WELCOME BACK What’s Inside
First Day of School.....................................................................4–5 School Hours Class List Picture Day Top 10 : Preparing for School Dates to Remember.................................................................6–7 Meet the Teacher Night Lower School New Family Orientation US Technology Sessions Back to School Mass & Open House Summer Reading & Math Packets DPL Orientation Booster Club Fall Kick-Off Birthday Celebrations Carpool.....................................................................................................8–9 Carpool Procedures Walkers Carpool Rules New This School Year................................................................... 9 Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day Upper School Library Parent Web School Directory General Information........................................................10–11 Lunch Extended Day Program Safe Environment/Volunteering Parent/Student Handbook Sick/Absence Policy Front Desk Rules
2019–2020 School Calendar...............................................14 Communications............................................................................15 Website & School Calendar Week at a Glance Homeroom Parents & Teacher Emails Parent Alert Follow Us on Social Media Technology.............................................................................................16 Social Media Policy STA Computer Technology Plan US Technology Pledge Form Link Spirit Store.............................................................................................17 Hours Athletics..........................................................................................18–19 Important Fall Dates Participation Rules Fall/Winter/Spring Sports Booster Club.........................................................................................19 Activities & Important Dates STAPA ................................................................................................20–21 Parent Involvement & Important Dates FOSTA ................................................................................................22–23 Parent Involvement & Important Dates Quick Reference Guide...........................................................24
Health & Academic Services ...........................................12 The Health Clinic Student Counseling & Academic Support Our Catholic Identity.................................................................13 Prayers Our Faith In Action Catholic Schools Week
This file contains several links to our school website and forms you will need. Blue underlined text is interactive when viewing the digital version on your computer or mobile device. Click the text to open the page in your browser.
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL.
We hope everyone had a restful and relaxing summer. This year, we will continue our focus on Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed. These four words are an excellent representation of the mission and vision of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, and we are excited to bring this focus to the 2019–2020 school year providing our students opportunities to grow and thrive in a nurturing, faith-based, and values-driven community. As members of a vibrant community, your child will come to discover his or her unique gifts and learn to use these gifts for personal success, to help others at school, and to serve those in need in the broader community. We look forward to a year full of opportunities for our students, our teachers, and our parents to Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.
Patrick Magee, President
Lauren Roberts, Lower School Principal
Jen Watts, Upper School Principal
Leslie Reeves, Assistant Principal Academic Affairs
Shannon Storey, Dean of Students
MISSION STATEMENT To lead each student in the formation of a strong Catholic faith through the balanced pursuit of knowledge, prayer, responsibilty, and service.
VISION STATEMENT To seek the light and hope of Christ in everything we think, say, and do.
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Wednesday, August 14
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 14th. It is a half day of school. Please make arrangements to pick up your child at 11:45 AM at the Lower School and 12:00 PM at the Upper School as there is no Extended Day. For safety purposes, parents may walk their child to his or her classroom at
14
AUGUST
both the Upper School and the Lower School on the first day only.
SCHOOL HOURS LOWER SCHOOL
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Half Days/Early Dismissal 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM
UPPER SCHOOL
7:55 AM – 3:16 PM
Half Days/Early Dismissal 7:55 AM – 12 Noon
Final class lists and schedules will be posted on ParentsWeb Sunday, August 4 at noon. Any class lists that are viewed in ParentsWeb before this time are not official or final.
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For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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SCHOOL PICTURES Upper School photos will be taken
on, Thursday, August 15, a formal uniform day for students in 5th–8th grade. For 5th grade boys, that means white button-down shirt and tie for the first time. All 8th grade students should wear their blue button-down shirts.
Lower School photos will be taken on Tuesday, August 20.
Proofs and order forms from Impressionists Portraits will be sent home with your child a few weeks after the photos are taken. Retakes are scheduled for October 9th on both campuses. If you wish to have a retake, please return proof marked RETAKE to your child’s homeroom teacher. These are the photos used for the year book, so look your best!
Preparing for School 1.
Attend the Back to School Mass and Open House on Sunday, August 25 at 9 AM. Be sure to visit your classrooms, pick up carpool tags, and visit the Spirit Store.
2. Upper School students: complete the summer reading and math packets. See the Parents tab on the website for assignments. 3.
Get haircuts, check skirt hem lengths and uniform quality. Visit the uniform store, Risse Brothers School Uniforms, and the Spirit Store for any uniform pieces you need.
4. Be on time! School starts promptly at 7:55 AM at the US, and 8 AM at the LS.
5.
