Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

This Sunday, we kick of the 2024 National Catholic Schools Week! This is always one of my favorite weeks of the year. This is our opportunity to gather with all Catholic Schools across the country to celebrate the gift of our school and the dedication of our families to the success of our school. If attending Mass at St. Anthony this weekend, please have your student wear his/her uniform and he/she can come in free dress on Monday (January 29th). On Monday, our students will meet together in the gym to celebrate community and launch this quarter’s stewardship project. Tuesday (January 30th) is celebrate students day. On this day, students may wear their jeans with Spirit shirts! Paduan Pods will meet with a focus on the Eucharistic Revival. After Mass on Wednesday, you are welcome to join us as we pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet for our nation. Thursday, we will focus on vocations. On Friday, we celebrate families and staff with Pastries with Parents in the Gym at 7:00AM and a staff versus students basketball musical chairs game to close the week.

Some fun facts about Catholic schools:

1. The Catholic Church runs the largest private educational system in the United States.
2. The United States has approximately 150,000 teachers in Catholic Schools with 97% made up of lay teachers.
3. 99% of students in Catholic high schools will graduate.
4. Catholic schools save taxpayers over $20 billion each year!
5. Catholic school students are more likely pray daily, attend church more often, retain a Catholic identify as an adult, and donate more to the Church.
6. Six of the nine current Supreme Court justices attended Catholic school.
7. Some celebrities who attended Catholic school include: Barack Obama, George Clooney, Kristen Bell, Martin Scorsese, Sylvester Stallone, Meg Ryan, Chris O’Donnell, Gerard Butler, Pierce Brosnan, Mandy Moore and Alexis Bledel (who attended St. Agnes Academy in Houston!)

(Facts gathered from www.usccb.org and www.ranker.com.)

It’s going to be a great week! Thank you for your support of our Catholic School!

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal

CURRENT STUDENT RE-ENROLLMENT FOR 2024-2025

• Re-enrollment deadline for current students is Wednesday, January 31.
• You should've received an email on January 17 when your student’s re-enrollment packet was ready on your FACTS Family Portal.
• Tuition and fee payments must be current on your FACTS account.
• If you have questions or need assistance contact Cathy Russell at crussell@ap.school.

SEVERE WEATHER ARRIVAL CHANGES

To address safety concerns that have arisen during Severe Weather Arrivals, we are instituting 2 new practices going forward.

• The driveway in front of the school will be blocked off to create a “car free zone” to allow parents and students to safely walk from the parking lot to the school entrance.
• The door to the Hallway by the Fellowship Hall will also be open and manned by school staff those mornings. This will make it easier/closer for those who choose to park in the Parish Life Building parking lot. This alleviates some of the congestion in the front of school parking lot and is a good parking spot for people coming onto campus from Kuykendahl,

NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Sunday, January 28 | Celebrate Your Parish- Students and families will help usher, read, and sing at the 11:00 AM Mass at St. Anthony's. Students who wear their uniforms to any weekend Mass are allowed to have free dress on Monday, January 29.

Monday, Jan. 29 | Celebrate Your Community

• Money for Mary stewardship project begins. Each classroom will be collecting dollars to support Mary's Meals. Mary's Meals sets up school feeding programs in some of the world's poorest communities, where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education. All it takes is $25.20 for Mary’s Meals to feed a child for a year! Which class will raise the most dollars throughout the week?
• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Help us count the Money for Mary all week long. Sign-up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-47422823-money
• Students who wore their uniforms on Sunday are allowed Free Dress today.

Tuesday, Jan. 30 | Celebrate Your Students

• Students may wear Spirit Shirts & Jeans and enjoy a few surprises throughout the day! Paduan Pods will take place.
• SPIRIT NIGHT: Southern Ice Co. 8510 Creekside Forest Dr Ste. E-200, Tomball, TX 77375, 4-9 PM. Mention St. Anthony and a portion of your purchase will be donated back to our school.

Wednesday, Jan. 31 | Celebrate The Nation

• Students will pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet after the conclusion of Mass. Students encouraged to bring their own rosaries. Parents are welcome to stay after Mass to join us for the Divine Chaplet for our nation.

Thursday, Feb. 1 | Celebrate Vocations

• Classes will participate in adoration throughout the day.
• Future Family Open House: 6:30 PM, Gym. Our Future Family Open House will give prospective families the opportunity to meet members of our faculty, learn about our academics and activities, and visit classrooms.

