January 28, 2025

All School Mass

We will have First Friday All School Mass on Friday, January 31. Students should wear their full-dress uniforms. There will be an optional daily Mass before school on Wednesday, January 29, in the Chapel at 7:10 a.m.

Saint Family Picnic

Please provide a disposable sack lunch for your student TOMORROW, Wednesday, January 29, the cafeteria will be closed.

PreK Service Project- Cereal Box Challenge

Our school is collecting boxes of cereal for those in need in our community. However, before we donate the cereal, we will build a GIANT DOMINO LINE throughout our school with the boxes. The

more donations, the longer our domino line will be! Please bring the cereal boxes by the end of January. Drop off boxes are placed by the PreK classrooms.

*Click on the button below for more Faith Focus information. You can find the monthly virtue, Saints of the month, and service projects.

We are GREATER at StJPII

We recently came across an intriguing article about the cost of private school education in Houston. Published by an independent Houston-based education publisher, the article highlights city-wide tuition trends, including average costs and annual increases. Although StJPII is not specifically mentioned, it’s clear that we set ourselves apart, remaining among the most affordable options while offering an exceptional education grounded in faith and excellence.

With the most Blue Ribbon Awards in Texas, recognition on the Catholic Honor Roll, and STEM certification, StJPII is a leader among schools not only in Houston but also nationwide. Together, we are GREATER at StJPII! Thank you for choosing our school, believing in our mission, and supporting our wonderful community. Click here to read the article: https://generalacademic.com/houston-private-school-tuition-2024-2025/

Smart Families

Please join us Smart Families online talk, Hidden Dangers: Protecting your Kids from Online Grooming, A Parent's Guide to Prevention and Protection, on February 3rd at 9:00 AM and again at 7:00 PM. 

This session will feature Dawn Gibler from Elijah Rising, a Houston-based organization dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking. Dawn will provide valuable insights on online risks and practical strategies for protecting children from online grooming. 

RSVP to receive the link to join us at www.Smart-Families.org/events 

Cafeteria Balance 

Please make sure your student has adequate funds in their lunch account. Check your students ECI balance and add money when needed. You can send a check with your student or click on the button below. When sending a check, please make the check out to ECI. Thank you!

BAKERS Needed!

Our Steps for Students booth is looking for bakers. This year's theme is “How Sweet It Is” and we are looking for volunteers to bake cookies, brownies, or other sweet treats for our booth. You can drop them off at school on Friday, February 7, or take them to the booth on Saturday morning. Even if you are not participating in Steps for Students, you are welcome to send in treats. Please email Mrs. Kim at ckim@jp2.org if you are interested in helping.

Halo News

Check out the latest from Halo News! This edition covers a day in the life of 5th grade, weather, what are the dress code rules for cold weather, and we have a special guest at the end. Click on the button below.

Several amazing community events are on the horizon, mark your calendar and stay tuned to Saints Weekly.



• February 1 - Saints vs. Seminarians Basketball Game (NEW DATE)
• February 5 - For Every Saint Capital Campaign Close-Up Cocktail Party (NEW DATE)
• February 8 - Steps for Students
• February 24 - Bidding with Bernie opens
• March 27- International Festival

StJPII Catholic Schools Week 2025

Click on the button below to view all of the fun events to come!



Steps for Students

There are only 4 more days to sign up for Steps for Students. Currently, we are in first place with most registrations, but St. Laurence is closing in quickly. Please sign up tonight. All students who register receive a free dress pass and an entry into our final raffle. All homerooms that reach their goal will receive a pizza and dessert party. If we are still in first place on Friday, 10 students will be selected to blast the confetti cannons at the beginning of the race. Please sign up today. Use the link below and be sure to choose StJPII.

Bidding with Bernie

“Bidding with Bernie,” StJPII’s Online Auction, is coming soon! The auction will begin on February 24th and end on February 25th. Be sure to save the date and stay tuned for more information! 



Camp Invention 2025

Join Us for Camp Invention® at St. John Paul II Catholic School! We’re thrilled to bring back the nationally acclaimed Camp Invention® program from July 7–11, 2025 for students entering K–6th grade! Directed by Ashley Wetwiski, this inspiring weeklong adventure will engage young minds with hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, and more. Campers will collaborate, think creatively, and solve real-world challenges through exhilarating, confidence-boosting activities.

Here’s what’s in store for our young innovators:

• Claw Craze: Create a custom claw machine, explore physics, and become budding entrepreneurs.
• Optical Odyssey: Dive into the science of optical illusions and design moving props like a special effects expert.
• Road Trip Ready: Invent your way through a one-of-a-kind road trip with custom dashboards and problem-solving fun.
• Eco-Expedition: Explore Antarctica with a robotic assistant while creating planet-saving prototypes.
• 

Register early and save! Use FUN25 by 3/20 to save $25.

Don’t miss this unforgettable summer of inspiration, innovation, and discovery!

We are also excited to offer opportunities for volunteers, leaders (grades 10–college), and leadership interns (grades 7–9) to join and support our camp! If you're interested in learning more about these roles, please reach out to Ms. Wetwiski for details. Click on the button below for more information

8th Grade Yearbook Recognition Ad

DUE FRIDAY

Want to give your Class of 2025 graduate something to commemorate their time at StJPII? Order an 8th grade Yearbook ad for your graduate. Flyers will be sent home in students’ weekly folders. Payments and ad design will be completed through Jostens's website. You will be able to design your own ad by selecting a template and adding your own pictures and message.



