Go Make Disciples

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS What to Do After Mass? If you were able to join us for school Mass yesterday, you may have noticed a small change in the way our students now conclude Mass. After the final recessional, students will remain in the pews, kneel, and offer a short prayer of thanksgiving before being dismissed. This is a simple addition, but one that carries great meaning. At St. Paul’s, we want our students to continue growing in their understanding that the church is a sacred space and that time spent there should be treated with reverence and care. We also want our children to see prayer not as something reserved only for certain moments, but as a natural and important part of their daily lives. Those final 30 to 60 seconds after Mass provide a beautiful opportunity for just that. In the quiet of the church, students can thank God for the blessings in their lives, ask Him to watch over their families, lift up a special intention, or pray a Hail Mary or an Our Father. While brief, these moments of silence and reflection can have a powerful impact in helping our students build habits of prayer and deepen their relationship with God. It is also important to note that when parents or family members choose to join us for school Mass, our preference is that students remain with their classroom for the entirety of the Mass. School Masses are intended to be a time for classes to worship together as a school community, and remaining with their classmates helps preserve the reverence, structure, and shared experience of the liturgy. Our hope is that these practices help our young people leave Mass not hurried or distracted, but grounded in gratitude and reminded of the presence of God in their lives. It is often in these small, intentional moments that faith begins to take deeper root. Thank you for continuing to support us in helping our students grow not only academically, but also spiritually. It is a blessing to partner with our families in forming young people who know, love, and trust God more each day. WHAT’S NEW Reminder - 4yo Preschool Program this Friday Please come to our Spring Preschool program this Friday, April 10. The AM performance will be at 10AM and the afternoon performance will be at 1:45PM, both in Denning Hall. We hope to see you there! **************** SAVE THE DATE Our 2nd annual SPS Spring Fine arts Festival will take place during the school day on Thursday, May 7th. Throughout the day, students will be performing and fantastic art work by all students will be on display. The schedule will be as follows: 8:15am-12:30pm - ART SHOW 8:30- 2nd grade Family Folk Dance 9:30- 4th grade Recorder Concert 10:45- 6th, 7th, and 8th Vocal Concert 11:30- 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, and jazz Bands Concert GRANDPARENTS are our special invited guests for this event, so please bring them to enjoy all the talent at SPS! ************* Pathfinders April Pathfinders is all set for next week, Monday April 13th and then again April 27th. More great speakers, more great saints, more great discussion and more self discovery of faith. If your student hasn’t had a chance to join us yet it’s not too late!! All are welcome! Here is the link for the April sign-up . May date will be out soon! STILL CURRENT Aftercare Updates *Aftercare will be in the School GYM on April 20th. *Please consider completing this planning survey to help us estimate attendance for Before and After Care for the upcoming school year. This information will help us plan staffing so we can safely care for the number of students attending each day. 26-27 Before & Aftercare Planning Survey ************ St. Jude Fundraiser 26/27 School Year Next year's Fundraiser might look a little different. There is a possibility of having a Math-a-thon/Walk-a-thon in the Fall of the 26/27 school year. I am looking for a small group of parents/teachers to join the conversation/future planning. If you are interested please contact erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us . Thank you! ********** Stem Fair 25/26 K-4th Grade Thursday, April 16th, 8:45-10 Denning Hall Please see attachment Questions contact erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us STEM Fair Flyer 2026.docx ********** Fun in the Sun Save the Dates June 8-12, 2026 9 am-12 pm Ages 4 years-Current 4th Grade ********** Coming Soon: Rainforest Falls VBS! This summer we are going to explore the nature of God at Vacation Bible School! St. Paul's Rainforest Falls VBS will be held the week of June 22-26 from 8:30 - 11:30 am daily for youth who have finished 3 year old preschool through going into 5th grade. Watch for more information after Easter for volunteer opportunities and registration. *************** Voter Voice in Iowa Our Catholic schools continue to be strengthened when families make their voices heard. The Iowa Catholic Conference is currently asking supporters to take a moment to complete an action alert in support of preschool access, educational flexibility, and additional support for nonpublic school facilities. The alert specifically encourages legislators to support HF 2713 / SF 2425, which includes protections for