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The Blarney Stone
August 23, 2023
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Saint Patrick Catholic School, a ministry of Saint Patrick Parish, guides students in the pursuit of academic growth while inspiring joyful lives filled with love, service, and respect as disciples of Christ. | |
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Who?
Dear Friends,
Today was a big day for finding answers to one of the school year’s big WHO questions. You should have received a notification naming your child’s or children’s homeroom teacher(s) this afternoon. It is always an exciting time for families, and I know that after finding out placement, some are ecstatic, some are disappointed, and some are just curious about the experiences to come.
Let me just tell you what an extravagant dance it is to build class lists, as teachers have to consider so very many things. They spend hours trying to achieve balanced groups (personalities, learning styles, gender, social emotional considerations, support needs, and more). Please understand that none of the decisions are arbitrary, nor have any been made to make anyone feel slighted. Trust that we have worked a great deal on this and that every one of the teachers here has been hired because we have confidence in their abilities and in their commitment to student success.
Another WHO question you may have may be regarding the principal situation, as I was originally planning to retire after last school year. Apparently, Father David was a convincing attorney before becoming a dedicated pastor, and he put his powers of persuasion to good use in encouraging me to stay another year. Therefore, I will happily and willingly be here for the entire 2023-2024 school year. I hope that is comforting to those who may have been wondering about the principal search (which will resume in the fall for next year’s principal).
I hope summer has been wonderful for all of you, and I very much look forward to seeing you at Meet and Greet on Wednesday, August 30th, as students prepare for their first full day of school on Thursday, August 31st.
Thanks for being here,
Barbara Bolaños
Principal
Saint Patrick, pray for us!
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—Meet and Greet—
Wednesday, August 30
For those of you with a history at Saint Patrick Catholic School, our Meet and Greet Day will be very familiar. Before the pandemic, it was a mainstay for back-to-school. Meet and Greet is a happy, festive-feeling day where parents can park on the playground or surrounding streets and then have the opportunity to come into the classrooms to help children meet their teachers and classmates and greet new faces. Students should bring school supplies and settle them into lockers, desks, and cubbies. Siblings can see where their brothers and sisters will be, and families can arrive and leave at their leisure at any time between 8:30-noon. Stay for the whole time, or stay for a while. We are just happy to have you here!
We understand that bringing back our traditional format has raised some questions, particularly among our new families, and for any lack of clarity, we apologize. If the day poses a hardship for anyone, please email Principal Bolaños at principal@saintpats.org or call the main office at 253-272-2297 for happy assistance!
—First Full Day of School—
Thursday, August 31
We've outlined the drop-off and pick-up details below. There will be a Coffee & Doughnut gathering for parents in the gym from 8:00-9:30. Please join us!
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Morning Drop-Off Procedures for Regular School Days (Begins at 8:10 am)
- PreK students must be walked in and remain with parents until doors open at 8:25 am. After school, pick up students on G Street at their designated spots.
- Grades K-8 | 12th Street is a 2-way street; however, traffic flow for our DROP-OFF ZONE is DOWN 12th from Yakima to G Street. Safely pull over and let your student out curbside ONLY. Do not leave your car in the DROP-OFF ZONE.
- Grades 5-8 | Yakima is a 2-way street, pull over and let your student out curbside. Please make sure to instruct your student to use the crosswalks. Students can walk down to the main entrance of the playground and wait in their designated areas.
- Always have the child(ren) use the crosswalks patrolled by assigned staff.
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Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures for Regular School Days
PreK | Pick up at assigned first-floor doors
Grades 5-8 | Pick up on Yakima Street
For Kindergarten-Grade 4
- Gates open 10 minutes before dismissal time.
- Cars enter the playground from 12th Street and move forward in two lines. If your youngest child is in kindergarten or first grade, please use the left (building-side) lane; if your youngest child is in 2nd-4th grade, please use the right lane.
- Please leave only 2-3 feet between your car and the car in front of you.
- Please turn off your engine.
- Students will be kept behind the coned area until parents/guardians are present.
- Stay in your car until you see your child/children.
- Exit only if necessary to collect your child/children, then return quickly to your vehicle.
- If one or more of your students are still in the building, you may be asked to exit the pick-up area, circle the block and re-enter the pick-up area.
- Students may not play on the Big Toy or playground after school.
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—Back to School Nights—
What is Back to School Night (BTSN) is an adults-only evening to get acquainted with staff, teachers, and families. It is an opportunity to learn about programs and special events, discover volunteer opportunities that fit your unique talents, visit your student's classrooms, learn about goals and expectations, and more. We will begin promptly in the Skip Butler Gym. We're excited to offer our Back to School Night in two sessions this year.
PreK-5th Grade
September 14 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Middle School
September 19 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
—Mass Days—
This year all-school Masses (K-8) are on Thursdays* at 9:00 am, beginning September 7. Students should wear full Mass uniforms on Thursdays, including sweaters, sweatshirts, blazers, or vests.
