September 10, 2025
WHAT’S NEW
Principal’s Ponderings
We’ve had a wonderful start to the school year, and it’s all thanks to the energy your children bring each day (and the coffee we bring ourselves). As we dive into September, here’s your friendly reminder to celebrate the small wins: a backpack that actually made it home, a lunchbox that didn’t come back sticky, or a bedtime that (sort of) happened on time.
You’re doing great, parents. Keep up the good work. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re so glad you’re part of the SPS family!
No Buses Monday
Monday, September 15 there will be no buses. Davenport Community Schools are not in Session but we are. Please arrange for other transportation to and from school this day.
School Pictures
School pictures will be on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Students may be out of uniform for pictures. 3yo MW Preschool pictures will be on Wed., Oct. 1.
Emergency Drills
We’ve had a wonderful first two weeks of school, and it’s been so great to see students settling in and engaging in their learning!
In the coming weeks, we will be conducting a series of emergency drills at school. These may include lockdown drills, severe weather drills, fire drills, evacuation drills, bus evacuation drills, and more.
Students may come home talking about these practices. Please help us reinforce that these drills are an important part of keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for your support!
Baptismal Survey Link
The Diocese of Davenport is inviting all parents to participate in a short survey about
Baptismal Identity. This important survey will help guide how we, as a Church and school community, live out and share our faith.
We encourage every family to take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your input will provide valuable insight and strengthen our mission together.
Thank you for helping us grow in faith and live out our baptismal call!
Block Party 9/20/25
The Back-to-School Block Party is one of our most loved traditions, bringing together food, fun, and fellowship for the whole family! There will be face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, slushies, a photo booth, balloon art and more!
To reserve your spot for the block party please register
HERE!
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing St. Paul community. We need many helping hands to make the night a success, and we’d love for you to join in.
Please sign up for a volunteer time slot using the link below. When you arrive, all volunteers must check in with Shannon Elliott at the start of their shift.
Volunteer Sign-Up Here
Cake Walk Donations - to donate a cake for the cake walk:
Questions? Contact Shannon at
saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com.
Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/saintpaulhomeandschool
Thank you for helping us make this a memorable evening for our families!
PE Uniforms and Crew Neck Sweatshirts
If you placed an order with Empowering Abilities for PE uniforms or crew neck uniform sweatshirts on or before August 28th and are missing anything, please reach out to Alexis Dykstra at 563-391-4834 ext. 150 or alexisdykstra@empoweringabilities.org.
Parish Directory Picture - Additional Dates!
Goal: 100% of St. Paul the Apostle Families pictured in our new parish directory!
When:
October 13,14, and 15, 2:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Sign Up:
https://schedule.ucdir.com/#/
Church Code: ia359
Password: photos
Locals Love Us! Vote for St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Please cast your vote in Locals Love Us for St. Paul's in the areas of K-8 Private Schools, Child Care and Preschools.
Go to:
https://vote.localsloveus.com/quad-cities/
Once in the voting section go to Services and there you will find the categories of K-8 Private Schools, Child Care, and Preschools.
Help us keep our streak going!!
Recess Volunteer Signup
Sign up at one of the links below to volunteer at recess. Diocesan training and a background check is required prior to volunteering. These hours will count towards your home and school obligation. Email
jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or
kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us for more information.
September Recess Volunteer
Volunteer for October Recess
Volunteer for November Recess
Volunteer for December Recess
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STILL CURRENT
Math Star at SPS - Carter
Note from Our School Therapist
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Ploense, LMHC, and I’m excited to return for my second year at St. Paul. I provide mental health support for students and families, using creative, engaging activities to help children build positive connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which supports children ages 2–6 and their families.
If you’re interested in services or have questions, please contact Mrs. Whitney Woods (whitney.woods@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us) or me directly at elizabeth@covenantfamilysolutions.com.
Cross Country Kicks Off!
The St. Paul’s Cross Country team laced up for their first practice of the season this week! 6th - 8th Grade Spirits were high as runners went down to Garfield for their first practice of the year. We’re excited to cheer on our athletes as they grow stronger each week and represent our school with determination and pride. Go Panthers!
