Dear Families,

Next week, we host one of my favorite days: Grandparents Day! Grandparents hold a unique place in the lives of our students, often serving as sources of wisdom, love, and support. This day is an opportunity for us to honor and cherish the invaluable role that grandparents play in our school community and the lives of our Dolphins. We look forward to welcoming them onto our campus.

The festivities open with a light breakfast and assembly in the gym followed by a special edition of our DNN (Dolphin News Network), schoolwide BINGO, classroom visits and the opportunity to visit our book fair. Watching the students showcase their classrooms so that their grandparents may experience firsthand a day in the life of their grandchildren is fun for everyone! We invite all grandparents to join us for what promises to be a heartwarming morning. This is one of only two days that we have our own school Mass which will begin at 10:45 am. All are welcome to join us for Mass before our noon dismissal. 

As we prepare for Grandparents' Day, I encourage you to remind your children of the important bond they share with their grandparents. Let them know how special this day is, not just for the activities planned but for the special moments they will create together. I also recognize that this day may be hard for those students whose grandparents are unable to attend due to distance, illness or death. Our grandparents in attendance are always sweet to meet the classmates of their grandchildren. Our teachers have activities planned for all students --- as well as a special donut breakfast in the classroom for those whose grandparents are not joining. 

I look forward to celebrating this joyous occasion with all of you and our beloved grandparents. Please don’t forget to have them RSVP at: https://ap.school/grandparents

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal

As a special reward for reaching 95% Fund for St. Anthony participation, the whole school has earned an extended Spring Break Day Off on Friday, March 7th. Please see the revised calendar below!

Thank you to our veterans! Click the button below for the complete list of veterans, including their rank and years of service. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and sacrifice!

ARRIVAL CHANGES - Nov. 19 & 21

On November 19 and 21, our parish will be distributing Thanksgiving boxes through our food pantry, a significant project that serves thousands in our community. Due to this, we will need to alter our morning arrival procedures on these days.

Important changes to note:

• Parents will need to park and walk students in at both entrances. There will be no car line.
• Driveways off Kuykendahl will be closed for entry; all school traffic must enter through the Bay Branch driveways.
• To help manage arrivals and limited parking, we will open our school doors at 7:30 AM.

Please review the attached Thanksgiving project map for any questions regarding the changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we ask that you be mindful of traffic and ensure the safety of our students during these busy days.

SPIRIT DAY AT RAISING CANE'S

Thursday, Nov. 21 | 10 am-10 pm

6730 FM 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354

Mention St. Anthony and a portion will be donated back to our school!

GRANDPARENTS DAY | NOVEMBER 22, 2024 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

We’re thrilled to announce record-breaking attendance for Grandparents Day! Please review the updated arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day for all.

GRANDPARENTS DAY ARRIVAL:

1. Students Attending Without Grandparents: Doors will open at 7:40 AM. Due to extra campus traffic, please park and walk your child into the building. There will be no car line. These students will go directly to their classrooms, where they’ll enjoy donuts and special activities.
2. Students Attending with Grandparents: Please arrange for students to arrive with their grandparents or to meet in the church piazza. Grandparents will check students in for attendance in the Fellowship Hall. Note: Fellowship Hall doors open at 8:00 AM—no need to arrive earlier. Students with grandparents will remain with them throughout the morning.

GRANDPARENTS DAY DISMISSAL:

Noon Dismissal: There will be no Beyond the Bell available.

1. Students Attending Without Grandparents: These students will attend Mass with their class at 10:45 AM and return to school for dismissal. Pre-K–3rd grade will dismiss from classrooms, while 4th–8th grade will dismiss from the Gym. There will be no car line.
2. Students Attending with Grandparents: Students may be checked out of their classrooms before Mass and attend the 10:45 AM Mass with their grandparents.

Thank you to Stainless Structurals for helping us make this Grandparents Day a memorable event!

LITERATI BOOK FAIR

To purchase books at our Online Book Fair or purchase gift cards for students and teachers to use please visit: https://efairs.literati.com/?school=saint-anthony-of-padua-school-the-woodlands-tx

PADUAN PARENT COLLECTION

Dear St. Anthony Families, To thank our faculty and staff for their endless energy, caring ways, and amazing creativity, Paduan Parents is coordinating a one-time collection to provide Christmas and End-of-the-year gifts for the 2024-2025 school year. Because our children have different teachers on a regular basis at St. Anthony, the Paduan Parents Collection offers an optional opportunity for you to contribute towards a school-level gift to thank all faculty & staff who support your children. To participate, please send in your contribution in an envelope to the front desk of the school by December 13. Cash or checks (made payable to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School) are accepted. Thank you for your support of our faculty & staff!

Sincerely in Christ,

Jennifer Smithson, Middle School Parent Coordinator                                 

Bianca Shaughnessy, Elementary Parent Coordinator                                     

Mary Mounce, Early Childhood Parent Coordinator

2024-2025 YEARBOOKS

Order your 2024-2025 Yearbooks now! All orders will be placed online by clicking the banner or using the link: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A02187515 .

DNN - Check our our DNN Broadcast from last week! We'll be back with an extra edition on Grandparents Day!

STEPS FOR STUDENTS - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

Registration is now open for the 20th Annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk supporting Catholic education!

• Saturday, February 8, 2025 | Downtown Houston

Students who join our team by Dec. 31 will get a Free Dress Pass to use for the 2nd semester - and all the t-shirts! Join our team at: https://runsignup.com/apschool25

SMART FAMILIES NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Variable Reward, Social Media & Mental Health 

The pervasive influence of social media is reflected in the 5 billion users worldwide. But what drives people to engage, sometimes obsessively, with others on social media? 

