The Messenger - February 17, 2017

THE MESSENGER February 17, 2017 staopcs.org

We had so much fun with our 2016 Gala Winner of Principal for the Day and her assistants!

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear School Families, Thanks to everyone who has signed up to participate or support our school through STEPS for Students this year. We have over 100 participants this year, more than ever before. Our Angels will be there to cheer all of the runners and walkers on. Members from our parish Knights of Columbus are manning our tent in the Catholic School Village so make sure and stop by, if you are at the event. We’re thrilled to have such a strong representation from our school in this Archdiocesan event tomorrow. Good luck to all of our runners and walkers!

Our discipleship message this week focuses on community. It is especially fitting since we are participating in STEPS for Students as part of the larger community of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Discipleship flourishes in community.

When we feel part of a community we honor the ideas, ideals, and values of the community. We show our belonging in our words and actions. We are connected to the common good and a common purpose. We are bound by relationships, shared values, and what it means to be members of a community. In our school we work every day to build our community through relationships with one another, participating in classroom and school wide programs and activities and keeping the creation of a culture of discipleship as our goal. Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to join with members of other Catholic school communities to do the same just in a much bigger way.

We had a great Mission Matters parent meeting Wednesday evening on Technology Use as part of Internet Safety Week. We want to invite parents to our next Mission Matters meeting next Wednesday right after announcements in the AMR. The topic is Understanding & Utilizing STAR Results. We want to officially welcome Mrs. Sandy Mahler to SAOPCS as our long-term substitute in 5th grade for the remainder of the school year. Mrs. Mahler has experience teaching 5th grade in Catholic schools and is a parishioner. We are enjoying getting to know her and working with her. Our school calendar for ’17-’18 is almost complete. We hope to have that published in the next few weeks. Time continues to move quickly as we are preparing for Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1st. We wish everyone a great week!

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

FOLLOW US @STAOPCS ON:

REGISTRATION INFORMATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Registration Timeline 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

Currently accepting applications for Pre-K3, Pre-K4, 1st grade and 6th grade for 2017-2018.

Please contact Cathy Russell for more information.

February/March 2017 Calendar Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

20

21

22

23

24

NO SCHOOL (Staff Development Day)

Registration Closes for New Students

MISSION MATTERS: Understanding Star Results, 8 a.m.

PTC WIZARD Opens $1 T-shirt & Jean for Spring Conference Day benefiting Registration, 9 a.m.

Passing On Hope

Steps Participation Day

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

GALA: Kindergarten Drive-in Movie Party, 4:00 p.m.

27

28

1

2

3

Parent–led Rosary, 8:15 a.m.

Mardi Gras Parade

Ash Wednesday

Banking Day

Go Texan Day!

GALA: 3rd Grade Ice Cream/Board Game Party

Parent–led Rosary (en GALA: American Girl PTC WIZARD Closes Español), 2:30 p.m.

Craft Party, 4:30 p.m. for Spring Conference Registration,12 p.m.

GALA: Ladies Gumbo Party, Sat. Mar. 4th!

6 Parent–led Rosary, 8:15 a.m.

7

8

9

10

Grandparents Day

Early Release (10:15, 2:15, 2:30)

Spring Conferences

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

Spring Conferences

BOOK FAIR WEEK

ALL-SCHOOL NEWS There is No School on Monday, February 20th!

Enjoy your long weekend!

JOIN US! Understanding & Utilizing STAR Results

February 22nd 8:15 a.m.

AMR

HAPPY CAMPER BOOK FAIR Hello Campers! We're having a Book Fair, where we can have s'more fun with books! (March 4-9) Can we add some adventure to your schedule by inviting you to help for a short time? If you can contribute a little of your time, it would be very much appreciated!

Classes visit the book fair throughout the week. During your shift, you will help children make their Wish Lists and purchases.

Click the Sign-Up Genius to volunteer!

We are also seeking volunteers to help with set-up and take-down! Please assist any way you can.