A pdf version of the flyer can also be accessed by clicking the button below. The deadline for orders is Friday, January 31, 2025! Thank you for honoring your 2025 8th grade graduate and supporting The Spirit Yearbook! Questions? Contact Mrs. Abad at kabad@jp2.org.  

February PTO Meeting

All parents are invited to join us for our monthly PTO meeting on Tuesday, February 11 from 8:30 - 9:30 am in St. Jude Hall. Why should you attend? 

• Learn how students and teachers benefit from the work of the PTO.
• Be the first to hear about school news and upcoming events.
• Ask questions.
• Connect with parents.
• Learn how to volunteer your time to positively impact the school community.

Spirit Store Sale: Gear Up and Save Big!

Check out the latest deals from 1st Place Spiritwear and snag your favorite styles at amazing prices:

• 1/20 – 1/26: Stay cozy with $10 off Quarter-Zips
• 1/27 – 2/2: Keep it classic with $10 off Crewnecks
• 2/3 – 2/9: Lounge in style with 25% off Pajama Pants

Don't miss these limited-time promotions to show off your StJPII spirit in comfort and style!

Sign Up for First Friday Lunch!

Let's shower our wonderful teachers and staff with a delicious First Friday Lunch on Friday, February 7, 2025. This is the last First Friday lunch for this school year. We will have a delicious chili bar. We are calling all the cooks to show off your favorite chili recipes. Drop off the chili by 10:15 am.

Thank you so much for your contribution and support of our wonderful staff and teachers. 

Please send items in disposable containers. Please label your crockpot and pick up by Monday at 3 p.m.

 Join 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.

Brick Paver Sale Price - Middle School Students

CALLING ALL CURRENT 6TH-8th GRADE PARENTS

Commemorate your student’s time at StJPII with an engraved brick paver in the Pope Garden!  Traditionally, we have reserved this honor for graduating 8th graders; however, they can’t enjoy their brick for long before graduating.  Your middle schooler will enjoy his/her brick for years to come!  Engraving includes the student’s name and graduating year, with placement in the Pope Garden. Funds from the sale support our garden.

Please print and fill out the order form and turn into the front office with payment.  You will receive a photograph when the paver is installed, and your student will be able to see and enjoy this lasting legacy on campus!

Reduced Pricing for Middle School Students

4”x 8”- 2 lines* $50 per brick (reg. $75)

*16 character maximum per line of engraving

*Sale price for name and graduation year only

Save the Date for Fun in the Sun! 

This year’s Fun in the Sun Day (FITS) is happening on May 16, 2025. Stay tuned for more information! 

Elementary Athletics

Our Basketball season is off to a great start! Our teams and coaches are working hard to put their best Basketball skill on the court each weekend! We are just about ready to open up our registration for our Spring sports so please check the Elementary Athletic page to make sure you register!

Middle School Athletics

We are in our last week of District play for both the boys & girls teams so stay tuned to see what the playoffs will look like for us!

Middle School Spring Sports are starting in just a few weeks! 

As always remember we expect athletes to confirm both days of tryouts, and, if you have not submitted a physical to Mrs. Rhoden yet this school year you must do so before tryouts! We ask parents to adhere to the "closed-door policy" and not attend tryouts. Thus far we have confirmed the following sports tryout dates. Please refer to the athletic website's main page for any other additional information.

Varsity Baseball & Varsity Softball: Tuesday, Feb 4th & Wednesday, Feb 5th @ MALL/MAGSA (Memorial Ashford Little League/Girls Softball Association 12900 Westmere Drive) from 4:00-5:30 pm. You must have a helmet, bat, cleats, & glove to try out. Parents, you must pick up your child from school dismissal and transport them to the MALL/MAGSA fields for tryouts. Also, if you make either team you will be responsible for the season to transport them for these 2 sports as we practice and play games at these fields. 

Boys Lacrosse: Thursday, Feb 6th & Friday, Feb 7th @ St JPII field from 3:30-5:30 pm *If you have equipment bring it, if you do not we will supply it for tryouts. If you make the team you will then be required to purchase any necessary equipment. 

Girls lacrosse: Not yet confirmed as Coach Kurt will still be in Basketball season! I would look for the girls' tryouts to be in mid-February!

Track & Field: Open to 5th graders, this is also a non-tryout sport! Tuesday, Feb 18th ~ They will have both their 1st practice (3:30-5:30 pm) & parent meeting from 5:30-6:00 pm. We encourage you to do your very best to attend the parent meeting as T&F is different in many ways compared to other MS sports programs. Running shoes are encouraged!

**If you are a current basketball player and any of the tryout dates conflict with basketball playoffs, you will simply come to a separate tryout after playoffs**

***All of the above dates are subject to change due to weather being outdoor sports***

Share Your Sports Photos

We love to see your Basketball photos! If you get a great shot at any of the basketball games this season, 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.

After School Activities

Check the school calendar for the schedule.

Click on the various links to see club flyers, contact information, and online registration.

·         Mini Art Club (3rd & 4th Grade) – registration here

·         Art Club (5th-8th Grade) – registration here

St. Thomas High School Academic Skills Camp

for Middle School Girls and Boys

Pathways to Independent Learning