July 31, 2025

In our weekly newsletter, Paw Prints, you will find:

• Wildcats in the News
• Important All-School Announcements, Japonica Announcements and University Announcements
• Links to calendars
• Wildcat Cafe information & links
• Online Campus Store information & link
• Church Information
• Ways that you can help SLES

Support St. Luke's with purchases from the following:

Club Publix School Rewards

https://clubpublix.com/

Office Max / Office Depot Rewards program

Use our school ID school ID 70001700 at checkout

General Mills Box Tops for Education

download app or visit

https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/

Click here for the Development Webpage

Click Here to Give!

ST. LUKE'S LEADS GULF COAST STEM+M ECOSYSTEM EVENT: SOLVING MOBILE BAY'S STORM AFTERMATH

St. Luke's Episcopal School, anchor for the Gulf Coast STEM+M Ecosystem, along with other member partners (Alabama Coastal Foundation, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Evonik, Math Circle, and USA School of Computing), hosted a region-wide hands-on event for rising 3rd - 6th graders. The scenario: In the aftermath of a huge storm, Mobile Bay was littered with debris and runoff. Wildlife was affected, oyster beds were threatened, and neighborhoods reported standing water and health issues. The students were on the STEM+M Task Force, and their mission was to investigate and solve. Participants rotated through a variety of stations led by industry professionals and educators, which included hands-on activities in each of the areas of STEM+M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medical).

Click here to watch Fox10 Video

WELCOMING NEW FACULTY TO ST. LUKE'S

CHIP MENTON: UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DIRECTOR

We are excited to welcome Chip Menton as the new Director of St. Luke's University Campus.

A dedicated educator and lifelong Mobile County resident, Mr. Menton brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community engagement. Mr. Menton has served in Mobile County Public Schools since 1996, holding positions as administrator, head football coach, and athletic director at several schools, including Alba, B.C. Rain, Baker, Theodore, and MGM.

“As a Mobile County native, I have made engaging with the local community a commitment,” Menton shared. “Early in my life, I learned from my father that the environment in which we live and interact is a direct reflection of what we, as a people, put into it. In my 30-year career as an educator, I have found this commitment to be personal. Just as the community around a school campus is reflected in the students, so is the school reflected in the community. The entities should not be considered two but should work together as one with the purpose of providing opportunities for success stories.”

Mr. Menton holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Education in Educational Administration.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Chip Menton—we are thrilled to have him join the St. Luke’s community!

GORDON STEVENS: DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & SCHOOL SAFETY

We are pleased to announce Gordon Stevens as our new Director of Technology and Safety.

Gordon brings a strong background in technology, holding a degree in Mass Communications and Computer Science from the University of Mobile. His professional experience includes serving as a Manager of Technical Support and a Mechanical Design Engineer.

While Gordon is new to the role, he is no stranger to St. Luke's—his daughter, Shelby, is a recent graduate. Please join us in giving him a warm St. Luke's welcome!

LIZA HARVILLE: UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ENGLISH TEACHER

We are pleased to announce that Liza Harville will be joining the English Department on the University Campus. Ms. Harville holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Journalism from Spring Hill College, as well as a Master of Arts in Education. While attending Spring Hill, she served as co-editor of The Springhillian, the college’s student publication. Liza will bring her journalism expertise to St. Luke’s, where she will teach journalism to our yearbook students and English to 8th and 9th graders.

We are excited to welcome her to the St. Luke’s faculty.

JENNA BRYARS: K2 TEACHER

Please join us in welcoming Jenna Bryars to the Japonica Campus as one of our 2-year-old teachers.

Jenna is a familiar face at St. Luke's, having worked in our After School Care Program and Camp Wildcat for the past three years. She brings a wonderful blend of experience and enthusiasm to her new role.

Jenna holds an associate degree from Coastal Alabama Community College and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of South Alabama.

She is excited to be part of the preschool team — and we are certainly excited to have her join us!

Please join us in welcoming these new faculty members to the St. Luke's community. We are excited to see the positive impacts they will have on our students!

