Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

It was so great seeing so many of you at the Early Childhood/Elementary Parent Info Night last night. We look forward to hosting our Middle School parents this upcoming Thursday! I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you one of the many things that I think makes our school unique and special. It’s our P.A.C.E. Team! One challenge that often presents at private schools is the ability to provide support for students with learning differences. Unlike public schools, we do not receive any state funding to assist in providing the things necessary to “level the playing field” for students who learn differently. At St. Anthony of Padua, we are blessed to have a P.A.C.E. (Potential Achieved in Catholic Education) Team. In this department, we have five full-time staff who support not only our students with learning differences, but all students. Almost all students have some point at which they struggle with a concept or skill. These five dynamic teachers: Heather Blakesley (Learning Advisor), Margaret Blouin and Terri Burnette (Middle School Learning Support), Emily de Aragao and Ellen Pavlich (Elementary School Learning Support) work diligently to support our students by “pushing into” classrooms to provide student assistance, small group instruction and a co-teaching opportunity with the core content teacher. This support will take place primarily in ELA and Math classes. So, if your students share that they have “extra” teachers this year, you’ll know why. Thank you to our teachers for embracing this change and this awesome opportunity to expand intervention --- both in the areas of support and enrichment --- as we work to help each of our students reach his/her academic potential.

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT INFO NIGHT

Thursday, August 31 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Join us for Middle School Parent Info night to experience a day in the life of your Middle School student - parents will follow their student's Wednesday schedule. Electives Teachers will also be available. Parent Information Night is designed for parents only.

6:00-6:15 PM | "State of the School" with Mrs. Tucker Fellowship Hall

6:15-6:35 PM | Middle School Parent Meeting with Mrs. Garfield | Fellowship Hall

6:40-6:50 PM | 1st Period

6:53-7:03 PM | 2nd Period

7:06-7:16 PM | 3rd Period

7:19-7:29 PM | 4th Period

7:32-7:42 PM | 5th Period

7:45-7:55 PM | 6th Period

7:55 PM | Closing Announcements

DISMISSAL UPDATE

In anticipation of another week of high-temperatures during dismissal time, we will continue with Severe Weather Dismissal (Pre-K3-3rd Grade picked up in classrooms, 4th-8th Grade in the gym) until further notice. We are sorry for this inconvenience.

SAFETY REMINDERS

For the safety of our students, parishioners, and surrounding neighbors please use caution when driving on campus.

• Mind Your Speed & Stay Attentive: Slow down when driving through our parking lot and near walking paths. Cell phone use is prohibited during student drop-off and pick-up.
• Stop at Crosswalks: When you encounter crosswalks and sidewalks, please yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or students who may be biking and walking to school. Be patient and allow them to cross before proceeding.

Thank you for helping us create a community that values the safety of all of our members.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1 - RAISE YOUR COLLEGE FLAG DAY!

In honor of raising the West Point flag (auction item from our 2023 Gala), students may wear any military branch or camouflage shirts with jeans or uniform bottoms to celebrate!

Thank you to the Barr Family for supporting our gala auction!

WHAT'S BREWING WITH MRS. TUCKER

Informal grade-level meetings with Mrs. Tucker. Meetings start at 8:15 AM in the Paduan Center/AMR (unless otherwise noted). Bring your own coffee!

ANGELS CHEER CLINIC - KINDERGARTEN-5TH GRADE

Saturday, September 16 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Gym.

• Participants will learn two cheers, a chant and a dance to perform with the Angels at the Homecoming game on September 20th.
• Participants will receive a STAOPCS Homecoming T-shirt and a bow.
• For the clinic, participants need to wear school-appropriate athletic shorts or dance leggings, t-shirt and gym shoes.
• Bring a disposable sack lunch and water.
• At the Homecoming Game, participants will need to wear school-appropriate athletic shorts (navy or black), their homecoming t-shirt, gym shoes and cheer bow.
• Fee is $50 if you register by Friday, Sept.1; After Sept. 1 a $10 fee will be added for a total cost of $60. No registrations accepted after Sept. 8.

HOMECOMING T-SHIRTS

We are selling Homecoming Week T-shirts to benefit our Athletics Department!

NOTE: All participants in the Angels Cheer Clinic will receive a t-shirt included with their registration fee. All Homecoming shirts must be ordered by Sept. 1st.

With the new school year brings the back to school germs. Please remind your children to cough into the bend of their arm and review proper hand washing.  

