The Messenger - September 15, 2017

THE MESSENGER September 15, 2017 staopcs.org

Thank you to Father Tom and special guest, Gary Kubiak , for helping us bless and dedicate our new athletic fields. Go Dolphins!!

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear School Families, The school year is zipping by and we find ourselves already at the mid–point of the 1st quarter. Fall is almost here and the holidays will be here before we know it. Thank you for helping us reestablish our routines as we continue to play catch-up from our delay by Hurricane Harvey.

Our discipleship message is about the character trait for September, respect. Respect is treating others as you would like to be treated. It is being considerate of other people’s feelings. Respect is showing high regard for authority, people and yourself. As Disciples of Christ we are called to respect the dignity of all people because we are all created in the image of God no matter what our differences may be. We are to show the world that we love others through our Christ-like words and actions. We see lots of examples of this each and every day. We’re very proud of our students when we see them working to be Christ-like in all they do. In Sunday’s Gospel we’ll hear Jesus tell a story about forgiveness. The parable will teach us about mercy as we are reminded that God will always forgive us and wants us to forgive others. Why do we need forgiveness? We need forgiveness because conflict is normal between people. But God wants us to solve conflicts, make restitution for the things we do wrong and repair relationships that are broken. Everyone in our school community students, teachers, staff and parents are called to live our lives in this way. When we forgive someone we show respect by pardoning them for an offense and letting go of any resentment against them. It’s a chance to begin again. Forgiveness frees us to love and respect one another as God loves us. There is no better time than now to repair a broken relationship and live in the JOY that God wants for those who respect one another.

We have launched a fundraising effort to assist those within our school community who were devastated by Harvey. Please read the letter on page 3 for details on how we will help! Let us continue to pray together for those who are still rebuilding their lives.

Sincerely in Christ,

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

FOLLOW US @STAOPCS ON:

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL REMINDERS  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.

Now that we have many arrivals and dismissals under our belt we just want to remind you of some important safety habits that will help to keep our children safe, and make our drop off and pick-up more effective:  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.  Please do not drive around a car that is still loading or unloading. This is extremely dangerous. We ask that you make sure those picking up your child (grandparents, sitters, etc.) know not to pull around a parked car. We have witnessed several close incidents that could have been easily prevented.  Remember, it is against the law for you to be on your cell phone in a school zone. This includes car line.

 Lastly, please remember that when you are driving through our parking lots – or anywhere displaying a St. Anthony car sticker – you are representing our school. Please exercise patience, caution and Christ-like actions while driving. It is disheartening when we receive reports from within our community of hazardous driving behavior.

We want to thank everyone in advance for your patience and cooperation as we work to reestablish proper routines and procedures. If you need a refresher on our car line procedures, we strongly encourage you to watch our video here: staopcs.org/arrival-and-dismissal-video.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 CALENDAR Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

18

19

20

21

22

Mass, 9 a.m.

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

27

28

29

Mass, 9 a.m.

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

$1 T-Shirt & Jean Day Benefiting Honduras Mission

Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

25

26

Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

Current Family Open House, 6—7 p.m.

Crust Pizza Alden Bridge Spirit Day

International Day (in classrooms)

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK SAT., SEPT. 30: Cheer Clinic (K-5th Grade Girls) 2

3

4

5

Rosary, 8:30 a.m.

Mass, 9 a.m.

Pep Rally, 10:15 a.m.

Homecoming Game, 4:30 p.m.

PTC Wizard Opens, 9 a.m.

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

HOMECOMING/SPIRIT WEEK

6

ALL–SCHOOL NEWS FACTS PAYMENTS Charges through your FACTS account such as athletic fees, Angels’ fees, birthday packages, birthday book club, spirit wear, etc. are being placed on the FACTS accounts. If your family did not select automatic payments for incidental billing you will need to login to your FACTS account to pay. Thank you!

NURSE’S NOTES For the week of 9-8-17 to 9-14-17: 09-11-17 09-13-17

4B 1A & PK4 B

Strep Throat Strep Throat

Please remember to turn in the “Permission to treat for medical emergencies” form.

September is LICE AWARENESS month. We have not had any reported cases on campus, but when school starts back students start spending more time together with parties, sleep overs, etc. Please make sure you check your children often for any signs of the unwanted bugs and continue to do so throughout the school year! Please report any cases, so I can try to check that grade level or at least alert other parents that it is in the class.

Remember we need a doctor’s note for any medications your child may require during the school day. If you need a form, just let Mrs. Pavlock know.

2017–2018 YEARBOOKS For the 2017–18 school year, yearbooks will only be sold online at WWW.BALFOUR.COM. Yearbooks will be sold for $40 until December 31, 2017, and will be $45 till April 30, 2018. Yearbook ads can also be purchased and created at WWW.BALFOUR.COM. You will need to purchase and create your ad by April 30, 2018. If you are unable to create the ad in time, please contact Mr. Mattern at cmattern@staopcs.org for other options. Yearbook ads will be priced: 1/8 ($35), 1/4 ($50), 1/2 ($75), Full ($150). Ads will be purchased on a first come/first served basis.