SPRING CONFERENCE SIGN-UP Registration for Spring Conferences is done through PTC Wizard (http:// staopcs.ptcwizard.com). Parents may setup a log–in and password before registration opens.  Registration will open February 23 at 9 a.m.

NURSE’S NOTES 02-10-17 02-13-17 02-15-17 02-15-17 02-16-17

5A 6A 5B 1B 2A

Strep Throat Strep Throat Influenza A Influenza Strep Throat

Don’t forget AmazonSmile when purchasing items through Amazon. We just received our first donation from this program! Support St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School by shopping at: http:// smile.amazon.com/ch/76–0652692

UPCOMING SPIRIT DAYS March 7th | 5—8 p.m.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria* *Must bring flyer April 20th | All Day Chick-fil-A Alden Bridge No flyer necessary but mention that you are supporting STAOPCS! May 9th | 4 p.m.—close Black Walnut Café No flyer necessary—15% of ALL sales will support STAOPCS that evening!

GO TEXAN DAY

Go Texan Day celebrates our great state, the history, and present day, along with the celebration of our Catholic Faith.

This year we are incorporating our technology program, the Oil industry, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and aspects of STREAM education into this annual event.

Thanks for helping make this year's Go Texan Day a success by volunteering!

Go Texan Day Sign-up Genius

GRANDPARENTS DAY GRANDPARENTS DAY! Grandparents (or Special Friends) are welcome to join their students for pastries, coffee and fellowship before school on March 8th at 7 a.m. Grandparents and friends are also encouraged to walk their students to their classrooms beginning at 7:40 a.m. and stay to watch a special Wednesday edition of DNN (Dolphin News Network) in the classrooms!

After DNN (Dolphin News Network) grandparents and friends are invited to Talks with Fr. Tom in the Parish Life Building Rm. 202 and to join us for Mass at 9 a.m. The book fair will also be open!

Q: Will Grandparents be able to sit with grandchildren during Mass?

A: Unfortunately no—for safety and monitoring, students must remain with their classes during Mass. Grandparents will be able to see grandchildren as they walk back to their classrooms after Mass.

Q: What happens if only one grandparent can attend for multiple grandchildren?

A: Grandparents are more than welcome to walk each child to class. So as not to disturb the normal morning routine, grandparents should choose a classroom to remain in for DNN or grandparents also have the option of watching DNN in the lobby.

STEPS FOR STUDENTS

FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017

We currently have over 100 participants supporting the St. Anthony of Padua Steps For Students Team tomorrow! This is our biggest team yet!

Don’t want to walk or run? You can still join our team and “HIT SNOOZE” for Students. Click here to join or support the St. Anthony of Padua team!

Already registered? Yay! We can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Be sure to encourage your students to ask friends and family to support their participation in Steps for Students through their online fundraising page!

UPCOMING STEPS FOR STUDENTS EVENTS: Steps Participation Day | Tuesday, February 21st All students who participate in the Steps for Students 5K on Saturday, February 18, 2017, (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!

16TH ANNUAL GALA

SIGN-UP PARTIES ARE UNDERWAY!  Please visit the Gala website to reserve your spots at: 501auctions.com/staopcs.

UPCOMING SIGN-UP PARTIES: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 | Kindergarten Drive-In Movie (Only 1 spot left!)

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 | 3rd Grade Ice Cream Sundae/Board Game Party Thursday, March 2, 2017 | 6th Grade Minute-to-Win-It Party!

Thursday, March 2, 2017 | American Girl Craft Party (SOLD OUT!) NEW! Wednesday, March 22, 2017 | 4th Grade Skit Party!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?  We have conveniently set up a gift registry at Amazon.com to make donating an auction item quick & convenient! New items have been added!  Do you have a vacation home? Time-share?

