The Messenger - December 9, 2016

THE MESSENGER December 9, 2016 staopcs.org

Christmas Programs are in full–swing!

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear School Families, It is hard to believe that the close of 2016 is only a few short weeks away. January will bring the start of a brand new year. It will be an opportunity to reflect on the fall semester and the changes that have brought about growth along with the many accomplishments and blessings. The new year is also a time to make "resolutions" for the future. Each year our school's "resolutions" revolve around improving classroom instruction, helping our students grow into respectful and responsible young men and women, and most importantly guiding our students in their faith journey as Disciples of Christ. We do this in partnership with you as parents. We want everyone to know how much we appreciate your cooperation and support for the work we do daily.

Our discipleship message for the week is a call for us all to come closer to God during this season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ in our own lives and His birth at Christmas. How can we prepare for this celebration? St. John Paul II’s works on the “spirituality of communion” is a great place to start. He reminds us that we are all called to focus our efforts to build and sustain a culture of discipleship with everyone, finding Christ in one another. We are called to think of others as extensions of ourselves, to do for others what we would want for ourselves, to honor the joys and sorrows of others, to relate in genuine friendship, to affirm the efforts and potential of others, to view others as gifts, to be inclusive and inviting, to practice tolerance and mutual support and to resist selfishness. Reflecting, praying and putting these things into practice are a great way to prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas.

Advancement has published our Gratitude Report for this year. It’s a new revised edition of our Annual Report. Please visit the website and take a look. Wednesday we launched a brief survey on the Feasibility of Full–Day PreK for our school. The survey is open in ParentsWeb© through Friday, December 16th. We hope all families will take a few minutes to give their input and opinions on this important topic. Parents mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 18th. Administration and Advancement will be hosting a new year Mission Matters coffee for school families before Mass that day. The topic will be “Celebrating & Communicating”. We’ll celebrate the successes and accomplishments of the fall and share with you information on important topics and upcoming events. We hope you can join us. Check upcoming editions of The Messenger for more details.

Our focus on Advent continues! We enjoyed Advent celebrations in our Paduan Pods this week. We are looking forward to the Kindergarten and 1st Grade program along with the Band and Choir program coming up soon. Our students and teachers are all busy preparing their gifts of song and entertainment. Classroom Christmas parties will be lots of fun. It's hard to believe that Christmas break is just a little over a week away!

Sincerely in Christ,

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

2017–2018 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.

Wednesday, January 18 | Registration Opens for Returning Families Friday, January 27 | 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.

December/January 2016 Calendar Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

12

13

14

15

16

Parent–led Rosary, 8:15 a.m.

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

$5 Free Dress Day benefitting Box of Joy

Mass, 9 a.m.

Early Release (10:30, 2:15, 2:30) BAASP program closes at 2:15 p.m.

19

20

21

22

23

C HRISTMAS B REAK— N O S CHOOL 26

27

28

29

30

C HRISTMAS B REAK— N O S CHOOL 2

3

4

5

Staff Development Day

3rd Quarter begins

Banking Day

Mass, 9 a.m Steps for Students Registration Day!

CHRISTMAS B REAK— N O S CHOOL

6

$5 Student Council Jr. Master Gardener (K– Free Dress Day benefiting CASA 2nd), 3:45—5:15 p.m.

Hope New Year’s Party for Steps for Students registrants

ALL–SCHOOL NEWS PRE–K SURVEY We are asking you to take a few minutes to complete this brief survey about the feasibility of moving from our current part–time pre–kindergarten program to full–day. Your opinion is important to us. Thank you for your commitment to our school.

Login in to ParentsWeb> Surveys > Feasibility of Full–Day Pre–K to complete. Thank you!

Mission Matters: Points of Discussion (POD) will be returning in January!

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

“Communicate & Celebrate” January 18th, 2017 8:15 a.m.

Join us for coffee and a preview of our 2nd half of the year!

$5 FREE DRESS DAY December 16th is a $5 Free Dress Day to benefit Box of Joy!

NURSE’S NOTES 12–5–16 K1

Reported case of lice

12–7–16 2B

Strep Throat (2 cases)

GRATITUDE REPORT 2015–2016 An annual report of thanks and gratitude recognizing the supporters of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School during the 2015–2016 school year is now available online. Click here to read: Gratitude Report 2015–2016

LOST & FOUND Please remind your students to check the lost and found tables for any missing items. At the end of the day on December 16th all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded.

ATHLETICS—SOFTBALL ATTENTION 6TH, 7TH & 8TH GRADE GIRLS: Due to the construction on the SAOPCS new Athletic Fields, softball games will be at Alden Bridge Sports fields located at 4751 Texas 242, The Woodlands, TX 77382.

We need to know how many SAOPCS 6th, 7th & 8th grade girls are planning to play softball this spring. No experience is necessary.

Practice will start the first of February.

If you are interested in playing softball for St. Anthony of Padua this spring please let Coach Quickel know as soon as possible.

