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SPARTAN PRIDE!
Dear St. Philip Neri School Families and Friends,
Congratulations to our 7th Grade Girls’ Volleyball Team for winning the Championship! Thank you to all the Spartans who could attend the game last night to cheer on our team. Many thanks to their coaches, Matt Bettcher and Meg Paynor, for their leadership and guidance throughout this season and prior seasons. As far as this month’s virtue of Perseverance goes, this team, like our other Spartan teams, demonstrated perseverance by working hard during practices and games to keep striving, keep improving, keep encouraging one another, and to never give up. Congratulations, too, to the teams that finished in the playoffs this season over the weekend: the 4th, 6th and 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball teams. Best of luck to the 5th grade Boys’ Basketball team who will advance to the Diocesan playoffs this weekend. We are so proud of all of you!
While we are only in the second month of our Education in Virtue program, several teachers and I as well as parents have observed the value of this supplemental curriculum. The common language and focus on our behaviors, increasing our knowledge and practice of virtues, make a difference on our campus, in the classroom, on the playground, and in our daily lives. We hope that you join us in making the Virtue of the Month a focus for your family at home: what a strong partnership between home and school that is, and the results will be a school community who recognizes virtues in one another and are encouraged by it.
Please read through this Newsletter for important information about events and opportunities coming up. We have Dine and Donate at The Hob Nob this Thursday (15% of all proceeds go to SPN), and be sure to reserve your tickets for The Auction, Spartans of the Caribbean, on March 15.
Peace & Blessings,
Ms. Thomas
Principal
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Health and Wellness Updates | |
We have a surge of colds and flu going around. Please be vigilant and keep sick students home. There have been 0 COVID cases since September 4, 2024. | |
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February 2025
Feb 24 School Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Feb 28 Fall and Spring Photos (student athletes come to school in their sports uniforms)
Feb 28 End of 2nd Trimester
March 2025
Mar 2 Family Mass, 9:00 a.m., Hosted by grades 1st & 2nd
Mar 3 T3 Begins
Mar 3 PTG Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Mar 4 Mardi Gras, Burning of the Palms at Morning Assembly
Mar 5 Ash Wednesday, All School Mass, 9:30 a.m.
Mar 6 Special Free Dress Day: Dress Like a Pirate!
Mar 7 T2 Report Cards Distributed
Mar 15 Annual Auction
Mar 18 Free Dress for March B-days
Mar 18 Middle School Information Night 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Mar 24 School Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Mar 26-28 Nature Bridge, 6th Grade
Mar 31 Cesar Chavez Day, NO SCHOOL, No Share and Care
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VIRTUE OF THE MONTH, February | |
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Perseverance: An example of Fortitude
Looks like:Continuing to do something even if it’s difficult.
Sounds like: “I am going to keep practicing. I will get it next time.”
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We have begun to prepare for the 2025-26 school year, and that includes applications for Preschool through Grade 7 (there are currently no openings for 8th grade for next year). If you or someone you know has a child 3 years or older who is looking for placement, please have them go to our website and apply for the 2025-26 school year. | |
Intent to Return, 2025-26 | |
Many thanks to all of the families who have already submitted their Intent to Return Form; we appreciate your prompt response and positive comments. Please take a moment to share with us your plans or thoughts for next school year. Thanks in advance for your time and attention to this request. | |
Tuition Rates and Registration Fees for 2025-26 | |
Many thanks to our Finance Committee for working with our bookkeeper, Mrs. Gina Trujillo, and Principal in reviewing our income and expenses and supporting our fiscal responsibilities. Here are the Tuition Rates and Registration Fees, 2025-26: the tuition rates are based on projected expenses for next year, and the Registration Fees are unchanged from last year. Registration will open March 17 and the deadline will be April 10, 2025. Please contact Mrs. Trujillo or Ms. Thomas if you have questions or concerns. | |
February is Black History Month | |
Our teachers have prepared the following focus for their Black History Month curriculum this year. | | |
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The 6th grade class is exploring Black History and Bay Area history in the novel, One Crazy Summer, centering around the summer experience of three sisters, the novel also highlights the Black Panther Party .
- Black History Project Slideshow
- In history we watched Ruby Bridges and recognized she is a significant figure in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Her courage and resilience in the face of intense racism and hostility helped pave the way for desegregation in schools across the United States. We are honoring her pivotal role in the fight for equal rights, education, and racial justice. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of individual courage in confronting injustice and also a moving lesson of perseverance.
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(Literature) The Parker Inheritance:The 7th grade class has gone detective mode to uncover the mystery of the fictional town of Lambert, NC, its connection to its past, and the treasure hidden therein.
