The Messenger - Back-to-School Edition - 2017-2018

THE MESSENGER August 1, 2017 staopcs.org

BACK TO SCHOOL 2017–2018 “I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear School Families, WOW! The summer went by very quickly and we are already counting down to the start of the 2017—2018 school year. Whether you are a returning family or new this year, it is our JOY to welcome you to our school community. We hope that you and your children are looking forward to a positive and enriching school year.

This school year, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School will continue on a mission to instill a lifelong commitment to joyful discipleship, foster academic excellence, and together with parents, develop a moral compass that guides students to serve with Jesus Christ as their model. We invite all members of our school community to join us in embracing and living our theme, “JOY—Jesus, Others, Yourself”. It will continue to serve as our guide in interacting and working together as we spread the love of Christ.

It is our hope that your summer has been safe, relaxing, and filled with time for family, friends and fun. As you read this newsletter our staff is joyfully preparing for the start of the year on August 14th. We are looking forward to the use of our newly completed athletic field as fall sports get underway.

Our first day of school is Orientation Day—Pre–K through 8th grade students will arrive in uniform and be prepared to stay in their classrooms while parents will make their way to the Gym and Fellowship Hall to gather more information and details on the start of the school year. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend Orientation Day and younger siblings are welcome to accompany parents.

We are looking forward to working with you and your child this school year as we bring our theme of “JOY—Jesus, Others, Yourself” to life. We invite you to join us in seeking true joy in our journey to serve others with kindness and mercy. May God bless you and your family as our year begins.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Tom Rafferty Pastor

Reneé B. Nunez Principal

Susan Leddy Assistant Principal

Kendall Shamas Assistant Principal

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL/ORIENTATION DAY AUGUST 14, 2017 Students should wear their school uniforms on the First Day of School/Orientation Day. Parents are STRONGLY encouraged to attend Orientation Day. Students in Pre–K through 8th grade will stay in their classrooms. Younger siblings may accompany parents on Orientation Day. There is NO car line on the first day of school.

There is NO Beyond the Bell on the first day of school.

Parents have the opportunity to earn a “Free Shoe Friday” for their children at Orientation Day. Cash, Checks & Credit Cards will be accepted for spirit wear, P.E. uniforms and used uniforms.

SCHEDULE 8:00—8:30 a.m.

Parents and students arrive in classrooms, meet & greet teachers Pre–K through 8th grade students remain in classrooms; all parents move to designated areas. (see below) 8:30—9:15 a.m.

Fellowship Hall—Family Last Names A through L Welcome & prayer, coffee, refreshments, volunteer information, changes for 2017—2018 and fellowship!

Gym—Family Last Names M through Z School t–shirt sales, P.E. uniform sales & athletic information, yearbooks, Beyond the Bell information, Geomar lunch information, used uniform sales, carline sign/dismissal tag pick– up, clinic information, medication drop–off and fellowship!

9:15—10:00 a.m.

Fellowship Hall—Family Last Names M through Z Welcome & prayer, coffee, refreshments, volunteer information, changes for 2017—2018 and fellowship!

Gym—Family Last Names A through L School t–shirt sales, P.E. uniform sales & athletic information, yearbooks, Beyond the Bell information, Geomar lunch information, used uniform sales, carline sign/dismissal tag pick– up, clinic information, medication drop–off and fellowship!

10:00 a.m.

Parent Dismissal 11:30—12:00 p.m.

Parents return to pick up children in classrooms. *Please refrain from picking children up early so we can maintain organization on the first day of school.

**PARENTS** WIN YOUR CHILDREN A “FREE SHOE FRIDAY” AT ORIENTATION DAY!

BACK–TO–SCHOOL INFORMATION WHAT DO I BRING TO SCHOOL? School supplies have been purchased in bulk and will be in the classroom when students arrive. Students need to bring a zippered backpack and lunchbox if they are bringing snack/lunch to school. Backpacks must be large enough to hold textbooks and a 9 1/2” x 11” folder but small enough to fit into classroom cubbies or middle school lockers as storage space is limited. We highly encourage Pre–K & K students to have non—rolling backpacks due to safety concerns. Please label backpacks and lunchboxes.

Arrival & Dismissal Form (for walkers, bikers, and ALL middle school students) should be filled out and turned in at the gym on the first day of school.

BEYOND THE BELL The August and September calendars are available on our website at: staopcs.org/beyondthebell. If you plan to use Beyond the Bell during the months of August and September, please complete the calendars and email to Charlotte Aldrich at caldrich@staopcs.org. Payments are invoiced through FACTS© accounts. Charges will be posted on the 1st and 15th of the month to your FACTS© account.

