July 30, 2024

Rebecca Bogard

Principal

P.S. Make sure to read this entire newsletter! It is full of important details about the first days of school, ….

Ashley Wetwiski

Elementary School Assistant Principal

Ashley Wetwiski is thrilled to transition from a 3rd-grade teacher to the role of elementary assistant principal at StJPII. Ashley holds a Bachelor's degree in education and is currently completing her Master's program in Educational Leadership. This upcoming year marks her 19th year in education, with 11 years in Houston and 8 years in her hometown of New Orleans.

Ashley Wetwiski is blessed with two wonderful daughters. Her eldest daughter, Brianna, is a fourth-year resident at LSU Veterinary School and is engaged to be married next spring. Her youngest daughter, Gabrielle, is a sophomore at Texas A&M University, studying forensics. Ashley is also engaged to her wonderful fiancé, Dan.

In her leisure time, she enjoys baking, reading, supporting our students in their extracurricular activities, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling year together at St. John Paul II.

Olivia Chambers

2nd Grade Teacher

Olivia Chambers is excited to be teaching 2nd grade. She was born and raised in Houston, then attended University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (grades 1-5). After graduating she moved to Denver, Colorado and taught 4th grade in Catholic schools. After three years, she decided to head back down to Texas to be close to family. She enjoys reading, the theatre, and learning new hobbies. She is currently learning how to draw. She is overjoyed to join St. John Paul II and help students grow in their love of the faith and learning! 

Payton Donohue

Third Grade Teacher

Payton Donoghue is originally from Waltham,  Massachusetts. She moved to Texas in 2010 after marrying her high school sweetheart. She resides in Houston with her husband, twin children Brennan and Ella, who are rising 5th graders at St. John Paul II, and her dog Jerry. Payton enjoys crafting, reading and spending time with her family and friends. She fell in love with the St. John Paul II community when her children started attending school here. She is enthusiastic, caring, friendly, and is excited to be joining the StJPII family.

Kristel Figueroa

Intervention Teacher

Kristel is a dedicated and passionate educator with a strong background in Early Childhood Bilingual Education and Educational Administration. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Bilingual Education from Texas

A&M International University. She later pursued and earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University.

She is certified as both a teacher and a principal in the state of

Texas, with 11 years of diverse work experience in the field of education. For ten years, she had the privilege of teaching at the elementary level, and working with students from Pre-K to 5th grade. This experience has given her the foundational skills necessary for academic success. Most recently, she served as a Testing Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, and RTI Specialist at a middle school in the Spring Branch Independent School District. These roles helped her gain knowledge in student assessment, individualized support, and intervention strategies, making her well-prepared to meet the varied needs of our students.

She is very excited to join the Saint family and become part of such a vibrant and supportive

community. She is looking forward to collaborating with my new colleagues, engaging with students, and

contributing to the ongoing success and growth of StJPII. She believes we can create an enriching and nurturing environment where every student can succeed and achieve their fullest potential.

Tyler Henderson

PE Teacher and Coach

Tyler Henderson is excited to join St. John Paul II as a Physical Education teacher and Head Football Coach. Originally from Houston, Texas, he graduated from the University of Houston and has a strong passion for coaching sports and enjoying outdoor activities, specifically lake trips and beach outings.

Tyler looks forward to bringing his enthusiasm for sports and education to StJPII. He is excited to meet and work with all of you. Here's to a great year ahead! Go Saints!!!

Carola Maruri

Spanish 4th-8th Teacher

Maria Carolina Guevara de Maruri, goes by her nickname, Caro Maruri. She was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela where she went to a traditional all-girl Catholic school from Prek-12. After graduating she studied early education at Universidad Metropolitana while also maintaining a internship. After graduating from college, she started teaching at Instituto Andes, a traditional Catholic school. She taught there for 5 years. She is married and has 3 daughters. After having her first daughter she took some years off to be home with her children. In 2010, she moved to Colombia for 3 years before moving to Houston in 2013. She has worked as a substitute teacher in middle school and high school, in addition to providing private Spanish sessions for students of all ages. She is very excited to start this new chapter at St. John Paul II.

