September 2023 NEWS & UPDATES | STPHILIPS1600.ORG

North Texas Giving Day is September 21st!

As we embark on a new school year, the undeniable truth emerges: our achievements, our growth, our very essence is all thanks to YOU. Without your unwavering support, the incredible work transpiring at St. Philip's School and Community Center would remain a distant dream. 


We're thrilled to kick off an exhilarating fundraising season, ignited by the monumental event we hold dear – North Texas Giving Day, set for Thursday, September 21, 2023. Our goal of $140,000 is shining brightly on our horizon. And what fuels this ambition? None other than the "Soul of St. Philip's" – our theme that encapsulates the heart, spirit, and dedication you embody. 


Early donations started September 1st. Your early donations can make a significant impact on our goal. Visit our dedicated NTXGD page to make your donation. Your compassionate generosity uplifts us, empowers us, and enables us to transform lives through spirituality, scholarship, and service. 



You form the foundation of our progress, the heart of our community, and the Soul of St. Philip's. Let's continue to THRIVE Together!  

Aunt Bette's Community Pantry Soft Reopening 

We're happy to announce that our beloved community pantry is operating again from its new location and has added the 75203 zip code to its service area. This exciting development embodies our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that even more neighbors have access to essential resources. As the doors open once again, we’re excited to continue fostering a sense of community, support, and unity. Together, we’re creating a space where everyone can find nourishment, hope, and the warmth of caring hearts. Welcome back to Aunt Bette’s Pantry—where kindness and assistance thrive! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Girls Night Out

Each month volunteers from the Junior League of Dallas join us in hosting an evening of fun for 1st-12th grade girls. Join the fun this month on September 8th. For more information visit Girl's Night Out - St. Philip's School (stphilips1600.org) 

PSA Meeting

On September 12th, all SPSCC parents are invited to explore the exciting ways in which our collaboration enhances your family's experience. You'll learn about upcoming events and ways you can get involved. 

St. Philip's Picture Day

Get ready to put on your best smile for Picture Day on September 18th.

Life After St. Philip's

High School Fair

What options do our graduates have for high school? Come find out on September 20th where the best high schools in Dallas come to our campus to share what makes their school special. Please contact Donavan Smith at dsmith@stphilips.com if you have questions about the event.

Battle at The Star

Save the Date for September 23rd as the Lewis Family Foundation Community Outreach Event takes place in Frisco. This is a FREE event. We hope you can support our Saints cheerleaders and flag football players as they give it all they've got!

Monthly Community Meeting

Come join members of the community on September 28th to hear the latest on what is going on in the neighborhood and to express your opinions. We meet every fourth Thursday of the month and would like to see you there. No need to call or reserve a spot. The meeting starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 7:30 pm. Light refreshments are provided. 

Fall Community Cleanup 

It's time for a bit of fall cleaning! Meet us October 14th to help beautify our community. Volunteers can sign up here.

Return of the Saints:

The St. Philip's Homecoming Event

October 9th - 14th

Aunt Bette's Community Pantry Rededication

November 7th

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Back to School Bash

The Back to School Bash was an absolute blast! Our Snyder Family Gym transformed into a hub of laughter and joy as families joined us for an unforgettable day. From fun games to heartwarming conversations, the air was charged with the spirit of connection.


Meeting teachers added a special touch, turning the event into an opportunity to foster relationships and build a strong school community right from the start. It was a day filled with smiles and the promise of a fantastic year ahead. 

Celebrating the re-opening of the WeCreation Center with EPA 

The Environmental Protection Agency, alongside Dr. Earthea Nance, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, City Councilman Adam Bazaldua, and the St. Philip’s Community Advancement team, gathered to celebrate the re-opening of the WeCreation Center by way of the EPA Brown Fields $800,000 grant. 

A Word from Our School Nurse

Hello Parents and Friends! Thank you all for making me feel so welcomed and a part of the St. Philip’s family. 