NURSE NOTES

For 8/21/23 - 8/25/23

Pre-K3: One report of each of the following: Croup, Influenza A, Strep throat and hMPV (human metapneumovirus – same family as RSV)

There are other grades with students out sick, but I do not have specific reports of any reportable illnesses in other grades.

ART CLUB

Wednesdays | 4:00-5:00 PM | Art Room

Open to 4th & 5th Grade

Starting Sept. 6. 4th & 5th Grade students are invited to join Art Club! Fee is $20 and will include a t-shirt. Due to overwhelming interest this club is limited to 12 students per semester and students may only sign-up for 1 semester. Possible projects include: batik, tie-dye, acrylic pour painting, marbled paper, book making and basketry. ART CLUB REGISTRATION

AWAKENING! BIBLE STUDY

Tuesdays | 7:15 AM in Paduan Center

Open to 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

Starting Sept. 12. This is an optional and non-commitment Bible Study that will occur every Tuesday morning at 7:15 AM in the Paduan Center. Students who want to attend are asked to meet outside the Paduan Center doors with their Bible and a notebook. If you have any further questions please email Mrs. Martin at kmartin@ap.school.

CHESS CLUB - FACILITATED BY USA CHESS

Mondays | 3:45-4:45 PM | Library

Open to 1st-8th Grade

Starting Monday, Sept. 11. All 1st graders and up are invited to join Chess Club with USA Chess. Cost is $130 per semester. All skill levels. Learn tactics and strategies. Rank up and earn prizes! CHESS CLUB REGISTRATION Questions? Contact info@usachess.com

MASS CHOIR

Wednesdays | 6:50 AM | meet in Fellowship Hall

Open to 3rd-8th Grade

Started August 23. Meet every Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall at 6:50 AM, rehearse in the church before school, and sing during Mass. The commitment continues through the academic year. If your child would like to participate, please fill out the online form. Questions? Contact Mrs. Lienhard at jlienhard@ap.school.

Important Dates

August 23: First Mass Choir Practice & National Anthem Demo Recording Day.

September 22: National Anthem at the Astros Game

December 9th: Lessons and Carols at Frassati

SACRED SOLES RUN CLUB

Wednesdays | 4-4:30 PM | Sports Fields

Open to all students. 

Starting September 27 (dependent on weather).

• FUN. A simple and effective program that gets kids moving.
• GOALS. Opportunities for kids to learn effective goal setting.
• EXCITEMENT. Fueling kids so they’ll be active in other areas of life.
• CERTIFICATES. For completing a ½ marathon and a full marathon.

Cost is $15. RUN CLUB REGISTRATION FORM. Any questions, contact Mrs. Koett.

STUDENT ROSARY GROUP

Tuesdays | 7:15 AM in Fellowship Hall

Open to 2nd-8th Grade

Starting Sept. 12. We are offering a great way for your student to start their school day! This will be a wonderful opportunity for our school family to pray the rosary together. No need to register, just show up!

STRINGS CLUB

Mondays | 3:45-4:30 PM

Open to 3rd-8th Grade

Starting Sept. 18. Calling all beginning violinists and experienced musicians who play violin and other string instruments! St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School strings club ensemble will be meeting on Mondays from 3:45-4:30 PM. Join Mrs. Verspieren (11:00 AM Mass violinist and Frassati Catholic High School Teacher) and Mrs. Lienhard to learn and make music together. Instrument rental information will be available at the first meeting. Cost is $40. Questions? Email Mrs. Verspieren at: Verna.email@gmail.com. STRINGS CLUB REGISTRATION

ZUMBA® KIDS JR. CLUB

Mondays | 4:00-4:30 PM

Open to 3rd-5th Grade

Starting Sept. 11. A high-energy class for boys and girls packed with kid-friendly routines that combine choreography and aerobics. Based on original Zumba® choreography, we’ll dance to culturally diverse music from around the world (reggaeton, salsa, merengue, cumbia and hip-hop). Join Señora Johnson as we improve our endurance, instill healthy habits, and develop strength and coordination! Cost is $20. ZUMBA REGISTRATION

More information about Robotics and Sacred Soles Run Club coming soon!

CAR LINE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We are still seeking volunteers to assist on a regular basis with morning and afternoon car line.

