"Inspiring students to love God, their Catholic faith and learning"

As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are reminded of the beauty of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. This is a season of anticipation, hope, and joy—a perfect time to deepen our faith as a family by attending Mass together.

Bringing your children to Mass during Advent offers more than just a tradition; it is an opportunity to experience the joy of community, the peace of Christ’s presence, and the beauty of the liturgy. For families of St. Peter School, attending Mass is also an important expression of active stewardship. It demonstrates to our children the value of prioritizing faith and being part of a parish that nurtures our spiritual growth.

Mass attendance is more than an obligation—it is a gift we give to our children, teaching them the true meaning of our faith. Together, let us journey to Bethlehem in spirit, preparing our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all: the birth of our Savior.

May this Advent bring your family peace, joy, and a renewed commitment to faith.

Blessings,

Dr. Gayle Trachsel, ED.D

It is that time of year when the weather can affect our school day. Below is the policy/procedure from the handbook, which is provided as a refresher.

Inclement Weather

a) When weather conditions make it necessary to close school, the cancellation or snow schedule will be announced by local/social media. Those who subscribe to our texting service will be notified via text of any cancellations or early dismissals.

b) Due to extreme weather, it may be necessary to dismiss school and after-care early. Local/social media will announce the closing time. An email will be sent to all parents, and a notification will be sent via text to all subscribers to the school texting service. Telephoning the school jams the telephone lines and is to be avoided.

c) On early dismissal days due to inclement weather, K-8 children are dismissed to the big flat for pick-up. Students not picked up 20 minutes after dismissal will report to the school office.

d) There is NO after-school care on all early release days. If inclement weather is forecasted, parents are to stay tuned to the local and social media during the day, as After-School Care may need to be dismissed early if the weather hits after 3:05 PM.

The link to sign up for text alerts is posted at the bottom of this newsletter and on our web page for anyone who has not already signed up.

St. Peter Church provides the following to all school families and parishioners. Check it out, it can be compared to Netflix but Catholic.

Scrip News:

There is only 1 more week to order before Christmas break. Get your orders in by

December 9th for your stocking stuffers and/or teachers gifts.

Need gift ideas for your child’s teacher? We are once again offering Generic Gift

Cards! These are a great way to guarantee your teachers get what they want.

Watch your Raiseright App, every day they have bonuses for different companies

on e-scrip and you can earn higher percentages on your purchases.

Other Fundraising News:

The Fall Gifts and Cookie Dough Fundraiser will be delivered on December 11th.

Your orders will go home with your children, unless you make other

arrangements with me.

30% of your sales will go to your family account.

World’s Finest Chocolate will be our next fundraiser in the new year.

Christmas Spirit!

Wednesday, Dec. 11th: wear a plaid or flannel shirt with uniform bottoms

Thursday, Dec. 12th: wear a green shirt with uniform bottoms

Friday, Dec. 13th: wear a Hawaiian or beachy-colored shirt with uniform bottoms

Monday, Dec. 16th: wear an ugly Christmas sweater/shirt with uniform bottoms, don't forget Christmas headwear, hats, or necklaces too

Tuesday, Dec. 17th: wear comfy joggers (regular dress down)

Wednesday, Dec. 18th: wear Christmas shirt/colors with uniform bottoms, due to Mass

ATTENTION Preschool Parents:

In preparation for the new pick-up procedure starting in January, preschoolers staying for aftercare will be leaving their items on hooks in the hallway outside of the cafeteria beginning next Monday. Please pick those items up before heading downstairs to pick up your child. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Principal Gayle Trachsel (gtrachsel@stpeterjc.org) or ASC Director Betsy Bartow (bbartow@stpeterjc.org) (573) 636-8922 ext.129.

Happy Holidays from the Seiberts!

