PRINCIPAL’S PONDERING The temperatures are rising in Davenport, and staying hydrated is especially important! Please encourage your children to bring a refillable water bottle to school each day and drink water regularly. We will continue reminding students to take water breaks and pay attention to how they are feeling. Together, we can help everyone stay safe, healthy, and ready to learn during these hot days! WHAT’S NEW Back-to-School Block Party! It’s time to kick off the school year with a night of fun! Join us for the St. Paul’s Home & School Association Back-to-School Block Party on Saturday, September 19 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School! There will be something for everyone, including face painting, popcorn, Here’s the Scoop ice cream, a rock wall, inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, toddler area, cake walk, dunk tank, hot dogs, burgers, and more! Choose the ticket option that matches your family/group: 1–3 people: Purchase an Individual Ticket for each person — $15 each. 4–6 people: Purchase 1 Family Pass — $60 for up to 6 people. 7+ people: Purchase 1 Family Pass + an Additional Ticket for each person over 6 — $10 per additional person. We will send the wristbands home with the students the week of the event or you can pick them up from the Parish office if you choose that option. The Block Party is open to all St. Paul’s families and parish members, so invite your friends and neighbors and come enjoy a fun night together! Grab your tickets and join us for one of our favorite St. Paul’s events of the year! We can’t wait to see you there! Click to purchase tickets/wristbands! ************************ Block Party Volunteers - September 19th The Back-to-School Block Party is one of our favorite St. Paul’s traditions, and it’s a fun evening with something for the whole family! An event this big takes a lot of helping hands, and we are so thankful for our amazing St. Paul’s community that always comes together to make it a success. We’d love your help! Please sign up for a volunteer time slot and join us in making this a fun and memorable evening for our students and families. We have volunteer opportunities for set-up (light or physical work) help during the event and clean up. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Schwartz at saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com. Link to Volunteer: https://app.unison.io/schedules/6483EtsOdd16VkY87UsLoe ********************** Cake Walk Donations! One of our students’ favorite parts of the Block Party is the Cake Walk! We’d love for you to show off your baking skills (or buying skills) and help make this favorite tradition a success! If you can't volunteer at the event the cake walk donation is a great way to still help out! We welcome all kinds of treats—cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, Bundt cakes, and more! Store-bought treats are absolutely welcome, too! A few quick reminders: Please use disposable packaging only. Stickers will be available at drop-off for you to add your name and a description of your treat. Treats can be dropped off in Denning Hall on Friday or early Saturday before the event. Thank you for helping make the Cake Walk so much fun for our students! Cake Donation Sign Up: https://app.unison.io/schedules/7vxr247R1ND7dJgm5xL5SQ ******************** Cub Scouts for K-5 On September 15th, Pack 3020 will have a recruitment night in Denning Hall for all interested students from 6 - 7:30. ********************* Job Opening The Diocese of Davenport is currently looking for a Director of Evangelization. This will be a full-time exempt position. JOB PRIMARY PURPOSE/FUNCTION Inspired by the mission of the Diocese of Davenport, “As a Eucharistic community, we live out Jesus’ call to go and make disciples of all nations and to love God and neighbor,” the Director of Evangelization serves as a strategic leader who advances a culture of missionary discipleship throughout the Diocese. The Director collaborates with Diocesan offices, parishes, schools,clergy, religious, and lay leaders to proclaim the Gospel in ways that are compelling, invitational, and relevant to today’s world. Through the integrated use of evangelization, storytelling, communication, marketing, and digital engagement, the Director assists parishes and Diocesan ministries to share the mission of the Church given by Jesus Christ. The Director develops and implements strategies that inspire engagement, strengthen parish vitality, foster belonging, and reach those who have become disconnected from the Church as well as those who have never encountered the Gospel. Send resume and cover letter to: Tiara Hatfield hatfield@davenportdiocese.org 780 W Central Park Ave Davenport, IA 52804 ************************ STILL CURRENT SPS Spirit Wear and Some Uniform Items The uniform and spirit wear store closes today! If you missed placing your order a few weeks ago, now is your chance. Orders will be delivered to SPS by September 24th. This is a great time to order your uniform approved quarter zip sweatshirts for those cold winter days ahead. Check out all the fun St. Paul spirit wear and show your school spirit. Remember that spirit wear tops can be worn with uniform bottoms on early out days, so stock up. https://stores.inksoft.com/saint_paul_davenport/shop/home ********************* ESA Tuition Reminder Parents need to verify the tuition amount SCCS entered in your student(s) ESA Odyssey account. This needs to be completed by September 30th so the school can be paid the tuition funds from the State of Iowa. If it is not verified, you will not be eligible for any funds for all of the 