- Black Scientists
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In history we watched The Color of Friendship, a powerful movie that explores themes of racism, friendship, and cultural understanding. Set during the 1970s, it tells the story of an African American girl, Piper, who hosts a white South African exchange student, Mahree, during apartheid. The film shows how the two girls' preconceived notions about race and identity are challenged, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of each other's struggles. Showing this movie highlights the importance of empathy, breaking down racial barriers, and learning about the complexities of racism and cultural differences. It's an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come and the ongoing need for dialogue and equality.
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Literature: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Stamped: 8th grade is using the non-fiction text along with the novel to analyze historic events and learn to synthesize information.
- In history we are watching Remember the Titans. It is an inspiring film that showcases the power of teamwork, leadership, and overcoming racial divisions. Based on the true story of a high school football team in Virginia during the early 1970s, it portrays how Coach Herman Boone leads a newly integrated team through challenges both on and off the field. The movie highlights the struggle against racism and prejudice, as well as the strength found in unity and understanding. Showing this film is a way to celebrate the progress made in racial integration and to honor the ongoing fight for equality, while encouraging lessons about acceptance, respect, and teamwork.
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Here is the link to the Family Directory for our school community by classroom/grade level. Please remember that this information is confidential and should be used
for school business and according to the expectations set out in the Parent Student Handbook for appropriate communications. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19evijNFWcC-n1SpVMK6IFefVmgjdPbFo/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107239202667285086906&rtpof=true&sd=true
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5th Grade Class participating in the NASA Plant the Moon Challenge | |
The 5th-grade class is participating in the NASA Plant the Moon Challenge this Spring. Last week, they planted bean seeds in lunar regolith simulant with some amendments they chose (to be disclosed later) to find out if they will grow. Over the next few weeks, they will be studying and documenting the growth of the plants and compiling data to submit to the contest. | |
January/ February 2025 Enrichment Newsletter | |
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Here's the January/February Enrichment News.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSp0lKo9UswcwgxacuiY6RZv2MRjHuLE/view?usp=sharing
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Top 10 Ways to Encourage Your Child to be a Good Reader
By Rosaleen Sturlini, Reading Specialist
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Expand vocabulary. Have conversations with your child to expose children to new words and build background knowledge.
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Listen to audio versions of books. You can enjoy stories together with the novelty of hearing a new voice.
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Discuss what you read. In fiction books talk about the characters and make them come to life. In nonfiction books marvel about what you learn.
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Ask questions when you read. What do you think will happen next? Why did the character do that? How would that make you feel?
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Encourage rereading. An excellent strategy to use to develop comprehension skills.
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Read aloud to your child. Make the story come to life by using an expressive voice.
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Read together everyday. Set aside time when everyone reads….after dinner, before bedtime, whatever works for you.
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Keep books handy. They should be in the car, in a bag to pull out while you wait in restaurants or for an appointment or keep ebooks on your phone.
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Provide encouragement to your reader. Praise your new readers for a job well done as well as seasoned readers for their perseverance.
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Let children make choices. Allow children to pick out what is of interest to them.
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Congratulations to our 7th Grade Girls’ Volleyball Team for winning the Championship!
Good luck to the 5th grade Boys’ Basketball team who will advance to the Diocesan playoffs this weekend.
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Dear parents,
Brains & Motion, one of our community’s top enrichment providers, is offering exciting and educational STEM, art, and sports camps for grades K-8 at Saint Philip Neri School this summer. We’d love for your kids to join us!
Attached you’ll find a digital flyer with more information including session dates, course offerings, and more. To register, please follow this LINK. You’ll find numerous options to fit every child’s interests.
If you have any questions, please email Brains & Motion Education directly at contact@brains-and-motion.com.
Sincerely,
Julie Thomas
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Please continue to follow parking and traffic rules– NO PARKING IN RED ZONES, NO JAYWALKING, NO DOUBLE-PARKING– during morning drop off and afternoon pick up to maintain safety for our students as well as to not be cited by law enforcement. | |
Earn Volunteer Hours & Link to Log Hours | |
Choice Lunch Calendar for Volunteer | |
A Better Way to Buy Scrip | |
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Do you want to get a head start on your Scrip purchases for the 2024-2025 school year? We now have an easier way to start earning! Order your gift cards to be delivered to the school or your home. Raise Right also features an app that allows you to purchase egift cards delivered to your ewallet within seconds. There are hundreds of stores available including gas stations, grocery stores, clothing & shoe stores, hotels and more. Check it out today!
Enter enrollment code 432BQIZ543ML at RaiseRight.com/Enroll
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Saint Philip Neri Social Media | |
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Have you joined SPN on social media?
We would love to have you as a part of our social media community.
It only takes a few seconds to join.
Check us out on Instagram at “spnalameda”.
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