My name is Rachel Seibert. I have been a teacher for 17 years. Over the years, I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. This year will be my 12th year teaching 5th grade at St. Peter Catholic School. I received a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Masters in Education from Truman State University. I love reading in my spare time. My husband, Andre, and I enjoy going on vacations and have recently taken up photography as a hobby. We also enjoy walks and naps with our senior dog, Dexter (he will be turning 15 soon).

Tiny Tech Tip for Kids’ New Gadgets This Christmas

If your child is receiving a shiny new tech gift this holiday season, it's a great opportunity to teach them about safe and responsible device use. Here's how to make their tech experience safe and positive:

1) Set Up Parental Controls Early

Before handing over that tablet, phone, or gaming console, take a moment to enable parental controls. Many Wi-Fi routers and devices allow you to restrict access to certain websites, set screen time limits, or monitor usage. Apps like Bark, Google Family Link, or Apple Screen Time are excellent tools for ensuring your child stays safe online.

2) Choose a Device That Fits Their Age

Not all devices are appropriate for all ages. For younger kids, tablets with robust parental controls or kid-focused devices (like Kindle Kids or LeapPads) may be the best fit. Older children might need more versatile devices like Chromebooks or smartphones, but even then, choose one that balances functionality and safety.

3) Remind Them: Devices Are Co-Owned

A helpful family rule: Parents own the device; kids are borrowing it. This establishes clear boundaries and keeps the door open for check-ins. You can frame it positively by saying, “We’ll work together to make sure the device is being used safely and responsibly.”

4) Model Good Tech Behavior

Kids learn by example, so demonstrate healthy screen habits yourself. Keep shared family spaces tech-free during meals or quiet times to encourage face-to-face interactions.

By preparing ahead and setting clear expectations, you can turn your child’s new gadget into a learning tool while fostering safe and healthy tech habits! Happy holiday shopping!

Looking for more tech tips closer to home? Check out our IT Coordinator's blog and parental control website:

http://ssekelsky.blogspot.com

http://bit.ly/buildbetterfamily

Art Camp Registration Form

Baby Shower for Jesus

For many years in a row, St. Peter has donated much needed baby items to Birthright of Mid-Missouri. We will once again have a “Baby Shower for Jesus” Dec. 9th through Dec. 18th. The following items would be greatly appreciated:

Pacifiers

Socks: newborn-24months

PJs and Sleepers: newborn-24months

Diapers: size newborn, 3, 4, 5, 6

Boy and Girl winter Clothing: size 12-24 months (gently used is fine)

Baby care items: baby wash, baby shampoo, baby wipes

Toiletries for Moms: body wash, shampoo, deodorant, personal hygiene products

Laundry detergent

Please send any items for donation to your child’s homeroom.

Click HERE to purchase your ticket!

Next Big Bucks virtual meeting:

December 9th at 5:30.

Please email Abby Borberg (Borberg.abby@gmail.com) or Brad Shimmens (bssdn2@gmail.com) if you would like to help. We are looking for more parents to join our team!

Church News

Mass Schedule

Saturday - 4:30 PM (Saturday Vigil)

Sunday - 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM (en Espanol)

Monday - 12:03 PM ONLY

Tuesday - 8 AM and 12:03 PM

Wednesday- 8 AM and 12:03 PM

Thursday- 12:03 PM ONLY

Friday- 8 AM and 12:03 PM

The St. Peter Welcome Committee invites you to join your parish family for coffee, doughnuts, juice, milk, and fruit after the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses on Sunday, December 8 in Selinger Gym. Come visit with your church family. All are welcome!

Quick Reference Guide to the Diocese of Jefferson City Stewardship Model

Catholic Stewardship Renewal/Time and Talent Form

TO BE AN “ACTIVE” CATHOLIC STEWARD MEANS:

To Pray: that is, attend Mass faithfully in the parish on weekends and Holy Days.
To Participate: that is, to use one’s time and talents to strengthen the parish community and advance the Gospel.
To Sacrificially Give: that is, pledge and remain current on a tithe of financial first fruits to support the life and ministries of the parish. The goal is 8% to the parish and 2% to other worthy charities.