Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

Tomorrow, our teachers will be participating in an all-day Archdiocesan in-service day — a professional development opportunity that brings together Catholic School teachers from across the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. While our students enjoy a day at home, our teachers will be hard at work learning, collaborating, and growing in their vocation as Catholic educators.



At St. Anthony of Padua and throughout the Archdiocese, we believe that teaching is both a ministry and a lifelong journey of growth. Our teachers dedicate time and energy to professional development throughout the year so they can bring the latest and most effective teaching strategies into their classrooms. They engage in workshops, share best practices, and deepen their understanding of how to nurture every child academically, spiritually, and emotionally. I am so proud of our faculty’s commitment to excellence — not only in what they teach, but in how they continue to learn. Their efforts ensure that your children receive instruction rooted in faith, innovation, and love. Our teachers go above and beyond the minimum requirements so that they are always growing and best serving our Dolphins.

Thank you for your continued partnership and prayers as our teachers take this day to learn and grow in service to our students and to Christ, the ultimate Teacher. I pray you all have a wonderful long weekend and look forward to seeing your students back on campus to start the second quarter on Tuesday!

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

✏️ WRITING LEADERS

First Grade: Clara Treviño, Remi Bonilla, Robbie Salmon, Sammie Shimanek

Second Grade: Sia Pingel, Alonso Navarro, Grace Belt, Olivia Grober, Madilyn Pine, Liam Romero, Edmundo Trejo Gonzales, Carson Kaercher, Catherine Larkin, Liam Marcum, Grace Curtin, Anderson Haddock, Hunter Sewell

CHIPOTLE SPIRIT NIGHT

Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 4:00-8:00 pm

6538 FM 1488, MAGNOLIA, TX, 77354

Order online for pick-up using code: 3RVCA39 or show flyer in restaurant.

TALKS WITH FATHER JESSE
Thursday, Oct. 23 | 8:15 AM | Paduan Center

Join Father Jesse as he discusses the school, our parish, and more! To help make the most of the conversation, please submit your questions in advance to our Parent Champion, Jennifer Jurkus at: jennifertoon@yahoo.com.

STEPS FOR STUDENTS - T-SHIRT CONTEST

If your student would like to create a t-shirt design for Steps for Students, please use the template and submit by November 1, 2025 to the Advancement Office. The winning design will be submitted to the Archdiocese for consideration and may become our school's shirt design this year!

Steps for Students T-shirt Template

📘 PURCHASE A 2025-2026 YEARBOOK!

Don’t miss your chance to capture the memories of this special 25th anniversary year at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School! Yearbooks are now on sale through Jostens — order yours today and treasure every moment!

Add a Personal Touch!

Families can also purchase yearbook ads to honor students or recognize achievements while supporting our school.

➡️ Order your 2026 Yearbook and / or place an ad today at this link:

Click here to order through Jostens

FAMILY ROSARY SIGN-UP

The month of October is dedicated to the Rosary, and after the Mass, the Rosary is the most powerful prayer at our disposal. Please sign up for a day that your family will pray the Rosary together.

Middle School Basketball Sign-Ups Now Open!

We’re excited to open Sports Commitment sign-ups for BASKETBALL (Boys & Girls) for all Middle School students in grades 6–8. The season kicks off with our first practices on October 27 and runs through the first week of February. We’re looking forward to a strong season and hope to see lots of Dolphins on the court this year!

SMART FAMILIES - BE NOT AFRAID

The latest issue of the Smart Families Be Not Afraid newsletter is now available! Click below to learn more about "The Power of Family Prayer".

In today’s world, it’s easy for screens to capture our attention and pull us away from what matters most. Prayer is where families find strength, love, and unity. By turning from the cold glow of devices to the warm light of faith, we safeguard our hearts and homes. Let us recommit to family prayer, teaching our children that God’s presence is always brighter than distraction.

📅 Don’t miss our upcoming online talk:

Navigating Tech Through the Lens of Faith

October 21 | 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM CDT

Join us for an engaging conversation on how faith can guide the way we interact with technology in our daily lives. This session will explore the impact of social media and digital devices on families, relationships, and spiritual well-being. Together, we’ll reflect on how to use technology with intention and balance—ensuring these tools serve rather than distract from our higher calling. 

To RSVP or learn more, click here. 

As we celebrate the 25th year of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, we give thanks for the many blessings that generous donors have made possible. For a quarter of a century, the Fund for St. Anthony has provided resources beyond tuition—helping us balance our budget, strengthen our mission, and create opportunities that inspire our students to grow in faith, knowledge, and service.

This year, donor support made it possible to:

• Added support teachers to boost Math & ELA growth across all grades
• Launch Science of Reading (UFLI) and Handwriting Without Tears in PreK–2nd
• Expand middle school electives: 6th Grade Guidance, Speech & Debate, and Life Lab
• Install a front office safety enclosure, upgrade window protection, and add campus cameras
• Begin Marian Garden improvements for prayer and outdoor learning
• Improve guest experience with new gym signage and awning

This 25th year, your gift will help us continue to invest in faculty development, spiritual enrichment, tuition assistance, and technology upgrades—all things that keep St. Anthony strong for today and the future. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a direct impact. Our goal is 100% participation from all enrolled families in this milestone year. As of today, because of early support and wish list purchases, we are already at 25% family participation!

2025–2026 Wish List

Make an immediate impact by purchasing an item from our Wish List! Every Wish List gift counts toward the Fund for St. Anthony.

Matching Gifts

Double (or even triple!) your support through your employer’s matching gift program. Contact your HR office or reach out to Katie Tressel at ktressel@ap.school for help.