26/27 school year and will be responsible for the entire tuition amount. ******************** School Messenger Please use the link below to sign up for School Messenger so that you don’t miss important communication from the school office. Early dismissals due to heat, no school due to snow days, or sudden power outages are just a few occurrences that may result in us needing to get a message to you as soon as possible. Please make sure you are signed up so that you don’t miss this important communication. School Messenger Opt In Instructions ******************** Link for Gym Uniform (4th - 8th Grade students only) 4th - 8th grade students are required to wear P.E. uniforms on days that they have P.E. If you still need to purchase these, please go to https://www.empoweringabilities.org/stores/st-paul-the-apostle-school/ ******************* Volunteer Opportunities We are always looking for parent volunteers to help with recess. Recess is from 11:30 - 12:30 each day and all volunteers must complete Safe Environment Training and a Background check (required by the Diocese). If you are interested in volunteering, and already have completed/and are current on CMG training, click on the link below to sign up. If you need CMG training, please email jescie.pullinger@spscatholic.org. 26-27 Recess Volunteer Signup ****************** KKD 2026 Fall Kids Clinic What: 2026 Knight Kompany Dancers Fall Kids Clinic Who: For Girls and Boys Grades Kindergarten-8th (Fall 2026) Where: Assumption High School Gym When: Friday, September 25th - 4:00pm-6:00pm Performance: Friday, September 25th @ Halftime of the Varsity Football Game. Dancers arrive at the stadium at 7:30pm. Cost: $40 (includes T-Shirt & bow). Deadline: Thursday, September 17th (late sign ups will not receive a T-Shirt). Payment: Cash or checks made out to SCCS KKD (online payment not accepted) Contact: Head Coach Hailey Hlubek haileyhlubek@gmail.com Link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1sY_6cyPiICPUUzV9_J-z2JDOqH3O2kstMf9GldmJm6OVZA/viewform?pli=1 *************** School Website Please check out our website at https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/ . You can find lots of important information there. The “Parents” tab can be helpful for PowerSchool access, The School Calendar, School Policies, and to submit your Home and School Volunteer hours. Scroll down on the home page to see the “Weekly Panther” if you can’t find it in your email. *************** Home and School News Hello St. Paul Parents! As we kick off the 2026–2027 school year , the St. Paul Home & School Association would like to reintroduce ourselves and welcome everyone to another great year! Home & School is made up of parents and teachers at St. Paul’s and exists to support our students, teachers, school, and parish community. Throughout the year, we raise money to provide our students with extra resources and opportunities outside of the school budget, including technology, library books, art supplies, PE equipment, classroom needs, and much more. We also support our teachers and staff throughout the year by providing classroom funding, hospitality, and special events to show our appreciation for the incredible work they do with our children. In addition, Home & School helps organize and support social events throughout the year that bring our school and parish families together and help build a strong sense of community. Home & School Meetings Home & School meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 6:00–7:00 p.m. Meetings are typically held in the St. Paul’s Media Center . Everyone is welcome to attend! Whether you are able to volunteer regularly or simply want to learn more about what Home & School does, we would love to have you join us. Volunteer Opportunities & Family Commitment Each parent has the opportunity to support Home & School by completing 20 volunteer hours throughout the school year. Families can fulfill this commitment in one of several ways: 20 volunteer hours $200 buyout in lieu of volunteer hours $200 in Panther Perks profit (rebate credit) A combination of all three options Volunteer hours can be completed through a variety of school and Home & School activities throughout the year. More information about volunteer opportunities and Panther Perks will be shared as the school year gets underway. Get Involved & Join a Committee! We are always looking for volunteers, and this year we have several great committees you can join, including Trunk or Treat, Ladies Bingo Night, Fundraising, and the Block Party . As a little extra incentive, anyone who signs up to serve on one of these committees will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Kohl’s gift card! We'd love to have you join us and help make these events a success. Even if you can only give a little time, every volunteer makes a difference! We will send emails throughout the school year with volunteer opportunities and information about upcoming events. We will also share announcements through email and on the St. Paul the Apostle Home & School Association Facebook page so make sure you are following us on Facebook (Link to Facebook) . There are so many ways to get involved, whether you have an hour to volunteer at an event, want to join a committee, help with a fundraiser, or simply attend a meeting. Every bit of help makes a difference! We are looking forward to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year and are excited to work together to make it a great year for our students, teachers, and families. Thank you for your continued support of St. Paul Home & School! saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com *************** Panther Perks Update 2026–2027 Thank you for your continued support of the Panther Perks Gift Card Program! We are excited to announce that Panther Perks is going digital for the 2026–2027 school year , making it easier and more convenient than ever to participate. Panther Perks allows families to purchase physical and digital gift cards, with a percentage of each purchase going directly back to St. Paul the Apostle. Your participation helps Home & School provide funding for field trips, educational resources, library books, classroom supplies, and many other programs and opportunities for our students. You will no longer need to complete a paper order form or return an envelope each month. All orders can be placed online or through the RaiseRight app. St. Paul the Apostle Enrollment Code: FDBA8C8C35L9 Enroll or Shop Online: https://www.raiseright.com/enroll/FDBA8C8C35L9 RaiseRight offers a wide selection of physical and digital gift cards from many popular retailers. You can also purchase e-gift cards and reload eligible gift cards directly through the app. Panther Perks Day is the first Tuesday of each month. Monthly orders purchased on Raise Right will be processed by our parent volunteers at 8:00 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month and sent home with students on the second Tuesday of the month. There is also a special benefit for participating families: Orders placed from the Wednesday prior through 8:00 a.m. on Panther Perks Tuesday will qualify your student for an out-of-uniform day for their students on the specified day each month. (See E Order Form Flyer for Dates) E Order Form Flyer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SIx7wHspL6p9JSO4c4W4DBjGEYZmiFFku2bklXpcD_o/edit?usp=sharing All online RaiseRight purchases count toward an out-of-uniform day , including: E-gift cards Physical gift cards Eligible gift card reloads Remember that digital gift cards are delivered to you on the RaiseRight app immediately, no need to wait for a physical gift card! We are grateful for your continued support of Panther Perks and for helping Home & School provide additional resources and opportunities for our students. Every purchase makes a difference! If you have questions or would like to volunteer with the Panther Perks program, please contact saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com . ************************ Preschool Back to School Pizza Party Let’s kick off the school year with pizza and fun! We’re excited to invite all ELC (Early Learning Center/preschool/TK) families to our ELC Pizza Party on Friday, September 11th, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in Denning Hall ! Come enjoy some pizza, meet other ELC families, and celebrate the start of a great school year together. It’s a fun and easy way to get to know the St. Paul ELC community! Please RSVP by September 8th using the link/QR code below. We hope to see you there! Info Flyer: ELC Pizza Party RSVP Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844A8AB2CA7F4CE9-65154073-stpauls#/ ************************ WEEK AT A GLANCE

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERING ****************************************************************************************************************** WHAT’S NEW ****************************************************************************************************************** STILL CURRENT  ****************************************************************************************************************** WEEK AT A GLANCE

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERING The End of the Year Is Upon Us! The end of the school year is always full of fun activities and celebrations, and boy, do we know how to do it! From school trips to parks and trails, amusement parks, and even hosting our very own "State Fair," SPS is pulling out all the stops to send the kids into summer excited about learning. If you're a parent, much like myself, looking for fun things to do this summer with your kids, you're in luck! The Quad Cities has so many wonderful summer activities to take advantage of. Below is just a small sampling of ways you can fill your days with your kids while they're home. Water Fun If you are looking for a good time involving water, take a look at this PAGE to find all of the activities that are suitable for toddlers to teens. There is a variety of options from pools, splash pads, spray parks, to water parks. Easy Family Activities Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley is always a solid summer day trip, especially for younger kids. It is close enough to make it a half-day outing without feeling like a major production. The Family Museum in Bettendorf is one of the best rainy-day or too-hot-day options. It has hands-on exhibits and creative play areas, and it works especially well for preschool through elementary-aged kids. Putnam Museum & Science Center in Davenport is another strong indoor option, especially if your kids like science, dinosaurs, history, or IMAX-style experiences. John Deere Pavilion in Moline is free, interactive, and surprisingly fun for kids who like climbing into big machines. The Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport has free admission in July. This means you can experience it all. Explore the exhibitions on view, stroll through the permanent collection galleries, and discover something inspiring around every corner. Summer Events and One-Time Outings Check the Visit Quad Cities Events Calendar regularly. It lists current activities such as QC Summer Games, river cruises, exhibits, live events, and family-friendly happenings across the area. Consider