Wednesday Email

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Week at a Glance:

Wed., Aug. 20

Inservice Day

Thurs., Aug. 21

Inservice Day

Unpack your Backpack 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

School Supply Kits/Bus lists distributed at Unpack your Backpack

Uniform/Spirit Wear Pickup at Unpack your Backpack

Fri., Aug. 22

Inservice Day

Sat., Aug. 23

Sun., Aug. 24

Town Hall Meeting- 3:00PM Denning Hall

Mon., Aug. 25

1st Day of School for Kindergarten – 8th Grade (7:45 – 2:55)

1st Semester lunches start

Small Beginnings Wraparound Care opens 7AM – 5:30PM

Before Care opens 7AM – 7:35AM

Adoration 7AM – 4PM

Divine Mercy Chaplet 3:05 Church

After Care opens 2:55PM – 5:30PM

Boohoo/Yahoo Coffee and Donuts with the Principal 8:00 AM Denning Hall

Tues., Aug. 26

1st All School Mass 1:45

Wed., Aug. 27

 

ITEMS IN WEDNESDAY FOLDER (AND/OR ATTACHMENTS)

SPS

School Supply List (attached)

Boohoo Yahoo Flyer (attached)

Block Party Flyer (attached)

Academic Calendar (attached)

Uniform Sweatshirt Flyer (attached)

Spirit Wear/Uniform Flyer (attached)

SPC

AHS

KBA Flyer (attached)

KBA Registration (attached)

OTHER

DEADLINES/DUE DATES

Spirit Wear/Uniform clothing orders due – September 1

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NEW INFO

UNPACK YOUR BACKPACK

Unpack your Backpack will be TOMORROW, Thursday, August 21 from 1:00 – 5:30 in the afternoon. If you have not signed up, please do so here: Unpack your Backpack This is also a great time to drop off immunization forms, physicals, action plans and medications to the school office.

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SCHOOL LUNCH

School lunch will start on the first day of school. You will be billed in September for lunch orders.

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WEDNESDAY EMAILS

Starting next week, the office will send a Weekly email and a Principal Post every Wednesday throughout the school year. Each email will have important information, so please read both! You will get a lot of your questions answered through reading these informative emails. Please also make sure to open and look at all attachments!

 

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 Wednesday email, 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. All submissions must be approved by the principal.

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BEFORE/AFTER CARE LINK

If you plan on using our Before or After care program any time this school year (Kgn – 6th grade students only), please complete the online registration at Before/Aftercare Sign Up. There is also a $50 per family registration fee which can be paid through your Blackbaud account under “Purchase optional items”.

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HOME AND SCHOOL 

As we kick off the 2025/2026 school year, St. Paul Home and School Association is excited to welcome Claire Pittman as the 2025/2026 President! Home and School is made up of all parents and teachers at St. Paul’s and serves to support our children and school, and we raise money to provide our students with extra resources outside the school budget such as technology, library books, art supplies, PE equipment, and so much more. We also work to support our teachers with funding for their classroom and hospitality during the year to show our appreciation for the incredible work they are doing with our children. Finally, we facilitate social events throughout the year to help foster community in both our school and parish. We are looking for parents to join the board in positions such as treasurer, secretary, vice president, panther perks helpers and much more. There are many manageable jobs that you can work into your schedule to help earn volunteer hours. This is a great way to get involved in the school and to help support our teachers and children. If you are interested in getting more information or getting involved in Home and School, email saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com for more information.

 

Home and School meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the School Media Center. Anyone is welcome to join in these meetings to get involved and get more information. A short agenda will be shared on our Facebook page prior to each meeting. Don’t forget that attending a Home and School meeting counts for a volunteer hour each month!

 

Each K-8 family has the obligation to help Home and School by:

  • completing 20 volunteer hours which can be logged on the school website:  Record Volunteer Hours,
  • a $200 buyout in lieu of volunteer hours,
  • $200 in Panther Perks rebate profit (script),
  • or a combination of all three.

 

More information will come out about Panther Perks at the start of the year. Home and School will have representatives at a table at Unpack your Backpack Thursday August 21st. Please stop by for more information, and we are happy to answer any questions.

 

We will send emails with volunteer opportunities throughout the year and help volunteers get coordinated with committees. Look for announcements via email as well as on the St. Paul the Apostle Home and School Association Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saintpaulhomeandschool

 

Thank you all for your generous donations to the Best Day Ever Fundraiser this past school year. The new safety window films have been installed over the summer in all main floor classrooms. This is a great additional protection for our students and school facility. 

 

We are excited for a great 2025/2026 school year!

 

St. Paul the Apostle Home and School Association Leadership Board

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H&S PANTHER PERKS UPDATE

In years past, Homes and School offered a Credit Back Incentive Program once a family fulfilled their obligation of 20 volunteer hours or contributed $200 through Panther Perks, half of the rebate earned through the program was applied directly toward student tuition. This Credit Initiative Program for our Panther Perks patrons provided both an opportunity to support the school, and a way for families to receive a benefit in return on tuition. 