Have patience in the afternoon carpool line. It always takes longer the first week as we settle into a routine. Please follow carpool procedures to ensure the safety of our students and teachers.
6. Set up or check your child’s lunch account, or don’t forget to pack his or her lunch. See p. 8 for more information. 7. Remember there is no Extended Day on the first day of school. Registration is still available. 8. Read the Week at a Glance every Friday to prepare for the week ahead. 9. Subscribe to the school calendar located in the Parents tab of the website. 10. Get ready for a great school year!
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For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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DATES TO REMEMBER
BACKto
Meet the Teacher Night Parents are invited to learn more about the upcoming school year and discover what will be going on in the classroom (parents only).
Tuesday, August 20 • 6 PM–7:40 PM
6th –8th Grades
PK–2nd Grades
3rd –5th Grades
Experience a day in the life of our middle school students (6th–8th grades). Parents will meet in their child’s homeroom and follow an abbreviated bell schedule to meet our teachers.
Wednesday, August 21 7 PM–7:30 PM or 7:35 PM–8:05 PM Parents with children in PK through 2nd grade can choose from the two Meet the Teacher sessions. Class starts promptly and is for parents only!
Thursday, August 22 6:15 PM–7 PM Parents with children in 3rd–5th grades will meet their child’s teachers and get information for the year.
Lower School New Family Orientation Thursday, August 8 • 6 PM–7 PM in the Lower School Cafeteria (Parents Only)
If you are new to the Lower School and your child will be in kinder, 1st or 2nd, or if your oldest child is going to kindergarten from PK, you are invited to come to learn more about the Lower School and how to make the transition as easy as possible. The PK orientation took place in May; therefore PK parents do not need to attend.
US Parent Technology Sessions Tuesday, August 20 • 5:15 PM–6 PM or Thursday, August 22 • 5:15 PM–6 PM
Learn more about ParentsWeb, Moodle, and more. 6
For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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MASS
& OPEN HOUSE NEW DATE SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 9 AM Mass in the Church followed by Lower School and Upper School Open House* until 11:15 AM *The faculty and staff will be attending Mass with the parents and students. We welcome you to visit the classrooms immediately after Mass.
Summer Reading and Math Packets DUE: First Week of School Don’t forget that Upper School Summer Reading and Math Packets for students in 3rd–8th grade are due the week school begins. The packets were sent home with your child on May 25th. Packets may also be printed out by going to the Parents tab of the school website.
athletics STA Wildcat Athletics and DPL Orientation for 5th Grade and New Parents
Celebrating Birthdays: Dress Down Days and Birthday Blessings Birthday Dress Down Days are designated days, once a month, for students celebrating their birthday. He or she may wear free dress in compliance with the dress code on the day.
DATES ARE: August 29 (July & August) September 26 October 24 November 21 December 12
January 16 February 20 March 26 April 23 May 7 (May & June)
Birthday blessings will be given at your child’s scheduled Mass or prayer service during the same week of Birthday Dress Down in most months. These dates are listed on the school calendar on the website. Individual birthday celebrations in the classroom are only allowed at the Lower School. Contact your child’s homeroom teacher for more information.
Friday, August 23 from 5:30 PM– 6 PM Parents of students in 5th grade and parents of new 5th–8th grade students are asked to join our STA Athletic Director, Geneveive Dittmar, on Friday, August 23 from 5:30 PM–6 PM in the gym to learn more about our STA Wildcat athletic program and the DPL. This is an exciting time for your child as he or she becomes an STA Wildcat athlete. Please attend to ensure a smooth transition to our school sports program.
Booster Club Fall Sports Kick Off August 23, 2019 at 6 PM STA Field
SAVE THE DATE
OCT.
25 BACK TO SCHOOL
OCT.
26 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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CARPOOL Carpool Tag
Please be patient the first few weeks of school as we adjust to the new routine, ensuring the safety of our students and our teachers.
Pick up your carpool tags (3 per household) in the Spirit Store during special back-to-school hours (see page 17). Tags not picked up will be available at the front desk of the campus of your youngest child the following Monday or Tuesday. Tags must always be displayed in order to pick up children from school carpool. If you need extra tags, please contact Candy Kappes at the Upper School or Cheryl Neeley at the Lower School.