MRS. CUMPTON & MRS. WALLACE ATTEND ASCA CONFERENCE AHEAD OF 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Mrs. Cumpton and Mrs. Wallace represented St. Luke’s at the American School Counselor Association Conference in Long Beach, CA! With over 5,000 school counselors in attendance, this conference provided a fantastic opportunity for our school counselors to connect with professionals from across the nation, exchange innovative ideas, and return with invaluable insights to enhance our student support programs.

Our dedicated counselors are committed to ensuring that every student at St. Luke’s receives the guidance and support they need to thrive! Thank you to Emily and Missy for their passion in providing the best student support!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. LUKE'S NAPPIES WINNERS

Congratulations to St. Luke's Nappies 2025 winners:

Best Summer Day Camp - Camp Wildcat

Coolest Private Elementary School Teacher - Jennifer McGinnis

Best Music Instructor - Daniel Driskell

We're so proud of all of your hard work and believe you deserve all of the recognition and MORE!

CHLOE LAMBERT AND CAROLINE HOOPER ATTEND ALABAMA GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL

Chloe Lambert and Caroline Hooper represented St. Luke's at The Alabama Governor's School, which provides academic, creative, and leadership experiences for a limited number of rising high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in their studies.

Chloe and Caroline, we're proud of your commitment to excellence and passion for learning!

SAVANNAH HAYNES PARTICIPATES IN 4-WEEK RESIDENTIAL MARINE SCIENCE CLASS AT THE DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB

Savannah Haynes participated in a 4-week Residential Marine Science Class that introduces high school students to the field of marine science. The course offers students a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse disciplines within marine biology and oceanography.

Students stay in the Sea Lab dorms and participate in more than 160 hours of supervised academic activities. Students take part in fieldwork, individual and group assignments, lectures, laboratory investigations, off-campus field trips, research projects, oral presentations, and written and practical examinations.

Topics introduced in the class include marine ecology, invertebrate zoology, marine vertebrates, plankton biology, barrier island ecology, marine geology, marine technology, ocean chemistry, and physical oceanography.

ALUMNI VISIT BRINGS BACK FOND MEMORIES

A few weeks ago, the Japonica Campus had the pleasure of welcoming back Chase and Chad Hamer, who returned to St. Luke’s for a nostalgic visit. Having moved away after completing 6th and 4th grades in 1998, they brought their family to reminisce about their cherished school days.

During their visit, Mrs. Sandy had the opportunity to take them on a tour of the campus. They shared heartwarming stories of beloved traditions such as the memorable rice babies project, volcano eruptions, Spring Festival, Music, Art, and PE Class, and their attempt at playing the recorders.

One of the highlights of their visit was capturing a moment at their old desks in the art room. It was heartening to see how the traditions and experiences they treasured continue to resonate with our current students.

Now residing in Arizona and Illinois, Chase and Chad's visit was a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact our school community has on its students, long after they have moved on. We are grateful for their visit!

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: ST. LUKE'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM ACHIEVES AVCA ACADEMIC HONORS FOR 2025

Congratulations to St. Luke’s girls volleyball team for earning the 2025 AVCA Team Academic Award, sponsored by INTENT! The team also earned the additional distinction of AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll, representing the top 20% of GPAs nationally by division (teams that maintained a year-long grade point average of at least 3.3).

Great work, girls! We look forward to success both on and off the court this year!

ST. LUKE'S STARS SHINE IN THE AHSAA NORTH V. SOUTH

ALL-STAR GAMES

Ella Bentley, Kiley Hawarah, and Calista Conway showcased their talents while representing St. Luke’s in the AHSAA North vs. South All-Star Games. Ella Bentley won her singles match, winning 6-2, 6-3. This marked the first time the South team defeated the North with a score of 6-3 in the tournament’s history.

Kiley Hawarah scored the first goal of the soccer game, paving the way for a 4-3 victory over the North. This win ended a thirteen-year drought for the South team. In the cross-country race, Calista Conway ran an impressive performance, finishing with a time of 24:38:91.

We are incredibly proud of Ella, Kiley, and Calista for their outstanding performances and for representing St. Luke’s!

