The Messenger - New Family Edition - 2018-2019

THE MESSENGER NEW FAMILY EDITION—May 11, 2018 staopcs.org

Welcome to Our School Family!

MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION Dear New Families, We are thrilled to congratulate our newly accepted families and welcome you to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. We know there are many pieces of information to manage when joining a new school community. This electronic newsletter will help facilitate your family’s smooth transition to St. Anthony of Padua.

Within this newsletter you will find information needed to prepare for the upcoming academic year. Please complete any forms or information appropriate for your child.

Our school’s weekly newsletter is also delivered in this format and you can view past issues at: https://issuu.com/staopcs. We hope that you will continue to use our website (www.staopcs.org) as a resource as we move towards the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year. Our social media pages are also excellent ways to stay informed about what is happening around campus. Find us @STAOPCS at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

As you may know, Mrs. Nunez is transitioning to a new role in the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. We would like to introduce you to our new principal, Veronica Tucker—click here to read the full announcement! Have a wonderful summer and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Reneé B. Nunez

Susan Leddy

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS June 4—June 19 | 8 a.m.—3 p.m.

June 20—June 29 | 8 a.m.—12 p.m.

July 2—July 6 | School Office Closed July 9—July 20 | 8 a.m.—12 p.m.

July 23—August 1 | 8 a.m.—3 p.m.

August 2—August 10 | 8 a.m.—4 p.m.

August 13 | First Day of School August 13 | Begin regular hours, 7:30 a.m.—3:45 p.m.

TUITION PAYMENT INFORMATION The first tuition payment will be drawn from your FACTS account on June 1st. Please contact Cathy Russell, crussell@staopcs.org if you have any questions.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School 2018-2019 School Calendar S 5 12 19 26 S

August 2018 T W T F 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 31 September 2018 M T W T F M

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October 2018 T W T F 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 23 24 25 26 30 31 November 2018 M T W T F 1 2 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 December 2018 M T W T F

2 9 16 23 30

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January 2019 T W T F 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 M

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7901 Bay Branch Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77382 281-296-0300 (Fax) 281-296-7236 www.staopcs.org 15 WELCOME BACK PARENT ORIENTATION Monday, August 13, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

S 1 8 15 22 29 19

PARENT INFORMATION NIGHTS Thursday, August 23-Early Childhood/Elementary Thursday, August 30-Middle School STUDENTS First Day, August 13 (Noon Dismissal) Last Day, May 31 (Noon Dismissal)

S 6 GRADING PERIODS (Nine Week Quarters) 13 1st Semester 20 August 13 - October 12 (43 Days) 27 22 October 15 - December 19 (43 Days) 2nd Semester January 8 - March 8 (42 Days) S March 18 - May 31 (52 Days) 3 10 MS EXAMS 17 Midterms December 14, 17 & 18 24 17 Finals May 20, 21 & 23

S 1 8 15 22 29 13

STANDARDIZED TESTING DATES April 1-12 FALL CONFERENCES October 18-19 (Noon Dismissals) INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCY DAYS Days missed for emergencies or inclement weather will be taken from scheduled Holidays or Staff Development days, if needed.

S 5 12 SAVE THE DATES 19 September 27, Fall Family Open House 26 17 November 14, Dolphin Donor Day November 16, Grandparents Day (Noon Dismissal) February 1, Pastries with Parents February 16, STEPS for Students March 1, Auction Gala SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED July 1-5, 2019

February 2019 T W T F 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 March 2019 T W T F 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29

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April 2019 T W T 2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30 May 2019 T W T 1 2 7 8 9 14 15 16 21 22 23 28 29 30 June 2019 T W T

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Holiday

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Conferences

New Staff Orientation Staff Development Nat. Catholic Schools Week Early Release (12:00 Noon) Early Release (1:45 p.m.)

Beyond the Bell (Closes at School Dismissal)

WELCOME TO THE STAOPCS FAMILY! PADUAN PARENTS Parents partnering with our school enrich the education and faith experiences of students thus enhancing the total quality of the school program. Parents are automatically members of the organization under the guidance of the Advancement Department. Paduan Parents promotes open communication and understanding, serves as a vehicle for parent involvement, and instills a sense of pride in our school.

