St. Therese Catholic Academy

3 Big Things: Week 13
Forming servant-leaders for a diverse world
Below are a few BIG Things to keep on your radar for the week(s) ahead ...

T1 & Advent Reflection - We are faith filled servant leaders, responsible lifelong learners, and respectful & compassionate community members!

1 - Mission & Advancement Updates: Advent, Indoor Assembly, Personnel Updates & Giving Tuesday

2 - Academic & Culture Updates: Standards-based grading & Transition to Trimester 2

3 - Student Activities & Community Engagement: Enrichment Sign up & CYO Basketball

Other Commercials...
  • Upcoming Dates & Happenings
  • Holiday Travel Covid Guidelines
  • Call for Volunteers
  • Advent Concert
  • Vaccine Update & COVID Reminders: What to do when your child is sick
  • Thanksgiving Prayer Service
Prayer Corner
We know that the family that prays together...stays together.

With that faith in heart and mind, we ask for communal prayers for the following:

  • in Thanksgiving for the blessings in our lives this holiday season
  • for all those on our ofrenda that they be lifted up this month in remembrance of their beautiful lives
  • for good health and safety for our entire St. Therese Family and for members of our community impacted by COVID-19 infections
  • healing for Mrs. Tawatao, Mr. Lazo, Ms. Anita's uncle, and Millie - Mr. DeBoer's niece - in their ongoing treatments for cancer, and for all others battling cancer
  • For a safe November as families in our community travel to be with one another
  • For the gift of new life blessing several members of our preschool, 2nd Grade, and 5th Grade families this month!
T1 REFLECTION & Advent Reflection:
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Advent Greetings, St. Therese Family!

Advent is a season rooted in anticipation, preparation, and expectation. This time of renewal that marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church is also a time of reflection. While we are beginning a new year and once again preparing our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls to welcome our God into our midst on Christmas morning, it is also a time where we reflect. We reflect on the Christmas story, the past year of our lives, and where those intersect - how is God interacting with us here and now? 

The past two years have prompted no shortage of anticipation, preparations, and expectations, but all too often it seems that whatever plans we made or hopes we had were shelved to address the here and now. The urgent always rises above the important. Our Dream Team knew coming into this year that it would be a major challenge - and opportunity - to reorient our children to daily life on campus in school, with COVID-era protocols in place, AND engage in meaningful learning activities. This challenge has been real, and if you look at national trends - people are leaving the profession of teaching and the field of education with startling expediency. This is hard work!

Yet, we chose our theme for the year to be: “We are the LIGHT of the WORLD!” from Matthew 5:18. Advent is the season that places at the forefront of our faith that LIGHT comes out of darkness. God entered the world as one of us that first Christmas in the darkness of night in the form of the humble Baby Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. Scripture tells us that there were bright lights guiding the way for the shepherds and magi as they came to visit. There is always light, there is always hope, there is always joy - but we have to look for it, and often times, we have to BE it.

In a presentation about the six candidates to become the first African-American Catholic Saints, one of my former spiritual mentors laid out the facts in the life stories of each of these spiritual champions. All of them were filled with darkness: slavery, racism, abuse, loss, and so on. However, after laying out each of these dark narratives he would pause and say, but where’s the joy? Where’s the light? Every time an audience member would offer a pessimistic reflection on the state of affairs in their lives, community, or the world; he would again pose his questions: "But don’t stop there - where’s the joy? Where’s the light?" 

As we begin this season of Advent, I admit that this has been a very hard school year thus far - because of both things we knew were coming and the unexpected twists and turns. From personnel transitions and staffing shortages to increased challenges in meeting social and emotional, academic, and other needs of our children. From Dream Team members and family members battling major illnesses to financial hardship arising for school families from a myriad of facts of life, there are real challenges out there. However, despite the darkness - there is joy, there is light.

We’ve seen new friendships bloom for our 49 new students along with our 152 returning ones. We’ve had new staff members arrive to serve with full hearts, and veteran Dream Teamers leading by example alongside them. Students are discovering their voices, gifts, and talents and sharing them with our community - in ideas, words, and deeds. Big and little buddies are spreading joy and light to each other. Every day there are kids who leave school dragging their feet because they want to stay longer (especially those already staying in After Care!). Babies are being born, new life is emerging, new families are knocking on our door, calling our phone, and asking for admissions applications at a pace that's hard to keep up with!

Despite the struggles, there is Light in our midst, every day. Thank you for helping be that light. This Advent and Christmas season, let us all be sure to try to look for this light in our homes, families, communities, and school - and find the joy!