In this issue, Smart Families talks about how reward impacts behaviors, cycles of repetitive actions and short form content.  

Check our the Be Not Afraid newsletter archives, a monthly spiritual resource that aligns with Christian values and upholds our God-given dignity.

NURSE NOTES

For 11/11/24-11/15/24

Pre-K3: One report of pneumonia

Kindergarten: Unconfirmed/assumed case of Hand, Foot and Mouth

3rd grade: One reported case of pneumonia and one reported case of Strep Throat

4th grade: One reported case of Strep Throat

6th grade: One reported case of Impetigo

7th grade: One reported case of Strep Throat

**If your child has a very persistent cough and a lot of congestion/drainage, please consider having them evaluated by their physician to make sure their lungs are clear. We are still seeing cases of pneumonia in the school. There have been a few reports of Whooping Cough in the area, NONE in our school at this point. This is something to have on the radar, especially if you have infants at home or will be around infants during the holidays. 

Please remind your children to cover their coughs and wash their hands frequently. 

Hand, Foot & Mouth Letter

Impetigo Letter

Strep Throat Letter

Pertussis-Whopping Cough Information

SIGN-UP PARTIES

We are excited about our Gala Sign-up Parties! Gala Sign-up Parties are hosted by faculty or families and can be adult, family or child-centered—and most importantly, FUN! All proceeds from Gala Sign-up Parties benefit our school and students!

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for your incredible support during our first-ever Dolphin Donor Week! To date, we’ve raised over $250,000 for the Fund for St. Anthony and reached an impressive 95% family participation!

The Fund for St. Anthony remains open until June 30, 2025, so if you’d like to continue giving or make an additional gift, donations are always welcome.

Our students had a blast celebrating this week with free dress, hats & hair accessories, free shoes, and Kona Ice today—it’s been such a joy to share this experience as a community!

As a special reward for reaching 95% participation, the whole school has earned an extended Spring Break Day Off on Friday, March 7th (please see the updated calendar).

Thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to our school. You’ve truly made a difference!

FALL BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEERING - Nov. 15-22

We are excited to announce our Fall Book Fair. Please help make our fair a success by volunteering at our fair. Volunteers will help students pick out books, tidying up displays, and may assist with checking out purchases as well.  All volunteers must be compliant with Safe Environment training. To volunteer at the Book Fair, sign-up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-book7#/

GRANDPARENTS DAY VOLUNTEERING - November 21 & 22

We are seeking volunteers to help set-up and make sure Grandparents Day runs smoothly! Please sign-up to help set-up on Thursday, Nov. 21 or with day-of activities on Friday, Nov. 22 at this https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-52104837-grandparents

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:30 PM.

MONDAYS - Spanish Culture Club, 3:45-4:30 PM.

MONDAYS - Violin Club, 3:45-4:30 PM.

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

WEDNESDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (English) 8:00 AM, PLB Room 204.

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

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

WEDNESDAYS - Run Club, 3:45-4:30 PM, Sports Fields.

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. 

11/15/2024 - GALA EVENT | Parent’s Night Out, 6:00-9:00 PM

11/17/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Literari Book Fair

11/19/2024 - FIELD TRIP | Kindergarten

11/21/2024 - SPIRIT DAY | Raising Cane's Magnolia, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

11/22/2024 - MASS | Wednesday of the 34th Week of Ordinary Time | Staff, 10:45 AM, Church

11/22/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Grandparents Day Mass, 10:45 AM, Church

11/22/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Grandparents Day | Noon Dismissal

11/25/2024-11/29/2024 - SCHOOL HOLIDAY | Thanksgiving

12/02/2024 - COMMITTEE MEETING | The One Gala, 8:15 AM, Paduan Center

12/03/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | Spelling Bee | Assembly Schedule

12/03/2024 - SPIRIT NIGHT | The Stand, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

12/04/2024 - GALA EVENT | Breakfast with Santa, 7:00-8:00 AM

12/04/2024 - MASS | Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent | 2A, 8:30 AM, Church

12/05/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | 1st and 2nd Grade Program, 6:30 PM, Gym

12/06/2024 - FREE DRESS | $5 | Supporting 8th Grade Gift

12/06/2024 - GALA EVENT | Middle School Ice Skating Party

12/06/2024 - GALA EVENT | Polar Express Party-Pre-K4

Full Calendar available in FACTS!

To subscribe to our FACTS school calendar copy and paste this URL into your calendar app:

https://saty-tx.client.renweb.com/pwr/school/ical.cfm?u=11371&h=2D672FF8548A&s=&ut=STAFF&f2=0&sc=SAPCS&t=s

FRASSATI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES

Applications Open for 2025-2026!

Applications are open for the 2025-2026 academic year at Frassati Catholic! For current 8th grade students or those interested in transferring, this is the first step to becoming a Frassati Falcon - and families can get started today. Simply log in to the SchoolAdmin admissions portal, click "begin admissions process" and you'll be on your way! Following the completed online application, applicants will have access to the applicant checklist, providing the ability to upload documents, see their application progress, and even schedule a shadow visit on campus this fall. Details and application process can be found at frassaticatholic.org/apply. Questions? Contact Mr. Tim Lienhard, Director of Enrollment, at admissions@frassaticatholic.org.

INCARNATE WORD OPEN HOUSE - November 17 @ 1:30-4:30 PM A High School Where Girls Lead, Learn, and Succeed

Learn about our unique Leadership and STEM programs and meet our faculty and students. Visit: incarnateword.org/admissions

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE - November 16 at 2:00 PM Check-in at the high school gym will begin at 2:00 PM. The special presentation will begin at approximately 2:15 PM. Group tours will be offered. The event will end promptly at 4:00 PM. We look forward to hosting you and your family.