Principal Post
August 20, 2025
First Principal’s Post of the School Year - Hold on to Your Horses!!!
Welcome to the first “Principal’s Post” of the 2025–26 school year! Each Wednesday I put together a new post to share with our school community. You can always find it on our website, and I’ll also send out the link by email and post it to our school’s Facebook page on Wednesday afternoons or evenings.
The “Principal’s Post” is my way of keeping everyone connected—I’ll share school-wide updates as well as highlights from different grade levels throughout the year. In addition to this, you’ll also hear often from your child’s teachers. Email tends to be our main way of communicating, so you can expect regular updates that way too.
If you change your email address at any time, or would like to add another email address, please notify Kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us AND your child(ren)'s teacher(s).
A Wednesday folder will also come home each week with important school news. Please make sure you check these on Wednesdays and return folders to school on Thursday.
If you have a submission for the “Principal’s Post”, please submit it to the school office no later than 8AM on the Tuesday before. Please email announcements to kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us
Come to the Table – Our Theme for the 2025-26 School Year
At St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School, our theme for this year is, “Come to the Table.” This invitation reminds us that God calls us as parents, students, staff, and as a parish to gather as one community of faith to be nourished, strengthened, and united.
At St. Paul’s, the table represents more than just a place to eat. It symbolizes the classroom, the playground, the church, and every space where we come together to learn, grow, and share life. “Come to the Table” is also a call to welcome others, to make room for every individual, and to honor the unique gifts each person brings.
Just as Christ welcomed all to His table, we seek to create a culture of belonging, care, and service in our school. This school year, may our community remain a place where all are invited to, “Come to the Table.”
-Mr. Connors; Principal of St. Paul the Apostle School
Communication/Social Media:
You may find us on Social media by following the links provided below! You will be able to find answers to a large variety of your questions by utilizing these valuable resources.
· Website
· Home and School Facebook page
· St. Paul the Apostle Mom’s Group
Unpack Your Backpack - Thursday, August 21st
Join us this Thursday, August 21, from 1:00–5:30 pm for our annual Unpack Your Backpack event!
This is a great opportunity for students to drop off supplies, meet their teacher, and get ready for a smooth first day of school. Please use the link below to sign up for a time slot:
Here’s what you can expect:
· If you ordered a school supply kit, it will be waiting on your child’s desk, ready to unpack.
· Any spirit wear or gym clothes you ordered will also be available.
· A used uniform sale will be set up in the gym for families to shop.
· Families signed up for bus transportation will receive bus route information.
We look forward to seeing you there!
School Times
Students may gather on West playground/Courtyard at 7:35 AM. Supervision begins at 7:35 AM and not before.
Bell Schedule
First Bell: 7:45 AM
Tardy Bell: 7:55 AM
First lunch/recess: 11:00 AM
Second lunch/recess: 11:30 AM
Third lunch/recess: 12:00 PM
Dismissal
Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd: 2:52 PM
3rd, 4th, 5th: 2:54 PM
6th, 7th, 8th: 2:55 PM
School Uniform
What a wonderful time to review our dress code policy! Make sure to try clothes on before the first day of school. Some of these kids seem to grow a foot over the summer! Any questions about dress code can be directed to the front office. See policy below.
ALL STUDENTS:
· Red or navy blue uniform sweater (cardigan or crew neck)
· Footwear should be either dress shoes or tennis shoes. No other footwear is acceptable. Shoes must have a back or strap at the back, and must have a closed toe. No Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, or boots may be worn during the school day. No heels higher than 2 inches may be worn. During inclement weather, it is acceptable to change into boots for outdoor recess only. Shoes are to be clean, neat, and well kept.
· Socks must be solid black, white or navy.
· Belts are required when wearing dress slacks or shorts, they must be solid color and coordinate with uniform.
· Navy blue uniform shorts or slacks. Dress slacks or shorts must have belt loops, a maximum of two inset pockets in front and two inset pockets in the back.
· Uniform approved sweatshirts and ¼ zip fleece. Contact the school office for purchase information.
