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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
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Tis the season for giving... and earning!
Turn shopping into savings with St. Luke's RaiseRight program! Simply use gift cards instead of cash or credit cards to support your school while you shop. Plus, with eGift cards and a mobile app, earning has never been easier!
If you have not entered program yet here is the QR code to get started.
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NATIONAL STEM+M DAY AT ST. LUKE'S
November 8th is National STEM Day, but at St. Luke’s, every day is STEM+M day!
Our unwavering commitment to STEM+M—Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine—shapes our curriculum from the earliest years through high school, where innovation and
excellence thrive.
One powerful example is our groundbreaking approach to teaching foundational skills to our youngest students. While traditional methods often focus on basic letter recognition, we take it to the next level by using neuroscience-backed strategies that nurture critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities essential for future learning.
Take the classic alphabet song: not only do students learn it to build memorization and sequencing—key for literacy and numeracy—but they also learn to sing it backward. Our students often refer to it as the “ZYXs song”. This creative twist challenges students to retrieve and manipulate information in real-time, activating both hemispheres of the brain in a highly engaging way. Singing forward relies on the left hemisphere for language and sequencing, while singing backward engages the right hemisphere, enhancing creativity and cognitive flexibility. By exercising both sides of the brain, students strengthen processing speed, memory, and adaptability—skills crucial for success, especially in medical and scientific fields where innovative, agile thinking is key.
This is just one example of how our STEM+M curriculum at St. Luke’s lays a robust foundation, empowering students with the skills, confidence, and curiosity they’ll need to excel academically and professionally in a rapidly evolving world.
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K4/K5 MOCK ELECTION: ST. LUKE'S STUDENTS
ELECT MR. DUCK FOR PRESIDENT
On Tuesday, St. Luke’s as the K4 and K5 students lined up early to participate in a very special event: a mock election inspired by the children's book Duck for President. Our students, eager to exercise their voting rights, were greeted by polling booths and ballots, expertly managed by two AMAZING poll workers who ensured the process was efficient and fair. To add to the educational experience, Mrs. Banks volunteered to help with election day procedures by handing out voter stickers.
Before students cast their ballots, the teachers emphasized the importance of voting etiquette. Mrs. Gwin encouraged the K4 students to close their eyes and reflect on the story, carefully considering who they believed should be president.
After a day filled with anticipation, the results for the K4 and K5 districts were finally in:
Mr. Duck won with more than 60% of the votes!
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FALL SPORTS SENIOR CELEBRATIONS
Last week, we recognized our seniors starting with a pep rally and then recognition on the field before the last home football game. We are thankful for our seniors and their contributions to St. Luke's fall sports! They have spent an inordinate amount of time and effort to be a Wildcat! We hope they’ve learned MORE than just what it’s like to win or lose. We hope they’ve learned how to be a good teammate, how to be dedicated to something, how to show pride and most of all, we hope they have made MANY memorable moments of pure joy. Looking at our seniors, we can only hope they know how much they mean to us. ONCE A WILDCAT, ALWAYS (AND FOREVER) A WILDCAT!
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Senior moms rocked the stage in honor of Senior Night 2024! | |
The rain couldn't stop us from celebrating our seniors! | |
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Senior Daniel Newman was presented with a prayer blanket signed by the students.
Please pray for Daniel as he prepares to fight another battle. We LOVE you, Daniel!
To follow Daniel's journey, join the Prayers for Daniel Facebook Group.
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INCREDIBLE RESULTS AT DISTRICT TRUMBAUER
Last week, our Center Stage Department competed at District Trumbauer High School Theatre Festival and our students did an amazing job representing St. Luke's!
The State Competition is in Florence, December 5-8th.
Click here to read more from our student interns
The awards are as follows:
11 Superiors (Advancing to State):
Brody Green - Varsity Pantomime
Sophie Bitzer - Varsity Acting Comedic
Ana Franco - Intermediate Acting Dramatic
Reese Johnson - Novice Acting Comedic
Rishi Gupta and CJ Robertson - Intermediate Duet Acting Comedic
Jonah Dominescy and Hayden Jones - Intermediate Duet Acting Comedic
Reese Browning - Intermediate Musical Comedic
Evelyn Cummings - Varsity Musical Comedic
Lilly Bufford and Reese Browning - Intermediate Duet Musical Dramatic
CJ Robertson and Evelyn Cummings - Varsity Duet Musical Dramatic
Jenna Simpson and Lilly Bufford - Novice Duet Musical Comedic
7 Excellents:
Jay Mansfield - Varsity Acting Dramatic
Howie Johnson - Varsity Acting Comedic
Calista Conway - Varsity Acting Dramatic
Atli Johnston - Novice Acting Comedic
Chloe Lambert - Varsity Acting Comedic
Calista Conway and Chloe Lambert - Varsity Duet Musical Comedic
Brody Green - Varsity Properties Design
OUR STUDIO PIECE AWARDS (also going. tostate)
All-Star Cast:
Jay Mansfield
Evelyn Cummings
Sophie Bitzer
Best Lead Actresses in a Studio Piece (out of 6 total casts):
Chloe Lambert
Lily Liller
Best Ensemble
Best in Show (1 of 4 Advancing to State)
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6TH GRADE OVERNIGHT STEM+M ADVENTURE
AT 4H SCIENCE SCHOOL
Some of our 6th graders recently embarked on an exciting overnight field trip to the 4H Science School in Columbiana, Alabama! Nestled on 200 acres of lush forestland along the shores of Lay Lake, this unique setting offered our students a much-needed escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. During their stay, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, exploring the beautiful forests, scenic trails, and serene waterfront. Through a variety of engaging outdoor classes and adventurous activities, our young explorers gained a rich environmental experience that was both educational and unforgettable.