PICTURE TAKING Mr. Mattern needs help with picture taking. If you are ever at a sporting event or school activity, please contact Mr. Mattern at cmattern@staopcs.org and he will invite you to add them to his DropBox account.

GEOMAR LUNCH CREDIT Geomar will be issuing credits to those who purchased school lunch during the Hurricane Harvey closings. If you have any questions please contact Geomar directly at 832-526-7100.

STAOPCS HARVEY RELIEF FUND Dear STAOPCS Families, Over the past several weeks, our thoughts have been with those who have been impacted by Harvey’s catastrophic reach across the coastal communities of Texas and Louisiana. Our biggest concern has constantly been with the lives and well-being of the students and families that we serve. Regrettably, we learned that Harvey impacted two STAOPCS families with flood waters damaging homes and destroying vehicles and, ultimately, displacing people. We have been able to assist them with some basics, like replacing school uniforms and providing grocery assistance—but I believe that we can do more.

As the long-term impact continues to unfold in our area, we are focused on providing support to those families directly affected by Hurricane Harvey. To assist in that effort, we have established St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Harvey Relief Fund. Funds raised will be allocated specifically to help families affected in the STAOPCS community with tuition, fees, and before and after care. We encourage those of you who would like to help, and are able to make a financial contribution to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, to do so by visiting staopcs.org and clicking on the Give Now button. When making your online contributions, please indicate that it is for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Alternatively, you may send in a check, noting STAOPCS Harvey Relief Fund in the memo section, to c/o Advancement, 7901 Bay Branch Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77382. Your tax-deductible contributions will be a tremendous help on the road to recovery for STAOPCS’s impacted families.

We are so grateful that the St. Joseph School in Crescent Springs, Kentucky kicked off this fundraising effort with a $1,000 contribution to the STAOPCS Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund by conducting an “out-ofuniform day”. Thank you St. Joseph School! We have seen a tremendous outpouring of support from Catholic Schools all over and for that we are extremely appreciative.

Thank you for your ongoing support of St. Anthony and of our school community!

EARLY CHILDHOOD/ELEMENTARY NEWS This year we will be offering the Jr. Master Gardening Program for Kindergarten through 5th grade. We will not have an outside garden this year due to continued construction.

The theme this year will be “Literature in the Garden”. Everyone loves a good story. This curriculum aims to engage children though powerful garden-ecology themed children books. I will choose books to inspire their learning by engaging children in the appreciation for gardening and the environment.  Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades will meet on the first Thursday of the month at 3:45 p.m.—5:15 p.m.  Grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th will meet on the third Thursday of the month at 3:45—5:15 p.m.

ANGELS CHEER CLINIC WHAT?

Come join the Angels and learn STAOPCS Dolphin cheers and a dance!! You can even perform with them at the STAOPCS Homecoming game!!

WHO?

All STAOPCS girls from Kinder through 5th Grade!

WHEN?

September 30th, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. for the clinic.

October 4th at 4:30 p.m. for the homecoming game!!

WHERE? Clinic is in the school gym.

Homecoming is on the new football field!

HOW?

If your child is interested in joining our Junior Master Gardener program please fill out the permission form in the Resources Folder on ParentsWeb and return it to school by Friday, September 22nd. Any questions regarding Junior Master Gardener should be directed to Mrs. Dueitt.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you are interested in helping with the Jr. Master Gardening program please use the Sign-up Genius link and Mrs. Dueitt will contact you. http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/30e0f45a8af29a6fc1-adult Volunteers MUST be VIRTUS certified.

Turn in the registration form (in the Resources Folder on ParentsWeb) by September 22nd (*After September 22nd we cannot guarantee a t-shirt). You will be billed $25 per participant through your FACTS account— please do not send in money. Wear school appropriate clothes you can dance in. Bring your own sack lunch, but dessert will be provided!

If you have any questions, please contact: REBECCA MORRIS at 832-326-9310.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Come join Mrs. Sturgeon and Mrs. O’Connor for Quiz Bowl this year! Throughout the year, we take part in academic competitions at schools such as Strake Jesuit, St. Pius, and St. Agnes. Anyone in grades 6-8 is welcome to come to our first informational meeting on Friday, September 22 from 3:45-5:00 p.m. in Mrs. Sturgeon’s room.

ATHLETICS

AROUND STAOPCS Early Childhood faculty participated in a STEM workshop at iFly!

Big Deal Birthday!

Parents checking out DNN (Dolphin News Network)—you are always welcome on Fridays to watch in our lobby!

7th Grade Fidget Spinner Lab

Blessing of the Fields Volleyball

Cross Country

AROUND OUR PARISH

NEW SESSION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 27TH