The Weekly Panther

October 15, 2025 Principal’s Ponderings At St. Paul the Apostle School, the dedication of our entire community, students, teachers, and staff, is truly remarkable. Every day, we witness our students striving for excellence, embracing challenges, and growing not just academically, but in character and faith. This was especially evident during our recent school Mass, where two seventh-grade students stood out as extraordinary role models, guiding their first grade peers with leadership, reverence, and care. Their example reminds us all of the positive influence our students have on one another. Equally, our teachers go above and beyond, designing engaging lessons, supporting each student’s unique journey, and continuously seeking ways to improve and innovate. Their passion and relentless work ethic create a learning environment where curiosity is nurtured and every child has the opportunity to succeed. Finally, our staff works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the school runs smoothly, supporting programs, and making St. Paul the Apostle a welcoming and safe community for everyone. Together, this collective hard work sets our school apart and embodies the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines St. Paul the Apostle School. Principal Connors ********************************************************************************************* WHAT’S NEW Hispanic Heritage Month As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we take this time to reflect on and celebrate the profound contributions of Hispanic leaders who have shaped our nation’s culture, communities, and future. From education and the arts to business, science, and public service, Hispanic Americans have enriched every aspect of American life. Their leadership, resilience, and dedication remind us of the strength found in diversity and the shared values that unite us. At St. Paul’s, we celebrated this month with a bilingual all-school Mass, a beautiful reminder of the unity and inclusivity within our faith community. Praying together in both English and Spanish highlighted the richness of our shared Catholic tradition and the importance of honoring every voice that makes up our school family. As we close this month of recognition, let us continue to celebrate Hispanic heritage, not just in words, but through our daily actions that promote understanding, respect, and love for one another. ¡Gracias! to all who lead, serve, and uplift our communities with pride and purpose. ********************************************************************************************* Congratulations to Our Cross Country Runners! This past Saturday at the Crusader Invitational, our St. Paul the Apostle runners demonstrated incredible skill, determination, and team spirit. Special recognition goes to Ty G., who won the Varsity Boys race, and Maggie D., who won the Varsity Girls race,an outstanding achievement for both of them. Several other runners also finished in the top 10 of their races, reflecting the depth of talent and dedication across the team. Your hard work throughout the season has truly paid off, and we are proud of every athlete who represented our school. We also want to thank parents for supporting our runners throughout the season. We look forward to seeing even more students out on the course next year, continuing the strong tradition of excellence at St. Paul the Apostle. ********************************************************************************************* Attendance Updates SPS This year, Iowa has updated how schools track student attendance. Students who miss more than 10% of school days are considered chronically absent, and those reaching 15%, if absences affect learning, will be invited to an Engagement Meeting to develop an Absenteeism Prevention Plan. Absences that reach 20% may be referred to the county attorney. The state also expanded exempt absences, including funerals, weddings, and military service, so these do not count toward attendance thresholds. Schools now use standardized attendance codes (like unexcused/excused, in-school suspension, or family leave) to record absences accurately. At St. Paul’s, we will be implementing these new codes to better track attendance and to support students. Starting in the 2nd quarter, we will also move to a clock-in/clock-out system, which will give a more precise picture of attendance throughout the day. Families can expect clearer communication and more proactive collaboration to help students stay on track. A helpful reminder: If your child has a medical or dental appointment, please provide the school with a doctor’s note so the absence can be properly marked as exempt. If your family will be out of town, let us know why and for how long, this information helps us determine whether the absence qualifies as exempt or non-exempt. Thank you for helping us keep attendance records accurate and ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed. ********************************************************************************************* SPS Communications At SPS, communication is a priority. While it may sometimes feel overwhelming, we use a variety of channels to reach you as parents. Our goal is to ensure that you feel well-equipped and informed when it comes to your child’s education. ********************************************************************************************* ESA and School Choice Objection: “Private schools aren’t accountable like public schools are.” Response: At St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School, we are committed to maintaining high standards of accountability. As an accredited institution, we adhere to state educational requirements, including standardized testing and accreditation processes. Additionally, many of our students participate in national assessments to monitor academic growth. Ultimately, true accountability lies with the parents: if a school does not meet the needs of its students, families have the freedom to choose another institution, and ESA funds follow the student. For more information on Education Savings Accounts and how they support school choice, visit the full article by the Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education: 