UNIFORMS, SHOES & DRESS CODE Uniforms are required beginning on the first day of school. Here are a few reminders:  Shopping for socks and shoes will be easier if you read the requirements first and refer to dress code (excerpted from the Family Handbook) and the uniform color chart.  Before getting back to school haircuts, please read the requirements.  Uniform information is available at: staopcs.org/uniforms

DAILY ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL Our car line system is designed to provide safe access for student arrival and dismissal. We want to thank everyone in advance for your cooperation in following our important arrival and dismissal procedures. We strongly encourage you to watch our video for proper carline procedures here: staopcs.org/arrival–and–dismissal– video. Car line numbers and dismissal sign/tags will be distributed at Orientation Day in the Gym. This year, each family will receive two (2) new blue car line dismissal tags. Additional blue tags ($2.00 each) may be ordered and purchased through the school office. As a security precaution, all green car line dismissal tags from previous years should be shredded and disposed of. Students will not be released to any individual presenting a green car line tag. “Homemade” numbered car line tags cannot be substituted for official blue tags.

Car line drop—off begins on the second day of school. In the mornings, our Parent Safety Patrol will be on duty to assist students.

Afternoon Dismissal: Families are assigned to a dismissal time based on the age of the oldest child in the family. This year, families assigned to 3:15 dismissal have pink stickers on their carline sign for recognition. Parents arriving for 4th—8th grade dismissal should not arrive prior to 3:30 to avoid delays or create safety concerns for 3:15 dismissal. Vehicles that arrive prior to 3:30 will be directed to a waiting area until 3:30. Middle School Park and Walk dismissal begins on the second day for students who turn in permission forms on the first day of school.

Backpack tags for the 2017–18 school year will be issued the first day of school.

Be prepared as dismissal during the first few days of school may be long and hot. We may also see weather IMPORTANT – Infractions of the uniform and dress code are reflected in conduct grades. P.E. uniforms are required dismissals for rain or high temperatures or even heat advisories. Once we establish the routine, dismissal will for 6th –8th grades. P.E. Uniforms will be available at improve. Your cooperation in following procedures and Orientation Day. guidelines will help things run more smoothly.

SUMMER REQUIRED READING You still have time to finish up your summer reading.

Requirements and forms are posted on the school web site, staopcs.org/summer–reading–lists Please keep summer reading logs and projects at home until teachers ask for them.

ABSENCES Absences should be reported by 7:40 a.m. You can call the school office (281–296–0300), or you may send an email to attendance@staopcs.org and copy your child’s teacher. You may let us know in advance if your child will be absent due to a scheduled appointment or requesting an early release.

BACK–TO–SCHOOL INFORMATION PARENTSWEB© Our school management system is RenWeb’s ParentsWeb© – a private and secure parents’ portal that allows parents to see academic information specific to their children, while protecting their children’s information from others. All you need is an Internet–capable computer to view information such as: Attendance, Daily Grades, Progress Reports, Report Cards, Homework, Missing Assignments, School Calendar, School Announcements, Staff and School Directory, Teacher Email Addresses, Teacher Websites.

If you are unfamiliar with ParentsWeb©, RenWeb© has created a 5–minute ParentsWeb© Overview video, which will give you an introduction to the system. Please watch it at your convenience at this address: https:// vimeo.com/126932181. The password to access the video is ParentsWeb. The link to access the video is also available on our website at staopcs.org/parentsweb.

If you went through the online enrollment process, you should already have a ParentsWeb© Login. However, if not, please follow the directions listed below.

Instructions for Creating a ParentsWeb© Login:  Please go to www.renweb.com.  Select Logins from the menu bar and ParentsWeb Login from the drop–down menu.  After the RenWeb ParentsWeb Login screen opens, please select Create New ParentsWeb Account.  Enter SATY–TX into the District Code field.  Enter in the Email field your email address as provided in your application to the school.  Click the Create Account button.  You will receive an email from RenWeb Customer Support containing a link that will allow you to create your username and password. For security purposes the link will remain active for 6 hours.  Please click on the link. A Change/Create Password screen will open. You may use the default username provided, or create a new username. Then type in your desired password into the Password field and Confirm Field.  Click on the Save Username and/or Password button.  Close the window.  Log into ParentsWeb as instructed above.

LUNCH PROGRAM We are pleased to welcome Geomar© back as our hot lunch vendor. Lunch service will begin on the second day of school. Orders and payment must be placed through their website at geomar.h1.hotlunchonline.net. You can access their website directly or through a link on the school web page. Online menus will be available for viewing August 1st. Orders must be placed at least 2 days in advance to ensure that enough meals are prepared each day.