CHRISTMAS APPRECIATION The Christmas Stocking November 18 through December 14 Like last year, there is one Paduan Parent collection at Christmas for all teachers and staff. All contributions are voluntary. You can drop–off your donation at any time in the treasure box in the school lobby! Collection will be held through December 14th.

THANK YOU!

Parish & School Staff Christmas Luncheon & Staff Appreciation Gift Wrapping

Thank you to Christine Motsenbocker for championing the Parish & School Staff Christmas Luncheon today!

Additional thank yous to all of our volunteers who donated their time to wrapping staff presents, and assisting with lunch room coverage so that staff could enjoy the Christmas luncheon. We are so grateful for your support of our school community!

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 in Steps for Students?

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.

Steps for Students School–Wide Goals 50 team registrants: Steps for Students student registrants will silly string administration on an episode of DNN (Dolphin News Network) 75+ team registrants: All students will enjoy a week of music at lunch STEPS FOR STUDENTS EVENTS: On–site Steps for Students Registration Wednesday, January 4th Join the Advancement Department on campus all day to sign up to participate on the STAOPCS Steps for Students team. 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 6th All registered participants (as of 1/5/17) on the STAOPCS Steps for Students team will be invited to a New Year’s Party in the AMR from 7:40 – until after morning announcements. We will celebrate with music, balloons, small giveaways, breakfast tacos and milk!

How do I sign–up?

Free Shoe Day to Raise Awareness for Steps for Students Friday, February 10th

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

All students are encouraged to wear shoes of their choice (following dress code guidelines) to show support for Steps for Students and Catholic education.

NEW THIS YEAR: A generous benefactor has underwritten a bus to shuttle the St. Anthony of Padua Team from the school to the event on Race Day. There is room for the first 50 race registrants to ride on the bus!

$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.

GIVING PROGRAMS KEEP COLLECTING BOX TOPS! How to Participate:  The link will take you to a list of participating products; many you probably already use. http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/ participating–products  A collection box is located in the lobby to drop in bags or sheets. Box tops may be sent to school any time.  Our deadline for our next contest is February 6th!

Don’t forget AmazonSmile when doing your Christmas Shopping!

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School by shopping at: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/76–0652692

FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY HELP OUR STUDENTS CELEBRATE OUR SUCCESS! When we reach our Fund for St. Anthony school–wide goals this year students will be able to celebrate too! $40,000 –15 minutes of extra recess GOAL MET! $80,000 – Free Dress Day GOAL MET! There is still a chance to win the pizza & dance party for your child’s class. The first class to reach 100% participation in the Fund for St. Anthony will win. Some classes are very close to hitting this goal!