· This dress code exists so that economical clothing can be purchased and so that competition between the students, regarding dress, can be minimized.
GIRLS’ UNIFORM:
· Blouses, in red, white, light blue or navy blue, long or short sleeved, Peter Pan collar or oxford, knit polo, or turtlenecks. Plain or St. Paul the Apostle school logo only. (light weight material).
· K-5: Uniform jumpers or navy blue shorts or navy blue slacks.
· 6-8: Uniform skirts, navy blue or khaki uniform shorts or navy blue or khaki dress slacks purchased from the Religious Supply Store - or exact replica. (NO jeans, corduroys, sweats, or stirrup-style). Skirt length must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee. Dress slacks or shorts must have belt loops, a maximum of two inset pockets in front and two inset pockets in the back.
· Black or navy tights or ankle length leggings can be worn under jumpers or skirts.
BOYS’ UNIFORM:
· Shirts, in red, white, light blue, or navy blue, long or short sleeved, oxford style or knit polo. Standard
turtlenecks are also permitted. Plain or St. Paul the Apostle school logo only.
· K-5: Navy blue uniform slacks or shorts.
· 6-8: Navy blue or khaki uniform shorts or navy blue or khaki dress slacks (No jeans, corduroys or sweats).
· Dress slacks and shorts must have belt loops and a maximum of two inset pockets in front and two inset
pockets in back.
K, 1st and 2nd GRADE STUDENTS: Belts are optional.
6th, 7th, 8th GRADE STUDENTS: 6th - 8th grade students have the following additional option:
· Uniform approved sweatshirts. Contact school office for purchase information.
· Assumption sweatshirt as determined by St. Paul Administration.
PE UNIFORM (4TH - 8TH GRADE STUDENTS ONLY):
· Students in 4th - 8th grade are required to purchase/wear a P.E. uniform on the days that they have P.E. class. This consists of a royal blue short or long sleeve shirt with the Saint Paul’s logo and navy blue shorts or sweatpants with the Saint Paul’s logo. Students may wear solid black leggings or compression pants under shorts.
Food Menu
Since St. Paul's does not have a cafeteria, students eat in their classrooms. Lunch options are selected for each semester, and whatever they select they will get on that particular day the entire semester. 2nd semester selection will be made in November/December. This is the only time they can switch their options.
Daily
White Milk
Chocolate Milk
Monday Options
Hot dog in a bun
Culver’s hamburger in a bun
Culver’s cheeseburger in a bun
Bag of pretzels
Cup of sliced peaches
Tuesday Options
Hungry Hobo ham/cheddar cheese sub
Hungry Hobo turkey/cheddar cheese sub
Hungry Hobo baked potato w/ cheddar cheese
Assorted chips
Cheese stick
Wednesday Options
Chick-fil-A breaded chicken sandwich
Chick-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich
Chick-fil-A grilled chicken nuggets
Chick-fil-A salad
Cup of applesauce
Thursday Options
Taco in a bag (Doritos)
Taco in a bag (Fritos)
Sour cream
Salsa
Cup of mandarin oranges
Friday Options
Papa John’s cheese pizza
Papa John’s pepperoni pizza
Papa John’s sausage pizza
Fresh strawberries
Spiritual Refocusing
Summer can often feel even busier for families than the school year. As we turn the page into a new school year, this season provides a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and recommit ourselves to nurturing our spiritual lives. Please find Mass times below.
Mass Times
Saturday Vigil: 4:30 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Monday & Friday: 6:30 am
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 am
Wednesday: 5:30 pm
First Saturdays: 8:30 am
Rosary, Adoration & Confession
Rosary: Monday - Friday, 6:00 am
Adoration: Every Wednesday, 4:30 - 5:30 pm;
First Friday of the month, 7:00am - 7:00pm
Confession: Saturdays, 9:30 - 10:30 am
PS–8 Immunization Records
As we prepare for the new school year, please remember that all preschoolers, kindergartners, and any students new to SPS must have current immunization records on file before the first day of school. In addition, 7th graders are required to have two booster vaccines: TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
Families may submit immunization records by fax or email. According to Iowa law, students cannot be enrolled without up-to-date immunization documentation, and schools are required to exclude students who do not meet these requirements.