Liliana McMahan

Donor Relations Associate

Liliana is excited to join the St. John Paul II Catholic School community as the new part-time Donor Relations Associate. With over 12 years of experience in education as a bilingual elementary teacher and an elementary school counselor, Liliana has dedicated her career to fostering student growth and well-being. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Liliana has successfully created supportive and inclusive environments for students and their families.

Having attended Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade, Liliana holds a special place in her heart for supporting Catholic school education. This personal connection drives her passion for contributing to the mission of St. John Paul II Catholic School.

Liliana is eager to bring this unique blend of experience to St. John Paul II Catholic School, leveraging her diverse skill set to support the school's mission. She is passionate about education and community building and looks forward to contributing to the success and vibrancy of the St. John Paul II Catholic School community.

Maggie Rhoden

Nurse

Maggie has been a nurse for over 15 years. She started her career working with oncology and bone marrow transplant patients at Methodist hospital, then transitioned to the Newborn ICU with St. Joseph hospital and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. She received her Master’s degree in nursing in 2017 and went on to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, caring for outpatient pediatric patients ranging in age from newborn to 18 years. She has 2 children Rory (age 10) and Nell (age 6), both current Saints at St. John Paul II Catholic School! Outside of work, Mrs. Rhoden enjoys spending time with her husband and children, reading, traveling, and Houston sports. She is looking forward to switching hats to join the Saints team and care for your children as her own! 

Wendy Santos

Third Grade Teacher

Wendy Santos has been an educator for over 20 years. She has taught 4th grade, 3rd grade, and 1st grade. She recently left public education as a Language Arts and Social Studies Specialist where she worked on the leadership team supporting curriculum and instruction, data analysis, and gifted education. She believes that all students are born with gifts to share and as a teacher she works to bring out the best in her students by showing them ways to use those gifts for the greater good. As a practicing Catholic, Wendy is excited to join the St. John Paul II family merging her love of teaching with her love for Jesus. Outside of teaching Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband Vince, daughters Joy and Hope, her mother-in-law Rita, and their two dogs Gracie and Jessie. She loves cooking, crafting, journaling, and meditation to name a few. As a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Sugar Land parish, Wendy serves in the 9:30am choir, the meal’s ministry, the young adults ministry, and the youth ministry as needed. She loves being alive and tries to live life to the fullest and believes that we are all in a process of becoming. 

Paul Skudder

8th Grade IPC Teacher

Mr. Skudder looks forward to showing the 8th graders how methodical inquiry can lead to new understanding about how the natural world God put us in works. He holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in geoscience. His experience in the environmental and energy industries allows him to provide instruction with reference to “real world” application. He has taught a variety of science content areas at the high school level and feels a vocation to cultivate excellence in young adults. He is a father of three, enjoys gardening, traveling with his family, and fishing (when his wife allows it).

Other Staff Reassignments:

• Jessica Brayshaw - Part-Time Middle School Science
• Brittany Haley - Community Events, Annual Fund
• Lauren Pace - Halo News, Communications, and Alumni Events
• Antonella Padula - 7th/8th Grade Theology
• Sindy Schwab - returning to Kinder teacher assistant

Ice Cream Social (NEW Families only)

Monday, August 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

All NEW Families and Ambassador Families are invited to the BAC/GSC (gym and cafeteria). Orient new families, pick up carpool tags, register for BASP (before and after school care), get information for after-school clubs, sign up to volunteer for PTO Committees, snack on ice-cream, and meet fellow StJPII SAINTS!

Meet and Greet (ALL Families)

Monday, August 12, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Visit the classrooms, meet your teachers, and handle school business (carpool tags, sign ups, etc.) in the BAC.

Parent Nights

Aug. 28 - PreK, Kindergarten, Middle School Parents

Aug. 29- 1st-5th Grade Parents

Parents are invited to attend and learn more about StJPII. You will have the opportunity to hear about the upcoming academic year, campus updates, and highlights from the parent survey. We are also excited to welcome two dynamic speakers, Brookes Gibbs and Smart Families. These events begin at 6:00 p.m., and are for parents only, so please make plans for your children to stay at home.