With the implementation and growth of the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, Home and School, along with the School Advisory Board, has re-evaluated our resources and needs moving forward. Home and School, with the School Advisory Boards approval, has made the decision to conclude the Credit Initiative Program for our Panther Perks patrons after the 2024 –2025 school year.

Moving forward, all rebates earned through Panther Perks will benefit St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School directly, and the Credit Incentive Program will no longer be offered. Thank you for your continued support for our main Home and School Fundraiser!

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SPIRIT WEAR AND UNIFORM ITEMS

The uniform and spirit wear store is now open! Orders need to be placed by September 1st and will be delivered 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. Home and School will have sample uniform sweatshirts you can check out at unpack your backpack if you are unsure of sizing. Stop by the Home and School table for more information.

 

Order Here!

https://stores.inksoft.com/saint_paul_davenport

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DONUT WORRY, IT WILL BE A GREAT YEAR COFFEE AND DONUTS

Whether you are sad or happy that your child is starting school, please join us in Denning Hall for Boohoo/Yahoo coffee and donuts after drop off on Monday, August 25. 

All parents and non-school aged siblings are invited to celebrate the first day of school, have some breakfast, socialize, and meet the new principal, Mr. Ethan Connors!

 

We also need volunteers to help make coffee, serve donuts, and clean up afterwards. If you would like to volunteer, please click on this link: Boohoo/Yahoo Coffee and Donuts Volunteer Form. You can turn in volunteer hours for helping too!

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BLOCK PARTY 9/20/25

The Back-To-School Block Party is one of our most loved events. This fun evening has something for the whole family! It takes many volunteers to make this event happen and we are so thankful for our St. Paul community who always shows up to help. Please sign up for a time slot to volunteer and contact Shannon Elliott with any questions at saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com. **ALL VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE CHECK IN WITH SHANNON ELLIOTT UPON ARRIVING AT YOUR SCHEDULED TIME SLOT**

 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A45ACAA2CAA8-57967293-block - /

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CAKE WALK DONATIONS 2025

Our students’ favorite event at the Block Party is the cake walk! Showcase your talent at our annual block party! We welcome all treats! Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, Bundt cakes etc! Store bought is ok too! We will have stickers available for your name and description at drop off. Disposable packaging only;) All items can be dropped off in denning hall Friday and early Saturday before event! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A45ACAA2CAA8-57967394-cake

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SCHOOL SWEATSHIRTS (all) AND PE UNIFORMS (4th-8th Grades only)

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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IMMUNIZATION FORMS AND PHYSICALS

Iowa State law requires a record of Immunization for all students (or a religious or medical exemption).

 

If you have a child in preschool, and they did not attend St. Paul’s last year, please send in an immunization record. We also need an updated physical (within the last 365 days) for ALL preschool students. 

If your child did attend preschool last year at St. Paul’s, we should have your form on record, but if they received any boosters since it was submitted to us, we need the updated form.

 

All Kindergarten students must submit

·       an updated immunization record with KGN boosters (or a religious or medical exemption),

·       proof of a vision screening (can be listed on annual physical under the vision section, but must be a number (20/20 for example), or the Lions’ Club Kid sight exam results from Preschool (we have a copy of these in the office from last year if your child attended St. Paul’s preschool). You do NOT have to see an eye doctor for this requirement,

·       and proof of a dental screening. 

·       We do NOT need a physical for KGN (unless it has the vision screening on it).

 

All 3rd Grade students need to submit proof of a vision screening. You do not need to see an eye doctor, as this can be marked on the annual physical form from your regular family doctor, but it needs to have a number written on it (20/20 for example). WNL or OK will not be accepted. 

 

All 7th grade students need proof of 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) and a Tdap vaccine BEFORE the first day of school. Many kids got these in 6th grade and turned them in. We only need a handful more!

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TOWN HALL MEETING

Sunday, August 24, 2025

3:00 pm in denning Hall

Please plan to join us for an important town hall meeting to discuss a proposed Fine Arts addition for the school. We will be sharing the results from the recent parish survey, reviewing the plans, and answering your questions.



