Thank you to Doll Environmental Services for being our Newsletter Sponsor this quarter and helping us continue to provide important updates and information to our school families!

As another Lenten journey of conversion begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 and ends with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Catholic Church calls all Catholics to a deeper spirit of penance, fasting, almsgiving and prayer, “which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1434 and 1969).

To foster a greater spirit of penance, reparation for sin, to encourage self-denial, which guide us more closely in the footsteps of Christ, the Church reminds us of the following obligations of fast and abstinence during Lent, and also admonishes us all to deeper prayer and worship.

Abstinence

All who have celebrated their 14th birthday are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday.

Fasting

Everyone, from the celebration of their 18th birthday to their 59th birthday, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means eating only one full meal each day. Two other partial meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken; but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.

Voluntary fasting on other weekdays of Lent is highly recommended. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, neither the law of fasting nor the law of abstinence obliges. These are minimal penitential practices and should not be lightly excused. If in doubt, please consult your parish priest.

Other recommended forms of fasting, as regards alcoholic drink, needless television, video games, Internet use, and social entertainment, are of true spiritual value and strongly encouraged.

Almsgiving

The act of giving to the poor, in the most ancient tradition of the Church, is an expression of penance, a witness of fraternal charity, and an expression of Lenten conversion. Catholics are encouraged to support generously the charitable works of the whole Church: through regular stewardship to their parish and support of charities.

Prayer

To deepen one’s love for Christ, Catholics are urged to participate in the sacramental life of the Church during Lent by attending daily Mass and frequenting the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Upcoming Parent Lunch Days



Come join you student for lunch on Parent Lunch Day! Lunch days are assigned by the first letter of student's last name. We ask that you bring $3.75 Cash for your lunch payment and RSVP to dschrimpf@stpeterjc.org if you would like to attend.

Please see below for upcoming Parent Lunch days and RSVP deadlines.

Last Name F-K: Feb. 24, 2026 - rsvp by February 15

Last Name L-R: March 11, 2026 - rsvp by March 1

Last Name S-Z: March 25, 2026 - rsvp by March 15

Registration for St. Peter Preschool 2026-2027 School Year

Registration for Preschool has begun! Applications are now being accepted online through the St. Peter website HERE where you will click on the Application Form link. 

Also, fill out the form linked below and send it to Mrs. Garner. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Garner at 636-8922 ext. 327 or sgarner@stpeterjc.org

If your child is already an enrolled student at St. Peter Preschool, you will not create a new application. Currently enrolled preschoolers would have received the Preschool Information Form and returned it to school.

PreSchool Information Form

Spirit Wear Store Now Open!

• orders deliver generally 2-3 weeks after deadline
• Store Closes on Feb. 20th!
• These are not approved uniform items but ARE APPROVED spirit day items 
• Cards will be charged under Midwest Printing (not St. Peter)
• Happy Shopping!

Dear Families,

We are currently seeing an increase in illness.

Thank you for keeping students home when they are sick. This is especially important if they are experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms.

As a reminder, students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. Following this guideline helps prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms.

We are also spraying and thoroughly cleaning classrooms to help reduce the spread of germs and keep our school environment as healthy as possible.



Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gayle Trachsel, ED. D

St. Peter School, Jefferson City

Principal

Bringing Clean Water and Education to Uganda

This past July, Dr. Gayle Trachsel and her daughter traveled to Uganda with the Mission Office of the Diocese of Jefferson City. The group included diocesan administrators and the school superintendent, all united in a shared mission to open one of the schools we helped fundraise for last year. Our Diocese is blessed to have four priests from Uganda serving here, strengthening the connection between our communities.

During the trip, Dr. Trachsel witnessed firsthand the profound challenges many families face, particularly the urgent need for clean drinking water and access to education.

In Uganda, families often rely on jerrycans to transport water. Tragically, many of these containers previously held toxic chemicals, contaminating the water and frequently causing serious illness or even death. To address this life-threatening issue, the Mission will distribute five-gallon water backpacks that provide a safe and practical way to carry clean water. Each backpack costs just $10, making even a small donation truly life-saving.