Lower School RAVENDALE LANE
PK CARPOOL one line of cars
K-2nd CARPOOL one car at a time NO PARKING
NO PARKING
ST. MORTIZ
NO LEFT TURN
Walking Path
Walking Path NO LEFT TURN
PK Drop Off and pick up location
K – 2nd Drop Off and pick up locations
Tom Thumb
ALDERSON
Walking Path
St. Thomas Aquinas Lower School ALDERSON STREET
LUBY’S
NORRIS STREET
Designated Parking at Luby’s
MOCKINGBIRD LANE
Upper School
NO LEFT TURN
One car at a time
All Upper School students may be dropped off each morning in either the north or south parking lot. In the afternoon, students in 3rd and 4th grade, along with their siblings and carpool buddies, are picked up in the north parking lot. Students in 5th–8th grade are picked up in the south parking lot.
One Line NO LEFT TURN
KENWOOD AVENUE
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
DROP OFF FOR ALL AND PICK UP AREA FOR 3RD – 4TH AND SIBLINGS
ABRAMS ROAD
NORTH CARPOOL
ALDERSON STREET
Walkers
NO PARKING
K–2nd grade morning and afternoon carpool begins at the west entrance of the school parking lot on St. Moritz. PK families can drop off and pick up at the circle drive on Alderson beginning at 7:30 AM. Assisted morning carpool begins at 7:30 AM. Between 7:15 AM and 7:30 AM, please park and walk your child into the school. Children may not be dropped off before 7:15 AM. Due to the limited parking on campus, parents who wish to walk their child to the door are asked to only park in the Luby’s parking lot.
NO LEFT TURN
Every Upper School family completed a Release to Walk Form with St. Thomas Aquinas enrollment/re-enrollment indicating Upper School if your child may leave the campus unsupervised. If you wish to change DROP OFF FOR ALL AND your child’s walker status, fill out a new PICK UP AREA FOR 5TH–8TH form located in the Parents tab of SOUTH the website and email Candy Kappes CARPOOL at ckappes@staschool.org. Just a reminder, walkers will not be released until carpool has begun. In the case of severe weather, parents will be advised through ParentAlert that walkers will be held on campus for pick up through the carpool line. Always have an updated phone number on record and a good back up plan with your child. 8
For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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CARPOOL RULES •
The safety of our students and teachers is our highest priority during carpool hours. Please follow the rules below at all times.
•
NO CELL PHONES It is state law that no cell phone or hand-held device be used within 500 yards of both school campuses during carpool. This law includes cars parked around the perimeter of the school waiting for students who walk.
NEW THIS YEAR Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day will be celebrated on two separate days.
UPPER SCHOOL
Thursday, January 30 • 6 PM – 7 PM
LOWER SCHOOL
Friday, January 31 • 10 AM – 11 AM Early dismissal at 11:45 AM or after GPSF Day.
• STAY IN THE CARPOOL QUEUE • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES.
The Upper School Library
•
NO LEFT TURNS No left turns into or out of school property during carpool times. No exceptions.
Renovations to the library were made possible by STAPA and your contributions to the auction paddle raise. New seating, tables, circulation desk, and more! Stop by at Open House to see all the changes!
•
CARPOOL TAGS Carpool tags must be displayed prominently in the front windshield. We will not release students to anyone without a tag.
•
STAY IN YOUR CAR Do not get out of your car during carpool. Teachers at the Lower School will help your child into the car.
•
WALKING Lower School families walking their children to the school door must park in the Luby’s lot. Do not park on the street, at Tom Thumb, or in the Lower School parking lot.
Communicate any changes in afternoon carpool arrangements to the child and the school 24 hours in advance by emailing the homeroom teacher and the receptionist. Please do not request that students be released after 2:45 PM.
ParentsWeb and the School Directory* The School Directory is now online through the new mobile-friendly ParentsWeb website. The school directory online contains all the contact information for parents, students, and faculty. Class lists will also be posted on ParentsWeb under Resource Documents. https://staq-tx.client.renweb.com/pwr/ Please keep all contact information current with the school; you can change your information by going to ParentsWeb and selecting Web Forms, then Family Demographics Form, or email Louise Bartosik at lbartosik@staschool.org. * The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School directory of family information includes parent and student names and addresses, parent e-mail addresses, as well as home, mobile, and work numbers. This directory is online and password protected. The directory is for the personal use of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School families only. It may not be sold or used for mailing lists or solicitation purposes of advertising personal businesses or promoting outside businesses. BACK TO SCHOOL
For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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GENERAL INFORMATION Lunch All students may bring their lunch or purchase from options provided by our food service vendor, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner Caterers. In order to buy lunch at STA, families should set up a lunch account before school starts. Instructions on how to set up and monitor your child’s account along with monthly menus are located in the Parents tab of the school website. Microwaves are available at both campuses for student use. Please make sure food is brought to
school in microwaveable covered containers and require less than 1 minute to warm. Parents may join their child for lunch at the Lower School, although we strongly encourage you to allow them this important social time to eat with their friends. Please let your child’s teacher know if you are planning to eat with your child. Upper School students have a limited lunch/recess period and are not allowed to have visitors at lunch. Students bringing lunch to school must bring it with them. No dropping lunches off after 7:55 AM.