10 Objections to Education Savings Accounts (and How You Can Respond) . ********************************************************************************************* ESA Statement We are reaching out to ask for your help in sharing the impact of the Education Savings Account (ESA) on your family. Your story is a powerful way to show how this program is opening new doors for students and helping families provide the best possible educational experience for their children. We’d love for you to share how your child’s opportunities have grown since moving to a private school with the support of the ESA. For example, you could also share how your child’s learning, confidence, or engagement has changed, and how the ESA has allowed your family to access these opportunities. To make it easy to share your story, please use this Google Form: Submit Your ESA Story . Your responses will help demonstrate the real benefits of the ESA program for families like yours.Please now that your name will be included in this response. Thank you for taking the time to tell your story. We can’t wait to hear it! ********************************************************************************************* STILL CURRENT Trunk or Treat Home and School would like to invite all school families and all parish members to Trunk or Treat on Friday October 24th! This is a fun event for the whole family! There is no cost for this event. Click HERE to trick or treat or to hand out candy. Kids remember to dress up in your favorite costume and bring a bag to collect goodies! Trunk or Treat Flyer ********************************************************************************************* Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest at Trunk or Treat! Get ready for some fall fun! We're excited to invite all school families to participate in our Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest! How it works: Decorate a pumpkin as a family - be as creative, spooky, silly, or unique as you’d like! You can carve, paint, dress up, or accessorize your pumpkin. Anything goes (as long as it's school-appropriate). Pumpkin Drop-Off: Bring your decorated pumpkin at the end of the school day on October 24th up until 5:30pm (when trunk or treat begins). We'll have a special display area where everyone can admire the amazing creations! Please make sure your pumpkin is labeled with your family name and categories you would like your pumpkin to be entered in. Voting & Prizes: Families, students, and staff will vote for their favorites in categories such as: Most Creative Spookiest Funniest Best Family Theme Winners will be announced on October 27th and receive a small prize and bragging rights! We can't wait to see your family's pumpkin masterpiece! Let's make this a fun and festive celebration of fall together! Questions: Contact Jescie Pullinger jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us ********************************************************************************************* October is the Month of Mary As we step into October, we embrace a special tradition in our Catholic faith, the Month of Mary. This month is dedicated to reflecting on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her unwavering faith, and her example of love and service. Mary’s humility and devotion remind us of the importance of kindness, prayer, and compassion in our daily lives. Throughout October, we encourage our students and families to take a few moments each day to honor Mary, whether through prayer, reflection, or small acts of goodness toward others. In our classrooms, we will be sharing stories about Mary, discussing her virtues, and finding ways to live out her example in our school community. May this month inspire all of us to grow in faith, hope, and love, just as Mary did. Let us continue to support one another in our journey of learning, faith, and service. ********************************************************************************************* Out of Uniform Update We have a small change to our out-of-uniform schedule this month; thank you for your understanding! Friday, 10/17 – Panther Perk Reward Students who submitted Panther Perk orders from 10/1–10/7 will earn an out-of-uniform day. (This is one week later than usual because of the AHS homecoming.) All perks support Home & School. Out-of-Uniform Guidelines (Handbook, pg. 27): Leggings or bike shorts may only be worn under dresses or skirts Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be 2 inches above the knee or longer . No spaghetti straps; sleeveless tops must have shoulder seams 1½–2 inches wide . No bare midriffs; logos and slogans must be appropriate. All other dress code rules remain in effect. Thank you for helping our students show school spirit while following dress expectations! Earring Guidelines While we agree that earrings that hang below the earlobes can be very cute; especially seasonal designs like a cat in a pumpkin, they are not permitted under our current uniform policy. To ensure consistency with our dress code, students should wear earrings that stay close to the earlobe, as defined in our policy as “stud earrings”. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain our school’s uniform standards. ********************************************************************************************* Childcare/Before and Aftercare Updates As we look forward to all the fall festivities, please note that on Thursday, October 24th, for Trunk or Treat night, Small Beginnings and Aftercare will close early, at 4:30 PM. This will give families the opportunity to enjoy the fun and excitement of our Halloween celebrations. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to make this season a memorable one for our students! ********************************************************************************************* Ladies Night Bingo Please see flyer coming home in Wednesday folders today. Ladies Bingo Night Thursday November 13th 6-9 p.m., Doors open at 5 p.m. LNB Online Registration Link LNB Flyer ********************************************************************************************* New Program for 5th - 8th Grade Attention all 5th-8th graders! Beginning in October St Paul's will be starting a new program called Pathfinders. Pathfinders is designed to help students discern their gifts and learn about vocations. Monthly sessions will include activities, a Saint of the month, speakers and great discussion. Pathfinders will be held on the third Monday of each month after school in McEleney Hall. Our first meeting will be Monday October 20th from 3:15-4:15. The theme will be ’Sharing your Gifts’. We will do a gifts inventory, learn about our Saint of the Month, Carlo Acutis and hear from Deacon Ryan Burchett. It will be a great time! We ask that if your child will be coming you sign up using the signup genius by October 19th. I am happy to take students over to aftercare when the session is done as long as you indicate that in your RSVP before the class. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Sarah Kahler at kahler.sj@gmail.com. We look forward to learning more about our faith together at Pathfinders! ********************************************************************************************* AI Use on Student Devices We want to keep you updated that AI tools have been removed from student devices here at school. While these programs can sometimes be helpful, we’ve found they are not appropriate for everyday student use during the school day. We encourage you to help us by monitoring technology use at home as well. Many devices and apps now have built-in AI features, and students can be curious about exploring them. Please take a moment to talk with your child about responsible technology use and set limits that work best for your family. Together, we can help guide our students toward safe, balanced, and thoughtful use of technology. Thank you for partnering with us in this important effort! ********************************************************************************************* School Calendar Please make sure to check out our school calendar for upcoming events: https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/school-calendar ********************************************************************************************* Free College Planning Event Wed. Oct. 15th at Assumption High Auditorium at 7:00pm Are you starting to think about college planning and how to make it affordable? Join us next week for a free, high-impact workshop designed to help families understand how to save thousands on college costs and avoid the most common mistakes in the process. Presented by nationally recognized college planning author and expert Jeannie Burlowski this session is packed with practical, actionable strategies for families with students in middle school and high school. All parents and students are welcome. ********************************************************************************************* Student Hunger Drive The St. Paul can food drive goes through October. SPS is competing against the other area Catholic schools to see whom “can” bring in the most cans. Please send in cans to your child's homeroom class. Each day we will collect and record which class has brought in the most. ********************************************************************************************* Spiritual Refocusing The Eucharist is our greatest gift and the heart of our faith. As busy as life gets, let us recommit to making Sunday Mass the center of our week. In the Mass, we are strengthened by Christ, united as a family of faith, and reminded of what matters most. 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 ********************************************************************************************* 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. Volunteer for October Recess Volunteer for November Recess Volunteer for December Recess ************************************************************************************************

October 8, 2025 Principal’s Ponderings Have you ever noticed how a small act of kindness can completely change the mood of a day? A simple smile, a “thank you,” or asking someone how they are can ripple through our school community in ways we might not even realize. At our school, we see these moments every day; when a student helps a classmate, when a teacher celebrates effort over perfection, or when families support one another in small but meaningful ways. These moments remind us that learning isn’t just about academics; it’s about building a caring, connected community. This week, I encourage all of us, students, staff, and families, to intentionally look for opportunities to show kindness and encouragement. Notice when someone is working hard, celebrate their efforts, and take time to lift each other up. Even the smallest gesture can have a big impact, helping someone feel seen, supported, and valued. These are the moments that create a positive school environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As we continue our journey together, let’s remember that every day is an opportunity to grow, not just in knowledge, but in virtue. By spreading kindness, practicing patience, and celebrating progress, we make our school a place where everyone feels welcome and inspired. Let’s make this week one filled with encouragement, positivity, and joy. Watch how those little acts of care create a big difference for our students and our community. ********************************************************************************************* WHAT’S NEW ESA Statement We are reaching out to ask for your help in sharing the impact of the Education Savings Account (ESA) on your family. Your story is a powerful way to show how this program is opening new doors for students and helping families provide the best possible educational experience for their children. We’d love for you to share how your child’s opportunities have grown since moving to a private school with the support of the ESA. For example, you could also share how your child’s learning, confidence, or engagement has changed, and how the ESA has allowed your family to access these opportunities. To make it easy to share your story, please use this Google Form: Submit Your ESA Story . Your responses will help demonstrate the real benefits of the ESA program for families like yours.Please now that your name will be included