Dates and times of Meets are Below:
9/15/25 @ Williamsburg, IA TBA JV and Var to follow
9/20/25 @ Trinity Lutheran 9:00am JV and Var to follow
Volleyball Season Begins
Our 6th–8th grade girls’ volleyball teams are officially underway! The season kicked off this week with practices, and the players are already showing great energy and teamwork. We can’t wait to see what the season holds for our Panthers! For practice and game schedules, please contact the coaches directly.
St. Ambrose University Fall Kids camp
For grades K-8. Participants will spend the day with the SAU Spirit program. Each participant will be split by age. During the camp, they will rotate through stations where they will learn a cheer, jumps, and stunts. This will all be performed in the first half of our home football game. They will also learn a short routine to be performed at the halftime of the St. Ambrose University football game that same day!! This clinic is great for all levels of experience! All participants will receive an SAU Spirit t-shirt!
- When: Saturday, September 13th
- Clinic: 8-11a.m. (North Field- (St. Vincent Athletic Complex) weather permitting – 620 W Central Park Ave)
- Performance: halftime of the 1p.m. Home Football Game (Jack and Pat Stadium)
- Grades- K-8th
Cost Per Athlete: $50 (includes T-shirt and entrance to football game for dancer and 1 adult)
SIGN UP HERE:
REGISTER HERE
Lions, Tigers, and August Construction… Oh My!
The start of the school year always comes with its own adventure. Checking to see if those old uniforms still fit, triple checking the school supply lists to ensure you haven't missed anything, and coordinating childcare and/or pick-up for your child(ren) can be exhausting as it is. Toss in a little August construction down the street from the school and it can make one want to give up!
The good news? Our first days of drop-off and pick-up went smoothly (just a little slower than usual). Thank you for your patience and positivity as we all learn together! Remember: safety comes first. Every student’s well-being is our top priority.
Helpful Tips for Success:
- Review our Drop-Off Procedures and Pick-Up Procedures before heading out.
- Follow the direction of the friendly staff on duty as they’re there to keep things safe and moving.
- Breathe, wave to your neighbor, and know that the construction will pass and all will return to normal (or as normal as it ever is!)
If you plan to use the car lines, please take a few minutes to review the following diagrams before arriving:
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!
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
Girls in Aviation Day
Please see attached flyer for the Quad Cities International Airport, along with John Deere and Elliott Aviation, Girls in Aviation Day event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Families may sign-up to attend by using the QR code within the flyer.
Girls in Aviation Flyer
2025 AHS Knights Cheerleading Kids Clinic
Sept. 17th 5:30pm-7:30pm Clinic
Sept. 19th 7:30pm Performance @ Halftime
$50 includes T-shirt, Poms & Bow
Sign up now!
https://forms.gle/6GfdwRFnXe1iEnnH6
Contact Coach Heather for questions: heatherletherman@gmail.com
Girls Cheer Clinic Flyer
School Sweatshirts and PE Uniforms
It may be hot now, but Fall is coming and our old building can get cold very quickly. Uniform approved sweatshirts for students in KGN – 8th grade and Gym uniforms (required for all students in 4th – 8th grade) can be purchased at this link:Sweatshirt and Gym Uniforms. 6th – 8th grade students may also wear the Assumption uniform sweatshirts (red, white, or black) available in the AHS school office.
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WEEK AT A GLANCE
Wed, Sept. 10
Households of Faith - No Homework
Thurs., Sept. 11
Hosting Games in Gym
Blue Mass 5:30
Fri., Sept. 12
Out of uniform for Panther Perk Day (orders turned in 9/2)
Sat., Sept. 13
Sun., Sept. 14
Mon., Sept 15
No Buses (DCSD not in session)
Scout talks at recess
Tues., Sept. 16
Join the Adventure with Pack 3020 - 6 -7 PM Denning Hall (Cub Scouts sign up)
Wed., Sept. 17