Extended Day St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School is committed to providing a fun and safe place for your child to spend his/her time after school. Extended Day hours are from school dismissal until 6 PM. A fee will be assessed for any child picked up after 6 PM. Extended Day is not a drop-in program; in order to participate, all families must enroll their children in the 2, 3, 4 or 5-day program. Both the Lower School and Upper School Extended Day staff provide a time to decompress from the school day with friends,do homework, receive tutoring, eat a healthy snack, and have fun. There is still room in the program if you would like to enroll your child. You can find more information about the program and fees on the Extended Day page on the STA website.
10 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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Extended Day is closed on:
Wednesday, August 14, 2019 Friday, November 22, 2019 Friday, December 20, 2019 Friday, May 29, 2020
Half days when students need to bring a sack lunch are:
Friday, August 30, 2019 Friday, September 27, 2019 Thursday, October 25, 2019 Friday, January 31, 2020 Friday, February 14, 2020 Friday, March 13, 2020 Friday, April 8, 2020 Friday, May 22, 2020
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Shelly Courtney, US Extended Day Facilitator scourtney@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4215 Sandy Cole, LS Extended Day Director scole@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4324
Safe Environment and Volunteering In compliance with the Diocese, STA has a comprehensive Safe Environment program in place for all of our volunteers. In order to volunteer at the school, church, or any affiliated event, you are required to be safe environment cleared. This is an easy process that is outlined on the website. Once you receive your Safe Environment badge, it must be updated annually on the anniversary date and worn on school premises at all times you are on campus. Please know that for the safety of our students and teachers, this policy is strictly enforced. All visitors who do not have a Safe Environment badge must sign in at the front desk, receive a yellow visitor sticker, and be accompanied at all times. More information about the Safe Environment program can be found on the school website or by contacting Gina Rangel, Safe Environment Director, at rangel@stadallas.org or by phone at 214.821.3360, ext. 4115.
Parent/Student Handbook
Front Desk Rules With over 860 students, parents, grandparents, volunteers, and teachers, the front desk can seem like Grand Central Station. Help us stay focused on your child’s education and safety by following the Front Desk Rules!
At the Beginning of the School Day • Report an absence if your child will be out for the day. (See below) •
At the Upper School, items delivered to the school for students after the bell rings will be placed in the HR teacher box, not delivered directly to students. School work will be considered late.
•
Lunches for Upper School students need to be brought from home by the student, or the student will need to buy a lunch. We discourage picking up your child for off-campus lunches.
During the School Day • Students are expected to be in school and attend all classes every school day. • Messages will not be passed to Upper School students from the front desk except in true emergencies.
The St. Thomas Aquinas Parent/Student Handbook is located in the Parents tab of the website. This is a live document that changes as the Diocese and school administration implement and modify policy. All families electronically signed the acknowledgment of handbook policies when enrolling/re-enrolling their children in the spring. Please feel free to refer to these policies and procedures at any time, especially those which pertain to uniform dress code and free dress policies.
• Doctors’ notes are required for return to school from appointments.
Is your child sick or not attending school?
• Students not picked up on time will be escorted to Extended Day and a fee will be charged.
• Students may not be pulled from class for a sibling event (only exceptions are May Crowning and kindergarten graduation).
At the End of the School Day • Students may not be picked up from the front desk after 2:45 PM. • Students may not be pulled early from school for extra-curricular activities. • Follow the carpool rules.
Please notify the school of absences as soon as possible by emailing your child’s homeroom teacher and the school receptionist, or you can fill out the absence form on the school website. The form is also located as a link at the bottom of the Week at a Glance. You can also call the Upper School or The Lower School and press 1 to leave a voicemail.
