September 24, 2024

Dear Saints, 

While I typically write to you at the beginning of the month, I need to share something important with you today. Yesterday, the neighborhood HOA President stopped by my office to personally discuss ongoing issues with our carpool and walker lines blocking/crowding intersections, side streets, and driveways. We can BE GREATER! Please extend courtesy by keeping these areas clear and avoid blocking access, even briefly.

We will assign staff to help manage the most impacted areas, but in the meantime, please stay aware of your surroundings, be patient with traffic, and ensure our neighbors can pass through safely.

Thank you,

Principal

Time to Celebrate!

The U.S. Department of Education named St. John Paul II Catholic School a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, placing StJPII among the top-performing schools in the country! StJPII has won this award four times—1997, 2008, 2018, and now in 2024—more times than any other elementary school, public or private, in Texas, and is one of only nine elementary schools in the entire U.S. to receive this distinction as many times. These accolades are only possible thanks to the grace of God! We will celebrate this AMAZING accomplishment on our Patron's Feast Day, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the BAC.

All School Mass

Please join us for All School Mass this week on Friday, September 27.

Please note, out of reverence to the Mass, the doors will close at 8:45 a.m each week for Mass. The Front Office will remain open to sign in students, however Parents and Visitors who arrive late will not be able to get into the BAC/GSC once the Mass doors are closed. Thank you for making every effort to arrive before 8:45 a.m.



Wednesday Mass

Optional daily Mass is tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25. All are welcome! Mass starts at 7:10 and ends at 7:40. It’s in the All Saints Chapel every Wednesday before school. What a beautiful way to start the day by worshiping the Lord!

Relic of the Blood of St. John Paul II to Visit StJPII

The Relic of the Blood of St. John Paul II will visit StJPII on Sept. 25. Students and faculty will have the opportunity to venerate the relic in the All Saints Chapel on the morning of Sept. 25, with parents invited from 11 a.m. to noon. For security reasons, the event is closed to the public.

A relic, a fragment of a saint’s body or possession, helps us grow closer to God. They are classified as first class (a saint's body part), second class (something the saint owned), and third class (an object touched to a first or second class relic). Praying before a relic should be done out of love and gratitude for the saint and for God. We show our gratitude for a saint's intercession by venerating the relic with reverence. Special thanks to the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary for bringing the Relic of the Blood of St. John Paul II, our patron saint, to SJPII. Sister Alexia, a StJPII alumna, is a member of this order.

Second Annual Overnight Retreat

The second annual overnight retreat for the Moms Club will take place the weekend of Octotber 4 through October 6. Space is limited, so sign up today. Please contact Kristi Yohr with any questions, kyohr@jp2.org

The Camino: 7th and 8th Grade Father/Son Trip (Spring Break 2025)

We have an exciting opportunity for all 7th and 8th grade boys and their fathers this coming Spring Break. Go along with Fr. Eamonn to walk The Camino- the path of St. James the Apostle. What an amazing opportunity for our school. There is an informational Zoom meeting on September 26 at 8pm. Click on the button below for more information.

2024-2025 Annual Fund Drive

We are so grateful for all of our families who have already contributed to the Annual Fund! We are pleased to let you know that each family that makes a gift or pledge to the Annual Fund before December 31, 2024 will receive a printed pocket directory! The directories will go home in Tuesday folders starting next week. Give now by clicking the button below or make a pledge by emailing development@jp2.org.

Spirit Day at Chick-Fil-A

Come out TODAY, Tuesday, September 24, from 2:00-6:00 p.m., and head over to our favorite neighborhood Chick-fil-A (13412 Briar Forest, right by Eldridge) for Spirit Afternoon! This is not just a meal – it’s a fun way to support StJPII. Grab your friends, grab your nuggets, and remember to mention St. John Paul II Catholic School when ordering. Even better, Chick-fil-A will donate 15% of the proceeds back to our school; please thank them for being such awesome partners!