~ Mr. Matthew D. DeBoer, Principal
Mission & Advancement Updates
Advent & Indoor Morning Assembly
It is our custom to shift Morning Assembly indoors during the season of Advent to go a little deeper and participate in our Advent ritual re-telling the Christmas story one day at a time after morning prayer. Different classes will be in the gym to witness this in-person each day, and ALL OTHER STUDENTS WILL BE IN THEIR CLASSROOMS for morning assembly daily November 29-December 17.

Please drop-off your students at the gym doors as we will not be gathering outside again until January 3, 2021 in the mornings.

Advent is the beginning of the Church year and a great time to renew our spiritual practices and engage deeper in prayer. Our parish has a custom of Advent Small Group prayer and faith sharing. If you are interested, see the opportunities below. Also, feel free to download the prayer booklet and use in your household/network as well.
A JOURNEY OF HELP TO BETHLEHEM
Advent begins on Sunday, November 28, and our Advent Small groups begin that week as well.  

Advent groups are forming. Join one of the groups below, or gather some friends and family together and form a group, or do the sessions on your own. 

Schedule of groups, first meeting dates, and contact person/leader: 


Attached below is an electronic copy of the Advent booklet which includes a preparatory session to be completed on your own before the First Sunday of Advent, November 28. 

The sessions for the Second, Third, and Fourth Weeks of Advent may be either done on your own or with a group. 

If you are willing to lead an additional group, contact Victoria Ries at victoria.ries@comcast.net or 206-915-3479.

If want to join a group, please contact the group leader of the group you want to join. 
Personnel Updates:
Transitions and New Beginnings
You may have seen in the news articles about 2021 being called the year of ¨The Great Resignation¨ and the challenges for hiring for businesses. Well, despite being an amazing community, we, too, are a business and have not been immune to these challenges. However, with every departure comes a new opportunity for God to provide and someone new to be called to serve. Wee been blessed with some amazing new additions this year!

Advent is the beginning the new liturgical year, and it marks several new transitions and beginnings in our community. Please see the following changes and pray for our DREAM TEAM!

On the way in this month (or on the way to a NEW role in the weeks ahead):

  • Mrs. Mary Mauldin will be joining our 2nd grade Team as a Co-teacher - mmauldin@stcaseattle.org
  • Mr. Tyler Kidd (STCA ALUM!) will take over all 3rd-8th Grade PE classes and support lunch recess and ASC - tkidd@stcaseattle.org
  • We have new Title I tutors supporting our scholars: Suzanne Lear & (potentially) Rebecca Gray
  • Our Kindergarten and Preschool Teams will have some shuffling as Mrs. Thomas prepares to welcome her third child this month and begins her maternity leave...
  • Ms. Stacey Kinney will join Ms. Doerfler in Kindergarten this week through April - skinney@stcaseattle.org
  • Ms. Ari will return on M/W/F between Thanksgiving break and Christmas break to support preschool and Ms. Anisha will add time to support preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning December 7 - The A-Team is BACK!
  • Ms. Anna will return following Christmas Break on January 3

It's hard to say goodbye, but with gratitude in our hearts, we say goodbye to:
  • 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Maya Abila will spend the next few weeks with us modeling and supporting the 2nd Grade teaching transition before relocating to California after Christmas - Thank you, Ms. Abila, for your 3 years of service to our St. Therese Family!
  • Counselor Ms. Allison Chappell has is no longer able to serve in her role as our school counselor effective this week. We will be searching for a replacement. Please pray for her and our community during this time of transition. 

Mr. DeBoer will be returning part-time on Tuesdays and Thursdays over the next 3 weeks to help with these transitions and future preparations. He will resume his normal hours and responsibilities on January 3, 2021.
Giving Tuesday - Spread the Word!
This Tuesday is Giving Tuesday. The entire week after Thanksgiving has been granted special days in our society, and, thankfully, one is dedicated to GENEROSITY. We will be using this #givingTuesday to begin our end of year call for donations to our Annual Fund.

THANK YOU to families who have made their pledges already, whether via FACTS or one-time donations. We will be calling school families throughout the month with gratitude and reminders, and invite our wider network of supporters to join in the giving beginning this Tuesday!