Friday, Feb. 2 | Celebrating Faculty, Staff, and Volunteers

• Pastries with Parents, 7:00 - 7:40 AM. Join your student for a donut in the Gym, check out the Class Projects, & walk them to class.
• Final Day to contribute to Money for Mary.
• School will gather for an afternoon Students vs. Faculty Musical Chairs Basketball Game.
• Final Day to bid on Gala Teacher Experiences & Class Projects: https://apschool.givesmart.com

Saturday, Feb. 3 & Sunday, Feb. 4 – Second Collection at all Masses will be donated to our school!

SPANISH DANCE CLUB

Mondays | 4:00-4:30 PM

Open to 2nd-5th Grade.

Starting Feb. 12. A high-energy class for boys and girls packed with kid-friendly routines that combine choreography and aerobics. Based on original Spanish-style 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. SPANISH DANCE CLUB SIGN-UP

SPRING SPORTS COMMITMENT

Hey Dolphins! It is time to find out who is willing to make the commitment to St. Anthony’s Baseball or Track programs. Please complete the Spring Sports Sign-up Form by Friday, Jan. 26th if your student is interested in the following sports:

Boys Baseball - 6th, 7th & 8th - DEADLINE JAN. 26

Boys & Girls Track - 5th thru 8th - DEADLINE JAN. 26

TRACK COACHING POSITION AVAILABLE

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is currently seeking an individual(s) to serve as Middle School (5th thru 8th grade) Boys & Girls Track & Field Coach(es) for the upcoming season. MORE DETAILS

ATHLETICS UPDATE

1/22/24: Varsity girls played at St. Anne TB. The Lady Dolphins fought hard but came up short vs. the Eagles.

1/22/24: The Boys teams were set to travel to St Martha to take on the Crusaders, but a leaky roof in the gym caused the games to be postponed. The Make-up Date will be Tuesday, January 30th.

1/24/24: Boys teams were ready to travel St. Anne TB. Again the games were postponed due to the weather. As of yet no make-up date has been set.

1/26/24: There will be a PEP Rally this Friday to recognize all of this year’s basketball coaches & players in the gym at 2:30 PM.

1/29/24: During the basketball games vs Christ the Redeemer the 8th grade boys and girls basketball players will be recognized before the Varsity Girls game at 6:30 PM.

DOLPHIN BASKETBALL NEXT WEEK:

1/29/24: SAOPCS the Dolphins will take on the Crusaders from Christ the Redeemer Catholic School. 7th grade boys at 4:30 PM, Varsity Boys at 5:30 PM and Varsity Girls at 6:30 PM.

1/29/24: On Monday during the HOME basketball games vs Christ the Redeemer the 8th grade boys and girls basketball players will be recognized before the Varsity Girls game at 6:30 PM.

1/30/24: Varsity Girls travel to St .Theresa Catholic School to take on the Lady Vikings at 5:30 PM.

1/30/24: Varsity Boys will make-up their games at St. Martha, 6th – 4:30 PM (ER-2:45), 7th - 5:30 PM, 8th - 6:30 PM.

1/31/24: Boys basketball teams travel to play the Vikings of St Theresa. 6th grade boys at 4:30 PM, 7th grade boys at 5:30 PM and the Varsity Boys at 6:30 PM.

GO DOLPHINS!

NURSE NOTES

For 1/22/24-1/26/24:

Nurse Notes for the week of January 22:

Pre-K4: Reported case of Influenza

1st Grade: Reported case of Strep Throat

1st Grade: Possible case of Fifth’s Disease (undiagnosed)

4th Grade: Reported case of Strep Throat

5th Grade: Reported case of Strep Throat

7th Grade: Reported case of Strep Throat

8th Grade: Reported case of Influenza A

*Late report from 1/19/24:

8th Grade:    Reported case of COVID

Please report any specific diagnosis to Mrs. Pavlock or Attendance.  

CHESS CLUB - 2ND SEMESTER

St. Anthony of Padua Chess Club - Facilitated by USA Chess!

All skill levels welcome! Learn tactics & strategies. Play with other kids. Rank up and earn prizes!

Mondays, 3:45 - 4:30 PM | February 5-April 29

Grades 1-8 | $130 per semester. Questions, contact info@usachess.com

2023-2024 YEARBOOKS

Order your '23-'24 Yearbooks now! Yearbooks are $45 and will be delivered at the start of next school year.

You may also create your own page! Commemorate your student's school year!