*If there is a Holy Day, Mass will be on the Holy Day and not on Thursday unless the Holy Day falls on a Thursday.
—Spirit Wear Friday—
Students may wear SPCS-approved Spirit Wear t-shirts or sweatshirts on Fridays this year! Ordering information will be in The Blarney Stone newsletter when it is available.
—Family Directory—
Watch for an email from our Vice Principal, Mrs. Chambers, with the option to be included in our 2023-2024 digital Family Directory. Our directory is password protected and shared only within our school community.
—Helpful Links—
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First Day of School Photos
We can't wait to see your Shamrock smiles. Plan to send us your first-day-of-school snaps!
First Day of School Signs
We've created first-day-of-school signs for each grade; there is even one for future Shamrocks, grandparents, and supporters!
How to Share
There are several ways to share— email us or for public profiles, tag us on Facebook or Instagram @saintpatstacomaschool!
We'll also share a Facebook post on the morning of August 30— the first day of school, and you can drop your snapshots in the comments.
Remember to comment, share, like, and save our posts. It's an easy way to support your school.
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Coffee & Doughnut Social
We look forward to seeing you on the first full school day to celebrate our legacy of 130 years of Catholic Education!
August 31
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Saint Patrick Catholic School
Skip Butler Gymnasium
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Whether celebrating that first day of school, shedding a tear, or both, join us for doughnuts and coffee after drop-off to meet new Shamrock families and reconnect with friends.
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Pastor's Letter
Are you reading our weekly parish newsletter, The Cornerstone? To read Fr. David Mulholland's pastoral letter, view Mass schedules, and learn about faith formation opportunities, sacramental prep, outreach, advocacy programs, news from the Seattle Archdiocese, and more, subscribe to receive The Cornerstone in your inbox when published on Fridays!
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Lunch Orders for September
The lunch program, catered by Love My Lunch, offers three daily choices, including snack and drink add-ons.
Order lunch by August 29
for the
First Full Day of School on August 31
Each regular-size meal is $5.75 plus tax and includes fruit, vegetable, and a side item. Larger meals are more. Additional snacks and drinks, priced individually, are also available.
Orders are due two days before lunch service, and Love My Lunch sends weekly email reminders to all families with registered accounts.
For food and menu questions, call Lisa at 206-354-0980 or email lovemylunch22@outlook.com
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Uniform Resale
Shop the annual summer Uniform Resale event and save money!
August 27
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saint Patrick Catholic School
Skip Butler Gym
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Donate
Donations of gently used uniform apparel are welcome! Please drop off donations in the school office or bring them to the Uniform Resale event.
How to Purchase
Purchases can be billed to SchoolAdmin, or paid by cash or check.
Volunteer
The Uniform Resale is a perfect opportunity to volunteer and get a jump start on fulfilling required commitment hours for 2023-2024.
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New Family BBQ & Orientation
Join us for an evening to get to know each other. We'll start with a short orientation program and end with a BBQ!
August 29
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm*
updated end time
Saint Patrick Catholic School
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All new students are invited to attend with their families. You'll meet other new families, current Shamrock families, the principal, vice principal, teachers, and staff.
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Annual Fund 24 Kick Off & Early Learning Center Blessing & Commemoration
Join us as we bless our new Early Learning Center and kick off the 2024 Annual Fund.
September 7 | 7:00 pm
Skip Butler Gymnasuim
Saint Patrick Catholic School
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This is a 21+ event, hosted by Matt & Leigh Ann Zehnder, Annual Fund 24 Chairs, and Stu & Danica Morgan, Capital Campaign Chairs.
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Cross Country for PreK-Grade 8
Cross Country running is open to all Saint Patrick Catholic School students in PreK - 8th Grade.
Practice
Practice is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm, at Vassault Park. Athletes must be registered online to practice.
Sports Physicals
All middle school athletes must have an updated physical on file at Saint Patrick Catholic School to participate in Cross Country Running.
Cost
$30/athlete plus $25 for running singlet for athletes who don't have one
Meets
—PreK-5th Grade—
- September 24
- October 1
- October 15
- October 22
Middle School
Four weekday meets in September and October; dates will be announced.
Volunteer
Head Coach Ryan Smith is seeking two coaches! Volunteer opportunities are also available to serve as the team photographer or in another capacity. Please email athletics@saintpats.org to learn more. Volunteering counts toward fulfilling the required commitment hours for the 2023-2024 school year!
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Volleyball for Middle School Girls
BUMP. SET. SPIKE— registration is open through September 8 for 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade girls at Saint Patrick Catholic School. If team rosters fill up fast, registration will close early.
The season starts the first week of the 2023 school year and ends on October 31. Practice is held in the Skip Butler Gymnasium at Saint Patrick Catholic School. Matches are on weekdays, and the cost is $60 per athlete.
Sports Physicals
All middle school athletes must have an updated physical on file at Saint Patrick Catholic School to participate in Cross Country Running.