Geomar© will be at Orientation Day to meet families.

Students may bring lunches from home.

Information about snacks will be provided by the classroom teachers. Students do not have access to cold storage, heating appliances or utensils.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM Calling all cross country, football, soccer, and volleyball players in 6th–8th grade! We are gearing up for the fall season.

Football—Mon., 8/7, 5:00–7:00 p.m. @ STAOPCS Soccer—Tues., 8/15, 3:30–5:30 p.m. @ STAOPCS Volleyball—Tues., 8/15, 3:30–5:30 p.m. @ STAOPCS Cross Country—Tues., 8/15, 3:30–5:00 p.m. @ STAOPCS MIDDLE SCHOOL CHROMEBOOKS: We are excited once again to offer our middle school students the use of Chromebooks™ to enhance their educational experience. The purpose of this 1:1 Chromebook™ Program is to have a seamless integration between technology and the curriculum in order to promote a 21st century classroom. This device is for educational purposes only. Please watch the short Chromebook™ Informational Video regarding this middle school program. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Leslie at aleslie@staopcs.org.

POSITION OPENINGS AT STAOPCS If you are interested in joining the staff at STAOPCS, please visit our website for the most recent list of openings! http://staopcs.org/employment

BACK–TO–SCHOOL INFORMATION VIRTUS, PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN PROGRAM All Volunteers are required to be current with the VIRTUS© program. Volunteers must attend the Protecting God’s Children© adult workshop, sign the Archdiocesan Volunteer’s Code of Conduct and agree to an Archdiocesan background check which is inclusive of criminal history. To maintain VIRTUS© certification, volunteers must attend the Keeping the Promise Alive© refresher workshop within 12 months after reaching their 5th year Protecting God’s Children© anniversary date. Volunteers who do not attend the mandatory Keeping the Promise Alive© refresher workshop within the 12–month grace period, will be required to attend another Protecting God’s Children© workshop. After an additional 5 years of taking the Keeping the Promise Alive© refresher workshop, volunteers are required to complete a 2nd refresher training called Protecting God's Children Online Awareness Session©. Volunteers, who do not complete the mandatory Protecting God's Children Online Awareness Session© within the 3–month grace period will be required to attend another Protecting God’s Children© workshop. As a community of faith it is our moral responsibility to safeguard children, the most important gifts God entrusts to us. Visit the VIRTUS© website for more information and to enroll in a certification or recertification session: www.virtusonline.org.

NEW STUDENT REFERRAL PROGRAM This program provides an opportunity for families currently enrolled to be rewarded for actively promoting St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and for moving our school toward full enrollment capacity for 2017–2018.

Any currently enrolled school family referring a newly enrolled student for the 2017–2018 school year will receive a $250 tuition credit.

In order for a currently enrolled family to qualify for the tuition credit, the new student online application must contain the name of the currently enrolled family making the referral. New applicants can give credit to only one current school family and referral incentives cannot be divided among families. The $250 tuition credit will be issued only for referred students who are accepted and who complete the nine–week conditional acceptance in the fall of 2017. Tuition credits are not available for the enrollment of additional siblings.

The program is available for referrals from now through September 1, 2017. Thank you for your help to promote the school we love and Catholic education!

COMMUNITY PARTNER PROGRAM As we prepare for 2017–2018 we want to share with you a new community partnership program that we are introducing to local businesses. We hope that with your help this program will help us generate new revenue and create lasting relationships with community organizations.

CAMPUS SECURITY: VISITORS & VOLUNTEERS Our school would not exist without the support and Access into the school building during school hours is engagement of our local community and we seek to through the main entrance. Other entrances including strengthen that support for the benefit of our students. those into the Bishop Sheltz Fellowship Hall are locked for the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors. If you or your business would like to participate, please let Public access to the interior of the school building will be us know! We are looking forward to celebrating the businesses that support our school and students. More restricted to the office lobby. The office staff will provide information about the Community Partner Program is necessary assistance to visitors. All visitors, including available online at: school parents are required to check in through the school office and show valid picture identification. Visitors http://www.staopcs.org/communitypartners approved to enter the building will be issued nametags We’d like to thank the following organizations for their that must be worn while on campus including the early commitment to this program. Please consider Fellowship Hall for lunch. Visitors approved to enter the patronizing the organizations that support our school! building will be buzzed through a second set of secured doors. Visitors should turn in nametags at the school front Fun Field Day Sponsors office when they leave the building. Security cameras Hughes & Cozad Orthodontics cover building entrances, interior hallways, and stairwells Showtime Orthodontic Arts providing 24–hour recording surveillance.