Family commitment is essential to our school’s success, therefore, parents are asked to acquire at least 20 family volunteer units called Paduan Points annually through volunteering and fundraising activities within our school. Each family is asked to accumulate at least 20 Paduan Points throughout the school year by volunteering or contributing in various ways. Each family will be billed $10 for each uncompleted Paduan Point (maximum of $200). A current list of Paduan Points opportunities is available on our website at: staopcs.org/volunteer-opportunities—this will be updated at the beginning of the school year. Please feel free to email advancement@staopcs.org with any questions about Paduan Parents.

ROOM PARENTS We encourage all parents and guardians to volunteer as a Room Parent during the 2018-2019 school year. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to your child’s classroom, experience your child’s interactions with teachers and peers, and most of all, see the pride in your child’s face when you are there to share special times with their class.

If you are interested in this fun and rewarding opportunity, please let us know at roomparent@staopcs.org. Be sure to let us know which grade-level Room Parent position you’re interested in. The school will contact individual Room Parents once the school year begins.

VIRTUS TRAINING REQUIREMENT VIRTUS training is required for all volunteers. This training is offered throughout the year at various convenient locations, including our own parish. Please visit www.virtus.org to register for your training prior to the start of the school year so that you can begin volunteering right away!

SUMMER READING St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School has required summer reading for incoming 1st through 8th grade students.

The summer reading lists and requirements will be posted on the school website, www.staopcs.org on the last day of school: June 1st, 2018. There is a tab at the top of the STAOPCS home page titled Academics & Programs. Use the drop down menu under Programs to find Summer Reading. Click on the grade level to see requirements.

If you have any questions, email our librarian, Tammy Fishman at tfishman@staopcs.org.

ATHLETICS All students who are interested in participating in fall sports must complete the following forms that are located on our website under Extracurriculars & Athletics. Click the link to download and complete.

Fall Sports Commitment Form—2018-2019 Sports Physicals Form—2018-2019

UNIFORMS

Dear Families of:

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, WELCOME!

We are pleased to announce that your school uniforms will be available through Risse Brothers School Uniforms for the 2018–2019 school year.

Please go to www.rissebrothers.com and register as soon as possible.

Store Policy: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Cash. All orders must be paid in full at the time of ordering and before any merchandise can be shipped. All shipped orders include a shipping fee of $10.00. NO COD’S. Exchanges may be made by coming into the store, or mailing/shipping the merchandise back with a note stating what we need to do. Alterations are the responsibility of the customer. All sizes are standard sizes.

We do not accept any merchandise for return that has been washed, worn, altered, or have names written in them, EXCEPT in the case of manufacturing defects. PLEASE TRY ON ALL UNIFORM ITEMS BEFORE YOU WASH OR ALTER THEM. All items must be in their original condition and tags must still be attached to garment to receive credit or exchange.

Returns made within 4 months of purchase: Cash refunds over $50.00 will be issued a refund check from our corporate office in New Jersey. Please allow two (2) weeks to receive a refund. Refunds on merchandise paid for by credit card will be issued a credit on the same credit card.

Returns made after 4 months of purchase: Regardless of payment method, all returns dated after 4 months will receive a Risse Brothers gift card.

Any purchase made by gift card or gift card and secondary method will receive a refund in the form of a gift card equal to the amount of the original card used and any additional funds owed will be given applying the rules listed above.

The following merchandise may not be returned: • Special/Custom Sizes • Items purchased during a special or discounted sale • Logoed items for schools that do not have an active uniform program with Risse Brothers • Logoed items that have been discontinued by the school or are no longer part of the uniform program We accept phone orders with a credit card as long as you know your sizes. You may also order online at www.rissebrothers.com.

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Any orders placed during the month of May will ship after June 1st when the retail store opens.

PLEASE PLACE YOUR UNIFORM ORDER EARLY TO AVOID ANY DELAYS

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STORE LOCATION: 9000 Hempstead Road • Suite 120 • Houston, TX 77008 Telephone: 346-319-4176 (Main) STORE HOURS: Monday ............... Closed* Tuesday .............. 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday ....... 10:00 a.m.

Thursday............. 10:00 a.m.

Friday .................. 10:00 a.m.

Saturday ............. 10:00 a.m.