Volunteer
Interested in coaching, serving as the team photographer, or in another capacity? Please email us at athletics@saintpats.org. Volunteering counts toward fulfilling the required commitment hours for the 2023-2024 school year!
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Sports Physicals for Middle Schoolers
All 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade athletes must have an updated physical on file at Saint Patrick Catholic School to participate in Middle School Athletics, including Volleyball and Cross Country.
Forms should be turned in before the first practice. Physicals are good for 24 months.
Completed physical forms can be submitted via email to Marla Petronzio at school@saintpats.org or can be dropped off in person in the School Office.
If you want to learn more, please email the Athletic Director at athletics@saintpats.org.
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Cub Scouts Join Night
Cub Scouts for girls and boys, in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, focuses on independence, physical fitness, outdoor activities, and learning valuable life skills.
September 13
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Church Hall
Dens will be working on badges, so you'll get the real feel and hands-on experience of Scouting. Plus, free pizza and games for everyone while you learn more about Cub Scouts.
To join online, click the registration button below and enter the parish zip code 98403 to find Saint Patrick Catholic Church-sponsored Pack 299.
To learn more, email Jen Van Vechten or call Scout Master Jaremy Brown at 407-766-5445
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Scouts for 6th grade & up
Join Troop 299G for girls or Troop 299B for boys.
Mondays | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Parish Center
Website
Scouts Girl Troop 299G
Troop meetings are year-round. Scouts participate in monthly camping trips, service projects, and more.
To visit or learn about the girls' troop, please email Scoutmaster Valerie Pettit or call 940-206-1941.
Scouts Boy Troop 299B
Celebrating its 100th year of scouting in 2020, the troop enjoys monthly outdoor outings and regional summer camps and contributes to the local community and parish through service.
To visit or learn about the boys' troop, please email Scoutmaster Chris Rousseau or call 971-404-5917.
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RaiseRight scrip
New scrip coordinators Carolyn Weber and Christa Perez have resumed collecting payments and receiving shipments for orders you place through RaiseRight. The option to choose Pay Coordinator Directly or Ship to Coordinator during checkout has been reactivated after a summer hiatus. Wynter Dait will continue to oversee the program and handle special orders.
How it Works
Buy gift cards from your favorite brands to earn on your daily purchases using the mobile app or for year-round shopping and gift-giving needs.
- Buy gift cards at face value.
- Earn up to 20% for Saint Patrick Catholic School on every gift card you buy.
- Use gift cards at their total value for your everyday purchases.
Ship to Home
200+ brands delivered right to your door—Ship to Home. It's convenient to keep earning with reloadable gas or grocery cards, birthday gifts, and more.
Enroll Friends
You can also help grow our RaiseRight fundraising program and boost earnings. We've enabled a new feature allowing you to send enrollment invites directly to friends and family members. How does it work? To send invites, download the latest version of the
RaiseRight mobile app and go to Account > Settings. Tap into "Invite Friends & Family" and share the invite link or send direct invites to your contacts via email or text message.
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Shammy Diaries
Whether you are staycationing or traveling, please email us a summer photo for the Shamrock Diaries. We would especially love to hear from new families and staff! You can submit more than one entry!
Bonus if you are sporting your Shamrock spirit wear. We'll share Shammy's Diary entries on social. Check out Shammy's summer photo diary.
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Subscribe to our Google calendar. To subscribe, click on the + in the bottom right-hand corner of the calendar on our website. | |
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AUGUST
27 | Parish Picnic
27 | Uniform Resale
29 | New Family BBQ
30 | First Day of School — Meet & Greet
31 | First Full Day of School
SEPTEMBER
4 | No School — Labor Day
7 | Annual Fun 24 Kick Off & Early Learning Center Blessing & Commemoration
14 | Back to School Night for PreK - Grade 5
19 | Back to School Night for Middle School
28 | Picture Day
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School Hour Changes
School Hours are changing to the following for the 2023-2024 school year:
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
- No Early Dismissal on Wednesdays.
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The first Friday of the month is a Noon Dismissal for staff meetings (unless otherwise noted).
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Safe Environment Training
All adults must complete the Virtus Training to volunteer at Saint Patrick Catholic School.
Adult volunteer requirements include:
- Background check completed on or before the first day of service and every three years while in active service.
- Abuse prevention initial training is completed within 30 days of starting service, and refresher training is every three years while in active service.
- Policies are read and signed on or before the first day of service.
If you have finished the initial training, please log into your account to ensure you are up to date with the background check and all modules!
You can visit the Seattle Archdiocese Virtus Tool Kit for a step-by-step how-to.
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Our Safety & Securty Upgrades are complete! Thank you for raising that paddle in support of the safe keeping of our students. Theses upgrades include 14 new internal and external cameras, 10 staff access control card readers, 5 magnet door locks, and 1 video doorbell access control system. View all photos here. | |
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