mr. & Mrs. Steve Lastrapes Dr. & Mr. Shane Leahey Susan & Matt Leddy Mr. & Mrs. Joseph LeMaster Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Lipinski Mr. & Mrs. Jaime Loyo Mr. & Mrs. Franklin Marsan Mr. & Mrs. Cristofer Mattern Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McKenna Mr. & Mrs. Kenny Miller Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Mims Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mims Mr. & Mrs. Charles Miotke Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Moe Mr. & Mrs. Craig Moorman Dr. & Mrs. Michael Morris Mr. & Mrs. Rodrigo Munguia The Naeher Family Miss Carah Nunez Mr. & Mrs. Christopher O’Connor

Mr. & Mrs. Tommy O’Connor Mary & Jim O’Neill

Mr. Cesar Ortiz & Mrs. Patricia Tamez

Mr. & Mrs. Fazil Osman Ms. Kristi Parks Mr. & Mrs. Mike Pavlich Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Pavlock Ms. Gayle Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Robert Picone Mr. & Mrs. Dale Quickel J.A. Quillian Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Rangel Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Reyes

Mr. & Mrs. Gaston Rodriguez & Family

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Romer Mr. & Mrs. Melanie & Steve Romero Ms. Cynthia Ruff Mr. & Mrs. Tim Russell Mr. & Mrs. Jason Schmidt Mr. & Mrs. Mark Shamas, Jr. Ms. Makira Shannon Mrs. Beverly Szlosek Mr. & Mrs. Josh Smith Ms Judi Strapp Mr. & Mrs. Brett Sturgeon Mr. & Mrs. Michael Surkein Dr. & Mrs. Nelson Tajong Dr. Feride Frech Mr. & Mrs. Carmen Vito Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Waller Mr. & Mrs. Brad Walters Mr. & Mrs. Barton West Ms. Cathy Wogan Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Wunch Matching Gifts Pat Morgan Plumbing Shell

AROUND STAOPCS Thank you to EVERYONE who helped us stock our gift cards and wine cellar for the Lucky Hearts Gala!

Early Childhood Principal’s Club Visit

5th Grade went on a virtual field trip to colonial Jamestown using our new Google Expeditions technology!

AROUND OUR PARISH

THE SEASON OF ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2017 Sunday, Dec. 24—Fourth Sunday of Advent

7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

Sunday, Dec. 24—Christmas Eve Caroling with Children's Choirs (in Church) Mass (in Church and streamed into the Hall) Mass (in Gym) Mass (in Church and streamed into the Hall) Mass (in Church and streamed into the Hall. Life Teen) Traditional Christmas Carols with Adult Choir and Assembly Midnight Mass (in Church)

3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:30 pm 9:00 pm 11:30 pm 12:00 am

Monday, Dec. 25—Christmas Day Mass (in Church) Mass (in Church and streamed into the Gym) Mass (in Church and streamed into the Gym) Mass (in Church and streamed into the Gym) Mass (in Church)

7:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 6:00 pm

Monday, Jan 1 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God—Holy Day of Obligation 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 6:45 pm Monday, Jan 8 The Epiphany of the Lord Tuesday, Jan 9 Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

9:00 am

9:00 am