Sunday ................ Closed

to to to to to

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.* 5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

*Note: Open Mondays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during July, August, and open until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays during the month of August.

If you have any further questions, the new store will be opening on June 1st. Check back at www.rissebrothers.com for store updates. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

www.rissebrothers.com

UNIFORM REGULATIONS & DRESS CODE REPRINTED FROM FAMILY HANDBOOK Students of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School wear uniforms. Parents and students are responsible for seeing that garments worn are properly fitted and comply with the uniform regulations. The school reserves the right to determine if a student’s grooming and dress meet the standards of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. Faculty members share the responsibility of enforcing the regulations and dress code. If students come to school out of uniform or inappropriately dressed for the day parents may be called to bring the appropriate garments. If parents cannot be reached, an attempt to provide the student with the appropriate garments is made through lost and found and/or clinic uniform supplies. A student’s conduct grade is reduced for uniform and dress code violations.

All garments should be labeled with the student's name. Official uniforms must be worn for Mass, prayer services, some field trips, and other special occasions. Students, who are members of national organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, may wear the national adopted uniform on meeting days. In most cases, the last Friday of the month is t-shirt day. Students may wear their school t-shirt with uniform shorts, skorts or slacks and must follow the regular policy for shoes.

Students are required to be in appropriate attire for designated non-uniform/free dress days, school sponsored events, or anytime they are on campus. Clothing must be modest and appropriate for wear in the Catholic school setting. The length of skirts and dresses should be no shorter than 2” above the knee. Tank tops, halter-tops, midriff shirts, shorts shorter than fingertip length, or any garments exposing an inappropriate amount of a student’s body are not permitted. Clothing should not be too tight or revealing. Garments with advertisements for cigarettes, alcohol, or music groups may not be worn. Garments with offensive or inappropriate language, graphics, or symbols may not be worn. Garments such as sweatshirts and t-shirts with appropriate references to collegiate or sports teams are acceptable on non-uniform days. Hats/caps are not indoor wear and not allowed in the classroom. When blue jeans are worn, they may not be frayed, tattered, too tight, too baggy, or too low. Boots with heels no higher than one (1) inch are permitted on free dress days.

Shoes should be mainly black, brown, navy, gray, tan or white with rubber soles. Details on shoes should be minimal and colors are limited to those reflected above or in the school plaid. Florescent or neon colors are not permitted for shoes or laces. Shoes should fit well and provide good support and traction for kids on the go.

Athletic or tennis shoes are acceptable. Shoelaces should match the color of the shoe, be free of charms or other decoration, and be tied. Velcro fasteners on shoes are acceptable. Sandals, crocs, flip-flops, clogs, high top, or light up tennis shoes, shoes with a concealed incline wheel, platform shoes or heels higher than one (1) inch are not permitted.

Shirts should be tucked in. Layering of additional garments such as turtlenecks is prohibited. Modesty shorts in solid navy are required under jumpers and skirts for PreK-5th grade girls. Undergarments that can be seen through white oxford shirts should be white and free of graphics and advertising. Non-uniform coats and jackets with zippered or buttoned fronts can be worn outdoors in colder weather and are hung in student cubbies or lockers during the day. The school sweater, school sweatshirt, or school jackets are the only articles allowed indoors as covering over the school uniform. Students may wear non-uniform coats and jackets when traveling from the school building to the church for Mass in colder weather. If students are on the altar, the only acceptable outerwear is the school cardigan sweater. Ties should remain on (not loosened or removed) until students have returned to their lockers upstairs.

Students are expected to be neat, clean, and well groomed. Hair should be worn neatly and not interfere with vision. Extreme or exaggerated haircuts or styles including shaved styles, bleached, or dyed hair in colors that do not occur in nature are not permitted. Boys’ hair must be cut above the ears and shirt collar in back. Boys may not wear ponytails or braids. Girls may wear hair bows, scrunchies, barrettes, headbands, etc. in solid school colors or the school plaid. Florescent or neon colors and bandanas are not permitted.

Jewelry should be minimal. Watches that do not beep or chime may be worn. Religious medals or crosses may be worn under uniform shirts or blouses. Girls may wear a small ring, and stud earrings. Body piercing is prohibited with the exception of a single ear piercing on the lower ear lobes for girls. Additional jewelry, wristbands make-up, nail polish, false nails, hair extensions, and tattoos are not worn.