in this response. Thank you for taking the time to tell your story. We can’t wait to hear it! ********************************************************************************************* October is the Month of Mary As we step into October, we embrace a special tradition in our Catholic faith, the Month of Mary. This month is dedicated to reflecting on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her unwavering faith, and her example of love and service. Mary’s humility and devotion remind us of the importance of kindness, prayer, and compassion in our daily lives. Throughout October, we encourage our students and families to take a few moments each day to honor Mary, whether through prayer, reflection, or small acts of goodness toward others. In our classrooms, we will be sharing stories about Mary, discussing her virtues, and finding ways to live out her example in our school community. May this month inspire all of us to grow in faith, hope, and love, just as Mary did. Let us continue to support one another in our journey of learning, faith, and service. ********************************************************************************************* Out of Uniform Update We have a small change to our out-of-uniform schedule this month; thank you for your understanding! Friday, 10/10 – Assumption High School Homecoming All students may be out-of-uniform if they wear Red, White, Black, or AHS gear to support Assumption’s homecoming game. Friday, 10/17 – Panther Perk Reward Students who submitted Panther Perk orders from 10/1–10/7 will earn an out-of-uniform day. (This is one week later than usual because of the AHS homecoming.) All perks support Home & School. ********************************************************************************************* Out-of-Uniform Guidelines (Handbook, pg. 27): Leggings or bike shorts may only be worn under dresses or skirts Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be 2 inches above the knee or longer . No spaghetti straps; sleeveless tops must have shoulder seams 1½–2 inches wide . No bare midriffs; logos and slogans must be appropriate. All other dress code rules remain in effect. Thank you for helping our students show school spirit while following dress expectations! ********************************************************************************************* Earring Guidelines While we agree that earrings that hang below the earlobes can be very cute; especially seasonal designs like a cat in a pumpkin, they are not permitted under our current uniform policy. To ensure consistency with our dress code, students should wear earrings that stay close to the earlobe, as defined in our policy as “stud earrings”. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain our school’s uniform standards. ********************************************************************************************* Childcare/Before and Aftercare Updates Small Beginnings will be open for regular hours on Monday, October 13th during the inservice day! We can’t wait to welcome our little learners into their routine and watch them continue to grow and explore. As we look forward to all the fall festivities, please note that on Thursday, October 24th, for Trunk or Treat night, Small Beginnings and Aftercare will close early, at 4:30 PM. This will give families the opportunity to enjoy the fun and excitement of our Halloween celebrations. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to make this season a memorable one for our students! ********************************************************************************************* Home and School The next Home and School meeting will be on Monday October 13th at 6 pm in the Media Center. We hope to see you there! October Agenda Prayer Introductions Principal report Teacher rep report Volunteer coordinator report-Jescie Hospitality report-Ashley Conferences dinner Panther Perks updates-Megan Fundraisers/Events Trunk or Treat Ladies Night Bingo Block party debrief Panther perks for December ***************************************************************************************** Ladies Night Bingo Ladies Bingo Night Thursday November 13th 6-9 p.m., Doors open at 5 p.m. LNB Online Registration Link LNB Flyer ********************************************************************************************* School Directory We have been made aware that there are some issues updating PowerSchool for the directory, so we are not going to send it out until they have been resolved. ********************************************************************************************* New Program for 5th - 8th Grade Attention all 5th-8th graders! Beginning in October St Paul's will be starting a new program called Pathfinders. Pathfinders is designed to help students discern their gifts and learn about vocations. Monthly sessions will include activities, a Saint of the month, speakers and great discussion. Pathfinders will be held on the third Monday of each month after school in McEleney Hall. Our first meeting will be Monday October 20th from 3:15-4:15. The theme will be ’Sharing your Gifts’. We will do a gifts inventory, learn about our Saint of the Month, Carlo Acutis and hear from Deacon Ryan Burchett. It will be a great time! We ask that if your child will be coming you sign up using the signup genius by October 19th. I am happy to take students over to aftercare when the session is done as long as you indicate that in your RSVP before the class. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Sarah Kahler at kahler.sj@gmail.com. We look forward to learning more about our faith together at Pathfinders! ********************************************************************************************* Guess Who's Coming to Dinner! Saturday, October 18th Meet in Denning Hall at 5:30 pm to be assigned where you'll be going for dinner! This event is for adults of any age, individuals and couples. The exciting thing about this night is getting to sit down at a meal with a completely random group (the names will be drawn from a hat) in attendance at the host's home. We look forward to intermingling and intergenerational dialogue. All are welcome! Please sign up here by this Saturday: https://forms.gle/sRpxPMPGRB6Gf9F47 Flyer ********************************************************************************************* STILL CURRENT Attendance Matters for Student Success Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s success, both in school and beyond. Research shows that the more a student attends school, the stronger their learning and long-term outcomes will be. Students who miss 10% or more of school days are considered chronically absent. Families of students who reach this threshold will receive a letter from the school notifying them of this status. Plans can be made based on this status and we are required to file truancy once a threshold is reached, and no improvement has been made. That said, we know that absences happen. When your child is sick, they should absolutely stay home to recover. If your child is absent for a medical reason and you provide a doctor’s note, those absences will not count toward chronic absenteeism. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting strong attendance at St. Paul the Apostle School. Together, we can help every student build a foundation for lifelong success! ********************************************************************************************* AI Use on Student Devices We want to keep you updated that AI tools have been removed from student devices here at school. While these programs can sometimes be helpful, we’ve found they are not appropriate for everyday student use during the school day. We encourage you to help us by monitoring technology use at home as well. Many devices and apps now have built-in AI features, and students can be curious about exploring them. Please take a moment to talk with your child about responsible technology use and set limits that work best for your family. Together, we can help guide our students toward safe, balanced, and thoughtful use of technology. Thank you for partnering with us in this important effort! ********************************************************************************************* School Calendar Please make sure to check out our school calendar for upcoming events: https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/school-calendar ********************************************************************************************* Picture Retakes School picture retakes will be on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 8AM in the Media Center. They will go until 8:45. If your child needs a retake, they may come to school in a non-uniform top, but must change into a uniform top after their picture has been taken. ********************************************************************************************* Free College Planning Event Tue. Oct. 7th at Bettendorf High Auditorium at 7:00pm Wed. Oct. 15th at Assumption High Auditorium at 7:00pm Are you starting to think about college planning and how to make it affordable? Join us next week for a free, high-impact workshop designed to help families understand how to save thousands on college costs and avoid the most common mistakes in the process. Presented by nationally recognized college planning author and expert Jeannie Burlowski this session is packed with practical, actionable strategies for families with students in middle school and high school. All parents and students are welcome. ********************************************************************************************* Trunk or Treat Home and School would like to invite all school families and all parish members to Trunk or Treat on Friday October 24th! This is a fun event for the whole family! There is no cost for this event. Click HERE to trick or treat or to hand out candy. Kids remember to dress up in your favorite costume and bring a bag to collect goodies! Trunk or Treat Flyer ********************************************************************************************* Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest at Trunk or Treat! Get ready for some fall fun! We're excited to invite all school families to participate in our Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest! How it works: Decorate a pumpkin as a family - be as creative, spooky, silly, or unique as you’d like! You can carve, paint, dress up, or accessorize your pumpkin. Anything goes (as long as it's school-appropriate). Pumpkin Drop-Off: Bring your decorated pumpkin at the end of the school day on October 24th up until 5:30pm (when trunk or treat begins). We'll have a special display area where everyone can admire the amazing creations! Please make sure your pumpkin is labeled with your family name and categories you would like your pumpkin to be entered in. Voting & Prizes: Families, students, and staff will vote for their favorites in categories such as: Most Creative Spookiest Funniest Best Family Theme Winners will be announced on October 27th and receive a small prize and bragging rights! We can't wait to see your family's pumpkin masterpiece! Let's make this a fun and festive celebration of fall together! Questions: Contact Jescie Pullinger jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us ********************************************************************************************* Student Hunger Drive The St. Paul can food drive goes through October. SPS is competing against the other area Catholic schools to see whom “can” bring in the most cans. Please send in cans to your child's homeroom class. Each day we will collect and record which class has brought in the most. ********************************************************************************************* Spiritual Refocusing The Eucharist is our greatest gift and the heart of our faith. As busy as life gets, let us recommit to making Sunday Mass the center of our week. In the Mass, we are strengthened by Christ, united as a family of faith, and reminded of what matters most. 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 ********************************************************************************************* Beginner Hockey with Quad City Hockey Association Register TODAY at www.quadcityhockey.com or click on this link 2025-26 One Goal (Nov-Dec) One Goal & Learn to Play every Monday starting 11/3/25-12/15/25 (No Session on 11/24/25) from 5:30-6:30pm at River’s Edge Ice Arena. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Contact Allen Arndt at onegoal@quadcityhockey.com with questions QCHA Volunteers please register to help using Dibs Try Hockey for Free Flyer ********************************************************************************************* Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. For the past few years each grade level classroom and specials subject have chosen a country or cultural event/item to learn more about with their students. Students work in small groups, create posters, research individuals, bring treats, sing songs and share what they have learned with one another. We will have a bi-lingual mass on October 14th to culminate this month-long celebration. ********************************************************************************************* 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 ********************************************************************************************* 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. Volunteer for October Recess Volunteer for November Recess Volunteer for December Recess

October 1, 2025  WHAT'S NEW Principal’s Ponderings One of my favorite parts of the day is standing in the hallway as students arrive. This week I overheard a kindergartener announce to their friend, “I’m faster than a cheetah… except when I have my backpack on.” Moments like that remind me that our hallways are full of joy, creativity, and a little bit of unfiltered honesty. It’s these small, everyday moments, kids sharing their excitement, staff offering encouragement, families waving at drop-off that make our school feel so alive. Beyond the academics, these are the glimpses of childhood wonder that remind all of us why our community is such a special place to belong. Whenever I need a smile I know that I can visit our school hallway at 7:45 a.m. I’ll hear more wisdom and humor in five minutes than I’ll find in most books. -Mr. Connors Attendance Matters for Student Success Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s success, both in school and beyond. Research shows that the more a student attends school, the stronger their learning and long-term outcomes will be. Students who miss 10% or more of school days are considered chronically absent. Families of students who reach this threshold will receive a letter from the school notifying them of this status. Plans can be made based on this status and we are required to file truancy once a threshold is reached, and no improvement has been made. That said, we know that absences happen. When your child is sick, they should absolutely stay home to recover. If your child is absent for a medical reason and you provide a doctor’s note, those absences will not count toward chronic absenteeism. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting strong attendance at St. Paul the Apostle School. Together, we can help every student build a foundation for lifelong success! AI Use on Student Devices We want to keep you updated that AI tools have been removed from student devices here at school. While these programs can sometimes be helpful, we’ve found they are not appropriate for everyday student use during the school day. We encourage you to help us by monitoring technology use at home as well. Many devices and apps now have built-in AI features, and students can be curious about exploring them. Please take a moment to talk with your child about responsible technology use and set limits that work best for your family. Together, we can help guide our students toward safe, balanced, and thoughtful use of technology. Thank you for partnering with us in this important effort! Welcome to Meredith Warren Meredith Warren joins the St. Paul's music team after nearly twenty years of teaching. She began at Beckman Catholic in Dyersville before going abroad to teach in Abu Dhabi and China. Most recently she was at an independent school in Nashville, TN. Meredith is a former St. Paul’s student, Assumption graduate and has music education degrees from Wartburg College and UNI. She moved back to the Quad Cities with her husband so they could be closer to family, enjoying time with young nieces and nephews. She is looking forward to a year of musical fun! Help us in welcoming her back to the St. Paul’s community! MTSS Letters This Friday, your child will be bringing home their MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) letter. These letters are designed to keep you informed about the supports we are putting in place at school to help your child grow. The letter will outline your child’s current tier plan, and for those who need them, a personalized reading plan will also be included. These plans are meant to partner with you so that, together, we can best support your child’s success. School Calendar Please make sure to check out our school calendar for upcoming events: https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/school-calendar School Pictures The kids all looked so nice for school pictures today! You should receive an email and/or text in the next few days when your child’s pictures are ready to view online. You can then order directly from the website. Please remember to purchase a class composite if you want one. Picture Retakes School picture retakes will be on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 8AM in the Media Center. They will go until 8:45. If your child needs a retake, they may come to school in a non-uniform top, but must change into a uniform top after their picture has been taken. School Directory We are working on the School Directory, and plan to email it out next week. If you want to make any changes to what information of yours is printed in the directory (remove your address, for example), please log into your power school account and make these changes by Monday, October 6. To update your Directory Information, go to https://apply.sccsiowa.org/ and select “LOG IN” in the top right corner. Put in your username and password. A screen should come up that says “Student Enrollments and Applications” with your child(ren’s) names listed underneath. Click on the update button for each student, then hit the “Next” button on each page until