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ST. LUKE'S 5TH GRADE SETS SAIL
Our 5th graders embarked on an adventure to Dauphin Island, setting sail on the Duke Charter boat to explore the wonders of ocean life....an educational journey filled with fun and discovery!
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ST. LUKE'S WILL HAVE 3 AZALEA TRAIL MAIDS FOR THE
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Congratulations to Maddie Banks, Caroline Hooper, and Ahja Wilder for being selected to represent
St. Luke's as Azalea Trail Maids next year! We can't wait to find out their dress colors!
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CAMMIE & FRIENDS TRIUMPH AT GULF COAST MAC DOWN
WITH AWARD-WINNING MAC & CHEESE CREATIONS
Cammie and her team of 8th-grade girls from St. Luke's School made an impressive mark at Saturday's 3rd annual Gulf Coast Mac Down Mac and Cheese Competition. Their culinary skills earned them two well-deserved awards: second place in the "Veggie Mac" category and first place in the "Other Mac" category, featuring their unique creation with Cheetos. The girls showcased their creativity and teamwork, making their school proud with their fantastic performance.
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CAMPBELL TILLMAN REPRESENTS TEAM ALABAMA
AT PERFECT GAME NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
For the third year in a row, Campbell Tillman was selected to play on Team Alabama. This weekend he competed at the Perfect Game National Championship in Houston, Tx. We hear that Campbell represented our school and state well. We are so proud of him!
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ST. LUKE'S CROSS COUNTRY HEADS TO STATE
SL XC team is State-bound! We couldn't be prouder of their hard work, dedication, and team spirit.
Let's rally behind them and wish them all the best of luck as they compete at State this weekend!
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WILDCATS SHINE IN VOLLEYBALL POST-SEASON HONORS
We’re proud of the remarkable achievements of our volleyball student-athletes and coach in the recent AHSVCA All-State team selections and coaching accolades. Cami Abel and Amelia Smith were named to AHSVCA All-State First Team, Baker Garside was named to the All-State Second Team, and Coach Donald was named 3A Coach of the Year.
These achievements reflect the strength and spirit of our volleyball program. We’re so proud of Cami, Amelia, Baker, and Coach Donald for their outstanding accomplishments. Congratulations to ALL! Go Wildcats!
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HANNAH BAKER NAMED TO BEST & BRIGHTEST LIST
Congratulations to Hannah Baker for being named to the 2024 AVCA Best & Brightest List!
The AVCA Best & Brightest Award honors individual high school Senior volleyball players who excel on and off the court. To be eligible for the Best and Brightest Award, Senior student-athletes must have earned at least a 3.5 Unweighted/4.0 Weighted GPA (or the equivalent, if using a different GPA scale) during their junior year AND play in 50% of their varsity team’s sets during their senior season.
We're so proud of you, Hannah!
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VETERANS DAY 2024 INFORMATION - NOVEMBER 11
Each year, St. Luke’s recognizes and honors our veterans for their service to our country. On Monday, November 11, both the Japonica and University Campuses will have special events.
The University Campus - The University Campus will begin the day with a breakfast for our veterans and family members from 7:00-7:45 a.m., followed by a special assembly at 8:00 a.m. in the Moorer Center for the Performing Arts. This year's guest speaker is United States Army veteran Mr. Michael Holland, Sr., former chairman of the board and St. Luke’s alumnus. There will be performances by our band, choral and drama students and patriotic artwork provided by our art students.
**University Campus students will be in chapel dress.
The Japonica Campus - At 10:00 a.m., the Japonica Campus will have a special program of patriotic music provided by our 5th-grade students. Following the program, there will be a reception in St. Luke’s Hall for our veterans and their family members.
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ST. LUKE'S FINE & PERFORMING ARTS BOOSTER CLUB
FUNDRAISER ORDER BEFORE NOVEMBER 17th
The Fine & Performing Arts Booster Club is hosting a Mixin Chicks Fundraiser
Who - Mixin Chicks - Mom and Daughter Company out of Foley, Alabama
What - Dips, Soups, and Sweet Treat mixes - Savory, Sweet, and everything in between
When - The sale will go from October 28th through November 17th
Pick-Up - December 12th on the University and Japonica Campus
Thank you for supporting St. Luke's Fine and Performing Arts Booster Club, which is dedicated to broadening and enhancing the engagement of our community with our visual and performing arts program for students in K2 through 12th grade. The Booster Club partners with faculty and administrators to create and support enriching and impactful experiences in the arts for students, staff, and their families. Their mission is to foster community among the members and boost student involvement in the arts. To do this, they provide financial assistance to meet the needs of the choral, band, visual, and theater arts departments.
Click here to order
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ST. LUKE'S WILDCAT WAREHOUSE
Show your Wildcat pride! The Spirit Store's storefront is in Room 305 on the University Campus.
The hours are: Wednesdays & Fridays during break, after school Wednesday 3:00 - 3:30 p.m., and other special hours will be announced.
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!
SIP & SHOP NOVEMBER 14th
Get your Wildcat gear, find the perfect Christmas gifts, and enjoy quality time with your St. Luke's friends!
Don’t miss the fun—it's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
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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 (k4-5th grade) – 10:00 a.m.
Youth Sunday School (6th-12th grade) – 10:00 a.m.
Youth Outing every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. (bowling, laser tag, mini golf, explore 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.
Click here for a letter The Rev. Jamie McElroy, Rector, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
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