SPREAD THE WORD, and GIVE NOW! Look for more metrics to enhance our WHY on Tuesday via e-mail and social media!
Academic & Culture Updates from Mrs. Day
Standards Based Grading - part 1 of a multipart series 
One of our current accreditation goals is to transition all of our grading practices to a standards-based approach over the next few years. This approach to grading aligns with our mission core values where we believe that we are not teaching topics and ideas TO children, but instead teaching children to think, analyze, and understand presented topics and ideas. Our teachers in grades PK-3rd have been using this approach for several years, and this year our 4th and 5th grade teachers have made the switch. Transitioning from a traditional grading system to a standards-based approach will require a mind-shift for teachers, students, and parents. Over the next few weeks I will be sharing information about those needed shifts so that we may all be equipped to take these next steps. 

Shift #1 - Planning and Instruction
This first shift takes place well before learning happens. Planning for a standards-based approach has us start with the end in mind. Teachers and staff have to first identify standards and learning targets and consider what children need to know, understand, and be able to do in order to reach each target. Then they plan the tasks and assessments that will provide students the opportunity to show what they are learning. The last piece is the planning for daily instruction of the desired skills and strategies that will help students achieve their target. 

What does this mean for parents/guardians? Be curious about topics, skills, and strategies that are being presented in class. Ask about what your child thinks and can do with what is being presented. Reach out to your child’s teacher to see how you can support their thinking and growth from home. 
Welcome to Trimester 2
These weeks of December are the first three weeks of our second trimester. While this month will be filled with excitement for the Christmas season, we also expect our scholars to show up each day ready to learn. This first week teachers will review behavior expectations in the classroom and around campus while getting back into the swing of instruction and learning.  

While we are excited to make progress into our second trimester, we have some wrapping up of the first. Teachers are finalizing grades and writing comments for the first trimester report cards this week. These reports, along with trimester awards, will be shared on December 10th. 
Activities & Community Engagement
Updates from Mr. Nelson
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT:

Enrichment Activities for session 2 are up and running. We have space available still in the following:

  • Homework club: Tues & Thur 4th-8th Grade (Space available)
  • Jumprope club: 2nd-8th Grade (Space Available)
  • Cartoons and Comics: 4th-7th (Space Available)
  • This is the last week to sign up for Comics and Cartoons if you would like to join. 
  • TaeKwonDo: K-8 LATE START on 12/3 (Space Available)

BASKETBALL UPDATE:

CYO announced that basketball will take place in January as a shortened 6-week season for 6th-8th grade students only. Registration is open at CYO Basketball Registration 6th-8th  There are strict guidelines regarding 2x / week testing for those not vaccinated, and Masks must be worn at all times. We would love to partner with Seattle Nativity and participate in CYO basketball this year, however, safety is the number one concern. I will be hosting a CYO Basketball mandatory Zoom meeting for all those who wish to participate. December 1st @ 6:30pm. 
Celebrating Christmas @ STCA
In the coming weeks, look for more information on our annual Christmas celebrations including:

  • The ABCs of Christmas (Kindergarten)
  • Christmas Concert & Showcase
  • Christmas Around the World
  • Nativity Play (Preschool)

Most events will be pre-recorded or accessible virtually for parents & families. We look forward to being THE LIGHT this Advent and Christmas season!
Looking Ahead...
Here are a few key dates and events on the horizon:
  • 11.29 - Start of 2nd Trimester & Advent Morning Assembly
  • 11.30 - Giving Tuesday
  • 12.3 - COVID 5-11 Vaccine Clinic on-campus
  • 12.3 - Prayer Service & Kindergarten ABCs of Christmas
  • 12.8 - Feast of Immaculate Conception Mass
  • 12.10 - T1 Report Cards and Awards Assembly
  • 12.16 - Christmas Around the World
  • 12.17 - Prayer Service & Preschool Advent Nativity Play
  • 12.17 - Staff Christmas Party - NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE
  • 12.18-1.2 - Christmas Vacation
Apply NOW for 2022-23 Tuition Assistance from the Fulcrum Foundaion

Fulcrum Tuition Assistance Grant Applications for the 2022-2023 School Year are Now Open!

The Fulcrum Tuition Assistance Grant Program (TAP Grants) is designed for families and students currently enrolled or applying for the next school year at St. Therese Catholic Academy. Families must apply each year through FACTS Grant and Assessment to qualify for a grant. All awards are made based on financial need.

There is a $35 non-refundable fee to apply for tuition assistance through FACTS. Applications are due 1/7/2022. Late applications ARE NOT considered.

Click the button below to apply today.
Traveling for Thanksgiving or Christmas Break?

Be sure to follow our Covid-19 travel guidance below to ensure a safe return to school. Please reach out to Administration if you have any questions or concerns about our travel and testing guidelines.
WE NEED YOU! VOLUNTEER TODAY!