UNIFORM REGULATIONS & DRESS CODE GIRLS PRE-K—3RD GRADES (NOTE: Most items come in girls’ cuts, children, teen and half sizes.)

Official Uniform -Plaid drop waist jumper with emblem (no shorter than 1 inch above knee) -White blouse with navy piping -Navy snap tie -Modesty shorts in solid navy -Solid white or navy socks or tights -Black, brown, navy, gray, tan or white shoes

Options -Navy slacks with dolphin logo -Brown braided belt (required with slacks in 1st-3rd grades) -Navy skort with biker shorts and dolphin logo NEW -Green knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo worn with skorts or slacks only -Blue knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo worn with skorts or slacks only -Navy cardigan with crest monogram, school sweatshirt or school jacket with logo -School t-shirt worn on designated t-shirt days only

GIRLS 4TH—5TH GRADES (NOTE: Most items come in girls’ cuts, children, teen and half sizes.)

Official Uniform -Plaid skirt (no shorter than 1 inch above knee) -White oxford blouse with logo -Navy snap tie -Modesty shorts in solid navy -Solid white or navy socks or tights -Black, brown, navy, gray, tan or white shoes

Options -Navy slacks with dolphin logo -Brown braided belt (required with slacks in 4th-5th grades) -Navy skort with biker shorts and dolphin logo -Green knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo worn with skorts or slacks only -Blue knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo worn with skorts or slacks only -Navy cardigan with crest monogram, school sweatshirt or school jacket with logo -School t-shirt worn on designated t-shirt days only

GIRLS 6TH—8TH GRADES (NOTE: Most items come in girls’ cuts, children, teen and half sizes.)

Official Uniform -Navy kilt skirt with dolphin logo (no shorter than 1 inch above knee) -White oxford with logo -Navy snap tie -Solid navy socks (knee-hi) -Black, brown, navy, gray, tan or white shoes -Topsiders or dress shoes are worn for Mass with the official uniform

Options -Navy or khaki skort with biker shorts and dolphin logo (no shorter than fingertip length) -Navy or Khaki slacks with dolphin logo -Navy knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo worn with skorts or slacks only -Yellow knit shirt with logo worn with skorts or slacks only -Navy cardigan with crest monogram, school sweatshirt or school jacket with logo -School t-shirt worn on designated t-shirt days only -Solid navy or white socks or tights

BOYS PRE-K—5TH GRADES Official Uniform -Navy shorts (no shorter than fingertip length) or slacks with dolphin logo -Plaid button down shirt with emblem -Brown braided belt (1st-5th grades) -Solid white or navy socks -Black, brown, navy, gray, tan or white shoes

Options -Green knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo -Blue knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo -Navy cardigan with crest monogram, school sweatshirt or school jacket with logo -School t-shirt worn on designated t-shirt days only

BOYS 6TH—8TH GRADES Official Uniform -Navy slacks with dolphin logo -White oxford shirt with logo -Navy & Khaki tie -Brown braided belt -Navy or black socks (no ankle socks) -Black, brown, navy, gray, tan or white shoes -Topsiders or dress shoes are worn for Mass with the official uniform

Options -Navy or Khaki shorts (no shorter than fingertip length) or slacks with dolphin logo -Navy knit or Dri Fit shirt with logo -Yellow knit shirt with logo -White socks -Navy cardigan with crest monogram, school sweatshirt or school jacket with logo -School t-shirt worn on designated t-shirt days only

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES INCOMING 6TH, 7TH, & 8TH GRADE STUDENTS: 2018-2019 Dear Incoming 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Students and Parents, It’s time to select the electives that you would like to take. In addition to the state requirement for PE, students have the opportunity to select from the electives on the following page. We also require that during their three years of middle school, students take Technology I. During a student’s 7th or 8th grade year, it is required to take one, yearlong foreign language course. Some courses offered are yearlong and others are semester long. All classes meet a minimum of 2-3 times per week. As you rank your choices, please keep in mind that band and PE - Angels have a financial commitment involved. If you are serious about taking one of these two courses, please rank them as a high choice.

