Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School,

I want to take this opportunity to remind you of an important parent event coming up this Thursday, September 12th. This is our first Smart Families event for the year. As mentioned in our Back-to-School information and both Parent Info Nights, we have joined some of our sister schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston by partnering with the Smart Families Foundation as we work together to establish some new behavioral norms in response to the mental health and addiction crisis facing our kids. Smart Families aligns with our school’s mission to support our children’s God-given dignity and foster an environment where they can thrive. Their program encourages families to take a stand against the pressures of modern technology and focus on building strong, authentic relationships. By doing so, we can help our students stay connected to their faith and community, reinforcing the values we hold dear. Our first of four major events this year is Thursday’s presentation by Dr. Crystal Collier. I have heard her speak several times. Her presentations are engaging and very informative. I promise you’ll learn something new --- and gain a Paduan Point along the way! Please mark your calendar for September 12th. We have two meeting time options: 8:30 am or 6:30 pm. Hope to see you there!

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal

We are very excited to partner with Smart Families this school year! Save the date for our upcoming Parent Education session in September!

SAVE THE DATE

Parent Education session with Dr. Crystal Collier

Thursday, September 12 8:10 AM or 6:30 PM

WHAT'S BREWING WITH MRS. TUCKER

Informal grade-level meetings with Mrs. Tucker. Meetings start at 8:30 AM in the Paduan Center/AMR (unless otherwise noted). Bring your own coffee!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES PROCEDURES How do I schedule a conference?

• Sign-ups will take place online from Friday, Sept. 6 at 11 AM until Friday, Sept. 13 at noon. 
• Registration for conferences will be done through Sign-Up Genius. If you already use Sign-up Genius and have an existing account, you do not need to register again - use your existing username and password. New Users will need to register.
• Click on your grade-level tab, or use the drop-down menu at the top if viewing on a mobile device. Find the teacher you want to conference with (you may need to scroll through several pages). Choose from the available time slots.

When are the parent-teacher conferences?

• Conferences will take place on Friday, Sept. 20 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (STUDENT HOLIDAY) 

Is a parent-teacher conference mandatory for everyone?

• Conferences are highly encouraged. Parents are encouraged to schedule a conference to discuss their student's progress at this time.
• Teachers may reach out to parents if they feel a meeting would be helpful.

Which teacher do I conference with?

• PreK3-5th Grade: Parents must conference with their student's homeroom teacher. 
• 6th-8th Grade: Please choose only ONE (1) of your child's core subject teachers to conference with. 
• All Grades: Auxiliary teachers are also available for conferences if desired.
• If you wish to meet with additional core subject teachers, please contact those teachers directly to schedule a conference with them on a different day.

SEPT. 9-13 - 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. 9-13.

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"

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 .

ANGELS CHEER CLINIC - KINDERGARTEN-5TH GRADE

Saturday, Oct. 5 | 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 October 9th.
• Participants will receive an STAOPCS Cheer Clinic t-shirt and a bow.
• During the clinic, participants must wear school-appropriate athletic shorts or dance leggings, Cheer Clinic 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), Cheer Clinic t-shirt, gym shoes and cheer bow.
• Fee is $50 if you register by Friday, September 13th. After that date, a $10 late fee will be added for a total cost of $60.
• No registrations accepted after September 19th. 
• SHIRT SIZES ARE NOT GUARANTEED IF YOU REGISTER AFTER SEPTEMBER 13.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS SURVEY

We’re looking for feedback to improve and boost participation in middle school sports at St. Anthony of Padua. Sports help students grow in their faith, academics, fine arts, and athletics. Increased participation enhances their experience, encourages improvement, and fosters team spirit. Your input is crucial for us to provide the best experience for your children. Please complete the survey if you have students in 5th through 8th Grades.

NURSE NOTES

For 9/3/24-9/6/24

3rd Grade: One reported case of Strep Throat

Please continue to complete your updated TB form online (as part of the Parent Homework). Please remember to save the newly completed form. If your child has a well check and receives any immunizations, please remember to turn in an official copy of the record from the physician (signed). Thank you in advance. 

ART CLUB

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

Open to 4th & 5th Grade

Starting Sept. 4. 4th & 5th Grade students are invited to join Art Club! Fee is $50 and will include a t-shirt. Possible projects include: batik, tie-dye, acrylic pour painting, marbled paper, book making and basketry. FALL SEMESTER IS FULL. SPRING SEMESTER HAS AVAILABILITY: ART CLUB REGISTRATION

SACRED SOLES RUN CLUB

Wednesdays | 4-4:30 PM | Sports Fields

Open to all students. 

Starting September 18 (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 $25. RUN CLUB REGISTRATION FORM. If you'd like to volunteer for Run Club contact Mrs. Koett.