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For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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HEALTH AND ACADEMIC SERVICES The Health Clinic The Health Clinic is open at both the Lower School and Upper School campuses from 8 AM until 3 PM on school days. Services provided by the clinic include basic first aid, managing medical emergencies, and monitoring ill students until a parent arrives to pick them up. The clinic does not supply medication for students. Parents must supply all medications in original pharmacy bottles. All medication, perscription and over-the-counter (OTC), must be kept in the clinic. Students are not allowed to hold medicine or self-medicate. If your child has prescription medicine, please use the Diocesan Medication Form located in the Parent tab of the website when bringing the medication to the school. Parents are expected to communicate and plan with the nurse. In consideration of your child, classmates, and our staff, keep your child home from school if he/she is ill or not feeling well and has the following symptoms:
If your child has been experiencing a temperature of 100 degrees or more, he or she must stay home until fever free for 24 hours without the aid of a fever reducer.
If your child has vomited or has diarrhea, either at school or home, we require you to keep him or her at home for 24 hours after the last vomiting or diarrhea event.
If your child requires medications during school to prevent him or her from exhibiting signs of illness, such as coughing, wheezing, or copious drainage, it would be in his or her best interest to stay home until the symptoms have abated.
DOCTOR’S NOTES
Per Diocesan policy, notes from the doctor/dentist office are required to return to school from an appointment. 12 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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Student Counseling and Academic Support Services St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School has full time guidance counselors at both campuses. Any student, parent, or faculty member may consult with the counselor to address individual needs of students. The counselor, in collaboration with our on-staff Learning Specialists, teachers, administrators, and, when needed, outside professionals, will make recommendations to help students meet the academic, behavioral, and or emotional challenges affecting student success. If your child has a diagnosed learning difference, parents are required to provide the Upper School Learning Specialist, Cynthia Redden, or Lower School Counselor and Learning Specialist, Padmini Dayal, with a copy of the diagnostic report. Parents are responsible for providing updated testing or changes in their child’s diagnosis.
CONTACT US: Nikki Ramos, LS Nurse nramos@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4336 Renee Pinkston, US Nurse rpinkston@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4420
Cynthia Redden, US Learning Specialiist credden@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4436 Zack Courtney, CALT US Reading Specialist zcourtney@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4423
Padmini Dayal, LS Counselor and Learning Specialist pdayal@staschool.org 469.341.0911, ext. 4318
Beth Vercillo, CALT LS Reading Specialist bvercillo@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4320
Amy Miller, US Counselor amiller@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4421
Becky Alost, LS Reading Specialist balost@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4446
SAVE
the DATE CATHOLIC IDENTITY
SAVE
Know it. Show it. Live it. Under the leadership of Father John Libone, St. Thomas Catholic School and Church are dedicated to the Catholic formation of our students.
National Catholic Schools Week
MORNING PRAYER Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for your great love, and we lift up this day for your blessing. With your help, we will live as responsible, generous and honest students. Like Jesus, we will try to treat everyone we meet with dignity and respect. With Jesus’ spirit alive in us, we will witness His love by thinking of others first and ourselves last. Help us today, Father, to put into action what we have said in words. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
January 27 thru February 3 Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas Mass Monday, January 27 1st – 8th grade 9:30 AM
AFTERNOON PRAYER Inspire all our actions, O Lord, we pray, and assist us by Your grace, that every prayer and every work of ours may always begin with You, and in You find its perfection, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
NEED MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR CHILD’S SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION?
