Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

At the Middle School Parent Information Night, Mrs. Garfield discussed the challenges that arise from social media and giving our students access to social media at a young age. This is a controversial topic at every level as many parents choose to give their children access to phones and social media at younger and younger ages. Interestingly, there has been a movement across the Archdiocese to delay giving students smart phones until high school. This is based on research that this level of connection and access is beyond what teenagers and pre-teens are able to handle. You may be surprised to know that many of the disciplinary issues administration deals with --- particularly in middle school --- revolve around social media. This becomes a school discipline issue when it impacts the school day. For example, when social media activity becomes a distraction in the classroom and/or when students are mistreated at school (cyberbullied), the school must get involved. Whichever side of the cell phone/social media permissions fence you stand on, please consider the age of your child and, if age-appropriate, take some time to talk about the dangers of social media and internet access. Please share that posted pictures never truly go away. Please advise students that there is always a person --- a child of God --- on the other side of the post. We share with our students that we must love one another at all times: at school, at home and online --- which includes social media. If your children are too young for these conversations, as parents please discuss with each other when you will allow your student to have this access so that you are prepared when your child asks --- and it will likely be earlier than you think.

The following are resources that you may find helpful:

• What Is Cyberbullying - stopbullying.gov
• Keeping teens safe on social media-American Psychological Association
• Best Parental Control Apps - verywellfamily.com
• Parenting the Digital World - LIFE TEEN.
• Using Media & Technology - CatholicFamilyFaith.org

Thank you for partnering with us on this important subject.

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal

DISMISSAL UPDATE

We will resume our normal dismissal procedures starting Monday, Sept. 11th! Please review the Arrival and Dismissal Instructions/Diagrams so you are prepared for a safe drop-off or pick-up. Share instructions with babysitters, grandparents and relatives who assist with arrival or dismissal.

DISMISSAL REMINDERS

Car line (students loaded into cars in the front of the school):

• Your car line number must be visible at all times. This helps our staff quickly navigate your students to their cars.
• If you do not have the current year’s tag or do not have a tag at all, staff will direct you to the front office for ID verification. Homemade signs or photographs of key tags are not permitted. Additional carpool signs are available from the front desk: attendance@ap.school.
• If you need to buckle children into car seats, please pull forward into the Parish Life Building parking lot. Do not exit your vehicle when in car line.

Personal pick-up (students picked up from the gym)

• Gates for Personal Pick-up will not open until 3:15 PM.
•  Please have your yellow car line sign or yellow key tag to show the door attendant.
• If you do not have the current year’s tag or do not have a tag at all, staff will direct you to the front office for ID verification. Homemade signs or photographs of key tags are not permitted. Additional carpool signs are available from the front desk: attendance@ap.school.

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!

SEPT. 11-15 - 1st Quarter Stewardship Project

Refugee Backpack Drive

Our 1st Quarter Stewardship Project is supporting our refugee brothers and sisters with Catholic Charities by helping provide school supplies for a great school year! We will be collecting items from Sept. 11-15.

• Collecting the following new items: Backpacks (this is the largest need, at least 15 inches), Folders, Pencils, Pens, Erasers, Kid scissors, Pencil Sharpener, Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, Rulers, Composition Notebooks, Spiral Notebooks, Socks

HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK - Sept. 15-22

Friday, Sept. 15 (Pep Rally Day) | Mickey & Minnie Day – Wear homecoming t-shirts & jeans or uniform bottoms with Mickey Mouse ears

Monday, Sept. 18 | Sleeping Beauties – Comfy Cozy PJ Day. *Must follow Free Dress Guidelines*

Tuesday, Sept. 19 | Monsters U – Wear College shirts with uniform bottoms.

Wednesday, Sept. 20 | Wonderland Wednesday – Crazy Hat Day. *Hats must be removed for Mass*

Thursday, Sept. 21 | Ohana Day – Hawaiian shirts with uniform bottoms.

Friday, Sept. 22 | GO ASTROS – Wear Astros shirts with jeans or uniform bottoms.

HOMECOMING GAME & EVENT

Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 4:30 - 7:00 PM

Football game, Angels’ cheer clinic performance, Rollin’ Wingz, Lupe Tortilla, Curbside Sliderz & Tikiz Shave Ice food trucks, concessions, inflatables, alumni booth, and more! Fun for the whole family!

MIDDLE SCHOOL JOHN 15 RETREAT

Saturday, Sept. 23 | 9 AM - 1 PM | St. Anthony of Padua Youth Room

All Middle School students are invited! Come join us for food, activities, and spending time with each other and the Lord! Cost is $5 per student. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Martin at kmartin@ap.school.

