The Messenger - February 24, 2017

THE MESSENGER February 24, 2017 staopcs.org

We are very proud of our St. Anthony of Padua student who WON the Archdiocesan of Galveston-Houston Spelling Bee 2017 for 3-5th grade! This is the first time a student from St. Anthony of Padua has WON! Congratulations to him!!

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear School Families, We’ve had such a mild winter that it already feels like spring is here. However, we are looking forward to the blooming flowers, new life all around, and more sunshine. We are gearing up for our annual Auction Gala. It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and we know it will be successful, if we all work together. We have a great evening planned and hope you will be there to celebrate with us.

Baseball season is underway with games being played at the Spring Klein fields on Rothwood Road. Come out and enjoy a game! Track is out practicing as well with meets coming in a few weeks. Things never seem to slow down as our school year continues to race by. But a much anticipated reward for our hard work is almost here...Spring Break. We are looking forward to a week of rest and relaxation, or for many, travel.

Our Discipleship message this week is about the Lenten journey we will begin on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time of preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. During Lent, we place God before our eyes and stare in His direction. Our prayer, fasting and acts of charity help us to see Him more clearly and to hear His voice in our hearts. When we keep our eyes fixed on God, we begin to see the ways we fall short of His love and generosity. Then we turn to Him in sadness, sharing our sorrow about having done what is wrong in His sight and asking for forgiveness.

When we see our own faults, we are more able to forgive others for their unkindness to us or to those we love. We hope everyone will experience a blessed Lenten journey.

Thank you to everyone who supported this year's Archdiocesan STEPS for Students 5K. We raised over $5,000. Our new student screenings will take place tomorrow.

After our first round of open enrollment, we will have openings remaining in PreK3, Pre-K4, 1st & 6th for the 2017-2018 school year, so spread the word. Pre-K4 & 6th have very few classroom spaces available before they will be closed. We wish everyone a blessed week as we begin our Lenten journey.

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

FOLLOW US @STAOPCS ON:

PARENT REMINDERS  Please plan to arrive at school on time.  Fast food may be brought in as a treat for birthdays, but not on a regular basis in place of forgotten lunches.

Thank you sincerely for your partnership as we aim to keep our school running efficiently.

February/March 2017 Calendar Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

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.

7

8

9

10

Grandparents Day

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

Spring Conferences

6 Parent–led Rosary, 8:15 a.m.

Talks with Father Tom, 8:15 a.m.

Spring Conferences

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

BOOK FAIR WEEK

13

14

15

16

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SPRING BREAK! ENJOY YOUR WEEK!

17

ALL-SCHOOL NEWS SPRING CONFERENCE SIGN-UP

2017-2018 ENROLLMENT

Registration for Spring Conferences is done through PTC Wizard (http:// staopcs.ptcwizard.com). Parents may setup a log–in and password before registration opens.

Currently accepting applications for Pre-K3, Pre-K4, 1st grade and 6th grade for 2017-2018. Please contact Cathy Russell for more information.

 Registration is open until March 3rd.

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

TALKS WITH FATHER TOM March 8 | 8:15 a.m.

PLB—Rm. 202 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.

Parents & Grandparents welcome to join!

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.

3RD QUARTER STEWARDSHIP PROJECT This year at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School we continue to focus together on our patron saint’s charisms. We hope that you have noticed this throughout the year. Most recently, the charisms were central to our Catholic Schools Week activities. We are excited to continue to learn about charisms and to discern, or begin to understand, the charisms that resonate strongly with each one of us. For our Third Quarter Stewardship Project we invite our students, families, and staff to practice charisms.

Instructions:    

Below are five different charisms we invite you to explore. Please read and pray over these.

After deciding on a charism(s) to explore, think of ways you could put it into action.

Go out and glorify God! Practice the charism(s) your family has chosen.

Once you have finished, complete the blank slips of paper sent home today in green folders and have your child bring these to school and give them to their homeroom teacher.

Charisms will be collected through Friday, March 24, 2017, the day of SAOPCS Stations of the Cross in the Church at 7pm. All collected slips of paper will be burned together in the parish Easter fire. These papers will be a collective prayer offering from our school.

We hope this will be a unique way to encourage our students to learn more about charisms and enkindle in them a heart of service. Please do not hesitate to contact the Nestor Cayanan, Religion Coordinator, or Ashley Knopp, Assistant Religion Coordinator, with any questions or concerns. Thank you for all that you do for our school.

CHARISM EXPLANATIONS EVANGELIZATION - The Holy Spirit enables individuals to share the Gospel with others in such a way that they come to know God. To exercise the gift of evangelism is to share one's faith on different levels.

This gift involves an unabashed willingness to share the Good News. (Acts 8:26-40, 2 Timothy 4:5) GIVING - The Holy Spirit enables people to offer energies, abilities and material resources for the work of the church with exceptional willingness, cheerfulness, and generosity. To exercise the gift of giving, one operates out of a spirit of selflessness, requiring no recognition or reward for their giving. This gift involves offering one's time, talent and treasure. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Matthew 6:1-4) HOSPITALITY - A concern for the comfort of others may be a manifestation of the gift of hospitality. This gift involves having a knack for making people at ease, enjoying being in the presence of strangers, and possessing a welcoming spirit. (Hebrews 13:1-2, Genesis 18:1-8) INTERCESSORY PRAYER - Evidences of the gift of intercession include having the mindset for being instantly in prayer for a person or situation, having confidence that God acts in response to our prayers, being patient and persistent in prayer even when change is not evident, and having a genuine sense of responsibility to pray for people and situations. (1 Thessalonians 3:10-13, 1 Timothy 2:1-2) MERCY - The Holy Spirit provides individuals with exceptional empathy and compassion for those who are weak or suffering so that they can devote large amounts of time and energy to alleviate these conditions. To exercise the gift of mercy is to relate to others in kindness and compassion. This gift involves continual readiness to forgive those who have erred, comfort the bereaved, help those who face a crisis, minister to the sick, become a peacemaker or offer assistance to those in need. (Luke 10:30-37, Micah 6:8)

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: Tuesday, February 28 | Mrs. Loyo’s 3rd Grade Ice Cream Sundae/Board Game Party Tuesday, February 28 | Mrs. Glanville’s 3rd Grade Ice Cream Sundae/Board Game Party

Thursday, March 2 | 6th Grade Minute-to-Win-It Party!

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

ADULT PARTY! Saturday, March 25 | 6th Annual Dad’s Night Out Friday, March 31 | Talent Show Friday, March 31 | 7th Grade SkyZone Party!

SILENT AUCTION  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!)

 Overall family participation in the Fund is currently at 59%.

Participation can be as little as $1.00!  Staff & Faculty Participation is 100%.  Each class that reaches 100% participation will receive a free dress day!

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. Kelley 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 Anadarko 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

STEPS FOR STUDENTS

Thank you to everyone who participated in Steps for Students! We had 106 members of our team and raised over $5,000 for our school!

We are grateful for Knights of Columbus Council 12327 for manning our tent again this year and our Angels for cheering us on!

A special thank you to our Paduan Parents Amy Janiszewski & Susan Smith for volunteering as Steps for Students Champions this year.

AROUND OUR SCHOOL

Kindergarten Drive-In Movie Party!

4th Grade Field Trip.

8th Grade Homemade Instrument Concert.

Great recess weather this week!

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