$120,000 – Ice Cream at Lunch—ALMOST THERE! $150,000 – Free Dress with Kona Ice

FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY Mr. and Mrs. Dan Cunningham Ms. Liz Curtin Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Dalton Mr. and Mrs. Mauricio Ramirez Ms. Courtney Dewlen Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo De Azevedo Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dohm Ms. Emily Domingo Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dompnier Mr. and Mrs. Perry Dueitt Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dykes THE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY Mrs. Suzanne Ettman Partners in Mission Tammy and Carey Fishman Shaune Stauffer Ms. Laura Foy Dr. and Mrs. Peter Gambertoglio Principal's Guild Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Giannotti Melony and B.J. Bergeron Mr. and Mrs. Mark Glanville Lan and Steven Brady Ms. Kari Golden Heidi and John Bong Friends of St. Anthony Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Gregory Dr. and Mrs. Robert Cook–Norris The Delangel–Aguilar Family Mr. and Mrs. Zoltan Hazos Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Betancourt Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Harwood Mr. Daniel Hayden Mr. and Mrs. Mario Mendez Anna Marie and Paul Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Matt Hebert Mr. and Mrs. Matthew White Mr. and Mrs. John Held Mr. and Mrs. Greg Childress Beacon of Light Mr. and Mrs. Doug Hill Mr. and Mrs. Paul Coleman Mr. and Mrs. David Doucet Betty and David Hollas The Enia Family Mr. and Mrs. Shane Fruge Mr. and Mrs. Joey Holmes Kathleen Graff Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Girotto Tracy and Samir Honnekeri Paula and Mark Lee The Hardham Family Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Melchiorre Mr. and Mrs. Danny Word Mr. and Mrs. Clint Johnson Stacey and Brett Merritt Circle of Saints Mr. and Mrs. Pete Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Joe Newcomb Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Babu Kuttarappallil Mrs. Ramona Ortiz–Stamps The Abib Family Mr. Thomas Juranek The Richards Family Ileana and Alfredo Amparan Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Kemp Mary and Mike Ross Abby and Geoff Beatty Mr. and Mrs. John Kiliddjian Kendall and Mark Shamas Carey and Michael Bell Mr. and Mrs. Jay Kinch Mr. and Mrs. William Stamps Angela and Mark Coscio Miss Skyler Knight Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo De Aguirre Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Knopp The Strecker Family Sarah and Joe Fedele Mr. and Mrs. Michael Koett Mr. and Mrs. Fergie Theriault Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Fedoruk Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kowalchuk Mr. and Mrs. Brian Usner Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Franklin Melita and Neven Krstulovic Opara Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Waterman Mr. and Mrs. Karl Hansen Mr. and Mrs. Babu Kuttarappallil Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Whatley The Hernandez–Parks Family The Kwiatkowski Family Mr. and Mrs. Matthew White Mr. and Mrs. Lane Lease Mary Beth and Joel Larkin Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilson The Lorenzetti Family Mr. and Mrs. Shane Leahey The Martin Family Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Leddy Supporters of St. Anthony Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Otero John and Heidi Bong Anonymous (3) Catherine and Mark Miller Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Leslie Mrs. Charlotte Aldrich Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Nahigian Mr. and Mrs. Steve Long Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Alvey Mr. and Mrs. Navarro Mr. Steve Long and Mrs. Susan Smith Mr. and Mrs. Danny Amador Mr. and Mrs. Nate Olsen LouLou's Beignets Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Bayer The Hardham Family Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Loyo Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bierbaum The Hernandez–Parks Family Mr. and Mrs. Lane Lyons Pam and Ronnie Bilnoski Dr. and Dr. Jason Piefer Mr. and Mrs. Brian Mackenzie Mr. and Mrs. Tony Birsinger Mr. and Mrs. Jason Rivers Miss Kimberly Mallet Ms. Cortney Bishop D’Ette and Frank Sommers Mr. and Mrs. Tony Marchbanks Mr. and Mrs. Tim Booth Mr. and Mrs. David Tressel Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Marsan Mr. and Mrs. John Brandon Mr. and Mrs. Brian Velardo Marie Mater Mr. and Mrs. Hal Brumfield Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wells Mr. and Mrs. Cristofer Mattern Mr. and Mrs. Craig Burch Lynice and Michael Wing Mr. and Mrs. Clay McCollor Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Carson Mr. and Mrs. Bart Wittmer Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mckinney Mr. Nestor Cayanan Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Miller Mr. and Mrs. James Cooper Courtnie and Kevin Mims Crust Pizza Alden Bridge Mrs. Sarah Mixon PADUAN PATRONS Blue & Green Club Marianne and Mark Baca Mr. and Mrs. Eric Burbage Rosalia and Brian Burke Mr. and Mrs. William Evans Alicia and Mark Filley Matt and Jill Gregory Mr. and Mrs. Thor Gunnlaugsson Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Martinez Eva and Patrick McKenna Mr. and Mrs. Brett Merritt The Nunez Family Mr. and Mrs. Steve Parsons Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thompson Mr. and Mrs. William Walker

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. 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. Jose Ramirez Mr. and Mrs. Mauricio Ramirez 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. Tajong Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Toomey Mr. and Mrs. Brian Twellman 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. Matthew Zion

ANNUAL GALA |

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8TH GRADE CLASS GIFT EIGHTH GRADE PRESENTS Its First Ever SCHOOL–WIDE/PARISH–WIDE SPAGHETTI DINNER Benefiting THE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2.4.17 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 on Saturday, February 4th from 4 to 8 p.m. in Bishop Sheltz Hall.

Tickets will be $10 per plate and will be sold at the door!

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

AROUND STAOPCS

Staff Christmas Luncheon— Getting into the spirit!

Student Candles at the Feast of Immaculate Conception Mass

2nd Quarter Paduan Pods

Pre–K Christmas Programs

4th Grade Book Buddies Christmas Party with Little Saints

AROUND OUR PARISH & DIOCESE Raising Saints Parent Series

Monday, December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Celebration. 7:00pm bi–lingual service.

Tuesday, December 13 Advent Reconciliation Service 6:30 pm at St. Ignatius, Spring, TX. Tuesday, December 20 Advent Reconciliation Service 6:30 pm at St. Martha, Kingwood, TX.

Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Mass 3:30 pm Caroling with Children's Choirs 4:00 pm Mass 6:30 pm Mass 9:00 pm Mass 11:00 pm Traditional Christmas Carols with Choir 12:00 am Midnight Mass Sunday, December 25* Christmas Day Mass 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm (Spanish), and 6:00 pm (not Life Teen Mass) *We will follow the regular Sunday Mass schedule on Christmas Day.

An informative, informal presentation about raising a Catholic Family with our Director of Parish Faith Formation, Barbara Beale Session #2:

Christmas Traditions and the Catholic Faith: Engaging your Family during the Season Wednesday, December 14th 7:00 pm in the AMR No RSVP necessary.

Saturday, December 31 Vigil – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God A Holy Day of Obligation.

5:00 pm Vigil Mass Sunday, January 1* Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God A Holy Day of Obligation.

7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm (Spanish), and 6:00 pm (Life Teen) *We will follow the regular Sunday Mass schedule.