Gold Sponsor Farley Orthodontics

INTRODUCING OUR 2017–2018 STAFF We are fortunate to have a great group of returning staff members and some truly awesome newly hired staff members as well. We believe that each has been called to us in a special way and brings many gifts and talents to share. They have embraced the vision, mission, and philosophy of our school. They are committed to strengthening our culture of discipleship. We know that you will welcome our staff members and support them in their ministry of Catholic education.

Administration & Office Staff Renee Nunez, Principal & Parish Director of Education Susan Leddy, Assistant Principal Pre–K – 5th Kendall Shamas, Assistant Principal 6th – 8th & Auxiliary Katie Tressel, Advancement Coordinator for Community Engagement Leigh Moorman, Advancement Coordinator for Events & Stewardship Janay O'Connor, Counselor Olga Wunch, Learning Advisor Leslie Pavlock, Nurse Nestor Cayanan, Religion Coordinator Amy Leslie, Information Systems Coordinator Dale Quickel, Athletic Coordinator Heather Koett, Assistant Athletic Coordinator Cathy Russell, Admissions & Office Manager Colette Carson, Business Manager Mary Cunningham, Administrative Services & Support Assistant Emily Booth, Administrative Services & Support Assistant Emily Domingo, Administrative & Communications Assistant

Middle School Department Nicole Petillo, 6th Advisor & Social Studies Jill Gregory, 6th Advisor & Math Kelly Sturgeon, 7th Advisor & Science Sarah Turner, 7th Advisor & English Language Arts Kristine Parks, 8th Advisor & English Language Arts Nestor Cayanan, 8th Advisor & Religion Rebecca Morris, Math Lisa Biagi, Learning Support Teacher

Early Childhood Department Laura Foy, Pre–K3 Mona Rodriguez, Pre–K3 Assistant Vanessa Wilson, Pre–K4 Cinthia Bierbaum, Pre–K4 Assistant Ann–Marie Dalton, Pre–K4 Patricia Tamez, Pre–K4 Assistant Abby Smith, Kindergarten Prudence Osman, Kindergarten Assistant Kari Golden, Kindergarten Linda Dueitt, Kindergarten Assistant

Technology/Library Media Center Arlene Failde, Technology & Middle School Electives Tammy Fishman, Librarian Amy Leslie, Instructional Technology & Middle School Electives Cristofer Mattern, Library & Middle School Electives

Elementary Department Heather Birsinger, 1st Grade Mary Beth Larkin, 1st Grade Kristi Doyle, 2nd Grade Therese Abib, 2nd Grade Monique Loyo, 3rd Grade Barbara Glanville, 3rd Grade Meghan Preuss, 4th Grade Erin Weixel, 4th Grade Katherine Naeher, 5th Grade Kathy Graff, 5th Grade Catherine Wogan, Learning Support Teacher

Auxiliary Department Joey Scale, Band Patricia Broussard, World Language & Spanish Elizabeth Curtin, Theatre & Middle School Electives Suzanne Ettman, Art Heather Koett, EC World Languages & PE Rebecca Morris, PE–Angels & Middle School Electives Cynthia Ruff, Music 3–8 & Liturgical Music Coordinator Caitlyn Surkein, Music Pre–K–2 & Liturgical Music Coordinator Dale Quickel, PE & Health Kendall Shamas, Broadcast Media

Before & After School Program Susan Leddy, Coordinator Charlotte Aldrich, Manager Thelma Sanchez, Staff Gayle Perkins, Staff Ellen Pavlich, Staff

BACK–TO–SCHOOL SHOPPING When you are shopping for back–to–school items there are several ways you can give back to our school!

LABELS FOR THE STUFF KIDS LOSE! ®

Mabel’s labels are dishwasher, microwave, and laundry safe personalized labels. Please visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com and search for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School to place your order and support our school! Great for uniforms water bottles & lunchboxes!

SHOPPING AT AMAZON? Don’t forget to use Amazon Smile!

You can support St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School by shopping at: smile.amazon.com/ch/76– 0652692

August 2017 Calendar Mon

Tue

14 First Day of School/ Orientation Day, 8:00 a.m.

Wed

Thu

Fri

15 16 Mass—Solemnity of the New Parent Coffee, Assumption of the Virgin 8:15 a.m.

Mary, 9 a.m.

17

18

21

22

23 Mass, 9:00 a.m.

24 Middle School Parent Information Night, 6:30 p.m

25

28

29

30 Mass, 9:00 a.m.

31 Early Childhood Parent Info Night, 5:15 p.m.

Elementary Parent Info Night, 6:15 p.m.

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