you get to the “Directory Information” page. Select which information you wish to include in the directory by checking the little box on the right of each line. You will have to go through the remainder of the pages, (and this would be a great time to give permission to administer Ibuprofen or Tylenol to your child(ren) if they are prone to getting headaches, etc.), and hit “Update Information” on the last page to make sure the changes you made take effect. Free College Planning Event Tue. Oct. 7th at Bettendorf High Auditorium at 7:00pm Wed. Oct. 15th at Assumption High Auditorium at 7:00pm Are you starting to think about college planning and how to make it affordable? Join us next week for a free, high-impact workshop designed to help families understand how to save thousands on college costs and avoid the most common mistakes in the process. Presented by nationally recognized college planning author and expert Jeannie Burlowski this session is packed with practical, actionable strategies for families with students in middle school and high school. All parents and students are welcome. STILL CURRENT Trunk or Treat Home and School would like to invite all school families and all parish members to Trunk or Treat on Friday October 24th! This is a fun event for the whole family! There is no cost for this event. Click HERE to trick or treat or to hand out candy. Kids remember to dress up in your favorite costume and bring a bag to collect goodies! Trunk or Treat Flyer Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest at Trunk or Treat! Get ready for some fall fun! We're excited to invite all school families to participate in our Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest! How it works: Decorate a pumpkin as a family - be as creative, spooky, silly, or unique as you’d like! You can carve, paint, dress up, or accessorize your pumpkin. Anything goes (as long as it's school-appropriate). Pumpkin Drop-Off: Bring your decorated pumpkin at the end of the school day on October 24th up until 5:30pm (when trunk or treat begins). We'll have a special display area where everyone can admire the amazing creations! Please make sure your pumpkin is labeled with your family name and categories you would like your pumpkin to be entered in. Voting & Prizes: Families, students, and staff will vote for their favorites in categories such as: Most Creative Spookiest Funniest Best Family Theme Winners will be announced on October 27th and receive a small prize and bragging rights! We can't wait to see your family's pumpkin masterpiece! Let's make this a fun and festive celebration of fall together! Questions: Contact Jescie Pullinger jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us Student Hunger Drive The St. Paul can food drive goes through October. SPS is competing against the other area Catholic schools to see whom “can” bring in the most cans. Please send in cans to your child's homeroom class. Each day we will collect and record which class has brought in the most. Spiritual Refocusing The Eucharist is our greatest gift and the heart of our faith. As busy as life gets, let us recommit to making Sunday Mass the center of our week. In the Mass, we are strengthened by Christ, united as a family of faith, and reminded of what matters most. 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 Beginner Hockey with Quad City Hockey Association Register TODAY at www.quadcityhockey.com or click on this link 2025-26 One Goal (Nov-Dec) One Goal & Learn to Play every Monday starting 11/3/25-12/15/25 (No Session on 11/24/25) from 5:30-6:30pm at River’s Edge Ice Arena. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Contact Allen Arndt at onegoal@quadcityhockey.com with questions QCHA Volunteers please register to help using Dibs Try Hockey for Free Flyer Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. For the past few years each grade level classroom and specials subject have chosen a country or cultural event/item to learn more about with their students. Students work in small groups, create posters, research individuals, bring treats, sing songs and share what they have learned with one another. We will have a bi-lingual mass on October 14th to culminate this month-long celebration. 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 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. Volunteer for October Recess Volunteer for November Recess Volunteer for December Recess

September 24, 2025 WHAT'S NEW Principal’s Ponderings This week I was reminded of the strength of our community in a powerful way. Yesterday, as I was standing in mass in front of an 8th grade class and behind a 1st grade class, I heard our students proudly sing “Your Grace Is Enough,” and it nearly brought me to tears. At that moment, it hit me how important it is for us, as a school, and as a faith community, to hold onto the truth that God’s grace truly is enough, even in challenging times. Thank you for being part of this community that prays, sings, and lives out that message together. -Mr. Connors Threat communication Recently, students made threatening statements at school. Police determined formal assessments were not needed, and the students involved have received appropriate restrictions and consequences. While details cannot be shared, please know our response was sufficient and student safety remains our top priority. Tier Responses in the form of Letters at SPS Beginning next week, families will receive letters about how your child performed on Fall assessments and the support your child may need. These letters and the information included are required by the state. They will explain how your child is progressing in our school’s support system, which is organized into three levels: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. These letters may look different than the letters received by St. Paul’s families in the past. More information will be shared about these letters, levels, and how we provide support in future communications from the school administration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Connors directly. Block Party Thank you to everyone that helped at the block party this weekend. What a blessing it is that we have this positive