• Full page ad - $150
• 1/2 page ad - $75
• 1/4 page ad - $50

All orders will be placed online using this link:

https://www.balfour.com/texas/the-woodlands/st-anthony-of-padua-catholic-school

GIVING BY LIVING - Minted.com

Use Code: FUNDRAISESAPCS for a 20% discount and they will donate 15% back to our school! https://www.minted.com/ . Minted offers Valentine's cards, artwork and more! The discount code can be used year-round!

Your student can be "Teacher for the Day"! Each year as a part of our gala, the teachers and staff donate experiences as a part of our silent auction. These experiences are open for online bidding now on our gala website: APSCHOOL.GIVESMART.COM.

NEW THIS YEAR! Our Room Parents have put together some amazing Class Projects this year! Class Projects will be on display at Pastries with Parents on Friday, Feb. 2nd in the Gym and bidding will also close on Friday, Feb. 2nd!

January 26 - February 2: TEACHER EXPERIENCES AUCTION

January 26 - February 2: CLASS PROJECTS AUCTION

The auction will take place online at: APSCHOOL.GIVESMART.COM.

Auction will close at staggered times: 

• 9:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 2 for: All Classroom Teachers (Pre-K3-5th Grade, Middle School Adventure)
• 9:30 PM on Friday, Feb. 2 for: Auxiliary Teachers (Music, Librarian, Spanish, Religion, Assistant Religion, Art, Theatre, Athletics & Assistant Athletics)
• 10:00 PM on Friday, Feb. 2 for: Front Office Adventure, Advancement Adventure, Kitchen Adventure, School Counselor, P.A.C.E., Nurse & Classroom Assistants
• 10:30 PM on Friday, Feb. 2 for: Class Projects

AVAILABLE SIGN-UP PARTIES

All proceeds benefit the gala & our school!

Friday, Feb. 2 - WONKA PARTY - For 4th & 5th Grade Students

Saturday, Feb. 3 - COCHON DE LAIT - For Families

Friday, Feb. 9 - #2 - PIZZA WITH THE PRINCIPALS - For 3rd-5th Grade

Friday, Feb. 9 - PETTING ZOO PARTY - For Kindergarten

Tuesday, Feb. 13 - MARDI GRAS BREAKFAST & PARADE - For Families

Saturday, Feb. 24- PAINT, SIP & REPEAT - For St. Anthony Moms

Saturday, March 2 - CRAWFISH BOIL - Adult Party

Thursday, March 21 - PUPPY PARTY - For 2nd Grade Students

Friday, March 22 - DINO PARTY - For Pre-K3 Students

Friday, March 22 - WILDLIFE PARTY - For 3rd Grade Students

SOLD OUT SIGN-UP PARTIES

Thursday, Feb. 8 - PIZZA WITH THE PRINCIPALS - For Kindergarten-2nd Grade

Thursday, Feb. 8 - PIZZA WITH THE PRINCIPALS - For 3rd-5th Grade

Thursday, Feb. 8 - BREAKFAST BREAK - For Middle School

Thursday, Feb. 9 - #2 - PIZZA WITH THE PRINCIPALS - For Kindergarten-2nd Grade

Thursday, April 18 - LUNCH WITH FATHER JESSE - For 2nd Grade Students

Friday, April 26 - LUAU PARTY - For 1st Grade Students

STEPS FOR STUDENTS

We have over 200 team members! Join our team today!

Steps for Students is an annual event benefitting all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston. Over the last 18 years, this exciting day of family fun has brought together our Catholic community for a sunrise Mass, sanctioned 5K race and a post-race party in the Catholic School Village. Anthony of Padua's Steps for Students team will be raising funds for security upgrades at school (a fence)! Thank you for supporting this effort. Join our team at: https://runsignup.com/apschooltx

There are 4 ways to participate: 

1. 5K TIMED: Compete against other runners and your best 5K time on this route! Price: $20.00 Race Fee 
2. 5K UNTIMED: Like the Timed 5K.... but not timed. Price: $18.00 Race Fee 
3. FAMILY FUN RUN: Under a mile route. Price: $17.00 Race Fee 
4. HIT THE SNOOZE FOR STUDENTS: Support Catholic schools without running the race! Register to Hit the Snooze and you will still receive the official race t-shirt shirt, but will not receive a bib or race medal. This is the option for those who would like to participate virtually. Price: $20.00 Race Fee 

Team t-shirts will be sent home soon! All registration prices increase Jan. 31st! Thank you to student Martin Calero for designing this year's team shirt!