a Celebration Bell River Cruise or other riverboat experience if your kids would enjoy being on the Mississippi, and learn a little in the process. Catch a Quad Cities River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park. DID YOU KNOW that Modern Woodmen Park was voted the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the country by USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The historic downtown Davenport stadium won the #1 spot in 2014, 2024, and 2025, before placing a close second in 2026. Summer Bucket List With any and all of the options above (and more), make a summer bucket list in the first few weeks of things you hope to see and do. Cross them off your list when you do it. AND don’t worry, if you finish your list early, make another ONE. Have a happy, healthy, and safe summer. We look forward to seeing you next year! -Mr. Connors ****************************************************************************************************************** WHAT’S NEW Last two days of school dress Tomorrow, Thursday, May 28 is field day. Students may wear a spirit wear top and out of uniform bottoms (appropriate length and loose fitting), but please refer to your child(ren)’s teachers emails, as some may have slightly different guidelines. Anything that says St. Paul’s is spirit wear (100yr. Birthday shirt, band shirt, bowling shirt, etc). Friday, May 29 is the last day of school. We have a two hour early dismissal at 12:50. Buses will run. Students may wear a spirit wear shirt with uniform bottoms. ***************** Wednesday Folders Wednesday folders will be sent home tomorrow. Please check them for important information including your child’s report card and a school supply list for next year. ***************** Medication in the Office If you brought in medication this year for your student, including epi pens, please pick it up on Friday, or next week (Tuesday - Friday) between 8:30 - 2:30. ***************** St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing June 12, 2026 Emeis Golf Course 12:00 Registration 1:00 Shotgun Start Cost - $90.00 per golfer Includes: 18 holes, cart and dinner, drinks Email Julie Delaney at davstpauldev@gmail to sign up individually or for your foursome, by going to https://onecau.se/stpaulgolf ****************** Summer Office Hours The school office will be open the following hours this summer: June 2 - 12 - 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM weekdays June 15 - August 7 - Wednesday mornings from 8:30 - 11:30 August 10 - August 21 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM (call first as we may be in back to school meetings) August 24 - First day of school - Normal office hours 7:30 AM - 3:15 PM **************** Enrollment If you will not be returning to St. Pauls in August, please let the office know. We do have waiting lists in some of the grade levels. ****************** Another Summer Camp Opportunity TBK SummerCamp26Flyer.jpg ************** Art Room News Q4 Art Newsletter ************* Helpful Links: School Calendar https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/school-calendar Record Volunteer Hours https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/parent-volunteer-hours-reporting-form Uniform Approved Sweatshirts/PE Uniforms https://www.empoweringabilities.org/stores/st-paul-the-apostle-school/ ************** ****************************************************************************************************************** STILL CURRENT Parent Participation Obligation As we wrap up the 2025-2026 school year, we need all families to complete their Home and School Parent Participation Obligation. Each family is required to fulfill a Home and School obligation each year. There are 3 options: $200 buyout - pay through Blackbaud at this link (must know dollar amount due) https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=ix01qiteyce#/home/ 2) 20 Volunteer hours throughout the 2025-26 school year. Record your volunteer Hours here: https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/parent-volunteer-hours-reporting-form 3) $200 in REBATE PROFIT through purchasing Panther Perks If this obligation was not yet fulfilled after the first semester, you should have received a letter in January with your balance due. If you need to know your current balance, please email kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us . Balances not paid in full by May 31 will be sent to SCCS for billing. **************** Used Uniform Sale Hello Parents! It is time to start thinking about the Used Uniform Sale. Set up will be from 6 pm-8 pm on Tuesday, July 14th. Anyone who helps on Tuesday, July 14th will get to shop while they set up and get first picks. The sale will be held on Wednesday, July 15th and Wednesday, July 22nd from 8 am-11:30 am and 6-8 pm. The sale will also be held during Unpack Your Backpack Night on Thursday, August 20 from 1:00-5:30 and clean up will be held, in the evening, after Unpack your Backpack. Volunteers needed!!!! Home and School volunteer hours available. We need your used clothing. Items can also be dropped off to the school now-June 12th. Please text Erin 563-508-2808 if you need to arrange a different time for drop off. We will sell the following things at the sale: Uniform jumpers and skirts, navy and khaki pants and shorts, polos, SPS/AHS approved sweatshirts, 3/4 zips, sweaters, belts, gym uniforms, SPS and AHS spiritwear. If you want to sell your items please mark each item, on the front of a note card sized paper. Then attach it with a safety pin. Include the following information: Name Phone Number Girls/Boys Size Price You may