As you may know, COVID-19 is revisiting the world again. We are also approaching flu season. Please accept this notice as a gentle reminder of our health policy as stated in the handbook. Please allow your student to remain home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medication for the following: 



  • Severe cold 
  • Flu 
  • Sinus infection 
  • Strep throat/sore throat 
  • Ringworm 
  • Skin rash of unknown origin 
  • Swollen glands 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Fever 100.1 or higher 
  • Any communicable disease 

 

Thank you for allowing me to keep our campus happy, healthy, and well.


With love,

Nurse Adrienne Freeney

Stay connected with St. Philip’s by following us on social media. Click on the links below for a few highlights, in case you missed them!


Ice Cream Sundaes with the SPEEK Committee

Annual Handwashing Ceremony

September 1st Titan Awards

Dr. Flowers's Words of Wisdom


In education an often-unappreciated energy that surpasses the excitement of the Super Bowl emerges annually... it is called B.O.Y. 

Nothing rivals the amount of preparation, attention, money spent, enthusiasm, and even increased traffic surrounding B.O.Y. The Beginning Of Year exhilaration gives me fuel annually.


Read the Blog

ALUMNI UPDATES

Ryan Douglas (Class of 2014) is a senior at North Carolina A&T State University, and she recently concluded a transformative summer at Uber Technologies as a Software Engineering Intern in San Francisco, CA. 


We are rooting for you, Ryan!

Briannah Thomas Burrell (Class of 1995) has a new role as Director of Elementary Language Arts for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD).


We are very proud to see Briannah's dedication and appreciate her being a part of our legacy of excellence in education.

Caleb Jackson attended St. Philip's from Pre-K3 in 1997 to 3rd grade in 2002. He currently lives in the Washington D.C. area and works as a policy attorney at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy.


Caleb's work focuses on voting rights, criminal justice, educational equity, and land ownership for Black farmers and ranchers, and he recently had the honor of visiting the White House to celebrate the Lawyers’ Committee’s 60th anniversary. 

Guidance for Graduates

Are you an alumnus? We’re seeking guidance for our upcoming graduates and would love to hear from you! Take the quick survey here.


If you went to St. Philip’s or participated in Athletics at St. Philip’s School and Community Center, we want to hear from you! We would love to stay in touch and continue to support you in all your future endeavors. Please send updates, graduation announcements, and contact information to Breanna Turnley bturnley@stphilips.com 

ATHLETICS

Serving Up Wins on the Volleyball Court! 

Our Lady Saints started their season right with a 2-0 record.


Their next game is Tuesday, September 12th at Faustina Academy at 4 pm.


Here's a few more upcoming games:

Sept. 14th @ Home vs. Cambridge (5:30 pm)

Sept. 19th @ Wylie Prep Navy (6 pm)

Sept. 21st @ Home vs. Fairhill (5:30 pm)

Sept. 26th @ Cornerstone Christian Academy (5 pm)

Sept. 28th @ Home vs. Calvary Lutheran (5:30 pm)

Football Kicks Off September 9th!

Are you ready for some football? Our Saints have been putting in the sweat and dedication at practice, and the excitement is building!


Mark your calendars for the season-opener on Saturday, September 9th, because this year we're playing to win.


Join us in the stands to witness the grit, passion, and unity that define our team. Together, let's make this season one to remember!

WE NEED YOU - Volunteers Make the World Go Round 

Fresh Food Transporters Needed! 



Volunteers continue to pick up surplus meals daily from Snap Kitchen at Mockingbird/Skillman. These meals are distributed through Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, and through other nearby partners when our pantry is closed. Please sign up here if you are interested in helping with this effort. Pick-ups are in the mornings. 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Lennox Helps New Teachers Set Up Classrooms

The invaluable support from volunteers at Lennox International truly set the stage for an exceptional start to the school year. With hearts full of dedication, they lent a helping hand to our teachers in preparing their classrooms, creating an inviting and vibrant environment for our students. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers from Lennox International for their unwavering commitment to our school's success. 

Comerica Bank Helps Out at Aunt Bette's Community Pantry

Volunteers from Comerica Bank stopped by Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry to help with stocking and shopping clients throughout the pantry. We appreciate the time they spent with us! 