IMPORTANT STEPS FOR STUDENTS DATES:

• January 31, 2024: All race fees increase by $10.00.
• February 10, 2024: Race Day

SHOUT-OUTS!

Thank you to all of the parents and students brought in desserts, and covered lunch duty for our teachers today! It's such a treat for faculty to enjoy lunch together. Thank you also to Mrs. Smithson for coordinating today's luncheon! THANK YOU!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Help us count the Money for Mary all week long for Catholic Schools Week. Sign-up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-47422823-money

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:30 PM, Library. (Back in February. Sign-up.) 

MONDAYS - Strings Club, 3:45-4:30 PM, Band Hall.

MONDAYS - ZUMBA® Kids Jr. Club, 3:45-4:30 PM, Spanish classroom. (Back in February. Sign-up)

TUESDAYS - Student Rosary Group, 7:15 AM in Paduan Center.

TUESDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (English) 8:15 AM, PLB Room 204. 

WEDNESDAYS - Mass Choir, 6:45 AM, Sheltz Hall. 

WEDNESDAYS - Sacred Soles Run Club, 3:30 PM, Sports Fields.

WEDNESDAYS - Art Club, 3:45-5:00 PM, Art Room.

THURSDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (Spanish) 8:15 AM, PLB Room 204.

Please check the calendar and/or communications from club advisors regarding cancellations or changes. 

01/27/2024 - Father/Daughter Dance, 6:30-8:00 PM, Gym (RSVP)

01/28/2024 - Catholic Schools Week Mass (CSW), 11:00 AM – Choir will perform, students will altar serve, and do the readings. Students who wear their uniforms to Mass will have Free Dress on Monday, Jan. 29th.

01/28/2024 - National Catholic Schools Week (more details to come in The Messenger)

01/29/2024 - Service Project Q3 | Mary's Meals

01/30/2024 – SPIRIT SHIRT & JEANS DAY

02/01/2024 - Future Family Open House, 6:30 PM

02/02/2024 - Pastries with Parents, 7:00 – 7:40 AM, Gym 

02/01/2024 - Future Family Open House

02/02/2024 - Pastries with Parents, 7-7:40 AM, Gym (enter through gym doors)

02/02/2024 - GALA: Wonka Party-4th & 5th Grade

02/03/2024 & 02/04/2024 - 2nd Collection will benefit our school at all Masses

02/03/2024 - GALA: Cochon De Lait

02/05/2024 - A Week

02/05/2024 - Chess Club Begins | Spring (USA Chess) 

02/05/2024 - New Student Enrollment (Applications Accepted)

02/06/2024 - 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Parent Info Meeting, 2:45 PM, Library

02/07/2024 - Mass (5B), 9:00 AM, Church

02/07/2024 - Confession | 5B | OLA Chapel

02/07/2024 - Spirit Night @ Mod Pizza | All Day

02/08/2024 - 5th Grade Camp Kappe Parent Info meeting, 2:45 PM, Library

02/08/2024 - GALA: Middle School Breakfast Break

02/08/2024 - GALA: Pizza With Principals, Kinder-2nd Grade

02/08/2024 - GALA: Pizza With Principals, 3rd-5th Grade

02/08/2024 - Great History Challenge

02/08/2024 - Talks with Father Jesse | 8:10 AM, Paduan Center

02/09/2024 - $5 Free Dress benefiting Steps for Students

02/09/2024 - GALA: Kindergarten Petting Zoo

02/09/2024 - GALA: #2 Pizza With Principals, Kinder-2nd Grade

02/09/2024 - GALA: #2 Pizza With Principals, 3rd-5th Grade

02/10/2024 - Sci Tech at College Park High School

02/10/2024 - Steps 4 Students

Full Calendar available in ParentsWeb!

PRIEST MEALS

A Meal Train has been created to help feed our priests at the rectory weekly. If you would like to sign-up to provide a meal, please click the link, review the instructions and pick a date to sign-up! https://mealtrain.com/e17zoe

RICE BASEBALL VS NOTRE DAME BASEBALL

Catholic School Day - Saturday, Feb. 17

Join Cardinal DiNardo and other Catholic School students for Rice vs. Notre Dame Baseball on Saturday, Feb. 17th! Any student who attends the game will have the opportunity to stand with the players for the national anthem and run the bases after the game. To purchase tickets visit: riceowls.com/catholicschoolday.