Please refer to the StJPII Parent-Student Handbook for important Handbook changes and additions for the upcoming school year:

• Testing week: During the standardized testing week window, the campus will be closed to visitors from 8:00 am until 11:00 am. PG 20
• Morning Carpool Car drop off in driveway: All students must unload at the front entrance of the school, NOT along the curb on Parkway Plaza, this includes even the area beyond the driveway along the soccer field. PG 31
• School Absence: Parents are responsible for notifying the school of any absences via email to the teacher or attendance@jp2.org. It is not necessary to phone the office when a child is absent. PG 34
• 7th Grade TX Trip - Approximate cost $150 and will be 2 days in February PG 41.
• Uniforms - purchased at Risse Brothers School uniforms. You may purchase at the closest location: 9000 Hempstead Rd #120 Houston, TX 77008 phone (346) 319-4176 or online at www.rissebrother.com. (please see details below about changes)
• Girls Nails - No false nails. Girls may wear clear polish or white French style. Nails should be naturally rounded and not shaped to a sharpened point. PG 49
• Honor Code - Utilization of AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools or apps without teacher permission PG 81
• BASP - updates for emergency care fees PG 86-88
• Athletics - Heat Index guidelines PG 100 & 105

• Supplies - most school supplies for the beginning of the year are included in your tuition, there is no need to buy anything. PreK-1st Grade will also receive a tote bag (only Grades 2-8 may bring backpacks from home). 
• School Nurse - please contact Nurse Rhoden to alert the school of important medical needs.
• Summer Reading / Math - remember to complete the assigned summer packets for reading and math, which are posted online.

Morning Carpool/Arrival

• Don't cut line - No U-turns to cut in line.
• Don't block side streets, driveways, and neighborhood entrances.
• Only drop off in the school driveway with a safety patrol helper or staff member to assist with unloading.
• Be ready to unload on the passenger side with all items. Do not unload on Parkway Plaza.
• If choosing to use Brimhurst walkers (1st-8th) arrive by 7:55 a.m.

Afternoon Carpool

• Leave room for #1 in carpool. The 1st spot in line every day is reserved for the auction winner.
• Keep your carpool number displayed at all times during carpool.
• Load on the passenger side as quickly as possible.
• Green tags for Elementary students go before orange tags for Middle School students.
• All students exit and arrive at a colored flag. If a student is not at their designated colored flag for dismissal, you may be asked to wait in the middle lane of the parking lot. A staff member will walk your child to your car once they exit.
• BASP, after-school care, pick ups must wait until 3:45 p.m. so that they do not interrupt the carpool line.

*NO cell phones at any time during carpool

*Middle School students are welcome to utilize Brimhurst walkers in the morning by 7:55 a.m.

Here is a short description of which uniforms should be worn, by day.

• Monday - casual uniform
• Tuesday - House shirt polos, with uniform bottoms (first day of school)
• Wednesday - Spirit shirt or casual polo, with uniform bottoms
• Thursday - FULL DRESS UNIFORM due to Feast of The Assumption Mass on 8/15
• Friday - Full dress day for All-School Mass (EXCEPTION: our first Friday 8/16 will be casual dress uniforms)

Please refer to the website for more information about uniforms. All uniform pieces are available at Risse Brothers store and online.

Used Uniform Sale

Please only drop off on the dates listed above. We understand that schedules can be busy, but respecting the designated drop-off dates is crucial for our volunteers and staff. Thank you for your generosity, cooperation, and understanding.

Congratulations Mrs. Bogard

Did you know that our staff all participate in continuing education, including Principal Bogard? She recently completed the Executive Education Academy through Rice University Business Executive Education. The program helps improve schools by providing principals strategies in leadership development, executive coaching, change management, appreciative inquiry, and more. Mrs. Bogard enjoyed learning from Rice Professors and connecting with the other professionals she met through the program. Congratulations to Mrs. Bogard for dedicating herself to our "Be Greater" theme and leading by example.

For Every Saint Update

The For Every Saint Capital Campaign is in full swing, and thanks to our generous families and donors, we have already raised almost $2 million of our $4 million goal! As promised, you will begin to see campus improvements this semester, including a higher security fence, new bleachers, and technology upgrades. We are pleased to report that the funds have already been put to use - our roof was repaired, allowing us to withstand Hurricane Beryl without any leaks, and we got new picnic tables for the back playground. Once we reach our goal, additional improvements will be made, including lights on the field, enhancements to the All Saints Chapel, and the renovation of the library into the Aquinas Center for Excellence.

