Tuesday, September 10, 2024

"There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return." - Nelson Mandela

One of the wonderful aspects of our Shea Homes renovations over the last couple of years has been the courtyard. While we are immensely grateful for the unseen upgrades such as a fully upgraded electrical system and abatement, as well as the fresh coats of paint, new secure classroom doors, and AC/heating units in each classroom, the courtyard stands out as a signature upgrade that keeps on giving. Many compliment our beautiful center of campus, often forgetting what it used to look like (a quick glance at Facebook pictures from just two years ago reveals the transformation).

You may have also noticed the installation of our new fire alarm system, which will cap off major facility upgrades that ensures we have the most current safety equipment to match the new cosmetic beauty of our school. This feat was accomplished through the support of a Fulcrum Foundation School Partnership Grant, generous auction donors for our Fund-a-Need, and a bequest from the Frances Green estate, who also contributed to the renovation of the Divine Mercy Conference Room in the Administrative building in 2021. While there's additional safety and security work to be done, this system installation marks a significant step forward.

Recent events around the country remind us that safety and community go hand in hand. Our "see something, say something" policy isn't just a rule - it's a reflection of our shared responsibility to one another. When you see new procedures, such as completing Safe Environment (Virtus) training or having all visitors stop and sign in at the front office and wearing visitor badges or lanyards on campus, know that these are expressions of our community's commitment to protecting what matters most - our children.

As we move forward, let's celebrate the strength we find in each other. Whether it's volunteering for events, contributing to fundraisers, or simply being there for a fellow St. Pius X family in need, every action reinforces the foundations of our incredible community.

Peace,

Mrs. Farewell

Celebrating Growth and New Beginnings

Our Director of Learning Resources, Ms. Judi Rash is leaving St. Pius X School to embark on a new chapter in her professional career. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ms. Rash for her dedicated service and contributions she brought to all of our programs here at St. Pius X School. To ensure a smooth transition, she has been working closely with Mrs. Sullivan and Mr. T these past few weeks. This collaborative approach will help maintain continuity in our learning resource programs as we move forward. 

We're grateful that Mrs. Sullivan has agreed to increase her commitment to a full-time role during this transition period and to Mr. T and other faculty and staff for stepping in to ensure we maintain a quality program for our students. It's important to note that we will be actively recruiting for the Director of Learning Resources position. We are committed to finding a qualified professional who will continue to enhance and develop our learning resources department. We will keep our school community informed about the hiring process and any developments in this regard.

Our primary focus remains on providing excellent educational support to all our students. We're confident that we will continue to support our students without interruption and look forward to introducing our new Director once the position is filled.

It's School Pictures Next Week!

Wednesday, September 18^th 

School pictures for all grades, Preschool-8th, and staff will be taken on Wednesday, September 18, in the morning, with all students in uniform. Both individual and classroom photos will be taken. A make up day will be scheduled later for individual photos only.

To order school pictures:

• Click on the following link to order:  2024-2025 School Pictures
• Parents can order for more than one student on the same order.
• You will receive an email confirmation of your order.
• Photos will be delivered to school and sent home with each student.
• PICTURE ORDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 20.



If you have any questions about ordering, please contact KIDS Photography at 425-954-8762 or hello@KIDSschoolPhotos.com.

Curriculum Night!

Meet the Teachers & Explore the Year Ahead!

Tuesday, September 17^th

All St. Pius X school families are invited to join us for Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 17th, at 6:00 PM.

We ask that at least one parent or guardian attend. This is your chance to meet your student’s teachers, dive into the exciting curriculum for the year, and connect with our wonderful St. Pius X community. Don’t miss out on this important and informative evening!

Reminders 

• Prepare your students for PE! Please ensure that all Preschool through 8th-grade students wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle.
• New this year: 7th and 8th graders will change into spirit wear shirts and shorts or sweatpants (blue, black, or gray only) for PE.
• Please note: the domain for all emails has changed for Finalesite. Please save our new address to your contacts <info+stpx@fsenrollment.com>.

New Guidelines



Please take a moment to review the following updates and reminders:

Tardy Policy:

Students arriving after 8:45 AM must stop by the office to pick up a tardy slip before heading to class. For every three tardies, students will lose a free dress day.

Visitor Protocol:

All visitors must sign in and out at the office and obtain a visitor badge.

Full Dress Uniform:

Please ensure your child wears their full dress uniform every Wednesday for School Mass.

Spirit Wear: Just a friendly reminder: Spirit Wear is reserved for Spirit Days only and is not part of the regular uniform.

Safe Environment Requirements for Parents:

To drive on field trips, volunteer at events, coach, or participate in class activities, you must complete your Safe Environment requirements. Visit www.virtusonline.org to sign in or create a new account. If you have questions or need to check your compliance status, contact Joan Sullivan at jsullivan@stpx.org.