We continue to work with Conroe ISD so that we can offer some electives as high school courses. Health class continues to be a high school level class required by CISD. Health is a yearlong course and is available to students in 8th grade. Spanish I and Spanish II will be yearlong courses which will cover the high school Spanish TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). Spanish I and Spanish II can be taken in 7th and/or 8th grade. Health and Spanish classes will follow the high school TEKS and utilize a high school level textbook. In order to meet high school requirements, homework, tests, quizzes, and semester exams may be given. Upon satisfactory completion of courses, students will receive a letter of completion from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and CISD will have the option to issue the high school credit upon review.

Offering several choices will allow students to sample various electives that spark their interest. We ask students to rank their preferences. However, due to scheduling constraints, a tentative budget, and staffing requirements, students are not guaranteed all of their top ten choices. We will do our best to schedule students into those courses that they rank highest. In the event that not enough students sign up for a course, the course may be cancelled. Students will be notified on the first day of school in August of their elective schedule. Please take time in filling out and ranking your courses as it may be impossible to change your schedule in the fall.

Please sign and return the attached form to school no later than May 25th. If this elective form is not turned in by the due date, students will be placed in electives where spots are available.

Sincerely,

Reneé B. Nunez

Kendall Shamas

Principal

Assistant Principal

 6TH GRADE ELECTIVES FORM  7TH GRADE ELECTIVES FORM  8TH GRADE ELECTIVES FORM  MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES DESCRIPTIONS

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION INFORMATION

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SUPPORT OUR MISSION Over the past 18 years, investment from St. Anthony of Padua contributors has made a tremendous impact on student achievement and success. Building a strong stewardship culture provides the school with a competitive advantage and translates into stronger programs, improved facilities and an overall better educational experience for our students. The funds generated through tuition provide us with a school, but additional income generated through advancement and other initiatives makes our school exceptional and unique. Mark your calendars for our 2018-2019 events and programs that support our school!

2018-2019 GIVING OPPORTUNITIES THE FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY The Fund for St. Anthony is vitally important as St. Anthony relies on income from charitable contributions to help reach a balanced budget each year. The actual cost of educating each student is significantly greater than the tuition we pay. The Fund for St Anthony provides the necessary means to close this “gap”. Dolphin Donor Day—on November 14, 2018—is a 24-hr. fundraising event designed to encourage all alumni, faculty, parents, and friends to support the Fund for St. Anthony. Your gift, no matter the size, makes a huge impact on the lives of our students and helps us continue to develop joyful disciples of Christ.

STEPS FOR STUDENTS February 16, 2019 Steps for Students is an annual Archdiocesan-wide event where all school and parish communities can come together as one to support Catholic education. The goal of Steps for Students is to raise awareness of the importance of a Catholic education and provide much needed resources for our Catholic schools. This day of family fun includes a 5K USA Track and Field Association sanctioned race and post-race party.

MARDI GRAS BALL – AUCTION GALA March 1, 2019 The annual auction gala is a fun evening for parents, friends and family of the St. Anthony of Padua community consisting of cocktails, dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. Parties & Socials are fun ways that everyone can participate in the fun! We have some exciting new additions planned for next year’s event!

GIVING BY LIVING BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION Did you know that each box top generates 10 cents for STAOPCS, and each label earns points that are redeemed for school products? You can help support your parish school by saving box tops and labels.

They may be dropped off in the school office during regular school hours, or in the school drop box in the church narthex. Box Tops have generated over $1,100 to support our school this school year!

SPIRIT DAYS/NIGHTS Regularly throughout the school year we partner with local restaurants or stores and earn a percentage of the total sales brought in by St. Anthony of Padua families on our assigned days/nights! Follow us on social media to keep track of where we are headed next!

DO YOU SHOP AT AMAZON? A portion of your purchases can be directed to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School by shopping through Amazon Smile at: smile.amazon.com/ch/76–0652692

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 camp gear, uniforms & lunchboxes!

LABELS FOR THE STUFF KIDS LOSE! ®

The mission of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is to: Instill Roman Catholic identity, reverence for the sacraments and a lifelong commitment to joyful discipleship; Enrich students by fostering academic excellence and providing opportunities that nurture and challenge all to reach their full potential; Develop, with parents, the moral compass that guides students to serve with Jesus Christ as their model.

Have a great summer!