Dr. Trachsel also observed another heartbreaking reality: children without school uniforms are not permitted to attend school. A single uniform, also costing around $10, opens the door to education, opportunity, and hope.

Moved by this need, Madilyn Trachsel, a St. Peter graduate and Helias Catholic High School graduate, organized a fundraiser to provide school uniforms for children in Uganda. Madilyn will return to Uganda this March with the Diocese of Jefferson City Mission Office, along with Paige Bartow, a teacher’s aide at St. Peter, to continue this important work. For every TYJ T-shirt purchased, $10 is donated directly toward a school uniform, one shirt equals one uniform. St Peter students may wear this shirt as spirit wear. 

Together, through clean water and education, we can change lives. Your generosity, whether through a $10 donation for a water backpack or purchasing a $20.00 T-shirt to support school uniforms, brings health, hope, and opportunity to children and families in Uganda.

How to Help:

• Purchase a T-shirt: Visit the school store at https://stores.inksoft.com/st_peter_saints/shop/home
• Donate for clean water: Send cash or check in an envelope marked “Water Bags.”

Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference.

5th-8th Grade Girls are welcome to join for the Bible Study! Any age welcome for Adoration.

2026 PAL Baseball/Softball Registration is now open!

The deadline is February 22nd. PAL Softball/Baseball is for boys and girls currently in 1st and 2nd grade. Click the Link below for more information on how to register!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Music Teacher – 2026–2027 School Year

St. Peter Interparish School is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Music Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. The ideal candidate will foster a love of music through engaging lessons, performances, and liturgical participation. Responsibilities include teaching general music to elementary and middle school students, directing programs, and collaborating with staff to support our faith-based learning environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education 
• Missouri teaching certification (or eligibility)
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Start Date: August 2026

Preschool Teacher - 2026-2027 School Year

Do you love little learners, big smiles, and lots of curiosity? Our preschool is looking for a certified preschool teacher to join our school family for the 2026–2027 school year!

We are searching for someone who enjoys helping children grow, learn, and discover the world through play, creativity, and learning. If you have a warm heart, a joyful spirit, and a passion for early childhood education, we would love to hear from you!



Please contact Dr. Gayle Trachsel and complete a Diocesan application to apply.

1st Grade Teacher – 2026–2027 School Year

St. Peter Interparish School is accepting applications for a 1st Grade Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. We are seeking a caring, faith-filled educator dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth. The successful candidate will create a nurturing classroom environment that promotes curiosity, cooperation, and a love of learning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education
• Missouri teaching certification (or eligibility)
• Commitment to Catholic education 



Start Date: August 2026

It is that time of year when the weather can affect our school day. Below is the policy/procedure from the handbook, which is provided as a refresher.

Inclement Weather

a) When weather conditions make it necessary to close school, the cancellation or snow schedule will be announced by local/social media. Those who subscribe to our texting service will be notified via text of any cancellations or early dismissals.

b) Due to extreme weather, it may be necessary to dismiss school and after-care early. Local/social media will announce the closing time. An email will be sent to all parents, and a notification will be sent via text to all subscribers to the school texting service. Telephoning the school jams the telephone lines and is to be avoided.

c) On early dismissal days due to inclement weather, K-8 children are dismissed to the big flat for pick-up. Students not picked up 20 minutes after dismissal will report to the school office.

d) There is NO after-school care on all early release days. If inclement weather is forecasted, parents are to stay tuned to the local and social media during the day, as After-School Care may need to be dismissed early if the weather hits after 3:05 PM.

The link to sign up for text alerts is posted at the bottom of this newsletter and on our web page for anyone who has not already signed up.

Quick Reference Guide to the Diocese of Jefferson City Stewardship Model

Catholic Stewardship Renewal/Time and Talent Form

TO BE AN “ACTIVE” CATHOLIC STEWARD MEANS:

• To Pray: that is, attend Mass faithfully in the parish on weekends and Holy Days.
• To Participate: that is, to use one’s time and talents to strengthen the parish community and advance the Gospel.
• To Sacrificially Give: that is, pledge and remain current on a tithe of financial first fruits to support the life and ministries of the parish. The goal is 8% to the parish and 2% to other worthy charities.

St. Peter Catholic School

314 West High Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101