The Weekly Panther
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
Construction Wows Continued…
We are still in the midst of our construction challenges, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we find creative ways to navigate the situation. We kindly ask that you avoid using the St. Mary Health Care and Rehabilitation Center parking lot. Their vulnerable residents often use the lot for breaks and to get some fresh air, and we want to be respectful to our neighbors. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
2-Hour Early Dismissal
St. Pauls will have a 2 hour early dismissal next Friday, Sept. 26 at 12:55 PM. Aftercare and Small Beginnings will be open until 5:30.
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.
Youth Ministry
Middle School Youth Nights (for 6th-8th graders) kick off tonight (Wednesday, September 17) from 6:00-7:30pm in Denning Hall. These are great opportunities for middle school youth to spend time with friends in a welcoming and faith-building environment. Each month youth play games, share snacks, and examine a topic of faith and explore their relationship with Jesus and the teachings of the Catholic Church. If you have questions or you'd like to help as an adult leader, contact Brett Adams, Director of Discipleship at stpauldod@gmail.com.
If you'd like to receive future updates about other youth ministry opportunities at St. Paul's, be sure to join our Flocknote list by visiting the parish website and scrolling down to the section titled "Join our flock and receive updates in Flocknote". Enter your info and be sure to select "St. Paul's Youth Ministry" as one of your preferred groups. You can also join by texting "SAINTPAULS" to 84576 and enter your information that way.
Girl Scouts
Girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade will be bringing home Girl Scout sign up forms. You can either scan the QR code or fill out the paper form and return to the school office by next Friday, Sept. 26.
STILL CURRENT
Block Party 9/20/25
The Back-to-School Block Party is one of our most loved traditions, bringing together food, fun, and fellowship for the whole family! There will be face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, slushies, a photo booth, balloon art and more!
To reserve your spot for the block party please register HERE!
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing St. Paul community. We need many helping hands to make the night a success, and we’d love for you to join in.
Please sign up for a volunteer time slot using the link below. When you arrive, all volunteers must check in with Shannon Elliott at the start of their shift.
Cake Walk Donations - to donate a cake for the cake walk:
Questions? Contact Shannon at saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com.
Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/saintpaulhomeandschool
Thank you for helping us make this a memorable evening for our families!
School Pictures
School pictures will be on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Students may be out of uniform for pictures. 3yo MW Preschool pictures will be on Wed., Oct. 1.
Emergency Drills
We’ve had a wonderful first two weeks of school, and it’s been so great to see students settling in and engaging in their learning!
In the coming weeks, we will be conducting a series of emergency drills at school. These may include lockdown drills, severe weather drills, fire drills, evacuation drills, bus evacuation drills, and more.
Students may come home talking about these practices. Please help us reinforce that these drills are an important part of keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for your support!
Baptismal Survey Link
The Diocese of Davenport is inviting all parents to participate in a short survey about Baptismal Identity. This important survey will help guide how we, as a Church and school community, live out and share our faith.
We encourage every family to take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your input will provide valuable insight and strengthen our mission together.
Thank you for helping us grow in faith and live out our baptismal call!
Parish Directory Picture - Additional Dates!
Goal: 100% of St. Paul the Apostle Families pictured in our new parish directory!
When: October 13,14, and 15, 2:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Sign Up: https://schedule.ucdir.com/#/
Church Code: ia359
Password: photos
Locals Love Us! Vote for St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Please cast your vote in Locals Love Us for St. Paul's in the areas of K-8 Private Schools, Child Care and Preschools.
Go to: https://vote.localsloveus.com/quad-cities/
Once in the voting section go to Services and there you will find the categories of K-8 Private Schools, Child Care, and Preschools.
Help us keep our streak going!!
Recess Volunteer Signup
Sign up at one of the links below to volunteer at recess. Diocesan training and a background check is required prior to volunteering. These hours will count towards your home and school obligation. Email jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us for more information.
Open Positions
We currently have the following openings:
1 FTE Library Aide/Small Beginnings Para
Substitute Teachers
Questions about the open positions can be sent to Mr. Connors ethan.connors@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or Logan Ahnquist at logan.ahnquist@sccsiowa.org
Girls in Aviation Day
Please see attached flyer for the Quad Cities International Airport, along with John Deere and Elliott Aviation, Girls in Aviation Day event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Families may sign-up to attend by using the QR code within the flyer. Girls in Aviation Flyer
WEEK AT A GLANCE
List of Services