NEW THIS YEAR, FOR MOBILE ORDERS, use code 'JPSaints' to show your school spirit.

Class Pictures & Individual Retake Picture Day TOMORROW

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 will be Class Picture day and Individual Retake Picture Day. All students will take a picture with their homeroom class for the yearbook and they MUST wear their FULL DRESS UNIFORM. 

Lost and Found

With school in full swing, Lost and Found is filling up! We already have 3 belts, 2 Middle School skirts and numerous sweaters. Please write your child’s name (including last) or carpool number in ALL items. If a name can be found, the items will be returned. After two weeks, all items that have not been claimed and have no name will be donated to the Used Uniform Sale.

A Heads Up Notice to Parents and Caregivers from the Nurse

Head lice is a common problem of school age children. If you notice your child itching and scratching their scalp it is time for a a good head lice check. Please take a look at the hand out from the CDC on the specifics!

Cafeteria Lunch Questions

You may find the daily menu on our website under the "Community" tab. Thank you in advance for your patience as the school year gets started, the menu might have some slight changes due to inventory availability. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Wendy at 713-304-3395.

THANK YOU

The Mother Son Day at the Ballpark was a great event! Thank you to all of those who attended this special day. A big thank you goes out to DMB Photography, David Benedict, for capturing the day for us. Click here to view the album.

Halo News is on YouTube!

Please click on the link below to enjoy our 2nd Halo News broadcast of the 24-25 school year! This broadcast is filled with Homecoming information, fun, and laughs!

Smart Families

Be Not Afraid, from Smart Families, is a monthly spiritual resource that aligns with Catholic values and upholds our God-given dignity. This month's newsletter covers addiction and God's grace and assesses where your family stands in the eye of God and addiction.  Click the button below to continue reading.

Steps for Students

It's that time of year again! Time to sign up for Steps for Students. Sign up today to take advantage of early bird pricing for this year's Step for Students 5K Run/Walk Race. The race will take place on the morning of February 8, 2025. Click on the button below to register. Be sure to check out the incentives this year!

Camp Invention 2025

Are you already missing the excitement of Camp Invention? We are too! Camp Invention will be back at StJPII this Summer the week of July 7-11. The good news is you can secure your spot right now for Camp Invention 2025 AND save $50! The $50 discount ends soon on Sept. 30, so we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity now! New and alumni campers are eligible for the discount, so please share the news with your friends! Pre-register at invent.org/camp2025 and save $50 with code CAMP2025 by Sept. 30! We can’t wait to share another awesome summer with you and your creative camper.

Monthly PTO Meeting

Please join us for our next PTO meeting on Tuesday, October 8 from 8:30-9:30 am in St. Jude Hall.  We will be discussing fall and winter events. All are welcome!

Spirit Store Sale at Homecoming

PTO is having a big closeout sale on all remaining apparel and hats as we transition to our new online website. Come out and get your gear while supplies last! Payment by cash only.

PTO DARR Halloween Skate Party

Save the date and join us for the Annual PTO DARR Halloween Skate Party on October 24!

Celebrate October Birthdays with The Birthday Club! 

Celebrate your child's special day in style! Choose from several fun packages that include a special birthday t-shirt, birthday recognition on the marquee, ice cream, and more! Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Gifts will be delivered to your child's homeroom teacher.

Elementary Athletics

Elementary Soccer is off and running!!!!

Our Coaches and their teams kicked off their season this past Saturday and all teams did great! Weather was good, uniforms looked good, our SAINTS were happy!

Middle School Athletics 

Come out to the 5th Annual Homecoming Tomorrow night and cheer on our Saints!! Continue to check the Athletic calendar for all other game times and locations. Let's go Saints!

Share Your Fall Sports Photos

We love to see your photos of our saints in action! If you get a great shot at any fall sports function, practice or game, please share with StJPII! Your photo(s) may be featured on social media, Halo News, or in The Spirit yearbook. Please upload them directly using the button below. All grade-level sports pictures are needed and appreciated.