StJPII is the outstanding institution it is today thanks to our Lord's provision through our generous supporters, and we look forward to continuing that legacy! Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the 2024-2025 school year progresses. Special thanks to our For Every Saint Committee for their dedication to this campaign: Katie Hengst and John Zagata (Co-Chairs), Theresa Bramanti, John Fahy, Sarah Moore, Sandra Vreedenburgh, and Trey Wakefield. If you have any questions, please reach out to Development Director Jessi Cook.

Cafeteria Service

ECI is the company that manages our cafeteria and cooks the delicious meals that our students may buy for lunch. ECI will once again use the "Dining Pay" declining balance system. Any balances remaining from last year and years prior are combined and visible when logging in to https://diningpay.com. For more information, please contact Eci@ecimanagementgroup.com or call 682-703-2017.

Representatives from ECI will be available during the Meet and Greet on August 12 to answer any questions you may have. Please click ECI's letter below for more information about meal costs and how to register.

Smart Families

We are excited to start the new school year and equally excited to have Smart Families at our school again this year. We know the negative impacts of smartphones and social media have on the wellbeing of our students and family life.  Let's work together to establish new norms in our community that align with our Catholic beliefs.  

Smart Families will be hosting a number of educational events for families and children in our

community during the school year. This is a priority for our school and expect all families to participate.

More information to come!

Altar Server Training for 2024-2025 School Year

If your student would like to be an Altar Server for our All-School Masses, please come to the Altar Server Training on Thursday, Aug. 8th from 10:30 am-12:30 pm. This training is for students in grades 5-8 who are active altar servers in their parish. This is mandatory for new servers and those who have previously served. Just a Reminder that you need to be a 5th grader and serve at your parish already. Please follow up with Religion Coordinator Mrs. Kristi Yohr for more information.

Take Mom Out to the Ballgame

The Mother & Son Event will be back at the ballpark! Save the date and come out to Constellation Field in Sugarland for an afternoon with your mom on September 15. The game starts at 2:00 p.m. for the Space Cowboys versus the Reno Aces. Tickets will be on sale soon! We hope you will join us!

Join the PTO - Letter from the PTO President

On behalf of the PTO Board and Committee Chairs, welcome back to

the 2024-2025 school year! We are praying that the upcoming school year will be filled with lots of learning, fun, friendship, and community.  I am excited to serve as your PTO President again this year and look forward to a great year ahead.

PTO has many exciting events and opportunities for parents and grandparents to get involved to volunteer to serve our great school community. I personally invite you to come and see what PTO is all about. Attend a monthly PTO meeting or an informal Morning Meet-up to  learn more and to visit with other StJPII parents. We have volunteer opportunities that are big and small so there is something for everyone!

Be greater… and volunteer! Go Saints!

Tiffany Doucette

2024-2025 PTO President

PTO@jp2.org

P.S. If you are interested in serving as a Room Parent, then please send an email by clicking the "Interested in becoming a Room Parent?" button below.

Show your SAINTS Spirit

Want to show your school spirit and help support our teachers and staff?

The PTO Spirit Store sells a variety of awesome products featuring our school name and logo. StJPII items will be for sale at the PTO’s Spirit Store during the New Family Ice Cream Social and the Meet and Greet on August 12! Be sure to also check out our new online Spirit Store by 1st Place Sportswear!

Give by Shopping

Did you know that you can support the school just by shopping? The PTO’s Give by Shopping program allows you to support local businesses while they give a percentage back to our school, some of our partners include Krogers, Randalls, Josephine’s Day Spa, Russo’s, Raising Cane’s and American Furniture Warehouse. More information to come in future Saints Weeklies.

Customization

The school has selected Project Luong, run by fellow St. John Paul II parent Alec Luong, to offer exciting embroidery services to our community. These services allow you to choose your preferred clothing (with some exceptions) and then select the logo you would like embroidered on it. This ensures everyone can be comfortable in their unique attire while supporting our school. Make sure to bring all your clothing items to the Ice Cream Social on August 12th. An email blast with more details and instructions will be sent out soon, so keep an eye out and don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!