• In the mornings, volunteers will help with directing traffic and assisting students safely out of their cars. Volunteers will need to be present from 7:30AM - 8:05AM.
• In the afternoon, volunteers will assist with lining up cars and directing traffic. Volunteers will need to be present from 2:45PM - 3:30PM. 
• All volunteers must be in compliance and complete Safe Environment Training. More info is available at: https://ap.school/safe-environment-training

If you are able to help once or twice a week, we are extremely grateful! Thank you for being a dedicated volunteer to our school.

WISH LIST - 2023-2024

Are you interested in making an immediate impact for our students? We have created a list of classroom or school-wide items that we would like to purchase! As a school we will be working to fund these items through the Fund for St. Anthony but if you would like to give to specific items, you may give online at the link below. A gift through our Wish List also counts as Fund for St. Anthony Participation (more on the Fund for St. Anthony to come)!

Thank you to the Klosterman-Kocian Family for purchasing a drone, walkie-talkies and an easel off our wish list!

8/29/2023 - Parent Rosary (English), PLB 204, 8:15 AM

8/30/2023 - Fall Individual Pictures (Students & Staff)

8/30/2023 - What's Brewing with Mrs. Tucker- PreK-3, Library, 8:15 AM

8/30/2023 - Mass, 9:00 AM, Church

8/30/2023 - Room Parent/Volunteer Orientation - PLB 205, 10:00 AM

8/31/2023 - Parent Rosary (Spanish), PLB 204, 8:15 AM

8/31/2023 - PARENT INFO NIGHT | Middle School, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

9/01/2023 - RAISE YOUR COLLEGE FLAG (2023 Gala Auction Item) - Students may wear any military branch shirt or camouflage shirts with jeans or uniform bottoms in honor of raising the flag for West Point!

9/04/2023 - LABOR DAY - SCHOOL HOLIDAY

9/05/2023 - Parent Rosary (English), PLB 204, 8:15 AM

9/06/2023 - Mass, 9:00 AM, Church (7-B)

9/06/2023 - What's Brewing with Mrs. Tucker- PreK 4 *Paduan Center

9/07/2023 - Parent Rosary (Spanish), PLB 204, 8:15 AM

9/08/2023 - $5 Free Dress Benefitting Student Council

Full Calendar available in ParentsWeb!

AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS

St. Anthony's American Heritage Girls (AHG) Troop TX1180 hosted an interactive information night earlier this week. Experience first hand the FAITH, FUN, and SERVICE that is the core of AHG by "traveling" through the program areas that reflect Faith, Service/Citizenship, Leadership, Life Skills and Outdoors. For more information regarding American Heritage Girls, contact ahgtroop1180@gmail.com.

CUB SCOUTS

Ready to begin your Cub Scouting Adventure? Cub Scout Pack 1180 is for boys in Grades K-5 and includes a number of scouts from St. Anthony and other nearby schools. Scouting is "fun with a purpose" - developing character, citizenship, leadership, fitness, and faith through activities and adventures. The Pack has Fall and Spring campouts, a Pinewood Derby race, and more! Contact pack1180@gmail.com for more info. A New Parents Welcome and Orientation Meeting will be held on August 28th.

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA CHILI FEST

Catholic Daughters of America is holding their annual Chili Fest here at St. Anthony of Padua on Saturday Oct. 14 at 6 pm. CDA would love it if school staff was represented. If you are interested in putting together a chili team, it only costs $25 to enter. What a deal! 😊 It is a lot of fun and great team building opportunity. If you have any questions or are interested, please reach out to Lory Barnhill at barnhilllory@gmail.com.

ECYD GIRL'S CLUB - FIRST MEETING & INFORMATION

Current 5th - 8th Grade Girls

Friday, Sept. 8 | 6:00-7:30 PM | $140 per year | REGISTER HERE

Sts. Simon & Jude - Youth Room in Event Center

Join us for the first meeting of 2023-2024. Parents please stay to learn more about the group for 2023-2024. ECYD is an international Catholic association of adolescents who make a pledge of friendship with Christ and with each other to build up a new world according to the Gospel. https://www.ecydhouston.com/

FAITH & FLIP-FLOPS AT BIG RIVERS WATERPARK & ADVENTURES

Come out for a day of Praise & Worship on Saturday, Sept. 23rd.

Group Rate of $19.99 per person (minimum of 15 per group). For more information contact Big Rivers Group Events Department at 832-509-1833 or email Events@bigriverswaterpark.com.