KILEY HAWARAH NAMED AHSAA REGION ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to Kiley Hawarah for being named AHSAA's Region Athlete of the Week for scoring the first goal at the 27:21 mark during All-Star Sports Week. Kiley's contribution was pivotal in the South securing the win. We're proud of her training and dedication to her sport. Way to go, Kiley!

Check out the All-School Google Calendar to support our Wildcats!

UPCOMING PAW PRINTS SCHEDULE

Starting on August 22nd, Paw Prints will return to its regular schedule, publishing every Friday during full school weeks.

ST. LUKE'S BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 2025-2026

The Back to School Guide provides essential information for successful planning and includes important dates and key details to ensure a smooth start to the school year.

If you have any questions or need any more help, please don't hesitate to contact your campus director. 

Click here for the Back to School Guide 2025-2026

Click here for 6th-12th Grade Textbook Lists & 6-8th Grade Supply Lists

ST. LUKE'S BOOSTER CLUB TO HOST PICKLEBALL & CORNHOLE FUNDRAISER (AUGUST 10)

The Booster Club is hosting a pickleball and cornhole fundraiser on Sunday, August 10, at PickleRage. Event details and registration information for participants are available below. Also, learn how you can support the Booster Club through sponsorship opportunities outlined in the attachment.

If you have any questions, please contact slesboosterclub@slesmobile.org.

Click here for event details and registration

Click here for sponsorship information

PRINTABLE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SIGNS

We've got you covered with the 2025 First Day of School signs for ALL grades, K2-12th!

Print your signs as a photo prop for your back-to-school pictures.

Please tag us on social media!

Click here for First Day of School Signs

FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER: DINE TO DONATE AT TACO MAMA

(AUGUST 18)

Support St. Luke's football team by eating at Taco Mama from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. on August 18th at the West Mobile/Picadilly Square location. The team will receive 10% of sales. **Be sure to mention that you are supporting St. Luke's Football.

VOLLEYBALL FUNDRAISER: DINE TO DONATE AT BLAZE PIZZA - (AUGUST 20)

Support St. Luke's volleyball team by eating at Blaze Pizza from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on August 20th. The team will receive 25% of sales. **Be sure to mention that you are supporting St. Luke's Volleyball at checkout.

CAMPUS-SPECIFIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stay informed with the latest updates tailored to each division. Click the link to access important announcements and ensure you don't miss out on any vital information relevant to your campus!

Click here for Japonica Campus Announcements

Click here for University Campus Announcements

Click here for the All-School Google Calendar



Click here for the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar

Click here for K2-K4 August Menu

Click here for K5-5th Grade August Menu

Click here for University Campus August Menu

Click here for K2-K4 September Menu

Click here for K5-5th Grade September Menu

Click here for University Campus September Menu

Japonica Campus: My Meal Order Information

Japonica Campus: Additional Lunch Service Information & FAQ's

Cheryl Brown

Director of Dining Services

St. Luke’s Episcopal School

cbrown@slesmobile.org

251-666-2991 Ext 8130

Cell 404-403-6688

ST. LUKE'S WILDCAT WAREHOUSE

Show your Wildcat pride! The Spirit Store's storefront is in Room 305 on the University Campus.

Back-to-school hours: Wednesday and Friday during break.

For Friday night home football games, Wildcat Warehouse will open 30 minutes before kickoff.

We will be adding merchandise, so please fill out this suggestion form

to let us know what you would like to see for sale in the future. 

All proceeds of the Online Campus Store go to school programs and supplies.

We will deliver purchases to your student unless you request to pick-up.

Click here to shop!

Please don't forget to leave your student's name and grade level during the checkout process so that we know which campus to deliver to. Thank you for having Wildcat Spirit and supporting SLES!

ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH WEEKLY NEWS

 Sunday Schedule

Worship Services – 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Adult Education Class – 8:45 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School (k4-5^th grade) – 10:00 a.m.

Youth Sunday School (6^th-12^th grade) – 10:00 a.m.

Youth Outing every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. (bowling, laser tag, mini golf, exploring downtown, and more!)

Weekly Services:

Mondays: Morning Prayer at 8:30 a.m.

Wednesdays: Evening Prayer at 5:30 p.m.

First Wednesday of every Month: Healing Service at 12:00 p.m.