Our Faith In Action Each month, STA raises awareness and contributions for important causes in our community. Here is an overview of our Faith in Action calendar. Details for each event are on the school calendar and will be in the WAAG closer to the event. September 20.......................Caprock Canyons State Park and Bison Magee October 8.................................$ Dress Day PanCan November 19........................$ Dress Day Catholic Charities Spreading Good Cheer December 16 – 20..............St. Vincent dePaul Collections January 27–31.......................Catholic Schools Week Activities February 14............................$ Dress for Student Council Charity of Choice March 10...................................$ Dress Day for Reverse Rett March 30 – April 3 ............Upper School Penny Wars Grade levels may have special projects they adopt this year. Your child’s teacher will notify you of these service projects. BACK TO SCHOOL
the DATE
Dottie Lucas, Religion Program and Sacramental Preparation Coordinator dlucas@staschool.org 214.826.0566 ext.4431
QUESTIONS ABOUT FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION? Contact Erin Antosh, Coordinator of Elementary Evangelization and Discipleship at the Church antosh@stadallas.org 469.930.5532
For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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2019–2020 SCHOOL CALENDAR AUGUST
7–13 Teacher In-Service 14 First Day of School Early Dismissal / Q1 begins 30 Early Dismissal
SEPTEMBER
2 Labor Day 19 North Texas Giving Day 27 Fair Day - Early Dismissal
OCTOBER
11 Faculty In-Service - No School 14–18 Standardized Testing 21 Q2 begins 25 Early Dismissal
NOVEMBER
8 Parent/Teacher Conferences No School 22 Early Dismissal 25–29 Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER
20 Early Dismissal 3–31 Christmas Holiday 2
JANUARY
1–2 Christmas Holiday 3 Teacher In-Service - No School 13 Q3 begins 20 MLK Day - No School 31 Early Dismissal
FEBRUARY
14 Early Dismissal 17 Bad Weather Make-Up Day
MARCH
13 Early Dismissal 16–20 Spring Break 23 Q4 begins
APRIL
8 Early Dismissal 9–10 Easter Holiday 13 Bad Weather Make-Up Day
MAY
14 8th Grade Graduation 22 Early Dismissal 25 Memorial Day - No School 29 Last Day of School
JUNE
1–2 Teacher In-Service - No School
14 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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A detailed school calendar can be found in the Parents tab at the top of the website. You can subscribe to the calendar on your computer or mobile device.
COMMUNICATIONS
How do I know what Is happening?
Website The school’s new website launched last year. The Parents tab of the website, located at the top right of the homepage, has all the resource information parents need including lunch menus, forms, and more.
School Calendar
www.staschool.org
The official school calendar is located on the website.
www.staschool.org/campus-life/calendar Use the Quicklinks tab at the top of the homepage to go to the school calendar. You can subscribe to any and all of the school calendars on any device; if an event changes it will automatically change on your calendar. Directions to filter and subscribe to the calendar are at the top of the calendar page.
FOLLOW US Get plugged in and stay up-to-date on the latest STA news & events
Week at a Glance Every Friday afternoon at 1 PM you will receive the school’s weekly e-newsletter in your inbox. The Week at a Glance (WAAG) is your primary source of information for the upcoming weekend and the week ahead. Please add communications@staschool.org to your address book to ensure delivery. We ask that you take a moment over the weekend to read the WAAG and mark your calendar accordingly.
Homeroom Parents and Teacher Emails You may receive email reminders from your child’s teachers and homeroom parents of upcoming events or changes in already scheduled events. Please check your email regularly.
@jenwattsSTA @STAUpperLibrary
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
ParentAlert Our ParentAlert system sends messages directly to your phone. ParentAlert is for emergency purposes only, including severe weather alerts that affect carpool.
BACK TO SCHOOL
@staschooldallas
Shelley Kirby Communications Associate skirby@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4217 Andrew Price ParentsWeb Technology Specialist aprice@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4449
For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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TECHNOLOGY Social Media Policy for Students and Parents
STA Computer Technology Plan
Beginning with the first computer classes taken at the Lower School, our students learn about their digital footprint. We know that social media is a big part of our students’ lives as they move into middle school. We request that parents monitor their children’s social media usage and continue the discussion of what is and is not appropriate to post.
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School believes that technology is imperative in a collaborative learning environment. Our STEM initiative includes the school’s updated technology plan. This year, each 6th – 8th grade student will receive a school issued laptop (Dell Latitude 3189). These laptops will stay with the students each school year until graduation.
It is also expected that all parents, volunteers, and students using social networking refrain from: • Posting photos of children other than their own without permission.
•
Disparaging the character of any individual within our community, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish and School, or the Diocese of Dallas.
•
Causing embarrassment to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, or any associated organizations or members of the community.
Concurrently, we are expanding our technology program on both campuses by providing new devices for classroom use in PK–5th grade. STA is excited to expand and enrich our student technology resources and the teaching and learning possibilities that this new technology initiative will provide across all grades.
• Harassing any member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish and School community. •
Divulging any personal information about children in the community that would jeopardize their safety or well-being in any way.
NEED MORE INFORMATION? John Kappes Director of Technology jkappes@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4430
Andrew Price Technology Specialist aprice@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4449
MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS AND STUDENTS Please print, sign, and return the following:
Parent Technology Pledge Form Student Technology Pledge Form
16 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
BACK TO SCHOOL
OPEN every Tuesday & Thursday
back to school hours
during the school year 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Need polos or socks for the new school year?