Hotel or airline miles? The Gala Committee is looking for donations for both the live and silent auctions. Your donation will garner attention before, during, and after the Gala.  Donating is easy and tax-deductible! Restaurant gift cards, sports tickets, jewelry, art & more - simply fill out the donation form on our auction website!

Thank you sincerely for your support of this fun event. Please feel free to email advancement@staopcs.org if you have any questions.

FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY Q: My family is already paying tuition. How does my child benefit when we make a gift to the Fund for St. Anthony as well?

A: Your financial contribution to the Fund for St. Anthony supports the people and programs that make St. Anthony of Padua the great school that it is: talented teachers, enriching arts and athletics programs, library and instructional resources, technology, and much more. Your child’s education is financed by both your tuition and your Fund for St. Anthony gift. Because tuition only covers approximately 84% of our operating budget, charitable gifts are a necessary part of St. Anthony of Padua’s healthy financial profile. Unlike tuition, contributions to the Fund for St. Anthony are 100% tax-deductible and allow each family to give at the level at which they are able. You can make a gift conveniently through our website!

HELP OUR STUDENTS CELEBRATE OUR SUCCESS! When we reach our Fund for St. Anthony school– wide goals students will be able to celebrate too! $40,000 –15 minutes of extra recess GOAL MET! $80,000 – Free Dress Day GOAL MET! $120,000 – Ice Cream at Lunch GOAL MET! $150,000 – Free Dress with Kona Ice (SO CLOSE!)

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 56%.

Participation can be as little as $1.00!  Staff & Faculty Participation is 100%.

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

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

Circle of Saints Anonymous (2) The Abib Family Ileana and Alfredo Amparan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Barnhill 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 Dr. and Mrs. Peter Sullivan 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 PADUAN PATRONS Blue & Green Club Marianne and Mark Baca Mr. and Mrs. Eric Burbage Rosalia and Brian Burke Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Dixon Mr. and Mrs. William Evans Alicia and Mark Filley Matt and Jill Gregory

Mr. and Mrs. Thor Gunnlaugsson

Mr. Gordon Kloesel Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Martinez Eva and Patrick McKenna Mr. and Mrs. Brett Merritt The Nunez Family Mr. and Mrs. Steve Parsons The Strecker Family Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. William Walker

Friends of St. Anthony Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Betancourt

Anna Marie and Paul Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Matthew White Mr. and Mrs. Greg Childress Mr. and Mrs. Paul Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Mario Cruz The Delangel–Aguilar Family The Enia Family Kathleen Graff Paula and Mark Lee Mr. and Mrs. Mike Liittjohann Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McIninch

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Beirne Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bierbaum Pam and Ronnie Bilnoski Mr. and Mrs. Tony Birsinger Ms. Cortney Bishop Mr. and Mrs. Tim Booth Mr. and Mrs. Mark Boyd Mr. and Mrs. John Brandon Mr. and Mrs. Hal Brumfield Mr. and Mrs. Craig Burch Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Carson Mr. Nestor Cayanan Mr. and Mrs. James Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Brian Coomes Crust Pizza Alden Bridge

The Kwiatkowski Family Mary Beth and Joel Larkin Mr. and Mrs. Shane Leahey Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Leddy Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Otero Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Leslie