Sign-up at: https://ap.school/john15

NURSE NOTES

For 9/5/23-9/8/23:

• 1st grade: One report of strep throat (over the holiday weekend). 

Please continue to encourage frequent handwashing.  

DOLPHIN ATHLETICS UPDATE

The Dolphin volleyball teams opened up their season at home Wednesday night vs. St. Anne Tomball. The Varsity B team took the Crusaders to 3 games and just came up short in third game 11-15 to drop the match 1-2. The Varsity A team rallied after losing the first game 22-25 to win the final two games 25-19 & 15-10 and won the match 2-1.

Way to go Dolphins, Coach Kelly & Coach Guerra!

DOLPHIN SPORTS NEXT WEEK:

9/11/23: Volleyball at St. Theresa - Varsity B at 4:30 PM; Varsity A at 5:30 PM

9/12/23: Volleyball at SAOPCS vs Christ the Redeemer - Varsity B at 4:30 PM; Varsity A at 5:15 PM

9/13/23: Volleyball at St. Rose of Lima - Varsity B at 4:30 PM; Varsity A at 5:15 PM

9/16/23: SAOPCS Cross Country at the Woodlands Christian CC Meet - TBA

SPIRIT STORE - Show your St. Anthony Pride!

Check out our online store Spirit Store at SquadLocker. There is everything from beach towels to water-bottles, sweatshirts to backpacks, pajamas to tote bags! Outerwear & Sweatshirts may be worn by students over uniforms.

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

ROBOFINS ROBOTICS CLUB - INFORMATION MEETING

Thursday, Sept. 21 | 4 pm | Room 224 (Mrs. Biagi’s room)

Open to 6th, 7th, 8th Grade (do not need to be enrolled in Robotics class)

Check out the flyer for more info! Questions, contact Mrs. Failde at afailde@ap.school.

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

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

Interested in volunteering in our library? All volunteers must be in compliance and complete Safe Environment Training. Please contact Ms. Morgan at dmorgan@ap.school for orientation schedule and available volunteer times.

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 Burick family for donating towards our wish list and the Klosterman-Kocian family for purchasing drones for the tech lab & a watercooler for the nurse's office.

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:45 PM, Library. Starting Sept. 11.

MONDAYS - Strings Club, 3:45-4:30 PM. Starting Sept. 18.

MONDAYS - ZUMBA® Kids Jr. Club, Starting Sept. 11.

TUESDAYS - Student Rosary Group, 7:15 AM in Fellowship Hall. Starting Sept. 12.

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

TUESDAYS - Awakening! Bible Study, 7:15 AM, Paduan Center. Starting Sept. 12. 

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

WEDNESDAYS - Sacred Soles Run Club, 3:30 PM, Sports Fields. Starting Sept. 27.

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. 

9/11/2023 - Morning Assembly, 8:00 AM, Gym

9/13/2023 - Mass (6-1), 9:00 AM, Church

9/13/2023 - SPIRIT DAY ISLAND FIN POKE-ALL DAY

9/13/2023 - What's Brewing with Mrs. Tucker-7th Grade, 8:15 AM, Paduan Center

9/14/2023 - 8th Grade Frassati Catholic High School Visit

9/15/2023 - SPIRIT WEEK BEGINS: Mickey & Minnie Day – Wear homecoming t-shirts & jeans or uniform bottoms with mouse ears

9/15/2023 - Fall Pep Rally, 2:30 PM

9/16/2023 - HOMECOMING CHEER CLINIC, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Gym.

9/18/2023 - Sleeping Beauties: Comfy Cozy PJ Day. *Must follow Free Dress Guidelines*

9/19/2023 - Monsters U: Wear College shirts with uniform bottoms.

9/20/2023 - Wonderland Wednesday: Crazy Hat Day. *Hats must be removed for Mass*

9/20/2023 - What's Brewing with Mrs. Tucker-Kindergarten, 8:15 AM, Paduan Center

9/20/2023 - Mass (6-2), 9:00 AM, Church

9/20/2023 - Homecoming, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

9/21/2023 - Ohana Day: Hawaiian shirts with uniform bottoms.

9/21/2023 - Paduan Pods

9/22/2023 - GO ASTROS: Wear Astros shirts with jeans or uniform bottoms.

9/22/2023 - Astros Game: St. Anthony Choir sings the National Anthem. To purchase tickets to sit with our group, visit: https://fevogm.com/Stanthony

9/23/2023 - Middle School Retreat | John:15 Retreat, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Youth Room. To sign-up: https://ap.school/john15

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

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. If you are interested in putting together a chili team, it only costs $25 to enter. 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. More info at: https://ap.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1906279

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.