Paduan Points

Families earn 5 Paduan Points for contributing to the Fund for St. Anthony!

Dolphin Donor Week

Mark your calendars for November 3–7, 2025! Dolphin Donor Week is a special time to support the Fund for St. Anthony with matching opportunities and fun community celebrations.

Together, let’s make this 25th anniversary year one to remember by ensuring every child, every classroom, and every teacher is blessed by the Fund for St. Anthony.

NURSE NOTES

For 10/6/25-10/9/25:

Pre-K3: One report of Influenza B

1st Grade: Two reports of Influenza B and two reports of Strep Throat

2nd Grade: One report of Influenza B

3rd Grade: Five reports of Influenza B and one report of Strep Throat

4th Grade: Three reports of Influenza B; one report of Influenza (not specified); one report of Strep Throat; and one report of COVID

5th Grade: Twelve reports of Influenza B; three reports of Influenza (not specified); and four reports of Strep Throat

6th Grade: One report of Influenza B and one report of Strep Throat

7th Grade: Four reports of Influenza B and one report of Strep Throat

8th Grade: One report of Influenza B

There have been more students absent than what is reflected above; however, I can only document cases that are confirmed either through a home test or a physician's test and reported directly by a parent. There were probably many more that were cases of the flu that were unconfirmed. Not all parents choose to test for the flu. There are some students that are just beginning with symptoms and have not been tested/reported yet. Some students have tested negative for all reportable illnesses but are still experiencing symptoms. Others have been kept home as a precaution, and some absences are due to personal reasons or travel. 

Praying everyone has a restful, healthy break. We are hoping this will break or slow the cycle of influenza!  

SHOUT-OUTS

A huge thank you to our amazing hosts for this year’s Round Top Trip — a fun-filled day of shopping, friendship, and Texas charm!

Hosted by: Andrea Aertker, Nancy Barr, Angela Bradford, Kristin English, Alexandra Fulton, Carrie Greenberg, Stephanie Grijalva, Angela Rosenfelder, Megan Seder, Laura Toomey, and Julie Zelinka

PADUAN PARENT FACULTY & STAFF LUNCHEON - FULL

A big thank you to our amazing Paduan Parents for filling all the volunteer spots for our upcoming Staff Luncheon on October 17! Your generosity in covering lunch duties and providing delicious desserts and drinks helps us show our teachers and staff just how much they’re appreciated. 💙

🔗 For reference: Staff Luncheon Sign-Up

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

MONDAYS - Spanish Culture 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 Rm. 204.

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

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

WEDNESDAYS - Run Club, 4:00-4:30 PM, Sports Fields. 

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

Please check the calendar and/or communications from club advisors regarding cancellations or changes. More clubs to be added soon!

10/10/2025 - NO SCHOOL | Staff Development



10/13/2025 - NO SCHOOL | Fall Holiday

10/14/2025 - FIELD TRIP | Fire Station | PK3

10/14/2025 - SPIRIT NIGHT | Chipotle, 4:00-8:00 PM, 6538 FM 1488, Magnolia, TX

10/15/2025 - MASS | Memorial of St. Theresa of Jesus | 4A, 8:30 AM, Church

10/15/2025 - RECONCILIATION | MS

10/16/2025 - FIELD TRIP | Museum of Natural Science | 3rd Grade

10/17/2025 - SPECIAL EVENT | Band Showcase, 6:00 PM, Band Hall

10/17/2025 - STAFF | Luncheon | Provided by Paduan Parents

10/17/2025 - PARENT MEETING | Camp Kappe | 5th Grade, 2:30 PM, Library

10/20/2025 - FIELD TRIP | Fire Station | PK4B

10/20/2025 - ATHLETICS | Picture Day

10/21/2025 - FIELD TRIP | Camp Kappe | 5th Grade

10/22/2025 - MASS | St. John Paul II Feast Day | 4B, 8:30 AM, Church

10/23/2025 - FIELD TRIP | Fire Station | PK4A

10/23/2025 - FIELD TRIP | 1st Grade | The Oil Ranch

10/23/2025 - PARENT MEETING | Talks w/Fr. Jesse, 8:15 AM, Paduan Center

10/24/2025 - STUDENT EVENT | MS Social, 6:30-8:30 PM, Gym

Full Calendar available in ParentsWeb!

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

✨ ALL SAINTS DAY FESTIVAL ✨

Join us for a day of faith, fellowship, and fun at the All Saints Day Festival!

📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025

🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

This free event is open to all ages—bring the whole family! Enjoy games, food, activities, and community celebration.

👉 Learn more and sign up to volunteer here: All Saints Day Festival Details & Volunteer Opportunities

FRASSATI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Friday, October 10 - Middle School Night

All middle school (and elementary) students get in free as Falcons Football takes on Legacy Prep Christian Academy. We'll invite athletes, cheerleaders, band and choir members to join us at points throughout the game. Gates open at 6pm, with the National Anthem at 6:50 pm, and kickoff at 7:00 pm. Tickets for adult family members on sale HERE on the Athletics page of the Frassati Catholic website. See you there! Located at St. Michael the Archangel Field at Frassati Catholic High School.

Friday, October 17th- Homecoming

The Homecoming game is Friday, October 17th at 7pm. Tickets for families are on sale HERE on the Athletics page of the Frassati Catholic website. See you there! Located at St. Michael the Archangel Field at Frassati Catholic High School.

Wednesday, October 29th- Admissions Open House

Prospective families are invited to explore Frassati Catholic High School. We provide tours of campus with the opportunity for you and your family to meet faculty and students. Please RSVP at https://frassaticatholic.org/openhouse