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. Steve Long & Mrs. Susan Smith Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Strobel LouLou's Beignets Mr. and Mrs. Tajong Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Loyo Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Lane Lyons Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Toomey Mr. and Mrs. Brian Mackenzie Mr. and Mrs. Brian Twellman Miss Kimberly Mallet Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vacek Mr. and Mrs. Tony Marchbanks Mr. and Mrs. Valerio Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Marsan Mr. and Mrs. Tom Vicknair Marie Mater Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Walker Mr. and Mrs. Cristofer Mattern Mr. and Mrs. Barton West Mr. and Mrs. Dan Cunningham Ms. Liz Curtin Mr. and Mrs. Clay McCollor Mr. and Mrs. George Williams Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Dalton Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mckinney Ms. Cathy Wogan Mr. and Mrs. Jerod Davenport Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Miller Mr. and Mrs. Danny Word Deacon Baldy’s Courtnie and Kevin Mims Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wunch Ms. Courtney Dewlen Mrs. Sarah Mixon Mr. and Mrs. Ken Yu Mr. and Mrs. Rodrigo De Azevedo Mr. and Mrs. Craig Moorman Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Zion Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dohm Miss Cadence Moorman Ms. Emily Domingo Dr. and Mrs. Michael Morris Matching Gifts Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dompnier Mr. and Mrs. Ken Motsenbocker Anandarko Mr. and Mrs. Perry Dueitt Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Mullis Apache Corporation Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Dykes Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Naeher Shell Oil Company Foundation Mrs. Suzanne Ettman Brigitte and Nguyen Nguyen Dr. and Mrs. Mark Filley Ms. Carah Nunez Tammy and Carey Fishman Mr. and Mrs. Tommy O'Connor Ms. Laura Foy Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O'Hare Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flynn Mr. and Mrs. James O'Neill Dr. and Mrs. Peter Gambertoglio

Mr. and Mrs. Cesar Ortiz Garza

Mr. Thomas Juranek Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Kemp Mr. and Mrs. John Kiliddjian Mr. and Mrs. Jay Kinch Miss Skyler Knight Mr. and Mrs. Michael Koett Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kowalchuk

Mr. and Mrs. Bernardo Roblesgil

Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Giannotti Mr. and Mrs. Mark Glanville Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Melchiorre Ms. Kari Golden Stacey and Brett Merritt Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Gregory Mr. and Mrs. Mitsutaka Nakao Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Gomez Mr. and Mrs. Joe Newcomb Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Harwood Mrs. Ramona Ortiz–Stamps Mr. Daniel Hayden The Richards Family Mr. and Mrs. Matt Hebert Mary and Mike Ross Mr. and Mrs. John Held Mr. and Mrs. Raul Sanchez Leon Mr. and Mrs. Luis Hernandez Kendall and Mark Shamas Mr. and Mrs. Doug Hill Mr. and Mrs. William Stamps Betty and David Hollas Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stevens Mr. and Mrs. Joey Holmes Mr. and Mrs. Fergie Theriault Tracy and Samir Honnekeri Mr. and Mrs. Brian Usner The Ibrahim Family Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Waterman Mr. and Mrs. Danny Word Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Whatley Mr. and Mrs. Clint Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Matthew White Mr. and Mrs. Pete Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Harry Winslow Mr. and Mrs. Babu Kuttarappallil Supporters of St. Anthony Anonymous (3) Mrs. Charlotte Aldrich Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Alvey Mr. and Mrs. Danny Amador Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Bartels Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Bayer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Beatty

Melita and Neven Krstulovic Opara

Mr. and Mrs. Babu Kuttarappallil

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. Gaston Rodriguez Mr. and Mrs. Rolando Rodriguez

Ms. Christina Samay Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Sanchez Mr. and Mrs. Don Schenk School Advisory Committee Shankz Golf

AROUND OUR SCHOOL

Birthday Visits!

8th grade BYOT sign-up party was FUN!

Principal for the day helped us get ready for Mardi Gras!

Thank you to Paduan Parent Box Tops Champion Karmen Miller! Counting Box Tops is hard work but has already raised nearly $1,000 for our school this year!

Kindergarten Storybook Parade is one of our favorite activities!

Thank you to the staff and volunteers who assisted with carline during the inclement weather this week! Your help is VERY appreciated!

AROUND OUR PARISH

As we begin the slow march to lent, Deacon Rick Vogel will lead four short one-hour discussions in the Church at 7:00 PM. PART ONE: Sin PART THREE: Forgiveness PART TWO: Lent

PART FOUR: Holy Week

REBUILD MY CHURCH—a parish mission by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal March 5, 6, 7 | 7:30—9:00 PM in the Church

5—7 pm | Dine-in and curbside to-go service | $10.00 per plate

AROUND OUR DIOCESE