Kimberly-Clark joins us for Drop Everything and Read time 

Volunteers from Kimberly-Clark came to St. Philip’s to read to kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students. They also spent time in Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry stocking groceries and helping clients shop. 

Sendero Visits to Volunteer

Volunteers from Sendero, a business consulting firm that partners with St. Philip’s, stopped by to lend a hand to the Human Resources department, the Business Office, the Admissions team, the Athletics department, the Community Pantry, and our new school nurse. We’re grateful Sendero has chosen to partner with us multiple times to create digital maps and tools, and we look forward to future opportunities to thrive together. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Academic Support Tutors Needed! 

Are you passionate about education and making a difference in students' lives? We are excited to announce that we are seeking dedicated academic support tutors to join our school's team! 


As a Title 1 Tutor, you will play a vital role in providing personalized academic assistance to our students, helping them thrive and achieve their fullest potential. The minimum pay rate for this rewarding position is $25 per hour. 


If you have a strong commitment to student success and possess excellent teaching skills, we invite you to be part of our educational journey. Join us in shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning! Please contact Ramona Bailey at rbailey@stphilips.com to find out how to get started if this is something you are interested in.

Afterschool care available to the community

We are offering afterschool care on Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm to those who live in the community.

Forest District Safer Neighborhood Initiative 

We're collaborating with the Communities Foundation of Texas to offer free Ring doorbells to our neighbors! 🚪


St. Philip’s will be purchasing and installing Ring Doorbells for eligible residents residing within the Forest District boundaries.


The primary objective of this project is to empower residents with advanced home security technology that will provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind. Learn more today!

ADMISSIONS UPDATES

Welcome Saints 

St. Philip’s is excited to welcome new and familiar faces for our 2023-2024 school year! If you'd like to explore our campus, can sign up for campus tours and register for the October Open House.


Applications for the 2024-2025 school year open November 1st, 2023. For questions about our admissions process or signing up for campus tours, please contact admissions@stphilips.com

You could win $1,000 for reviewing your St. Philip's School and Community Center experience!


Reviews and testimonials that publicly share stories about parent, student, and teacher experiences at St. Philip's are critical for helping new families discover our school and understand what it’s really like.


We would greatly appreciate if you left a brief review on Niche to help other families consider St. Philip's for their child. 

Leave a Review!

FRIENDS OF ST. PHILIP'S

Friends of St. Philip's provides food for

St. Philip's staff

Once again, Friends of St. Philip’s has shown their support for St. Philip’s by generously sponsoring lunch for the back-to-school faculty/staff retreat held at Edison’s this year. More than 90 employees were able to enjoy the buffet lunch from Little Greek and cookies from JD’s Chippery at this annual event. We are all very grateful!

Friends of St. Philip’s continues to generously support the mission of St. Philip’s through various volunteer opportunities, including the food pantry, athletics, faculty and staff appreciations and tutoring. 

Renew Your Membership 

If you have been an annual member in the past, it’s time to renew your membership or if you would like to join us (memberships begin at $50) please click here

WE'RE LOOKING FOR GREAT TALENT

Join Our Team 

YOU are our best source of referrals! If you know someone who is interested in a career opportunity within our organization that holds these Core Values: (1) Servant Heart (2) Respectful (3) Trustworthy (4) Pursuing Excellence (5) Collaborative, and (6) Dedicated – send them to our website to learn more! 

St. Philip's Merch Store


Our merch store offers a variety of apparel and limited edition 75th anniversary items.


Every purchase you make at the St. Philip’s Merchandise Store supports the organization’s operational initiatives. Shop the Merch Store. 

Experience Feedback Box

We want to hear from you! We now have an anonymous form that can be submitted electronically to offer feedback regarding your experience, suggestions, or compliments.

How You Can Help

For those who have asked what you can do to support St. Philip’s – PRAY and DONATE. Our needs and that of those we serve continue and grow daily. You can make an online charitable donation here to support our families.

www.stphilips1600.org

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