STUDENT ROSARY GROUP

Tuesdays | 7:15 AM in Paduan Center

Open to 2nd-8th Grade

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!

SPANISH CULTURE CLUB

Mondays | 3:45-4:30 PM

Open to 5th & 6th Grade

Starting Sept. 16. The Spanish Culture Club is open to 5th and 6th grade students and will explore and celebrate the language, customs, and traditions of Spain and Latin America. Join Señora Johnson as we explore Spanish culture through food, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Throughout the year, we will create crafts like papel picado, piñatas, ojo de Díos, alebrijes, cempasúchil paper flowers and sidewalk alfombras for religious holidays such as Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, Día de los Muertos, Las Posadas and Semana Santa. We’ll also make and sample tasty treats to celebrate different customs and traditions in Spanish-speaking countries. Club will meet on Mondays from 3:45-4:30 pm, beginning September 9th. Club is limited to 12 members. Fee of $25/year will be charged to FACTS account. SPANISH CULTURE CLUB REGISTRATION

VIOLIN CLUB

Mondays | 3:45-4:30 PM

Open to 3rd-8th Grade

Starting Sept. 16. Calling all beginning violinists and experienced musicians who play violin! St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School violin club 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 $75 for the year. Questions? Email Mrs. Lienhard at: jlienhard@ap.school. VIOLIN CLUB REGISTRATION

CONFERENCES DESSERTS, DRINKS, SNACKS – Friday, Sept. 20

Help keep our faculty fueled for their long day of conferences! Paduan Parents will be providing a catered lunch, but we could use parent help providing desserts and stocking the snack bar. Items may be dropped off on Sept. 19. Click Sign-Up Genius Link to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45A8AF29A6FC1-50961179-conferences#/

VOLUNTEER REMINDER

Please remember that all volunteers must pre-sign up for any campus activities using SignUpGenius links when relevant. This ensures that we can verify Safe Environment training compliance for all volunteers. Additionally, please refrain from "popping in" to volunteer without prior arrangements with the supervising faculty or staff. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

WISH LIST - 2024-2025

Are you interested in making an immediate impact for our students? We have created a list of classroom or school-wide items that we need! 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 Spinoso family for purchasing a new playground bench, the Shaughnessy family for purchasing Giant Checkers for recess and the Zelinka family for sponsoring a coffee bar for our staff!

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:30 PM. Starting Sept. 9

MONDAYS - Spanish Culture Club, 3:45-4:30 PM. Starting Sept. 16.

MONDAYS - Violin Club, 3:45-4:30 PM. Starting Sept. 16.

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

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

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. Starting Sept. 18.

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. More clubs to be added soon!

9/06/2024 - Parent-Teacher Conferences Registration Opens, 11 AM

9/11/2024 - MASS: Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time(7-B), 8:30 AM, Church

9/12/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | SMART Families | Parent Presentation, 8:10 AM, Library

9/12/2024 - SPECIAL EVENT | SMART Families | Parent Presentation, 6:30 PM, Library

9/13/2024 - Parent-Teacher Conferences Registration Closes, Noon

9/13/2024 - What's Brewing w/Mrs. Tucker | Kindergarten, 8:30 AM, Paduan Center

9/18/2024 - MASS: Wednesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time (6-A), 8:30 AM, Church

9/19/2024 - COMMITTEE MEETING | Finance

9/19/2024 - COUNCIL MEETING | School Advisory

9/19/2024 - What's Brewing w/Mrs. Tucker | 6th Grade, 8:30 AM, Paduan Center

9/20/2024 - NO SCHOOL | Fall Conferences

9/25/2024 - MASS: Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time (6-B), 8:30 AM, Church

9/27/2024 - Spirit Shirt & Jean Day

9/27/2024 - What's Brewing w/Mrs. Tucker | 1st Grade, 8:30 AM, Paduan Center

9/30/2024 - NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES | Including Beyond the Bell

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

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND - 2024-2025

Odyssey of the Mind is focused on teaching creativity and teamwork to all children (all K-8 students eligible) through child-led solutions to open-ended problems. Children are coached to learn how to work as a team, and parents participate by teaching skills and helping children to schedule meetings and stay on task. Active meetings will begin in late September/early October, and this first year, we will do only an internal school solution presentation for families (teams that would like to compete regionally may do so and must register by December). Please contact Gloria Fawcett (gloria.fawcett@gmail.com) with questions.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING - Friday, September 6, 2024, 6-7PM, Paduan Center

MATT MAHER CONCERT

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Matt Maher at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church! Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of an amazing concert. Mark your calendars and invite your friends for a night of inspiration and joy! The doors will open at 6 PM. The concert will start at 7 PM. Seating is first come - first serve in each section.

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Monday, September 30, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the Gym.

More info: https://ap.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1616100