School Uniforms
STA Uniform (Navy and Red Short Sleeved Polos)
STA Navy Fleece Pullover
STA Gray Performance Pullover
Wildcat Elite Socks in 3 Colors
Wildcat PE Shirts and Shorts for 6th–8th grade
The Spirit Store will be open on the following days: Saturday, July 27 10 AM – 5 PM (Risse Brothers will also be on campus)
Thursday, August 8 1 PM – 5 PM
Spirit Wear
T-shirts (Adult and Youth Sizes )
Duffel Bags (special order)
Football Jerseys (special order)
Hats
(tax free weekend)
Friday, August 9 9 AM – 1 PM (tax free weekend)
Cups
Stadium Seats
Car Stickers
Yard Signs
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Rachel Wright rwright@staschool.org 214.826.0556, ext. 4219
The Spirit Store currently accepts only cash and checks and is located next to the Upper School Gymnasium. Please park in the front (North) parking lot when shopping on school days.
Teresa Diaz tdiaz@staschool.org 214.826.0556, ext. 4218
Your Source for All Things Wildcat! BACK TO SCHOOL
For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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Wildcat 5th Grade – 8th Grade: Dallas Parochial League St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School participates in the Dallas Parochial League. Offering 11 sports throughout the year, our STA athletic program emphasizes Christian principles and good sportsmanship between teams and among athletes for students in 5th – 8th grade. Last year, 97% of all STA 5th–8th grade students participated in at least one DPL sport!
IMPORTANT FALL DATES Volleyball Evaluations Wednesday and Thursday August 14–15
5th Grade and New 6th-8th Parent DPL Orientation Meeting Friday, August 23 5:30pm – 6pm in the Gym Booster Club Fall Sports Kick-Off Friday, August 23 • 6 PM – 8 PM on the Wildcat Athletic Field DPL Football Weigh-In Saturday, August 24 Opening of DPL Volleyball Season Saturday, September 7
In order to participate in athletics, please do the following: 1. Register for your sport BEFORE the deadline. The Athletic Director will send an email with registration and payment information before each season begins. 2. Complete the DPL Sports Physical Form and return to the AD office. 3. Complete Concussion Baseline Testing (all 5th & 7th grade students and new Upper School students). Instructions will be sent by AD. 4. Become a Booster Club Member. Booster Club not only provides vital support for our athletic programs, but also gives members reduced athletic fees! 5. STA requires all student-athletes maintain acceptable grades and satisfactory behavior.
DID YOU KNOW? Over 220 students in 5th – 8th grades compete on 27 teams in the DPL.
GO WILDCATS!
Opening of DPL Football and Cheer Season Sunday, September 8 18 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
Athletics
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BOOSTER CLUB
The STA Booster Club is for everyone! We are an active group of parents, former STA athletes, coaches, and volunteers committed to the Wildcat Athletics Program through fundraising, supporting the athletic department, and promoting volunteerism and school spirit. Through year-round activities the Booster Club provides:
FALL
August - November Cheerleading Cross Country
Football Volleyball
WINTER
January - March Basketball
SPRING March - May
Baseball & Softball Golf Tournament Soccer & Futsal Track & Field
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Genevieve Dittmar Athletic Director gdittmar@staschool.org 214.826.0566, ext. 4212 Most of our varsity teams are coached by non-parent volunteers. If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, please contact the Athletic Director.
Funding for the upkeep and improvement of the Lower School and Upper School gymnasiums and support of special athletic needs. Financial scholarships to graduating 8th grade student-athletes attending a Catholic high school. Special recognition to our volunteer coaches at the DPL level.
Concessions for all home fall and spring games as part of our fundraising initiatives. A great time at the Annual Booster Club Golf Tournament, the largest Booster Club fund raising event of the year! Many social opportunities for parents and students of all ages through STA community-wide activites.
SAVE the DATE Fall Sports Kick Off Friday, August 23 Booster Club 3v3 Basketball Tournament (3rd– 8th grade) Monday, January 20 Booster Club Golf Tournament Thursday, April 30 at Tenison Golf Course Support our athletic program AND receive a discount each time you register your child for a sport. Membership is only $50 per year.
Click Here to Join BACK TO SCHOOL
For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Every Parent is a Member of the Parents’ Association One of the reasons St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School is such a special place is parent involvement. Not only do parents provide support to our school through manpower, they make friendships that last a lifetime. There is a job for everyone, whether you want to volunteer in the classroom, assist with recess, help with special events, or support our teachers with projects that can be completed at your home. SignUp Genius links for these volunteer needs will be emailed from your homeroom parent throughout the year.