event for our school, parish, and larger community. Your time, energy, and generosity made the day possible and created a joyful experience for all who attended. Events like this remind us of the strength of our community and the importance of coming together in fellowship. Early Dismissal this Friday This Friday, Sept. 26 is a 2 - hour early dismissal at 12:55 PM. Buses will run. Aftercare and Small Beginnings will be open until 5:30 PM. Students may wear uniform bottoms with a spirit wear top on all 2 hour early dismissal days this year. First Semester Lunch Fees First semester lunch fees have been added to Blackbaud tuition accounts and will need to be paid by October 15. The link to access your Blackbaud account is https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx Please contact rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org if you have any questions or issues with Blackbaud. She is the contact for all billing/tuition questions. We are aware that a $40 late fee was assessed to all accounts for late lunch fees. Please note this was an error and will be removed. However, lunch bills not paid by October 15 will incur a $40 late fee! School Pictures School pictures are next Tuesday, Sept. 30. Students may be out of uniform for pictures. If your child is absent on Tuesday, but here on Wednesday, they may bring a top to change into and get their picture taken Wed at 8AM (they must change back into a uniform top after their picture is taken). 3yo MW Preschool pictures will be on Wed., Oct. 1. We will have picture retakes later in October. Please scan QR code on flyer below to be notified when your child(ren)’s photo is online to view and order. School Photo Flyer Trunk or Treat Home and School would like to invite all school families and all parish members to Trunk or Treat on Friday October 24th! This is a fun event for the whole family! There is no cost for this event. Click HERE to trick or treat or to hand out candy. Kids remember to dress up in your favorite costume and bring a bag to collect goodies! Trunk or Treat Flyer Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest at Trunk or Treat! Get ready for some fall fun! We're excited to invite all school families to participate in our Family Pumpkin Decorating Contest! How it works: Decorate a pumpkin as a family - be as creative, spooky, silly, or unique as you’d like! You can carve, paint, dress up, or accessorize your pumpkin. Anything goes (as long as it's school-appropriate). Pumpkin Drop-Off: Bring your decorated pumpkin at the end of the school day on October 24th up until 5:30pm (when trunk or treat begins). We'll have a special display area where everyone can admire the amazing creations! Please make sure your pumpkin is labeled with your family name and categories you would like your pumpkin to be entered in. Voting & Prizes: Families, students, and staff will vote for their favorites in categories such as: Most Creative Spookiest Funniest Best Family Theme Winners will be announced on October 27th and receive a small prize and bragging rights! We can't wait to see your family's pumpkin masterpiece! Let's make this a fun and festive celebration of fall together! Questions: Contact Jescie Pullinger jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us Student Hunger Drive The St. Paul can food drive will begin next week and go through October. SPS is competing against the other area Catholic schools to see whom “can” bring in the most cans. Please send in cans to your child's homeroom class. Each day we will collect and record which class has brought in the most. STILL CURRENT Spiritual Refocusing The Eucharist is our greatest gift and the heart of our faith. As busy as life gets, let us recommit to making Sunday Mass the center of our week. In the Mass, we are strengthened by Christ, united as a family of faith, and reminded of what matters most. 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 Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. For the past few years each grade level classroom and specials subject have chosen a country or cultural event/item to learn more about with their students. Students work in small groups, create posters, research individuals, bring treats, sing songs and share what they have learned with one another. We will have a bi-lingual mass on October 14th to culminate this month-long celebration.

September 17, 2025  WHAT’S NEW Principal’s Ponderings - Communication Management Unfortunately, we have already experienced situations this school year where students have made statements involving threats of violence toward the school. Just yesterday, two such incidents occurred. One involving a 5th grader and one involving a 7th grader. Please know that we are taking each situation very seriously, following established policies, and responding to the fullest extent possible. It is important to stress: words matter. They carry weight, and we are all accountable for what we say. We ask that you take time to talk with your child about the seriousness of their words and the impact those words can have on others. Our process for communication in these cases is as follows: Directly involved families: First, we will contact the students and families directly associated with the threat. This will happen through personal phone calls and/or meetings. Affected families: Next, we will communicate with families whose children may have been directly aware of or exposed to the threat. This communication will most often come as an email from administration. School-wide communication: Finally, when appropriate, we will share a broader message with the larger community. This will usually be included in the Weekly Panther or, if needed, sent in a separate email from administration. We recognize the importance of timely information, but also ask for your patience as we work through these communication steps in a thoughtful and appropriate manner. Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate these sensitive situations. – Mr. Connors

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! Mr. Connors; Principal

September 3, 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

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

August 20, 2025