Panther Perks Order Form Uniform Approved Sweatshirt Flyer School Supply List Boohoo/Yahoo Flyer Block Party Flyer Academic Calendar Spirit Wear Flyer KBA Flyer KBA Registration
By Principal Connors & Kelly Boche August 27, 2025
August 27, 2025 Principal Post/Wednesday Email In an effort to simplify and strengthen our communication at SPS, we will be combining the Wednesday Email and the Principal’s Post into one weekly update called the Weekly Panther. The new format will include three sections: What’s New?, Still Current, and Week at a Glance. As we roll out this updated approach, the layout may continue to evolve. We appreciate your patience as we refine the process in the coming weeks. Mr. Connors; Principal WHAT’S NEW Chaplet/Deacon Ryan I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Deacon Ryan, Mrs. Greufe, and all of the students who participated in Monday’s after-school Chaplet. It was a beautiful and moving experience that left me feeling renewed and recharged after our first day of school. Moments like these remind me of the incredible gift we share as a community of faith. At SPS, we do not take for granted the blessing of being able to gather in prayer and worship as part of our daily educational journey. It is important that we do so because, as Jesus reminds us, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) 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: Drop-Off Procedures Pick-Up Procedures 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! 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 HERE ! 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. Lunch Menu Here 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 To learn more about our before and after care programs click here ! 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 Recess Volunteers Please use the link below if you would like to volunteer at recess. This would count towards your volunteer hours. You must complete Diocesan required training and a background check prior to volunteering. Email Kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us for more information. September Recess Volunteer Carlo Acutis Week Carlos Acutis is scheduled to be Canonized as a saint on September 7. St. Pauls has many activities planned for the week of August 29 - Sept. 7, including: Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit created by Blessed Carlo Acutis in the Gathering Space from Aug. 29 - Sept. 5 Family movie night following Wednesday evening Mass featuring Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality (popcorn and lemonade provided, families can bring additional snacks) Celebration Mass 11:00AM Sept. 7 - school children will participate in many aspects of the Mass Coffee and Donuts after Mass with St. Carlo Acutis coloring sheets, word searches, rosary crafts, and more. 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 AHS Sport Opportunities KBA Flyer Girls Cheer Clinic Flyer STILL CURRENT Home and School Home and School is made up of all parents and teachers at St. Paul’s and serves to support our children and school, and raise money to provide our students with extra resources outside the school budget such as technology, library books, art supplies, PE equipment, and so much more. We also work to support our teachers with funding for their classroom and hospitality during the year to show our appreciation for the incredible work they are doing with our children. Finally, we facilitate social events throughout the year to help foster community in both our school and parish. We are looking for parents to join the board in positions such as treasurer, secretary, vice president, panther perks helpers, and much more. There are many manageable jobs that you can work into your schedule to help earn volunteer hours. This is a great way to get involved in the school and to help support our teachers and children. If you are interested in getting more information or getting involved in Home and School, email saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com for more information. Home and School meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of the month from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the School Media Center. Anyone is welcome to join in these meetings to get involved and get more information. A short agenda will be shared on our Facebook page prior to each meeting. Don’t forget that attending a Home and School meeting counts for a volunteer hour each month! Each K-8 family has the obligation to help Home and School by: completing 20 volunteer hours which can be logged on the school website: Record Volunteer Hours , a $200 buyout in lieu of volunteer hours, $200 in Panther Perks rebate profit (script), or a combination of all three. We will send emails with volunteer opportunities throughout the year and help volunteers get coordinated with committees. Look for announcements via email as well as on the St. Paul the Apostle Home and School Association Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saintpaulhomeandschool We are excited for a great 2025/2026 school year! Spirit Wear and Uniform Items The uniform and spirit wear store is now open! Orders need to be placed by September 1st and will be delivered 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. Order Here! https://stores.inksoft.com/saint_paul_davenport School Sweatshirts and PE Uniforms It may be hot now, but Fall is coming and our old building can get cold very quickly. In addition to the red and blue ¼ zip sweatshirts available at the link above, 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. Block Party 9/20/25 The Back-To-School Block Party is one of our most loved events. This fun evening has something for the whole family! It takes many volunteers to make this event happen and we are so thankful for our St. Paul community who always shows up to help. Please sign up for a time slot to volunteer and contact Shannon Elliott with any questions at saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com. **ALL VOLUNTEERS, PLEASE CHECK IN WITH SHANNON ELLIOTT UPON ARRIVING AT YOUR SCHEDULED TIME SLOT** https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A45ACAA2CAA8-57967293-block - / Cake Walk Donations Our students’ favorite event at the Block Party is the cake walk! Showcase your talent at our annual block party! We welcome all treats! Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, Bundt cakes etc! Store bought is ok too! We will have stickers available for your name and description at drop off. Disposable packaging only;) All items can be dropped off in Denning Hall Friday and early Saturday before the event! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A45ACAA2CAA8-57967394-cake WEEK AT A GLANCE Wed., Aug. 27 Thurs., Aug. 28 4yo AM and 4yo PM Preschool starts Transitional Kindergarten starts Fri., Aug. 29 Sat., Aug. 30 Sun., Aug. 31 Mon., Sept. 1 Labor Day - No School Tues., Sept. 2 Panther Perk Day – turn in a Panther Perk order today and your child(ren) will earn an out of uniform this Friday, Sept. 5. Wed., Sept. 3 3yo MW Preschool starts
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