Principal Post

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

August 20, 2025

Joe Kolar

Daniel Molyneaux