Parent Like A Champion Workshop™ 

Deadline Reminder - September 19th 

All Parents need to have completed the one time workshop requirement by 9/19 or you child will not be able to continue playing this season.

Soccer Updates!

Games start this upcoming weekend!

K/1st Grade Team: 

• Practices are scheduled for Wednesday & Thursday from 4:30-5:30pm on the St. Pius X field. 
• First Game: Saturday, 9/14 12pm at Holy Rosary Edmonds

2nd/3rd Grade Boys Team:

• Practices are Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30pm at the STMS field (first practice is this Wed. 9/11)
• First Game: Saturday, 9/14 10:45am at St. Luke

Cross Country Updates!

Practices Starting This Week!

We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Cross Country coaches will be the dynamic duo Ms. Melton and Ms. Vu! After a successful Track season, they have graciously volunteered to lead our cross-country runners this fall. Please help us support both coaches and get the season off the ground by volunteering to assist at practices and meets. Many hands make light work and these hours will count towards your families service requirement.

Practices: Starting this Tuesdays, 9/10 Tuesdays & Fridays, 3:30-5:00 PM, 

• Tuesdays: St. Pius X School 
• Fridays: Evergreen Track, Mountlake Terrace

Meets: Held on Sundays at Woodland Park 

• Meet 1: September 22, 2024
• Meet 2: September 29, 2024
• Meet 3: October 6, 2024 (Championship)

*NEW* CYO BASKETBALL

Registration Now Open  

Interested in playing basketball this winter? 

Register today at: https://www.teamsideline.com/seattlecyo 

Register Early! Registration is open now through October 2nd, 1 month only! 

Register to secure your spot, Spaces are limited. If enough students don't register by the CYO deadline we aren't able to form teams so sign up today!

• Open to students in grades 4-8 (3rd grade plays in the spring)
• Practices start in October
• Games start in November
• Volunteer coaches wanted!

Get a Head Start on Your Volunteer Hours this Month!

Get Involved! The 2024-2025 school year at St. Pius X School is full of exciting volunteer opportunities—whether it’s in the classroom, at events, or supporting extracurriculars. Sign up online to be part of the action!

Save the Date!

1st Parent Meeting & Potluck

Tuesday, October 1^st 

Join us for the first Parent Association meeting of the year! Connect with our school community and get the latest updates from St. Pius X School.

• Potluck: 5:30 PM – Bring your favorite dish to share!
• Meeting: 6:00 PM – Stay informed and engaged.

Don’t miss this chance to meet fellow parents, discuss upcoming events, and get involved in your child’s education. We look forward to seeing you there!

Jog-a-thon Kickoff Assembly!

Friday, September 13^th

Get ready to kick things into high gear! We’re starting the excitement with all school kickoff assembly on Friday, September 13th. Your student will be bringing home all the info you need, so stay tuned!

Join the Jog-a-thon Fun!

Friday, September 27^th

Get ready to sprint, skip, and cheer as we launch our first school fundraiser of the year on Friday, September 27, 2024! We’re racing towards an exciting goal of $12,000, and if we zoom past our stretch goal of $15,000, the whole school will celebrate with a surprise party!

It’s all about fun and friendly competition—let’s see which class brings the most spirit!

Want to get in on the action? Click the button below to volunteer!

SCRIP Gift Cards are available for almost all your needs!

Gas, Gifting, Groceries, Travel and More! Explore the 750+ brands that are available! Visit our website for more information: https://stpx.org/scrip-gift-cards

Calendar Highlights

September 2024

• Sunday, September 15: All School Sunday Mass at 11 AM. Students should wear their school uniforms and volunteer as readers, greeters/ushers, gift bearers, and sing in the children's choir. Students singing in the choir should arrive at 10am to practice. Please contact Mr. Guzman to sign up at mguzman@stpx.org​
• Tuesday, September 17: Curriculum Night at 6 PM
• Wednesday, September 18: School Picture Day & All School Mass at 9 AM. Students should wear their full school uniforms. Students should wear their full school uniforms and volunteer as readers, greeters/ushers, or gift bearers. All are welcome to join us!
• Sunday, September 22: STPX Cross Country Meet #1
• Friday, September 27: STPX Fall Jog-a-thon Event 2024
• Sunday, September 29: STPX Cross Country Meet #2

The St. Pius X School's Full 2024-2025 pdf/printable calendar is here or on our website at www.stpx.org.

Stay Connected with us!

Connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date on school happenings! Please follow us on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpxschool
• Instagram: @stpxschool

We look forward to keeping you informed! ✅

St. Pius X Catholic School is a diverse community providing a stellar academic education through Catholic discipleship and service.

Phone: 425.778.9861 | Email: Office@stpx.org