While there are a few exceptions outlined in state law, it’s important to note that the Catholic Church does not oppose immunizations. Therefore, religious exemptions are not typically available for Catholic families.
Before & After School Programs
The St. Paul’s Before and After School Program is a quality, collaborative, school-age program that provides before and after school experiences that are fun, self-guided, creative, and safe. This program is licensed by the Department of Human Services and directed by a licensed teacher and staffed by qualified, trained personnel.
To register for our Before and After School Program: https://schools.procareconnect.com/form/1bcce744-9059-4d8e-8f52-9fcd365257e6
Account Login: https://schools.procareconnect.com/login
Hours of Operation:
7:00 am to 7:45 am and 2:55 pm to 5:30 pm on all days that school is in session. The After Care program follows the school calendar. There will be After Care on every regular school day. There is no After Care on snow days or during holiday breaks. Also, if school is dismissed early due to inclement weather (snow or extreme heat), parents should try to pick up their children as soon as possible due to the anticipation of unsafe travel conditions.
Fees and Payment Options:
There is a $50 per family deposit to utilize the Before & After Care Program. Denning Hall is locked for student safety during program time. Parents are to ring the doorbell on the Tremont Circle side of Denning Hall for admission. The rate for use of the Before Care program is $5.00 a morning. Aftercare is $5.00 for the first hour, then $2.50 in 1/2 hour increments. A late fee of $1 per every minute past 5:30 will be charged each time you arrive later than closing time. Families will be billed and remit payments through Procare.
New Staff/New Roles
Help me welcome our new staff members!
Jen Moore - Preschool Aide
Liz Kempnick - 1st Grade Teacher
Elizabeth Van Speybroeck - Before/Aftercare and Recess
Amy Cook - 3YO Preschool
Jess Ebner - Aftercare
Help me congratulate the following staff members in their new roles!
Jescie Pullinger - Interim Small Beginnings Director
Areana Soliz - Onsite Supervisor/Classroom Teacher for Small Beginnings
Austen Rosas- 4YO preschool aide
Deb Owens - 4YO PM preschool aide
Open Positions
We currently have the following openings:
1 FTE Library Aide/Small Beginnings Para
.25 FTE K-1 Music Teacher
Substitute Teachers
Questions about the open positions can be sent to Mr. Connors ethan.connors@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or Logan Ahnquist at logan.ahnquist@sccsiowa.org
Parking Lot Traffic Patterns
The beginning of the school year can feel busy and sometimes stressful—let’s work together to make sure drop-off and pick-up aren’t part of that stress!
If you plan to use the car lines, please take a few minutes to review the following diagrams before arriving:
During the first couple of weeks, it’s natural for everyone to be re-learning or adjusting to the process. Please remember: it will get easier! We ask for patience, understanding, and the same grace you’d hope others will extend to you.
If you have questions, or aren’t sure what to do, simply follow the direction of the staff on duty; we’re here to help!
Upcoming Events
· Thursday, August 21st: Unpack Your Backpack; 1 - 5:30 pm
· Follow directions above for reserving your time!
· Monday, August 25th: First Day of School
· Small Beginnings/Before/Aftercare Opens
· Yahoo-Boohoo Coffee in Denning Hall after Drop Off
· Adoration during the School Day
· Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:10 pm at the Church
· Tuesday, August 26th: First Day of All School Mass
· Happens Weekly
· Thursday, August 28th: First Day of Operation
· 4YO AM/PM Preschool
· Transitional Kindergarten
· Monday, September 1st: No School
· Labor Day
· Wednesday, September 3rd First Day of Operation
· M/W 3YO Preschool
· Thursday, September 4th First Day of Operation
· T/TH 3YO Preschool