This year has had its share of personnel challenges, and life circumstances have led to a few departures and various periods of leave for staff members. Mr. DeBoer will be transitioning back part-time this month, but as stated above, we are now without our counselor. If you have the time and feel the call, we need you and would love for you to volunteer at St. Therese! We would love to find regular volunteers for the variety of opportunities below - try it on and see what fits!

If you have a few consistent hours (or all day!), PLEASE send Ms. Dana an email to support us at volunteer@stcaseattle.org. It takes the village - and we're blessed to have a committed one!
Examples of URGENT volunteer positions include:
  • Classroom Support
  • Lunch Room Helper
  • Recess Support
  • Aftercare supervisor
  • Emergency Substitute Teacher
  • Music Class/Choir Support
  • Art Class Support
  • After School Supervisors
  • Front Desk Volunteer
  • 1:1 tutoring support
We do ask that all families fill out the survey to the right if you have not already.
VACCINE & COVID-19 UPDATES
On Friday, November 12, we hosted our first 5-11 COVID vaccine clinic and are excited to report that we vaccinated 101 students from our school and larger community. We are so excited that this extra layer of protection is an option for all our 5+ students now! We will host another vaccination clinic for 5-11 year old students to receive first and second doses on December 3, 2021! If your student received their first dose last Friday they are eligible for their second at this clinic. Please use the below links to sign your student(s) up for a vaccine when it goes live.

What you'll need:
  • Use the link below to sign up your student
  • Fill out your parental consent form for your child
  • PRINT THE FORM AND SIGN IT IN INK
  • Deliver this form to Ms. Nicole in the office at any point leading up to the appointment so we can keep track of all the forms and call you with any missing info before their appointment.

If you would like to be present with your child as they get the vaccine you may join us on campus. Just let Ms. Nicole know so we can pull your student at the correct time.
Another option provided to us by a community member is Blaxinate - Tubman Center for Health and Freedom.

Pediatric vaccinations 5-12 yrs old, boosters for adults and first time vaccinations for 13yrs and up. 

Two dates on Saturdays Nov. 20 and Dec. 11. At Rainier Valley Leadership Academy 6020 Rainier Ave So. 98118

You can sign your entire family up at once. Put your info on the first screen then it'll ask for more on the second screen for how many you're bringing. 
Spots will fill up fast sign up here. Scroll down the page to get to the form.
TESTING OPTIONS:
SHARED BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

As you know by now, when your child is experiencing COVID-like symptoms it is required that they return to school with a negative test result. As COVID cases have begun popping up in our community you may have also received notice to test if your child was considered a close-contact of an individual with COVID-19.

We've heard from families that it can be difficult navigating the world of testing. As we are in the midst of applying for COVID tests on campus, we still need your support in bringing your child to a testing facility at times. We hope to have testing up and running in the new year. For now, we have heard from some families about their experiences with testing and personal recommendations. Below are some:
POLYCLINIC OPTION:

A very straight forward online appointment process. Free & logistically straight forward.

Go to website and make appointment. Drive up. Parent shows ID, give kids name and birthdate. Say it's required for school. Kid stays in the car. Lab tech hands off swab to parent. Parent swabs kid's nose & gives it back. Results within 24 hours. This was our experience.
UW TESTING OPTION:

Another quick and easy testing process that allows for walk-ups and drive through options at some locations

Testing is quick, self-administered, and not too intrusive.
OTHER Covid-19 Reminders & Requirements for St. Therese Catholic Academy
As a reminder, if your child is feeling sick, please keep them home! You will need to come to school with a negative COVID test if you have any of the symptoms listed by the CDC for more than 24 hours.

Please see above for travel testing requirements.

We understand that many children have allergies, colds, sniffles and likely not COVID-19. However, when you child is experiencing one symptom from the list for more than 24 hours they will need a negative COVID test or a signed doctor's note attributing the symptom to something else in order to return. If you child has 2+ symptoms, for ANY amount of time we will also need a negative test or doctor's note for them to return to campus. With that negative test or a doctor's note your child can return when they are symptom free for 24 hours. If you have any questions please call Ms. Nicole at the front office.
** Please also note that you must email Ms. Nicole whenever your child will be absent or gone from school. **

Please click on the image below to open the PDF version of this document. You can use this guide your decisions of when to quarantine and when testing/doctor's note is required to return to campus.
The Family that Prays Together ... Stays Together!
On Friday, November 19, our students participated in our annual Thanksgiving ritual - sharing what we are thankful for in our weekly prayer service. Check it out below:
206.324.0460 office@stcaseattle.org  www.stcaseattle.org