donate items, too. All proceeds from donations go to Home and School and directly help our students. Donations can simply be dropped off as is. We also need shoppers! Many items are like new and prices are reasonable. Shopping the Used Uniform Sale directly impacts our children in the classroom!!! Items can be dropped off in the school office now through June 12th or in the Gathering Space anytime thereafter. A special container will be in the Gathering Space. If you are able to help or if you have questions, DO NOT REPLY to this email, but please contact Erin Darland at erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or 563-508-2808. Thank you in advance for your help and support of this sale. ************** DIOCESE OF DAVENPORT - Marriage & Family Life Coordinator The Diocese of Davenport is currently looking for a Marriage & Family Life Coordinator that will work in the Faith Formation Department. The position is a full-time, exempt position. The Coordinator is responsible for providing coordination, collaboration, administration, support, and leadership for the parish leaders in areas of marriage and family life for the Diocese. The Coordinator identifies, designs, organizes and implements a process for the development, training, and ongoing accompaniment of leaders with a focus on building parish capacity in marriage preparation, early marriage, family formation, and the full inclusion of and pastoral care of families, especially those with special needs. The coordinator will support pastors, organize family life projects and help carry out the objectives of a strategic plan. A bachelor's degree in theology, religious education or other relevant discipline is required (master's preferred). Parish and pastoral experience in family life ministry is also required. Send resume to: Tiara Hatfield, hatfield@davenportdiocese.org , or 780 W Central Park Ave, Davenport, IA 52804. *************** TRACK & FIELD OPPORTUNITIES There is a Track opportunity for current 8th graders and under. (Parents can hang out on the field with them. 2026 — Youth track & field meet sponsored by QC Summer Games and Two Rivers YMCA . Your payment includes participation and a t-shirt. If you would rather mail in your payment ®gistration, please open this link https://qcsogo.org/docs/2026-Youth-meet-only-registration.pdf. If you need it printed, please email Ms. Luke at klucas@ascsdav.org and she will print it for you. ** This track opportunity has nothing to do with SCCS or SPS. If you have questions, please contact the person listed. ***************** Lost and Found Mrs. VanCamp has gone through all of the lost and found items and put them out on a table in the hallway. If you are missing any items, please stop by to look. Any items left on the last day of school will be donated. ************** Art Sketchbooks next year The sketchbooks in Art were wonderful to use this year- Thank you for providing them. They will be coming home this week. Several students used very nice sketchbooks this year and they might be able to reuse them next year. If your student’s sketchbook has more than 30 clean pages left, the front and back cover AND the spiral are intact and in good condition your student can probably reuse the book for the 26-27 school year. If you'd like to reuse the book next year, just carefully remove the used pages, and clearly mark the student's name and NEW homeroom to the front and bring it back next year. Of course if your student/s would like to use the sketchbook for drawing over the summer and purchase a new one next year that's an option too. (If you get the school supply kit- sketchbooks are one year usage books.) Thanks for your support! Mrs Brooke :) Any questions? jen.brooke@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us **************** Tutoring available: There are several qualified teachers interested in providing tutoring this summer. If you are interested please contact the school office and they can share the list with you. *************** Summer Activities Joe Ewen Basketball Camp 2026 2026 Camps at SAU.png Windsor Crest Tennis.pdf Better Golf Youth Summer Clinic.pdf VOLLEYBALL CLINIC.pdf 2026 Girls Basketball Camp Form.pdf Robotics Flyer.pdf **************** Fun in the Sun Please see the link below for information on “Fun in the Sun” for Preschool - 4th graders. June 8 - 12 Fun in the Sun 2026.docx ************** ESA applications now open The Odyssey ESA portal for parents is now open through June 30 for the 2026–27 school year. Please go to the Odyssey website at https://esasforiowa.org/ and click on the “apply now” button. Additional program dates for the 2026-27 school year will be shared as they are confirmed by Odyssey. If someone does not have access to a computer or is otherwise unable to complete the ESA application independently, they may email martha.korneisel@sccsiowa.org or rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or call Martha at 563.326.2667 ext. 2223 or Rose at 563.326.2667 ext. 2269. ************** School Supply Kits for 2026-27 Parents - it's time to buy your 1st Day School Supplies. I know it seems early, but before you know it, summer will be here. It's important you order your supplies before it's too late or supplies run out. Start the school year with the exact supplies your teacher requested, and give your child the confidence they need to conquer next year! Get them today before it's too late! Deadline to order is June 30. USE THIS LINK TO ORDER: http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/40081 ****************************************************************************************************************** WEEK AT A GLANCE