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Kristin Clary, STAPA President kclary@staschool.org 214.826.0556, ext. 4207 Gina Murphy, STAPA VP/ Volunteer Programs ginadmurphy@gmail.com
Here are some of STAPA’s Opportunities*: Fine Art Material Parents Buddy Families Fine Arts Library Volunteers Material Moms & Dads PSIA Volunteers Recess Volunteers Science Lab Volunteers Room Parents Yearbook Photographers
Used Uniform Teacher Appreciation Events Lost and Found 2019 Carnival 2020 Auction
Wednesday, August 14 after drop off Lower School Cafeteria Parents please join us for the Lower School back to school coffee and donut reception.
*Must be safe-environment cleared
Visit us at: www.staschool.org/about-us/parents-association @sta parents’ association
VOLUNTEER and get INVOLVED 20 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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SAVE the DATE CARNIVAL
Bingo Night
Carnival Day
Friday, October 25th 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday, October 26th 11 AM – 8 PM
PRIZES • RIDES • GAMES • TALENT SHOW ...AND SO MUCH MORE
AUCTION Auction Night February 29th 6 PM
me e h T n o i t c u A
SILENT AUCTION LIVE AUCTION BIG BOARD ONLINE BIDDING LIVE MUSIC
...AND SO MUCH MORE
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For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Fathers of St. Thomas Aquinas or FOSTA is a volunteer support organization providing boots on the ground for Upper School and the Lower School activities and initiatives and manpower for our STA Parents’ Associations events, all while joining in fellowship with other STA dads.
Joining FOSTA provides:
• Monthly opportunities to support our children, our teachers, and our school
• Fun ways to get your service hours for the school year* • Connections through fellowship and social events to get to know other dads at STA *Must be safe-environment cleared - contact Dean Galvin (deangalvin@gmail.com) if you don’t have your badge and need to get trained.
We are over 300 members strong, and growing! www.fosta-sta.com
22 For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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FOSTA FRIDAYS Last Friday of every month
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Todd Kirby, FOSTA President
twkintx@gmail.com 214-620-8240
SAVE the DATE KICKOFF PARTY College Kick Off
August 31, 2019 Membership Drive White Rock Ale House 12 PM – 9 PM
MEATFEST MeatFest
2nd
FOSTA SUPPORTED
Poker Tournament October 17, 2019 St. Anne Hall
April 4, 2020 White Rock Ale House 12 PM – 9 PM
Baggo Tournament May 7, 2020 White Rock Ale House
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For more information, visit us at staschool.org
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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Administration
Upper School
Main Number........................................ 214.826.0566
Main Number....................................... 214.826.0566
Louise Bartosik.............................................................. x4406 Executive Assistant to Patrick Magee and School Registrar
Carrie Luckey................................................................... x4447 Assistant to Jen Watts, Principal
Business Office Vicki Ryan, Controller................................................ x4109 Renee Hayes, Accountant..................................... x4408
Leslie Reeves................................................................... x4443 Assistant Principal Academic Affairs Shannon Storey, Dean of Students................ x4416 Candy Kappes, Receptionist................................ x4401 Renee Pinkston, Nurse............................................ x4420
Admissions/Advancement/ Communications
Amy Miller, Counselor.............................................. x4421
Rachel Wright.................................................................. x4219 Director of Admissions and Advancement Teresa Diaz....................................................................... x4218 Admissions Assistant Kristin Clary...................................................................... x4207 Special Events Coordinator Shelley Kirby.................................................................... x4217 Communications Associate
Cynthia Redden, Learning Specialist............. x4436 Shelley Courtney.......................................................... x4215 Extended Day Facilitator Madeline Schnurr, Library.................................... x4426
Athletics Genevieve Dittmar, Athletic Director .......... x4212
Operations
Lower School
Jordan Caviness............................................................. x4104 Operations Manager
Main Number...................................... 469.341.0911 Ann Kubes......................................................................... x4303 Assistant to Lauren Roberts, Principal
Technology John Kappes..................................................................... x4430 Director of Technology Andrew Price................................................................... x4449 Instructional Technology Specialist
Cheryl Neeley, Receptionist................................. x4301 Nikki Ramos, Nurse.................................................... x4336 Padmini Dayal................................................................ x4318 Counselor and Learning Specialist Sandy Cole........................................................................ x4324 Extended Day Director
Church Main Number.............................. 214.821.3360
Mary Packard, Librarian......................................... x4339
www.staschool.org