community-based preschool partnerships, a second fall ESA sign-up period for families whose situations change mid-year, and financing tools that could help nonpublic schools with future facility and infrastructure needs. I encourage our St. Paul families to take a few minutes to complete this action alert and share your support. Parent voices matter, and participation helps remind lawmakers that Catholic education is an important option for Iowa families. Thank you for continuing to advocate for our students, our school, and the future of Catholic education in Iowa. Voter Voice **************** 100th Anniversary Gala Join us for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fine dining, live and silent auctions, with entertainment provided by Identity Crisis. Help us to show our appreciation to our parish and school faculty and staff, as well as raise money to fund student programs through our Home and School Association. Any funds raised above the Home and School budget needs will go to the Building Fund for a proposed Fine Arts addition, all school air conditioning and expansion of the Early Learning Programs. May 1, 2026 at Rhythm City Casino $75 per person 5:30 Cocktails and Silent Auction 6:30 Dinner 7:30 Program and Live Auction 8:30-10:30 Identity Crisis music and dancing Tickets can be purchased online at https://onecau.se/_fmdam1 *********** Save the Date! St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing Join us on June 12 for the St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing at the beautiful Emeis Golf Course in Davenport, IA, where your swing can make a difference! Registration at 12:00 PM Shotgun Start at 1:00 PM Dinner at 5:00 PM Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy a day on the greens, complete with friendly competition, delicious food, and the chance to win exciting prizes. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this event promises a fun-filled day of camaraderie and charity, all while strengthening the bonds within our St. Paul the Apostle family. Don’t miss this opportunity to tee off for a great cause! ************* ISASPs ISASP tests (formerly called Iowa tests of Basic Skills) will be administered to all students in grades 3 - 8 the week of April 20 . If your child has any appointments scheduled for this week, we ask that you please consider rescheduling so that they can complete testing with their class (versus having to find time to make up testing and miss valuable class time). Please also make an effort to arrive at school on time during ISASP week. The first bell rings at 7:45 and the tardy bell rings at 7:55. Thank you for your cooperation. ********** SPS Yearbooks for sale Celebrate 100 Years of Panther Pride! 2025-26 Yearbooks are on sale this year. St. Paul's is celebrating their 100th Anniversary! Each Yearbook is on sale for $25. Over 100 pages with Full-color photos Packed with memories, milestones, and Panther pride A special keepsake honoring 100 years of our amazing school Order by Friday, May 1st, to purchase go to: https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx This once-in-a-century yearbook is the perfect way for students and families to remember this unforgettable school year. Get yours before they’re gone! If “Yearbook” is not an option in Blackbaud, that means you have already ordered one (remember that you have to log into each of your children’s accounts if they each want one). *********** Rising Knights Girls Wrestling Fundraiser Flyer Wrestling Fundraiser *********** Recess Volunteers Needed Volunteer Recess Supervisors Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help supervise recess! Having extra adults on the playground helps ensure our students stay safe, supported, and engaged during outdoor play. Volunteering for recess is also a great way to fulfill your required volunteer hours while spending time with our school community. To volunteer, CMG training is required for all school volunteers. If you are interested, I am happy to send you the information and steps needed to complete the training. Please email: jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us if interested. If you are set with the CMG trainings please use the links below to volunteer for a day that works for you. Thank you for helping us keep our playground a safe and fun place for our children! April Recess Sign up Link May Recess Sign up Link ********** WEEK AT A GLANCE

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we are invited to slow down and remember the heart of our faith. Holy Week reminds us that even in moments of sorrow, uncertainty, and sacrifice, God is always at work bringing hope, healing, and new life. The journey to Easter is not only the story of Christ’s love for us, but also a reminder that light always breaks through the darkness. As a school community, this is a beautiful time to reflect on the blessings we have been given and the ways we are called to share Christ’s love with others. May these sacred days bring your family peace, renewal, and joy as we prepare to celebrate the promise of the Resurrection. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday and a joyful Easter. WHAT’S NEW Aftercare Updates Aftercare will be in the School GYM on April 20th Please consider completing this planning survey to help us estimate attendance for Before and After Care for the upcoming school year. This information will help us plan staffing so we can safely care for the number of students attending each day. 26-27 Before & Aftercare Planning Survey ************ St. Jude Fundraiser 26/27 School Year Next year's Fundraiser might look a little different. There is a possibility of having a Math-a-thon/Walk-a-thon in the Fall of the 26/27 school year. I am looking for a small group of parents/teachers to join the conversation/future planning. If you are interested please contact erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us. Thank you! ********** Mathathon results 25/26 We collected $1836 for the children of St. Jude! Thank you so much for all the math, money, and love! St. Jude's would not be able to do it without YOU!!! Our donation will cover about one day of chemotherapy for one patient. The winners of the drawings this year are Ariel 8B, Han 7A and 1st grade gets a class treat! Thank you again for your participation!!!! ************** Stem Fair 25/26 K-4th Grade Thursday, April 16th, 8:45-10 Denning Hall Please see attachment Questions contact erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us STEM Fair Flyer 2026.docx ********** Fun in the Sun Save the Dates June 8-12, 2026 9 am-12 pm Ages 4 years-Current 4th Grade ********** Religion Bee 25/26 This year our 6th,7th, and 8th students participated in the Religion Bee. Three students moved onto the next level, Joel N., Leo H., and Logan P. Leo H. and his team from the Diocese of Davenport will move to the state level on May 1st. Good luck Leo!!! *********** Spelling Bee News Our own Lincoln L. competed in the regional Spelling Bee on March 21 after winning the school Spelling Bee in January. Lincoln placed 3rd overall at the Regional Spelling Bee. Congratulations Lincoln. ************** Quarter 3 Art Newsletter Art Newsletter ************** Coming Soon: Rainforest Falls VBS! This summer we are going to explore the nature of God at Vacation Bible School! St. Paul's Rainforest Falls VBS will be held the week of June 22-26 from 8:30 - 11:30 am daily for youth who have finished 3 year old preschool through going into 5th grade. Watch for more information after Easter for volunteer opportunities and registration. *************** STILL CURRENT Voter Voice in Iowa Our Catholic schools continue to be strengthened when families make their voices heard. The Iowa Catholic Conference is currently asking supporters to take a moment to complete an action alert in support of preschool access, educational flexibility, and additional support for nonpublic school facilities. The alert specifically encourages legislators to support HF 2713 / SF 2425, which includes protections for community-based preschool partnerships, a second fall ESA sign-up period for families whose situations change mid-year, and financing tools that could help nonpublic schools with future facility and infrastructure needs. I encourage our St. Paul families to take a few minutes to complete this action alert and share your support. Parent voices matter, and participation helps remind lawmakers that Catholic education is an important option for Iowa families. Thank you for continuing to advocate for our students, our school, and the future of Catholic education in Iowa. Voter Voice **************** Aftercare closed on Holy Thursday and No School on Good Friday/Holy Monday Aftercare will be closed THIS Thursday, April 2. Please make arrangements to pick up your child(ren) at dismissal. There will be no school on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 for Easter break. ************ 100th Anniversary Gala Join us for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fine dining, live and silent auctions, with entertainment provided by Identity Crisis. Help us to show our appreciation to our parish and school faculty and staff, as well as raise money to fund student programs through our Home and School Association. Any funds raised above the Home and School budget needs will go to the Building Fund for a proposed Fine Arts addition, all school air conditioning and expansion of the Early Learning Programs. May 1, 2026 at Rhythm City Casino $75 per person 5:30 Cocktails and Silent Auction 6:30 Dinner 7:30 Program and Live Auction 8:30-10:30 Identity Crisis music and dancing Tickets can be purchased online at https://onecau.se/_fmdam1 *********** Save the Date! St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing Join us on June 12 for the St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing at the beautiful Emeis Golf Course in Davenport, IA, where your swing can make a difference! Registration at 12:00 PM Shotgun Start at 1:00 PM Dinner at 5:00 PM Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy a day on the greens, complete with friendly competition, delicious food, and the chance to win exciting prizes. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this event promises a fun-filled day of camaraderie and charity, all while strengthening the bonds within our St. Paul the Apostle family. Don’t miss this opportunity to tee off for a great cause! ************* ISASPs ISASP tests (formerly called Iowa tests of Basic Skills) will be administered to all students in grades 3 - 8 the week of April 20 . If your child has any appointments scheduled for this week, we ask that you please consider rescheduling so that they can complete testing with their class (versus having to find time to make up testing and miss valuable class time). Please also make an effort to arrive at school on time during ISASP week. The first bell rings at 7:45 and the tardy bell rings at 7:55. Thank you for your cooperation. ********** SPS Yearbooks for sale Celebrate 100 Years of Panther Pride! 2025-26 Yearbooks are on sale this year. St. Paul's is celebrating their 100th Anniversary! Each Yearbook is on sale for $25. Over 100 pages with Full-color photos Packed with memories, milestones, and Panther pride A special keepsake honoring 100 years of our amazing school Order by Friday, May 1st, to purchase go to: https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx This once-in-a-century yearbook is the perfect way for students and families to remember this unforgettable school year. Get yours before they’re gone! If “Yearbook” is not an option in Blackbaud, that means you have already ordered one (remember that you have to log into each of your children’s accounts if they each want one). *********** Rising Knights Girls Wrestling Fundraiser Flyer Wrestling Fundraiser *********** Recess Volunteers Needed Volunteer Recess Supervisors Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help supervise recess! Having extra adults on the playground helps ensure our students stay safe, supported, and engaged during outdoor play. Volunteering for recess is also a great way to fulfill your required volunteer hours while spending time with our school community. To volunteer, CMG training is required for all school volunteers. If you are interested, I am happy to send you the information and steps needed to complete the training. Please email: jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us if interested. If you are set with the CMG trainings please use the links below to volunteer for a day that works for you. Thank you for helping us keep our playground a safe and fun place for our children! April Recess Sign up Link May Recess Sign up Link ************* WEEK AT A GLANCE

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS Welcome back from Spring Break! We hope your time away was filled with rest, fun, and meaningful time with family and friends. As we return to school, we are excited to welcome our students back and begin the final stretch of the school year together. Spring is always a busy and exciting time at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School. There is so much learning, growth, and celebration still ahead of us, and we are grateful to partner with you as we finish the year strong. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and commitment to our school community. We are looking forward to seeing all of our students back in the building, ready to do their personal best, make wise choices, act responsibly, and keep safety first. Let’s make it a great spring at St. Paul’s! WHAT’S NEW Aftercare closed on Holy Thursday and No School on Good Friday/Holy Monday Aftercare will be closed next week on Thursday, April 2. Please make arrangements to pick up your child(ren) at dismissal. There will be no school on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 for Easter break. ************ 100th Anniversary Gala Join us for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fine dining, live and silent auctions, with entertainment provided by Identity Crisis. Help us to show our appreciation to our parish and school faculty and staff, as well as raise money to fund student programs through our Home and School Association. Any funds raised above the Home and School budget needs will go to the Building Fund for a proposed Fine Arts addition, all school air conditioning and expansion of the Early Learning Programs. May 1, 2026 at Rhythm City Casino $75 per person 5:30 Cocktails and Silent Auction 6:30 Dinner 7:30 Program and Live Auction 8:30-10:30 Identity Crisis music and dancing Tickets can be purchased online at https://onecau.se/_fmdam1 *********** Voter Voice in Iowa Our Catholic schools continue to be strengthened when families make their voices heard. The Iowa Catholic Conference is currently asking supporters to take a moment to complete an action alert in support of preschool access, educational flexibility, and additional support for nonpublic school facilities. The alert specifically encourages legislators to support HF 2713 / SF 2425, which includes protections for community-based preschool partnerships, a second fall ESA sign-up period for families whose situations change mid-year, and financing tools that could help nonpublic schools with future facility and infrastructure needs. I encourage our St. Paul families to take a few minutes to complete this action alert and share your support. Parent voices matter, and participation helps remind lawmakers that Catholic education is an important option for Iowa families. Thank you for continuing to advocate for our students, our school, and the future of Catholic education in Iowa. Voter Voice *********** Save the Date! St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing Join us on June 12 for the St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing at the beautiful Emeis Golf Course in Davenport, IA, where your swing can make a difference! Registration at 12:00 PM Shotgun Start at 1:00 PM Dinner at 5:00 PM Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy a day on the greens, complete with friendly competition, delicious food, and the chance to win exciting prizes. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this event promises a fun-filled day of camaraderie and charity, all while strengthening the bonds within our St. Paul the Apostle family. Don’t miss this opportunity to tee off for a great cause! ************* Pathfinders is Back!! After a short break we are getting back to our Pathfinder meetings. Our next will be on Monday March 30th when we will get to hear from a seminarian. The last two weeks of March are going to be great!! I have included a sign up for both dates so please feel free to sign up for both or just one at a time. Thank you so much and I look forward to continuing our journey with Pathfinders! STILL CURRENT ISASPs ISASP tests (formerly called Iowa tests of Basic Skills) will be administered to all students in grades 3 - 8 the week of April 20. If your child has any appointments scheduled for this week, we ask that you please consider rescheduling so that they can complete testing with their class (versus having to find time to make up testing and miss valuable class time). Please also make an effort to arrive at school on time during ISASP week. The first bell rings at 7:45 and the tardy bell rings at 7:55. Thank you for your cooperation. ********** SPS Yearbooks for sale Celebrate 100 Years of Panther Pride! 2025-26 Yearbooks are on sale this year. St. Paul's is celebrating their 100th Anniversary! Each Yearbook is on sale for $25. Over 100 pages with Full-color photos Packed with memories, milestones, and Panther pride A special keepsake honoring 100 years of our amazing school Order by Friday, May 1st, to purchase go to: https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx This once-in-a-century yearbook is the perfect way for students and families to remember this unforgettable school year. Get yours before they’re gone! If “Yearbook” is not an option in Blackbaud, that means you have already ordered one (remember that you have to log into each of your children’s accounts if they each want one). *********** Classroom Request Form We are beginning our planning for the 2026-27 school year and teachers will be putting together homeroom assignments. Teachers look at many factors when creating homeroom lists including academic ability, behavior, and student friendships to create a balanced homeroom where children will be successful. Requests for a particular teacher or separation from a particular student should be few. It is important to give clear, detailed reasons for this isolated request. Requests granted for a particular homeroom will be limited to a maximum of 3 boys and 3 girls. The principal, guidance counselor, assistant principal and current classroom teachers will meet to decide which requests will be granted based on the most pressing student needs (academic and behavioral). Classroom Request forms must be turned into the school office by March 27, 2026, to be considered. Forms are available in the school office. Emails, personal conversations, and phone messages will NOT serve as a formal request and will not be considered. Late forms will not be accepted. *************** Future Club Scholarship St. Paul the Apostle Future Club is offering a scholarship for a graduating high school senior who attended St. Paul the Apostle School, and who is planning to attend a college or university. You must include a typewritten essay entitled “What My Catholic Education Has Meant to Me” (maximum 1,000 words). The Selection Committee will review all applications and essays. The scholarship is not renewable. All applications must be received at SPS by Tuesday, March 31. No late applications will be accepted. Future Fund Scholarship App 2026.doc ************ Recess Volunteers Needed Volunteer Recess Supervisors Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help supervise recess! Having extra adults on the playground helps ensure our students stay safe, supported, and engaged during outdoor play. Volunteering for recess is also a great way to fulfill your required volunteer hours while spending time with our school community. To volunteer, CMG training is required for all school volunteers. If you are interested, I am happy to send you the information and steps needed to complete the training. Please email: jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us if interested. If you are set with the CMG trainings please use the links below to volunteer for a day that works for you. Thank you for helping us keep our playground a safe and fun place for our children! March Recess Sign up Link April Recess Sign up Link May Recess Sign up Link ********** WEEK AT A GLANCE