The Weekly Panther April 15, 2026

WHAT’S NEW
ESA Applications open tomorrow
The Odyssey ESA portal for parents will open at 8:00 AM on April 16, 2026, for the 2026–27 school year. Please go to the Odyssey website at https://esasforiowa.org/ and click on the “apply now” button.
Additional program dates for the 2026-27 school year will be shared as they are confirmed by Odyssey. If someone does not have access to a computer or is otherwise unable to complete the ESA application independently, they may email martha.korneisel@sccsiowa.org or rose.strickland@sccsiowa.org or call Martha at 563.326.2667 ext. 2223 or Rose at 563.326.2667 ext. 2269.
**************
New SCCS President Appointed
SCCS is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Fisher from Tucson, AZ as our new President! Please see the Press Release emailed earlier today from Mrs. Houtekier-Boyd for more information.
**********
ISASPs are NEXT WEEK
ISASP tests (formerly called Iowa tests of Basic Skills) will be administered to all students in grades 3 - 8 the week of April 20. If your child has any appointments scheduled for this week, we ask that you please consider rescheduling so that they can complete testing with their class (versus having to find time to make up testing and miss valuable class time). Please also make an effort to arrive at school on time during ISASP week. The first bell rings at 7:45 and the tardy bell rings at 7:55.
Thank you for your cooperation.
**********
School Advisory Board
Now Accepting School Advisory Board Nominations!
Do you have a passion for Catholic Education and supporting our Saint Paul the Apostle school?
Please consider joining the school advisory board!
The school advisory board is seeking to fill 1 board position with an active member of our parish who is committed to our wonderful Catholic School. Interested appointees should have a commitment to understand and support the mission of our education programs, finances, faculty and staff, and marketing needs.
Each board member serves a 3-year term.
You may nominate yourself or another parishioner. Please send nominations by April 30 to Ann McIntyre at annmlamb@gmail.com.
Contact Ann McIntyre at 563-484-9592 with any questions
**************
100th Anniversary Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fine dining, live and silent auctions, with entertainment provided by Identity Crisis. Help us to show our appreciation to our parish and school faculty and staff, as well as raise money to fund student programs through our Home and School Association. Any funds raised above the Home and School budget needs will go to the Building Fund for a proposed Fine Arts addition, all school air conditioning and expansion of the Early Learning Programs. Tickets are limited so order today!
- May 1, 2026 at Rhythm City Casino
- $75 per person
- 5:30 Cocktails and Silent Auction
- 6:30 Dinner
- 7:30 Program and Live Auction
- 8:30-10:30 Identity Crisis music and dancing
Tickets can be purchased online at https://onecau.se/_fmdam1
**************
School Supply Kits for 2026-27
Parents - it's time to buy your 1st Day School Supplies.
I know it seems early, but before you know it, summer will be here. It's important you order your supplies before it's too late or supplies run out. Start the school year with the exact supplies your teacher requested, and give your child the confidence they need to conquer next year! Get them today before it's too late!
USE THIS LINK TO ORDER: http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/40081
****************
STILL CURRENT
SAVE THE DATE
Our 2nd annual SPS Spring Fine arts Festival will take place during the school day on Thursday, May 7th. Throughout the day, students will be performing and fantastic art work by all students will be on display. The schedule will be as follows:
8:15am-12:30pm - ART SHOW
8:30- 2nd grade Family Folk Dance
9:30- 4th grade Recorder Concert
10:45- 6th, 7th, and 8th Vocal Concert
11:30- 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, and jazz Bands Concert
GRANDPARENTS are our special invited guests for this event, so please bring them to enjoy all the talent at SPS!
*************
Pathfinders
Our next April Pathfinders is April 27th. More great speakers, more great saints, more great discussion and more self discovery of faith. If your student hasn’t had a chance to join us yet it’s not too late!! All are welcome! Here is the link for the April sign-up. May date will be out soon!
*************
Aftercare Survey
*Please consider completing this planning survey to help us estimate attendance for Before and After Care for the upcoming school year. This information will help us plan staffing so we can safely care for the number of students attending each day.
26-27 Before & Aftercare Planning Survey
************
Stem Fair 25/26
K-4th Grade
TOMORROW, Thursday, April 16th, 8:45-10
Denning Hall
Please see attachment
Questions contact erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us
**********
Fun in the Sun
Save the Dates
June 8-12, 2026
9 am-12 pm
Ages 4 years-Current 4th Grade
**********
Coming Soon: Rainforest Falls VBS!
This summer we are going to explore the nature of God at Vacation Bible School! St. Paul's Rainforest Falls VBS will be held the week of June 22-26 from 8:30 - 11:30 am daily for youth who have finished 3 year old preschool through going into 5th grade. Watch for more information after Easter for volunteer opportunities and registration.
***************
Voter Voice in Iowa
Our Catholic schools continue to be strengthened when families make their voices heard. The Iowa Catholic Conference is currently asking supporters to take a moment to complete an action alert in support of preschool access, educational flexibility, and additional support for nonpublic school facilities. The alert specifically encourages legislators to support HF 2713 / SF 2425, which includes protections for community-based preschool partnerships, a second fall ESA sign-up period for families whose situations change mid-year, and financing tools that could help nonpublic schools with future facility and infrastructure needs.
I encourage our St. Paul families to take a few minutes to complete this action alert and share your support. Parent voices matter, and participation helps remind lawmakers that Catholic education is an important option for Iowa families. Thank you for continuing to advocate for our students, our school, and the future of Catholic education in Iowa.
****************
Save the Date! St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing
Join us on June 12 for the St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing at the beautiful Emeis Golf Course in Davenport, IA, where your swing can make a difference!
Registration at 12:00 PM
Shotgun Start at 1:00 PM
Dinner at 5:00 PM
Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy a day on the greens, complete with friendly competition, delicious food, and the chance to win exciting prizes. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this event promises a fun-filled day of camaraderie and charity, all while strengthening the bonds within our St. Paul the Apostle family. Don’t miss this opportunity to tee off for a great cause!
*************
SPS Yearbooks for sale
Celebrate 100 Years of Panther Pride!
2025-26 Yearbooks are on sale this year. St. Paul's is celebrating their 100th Anniversary!
- Each Yearbook is on sale for $25.
- Over 100 pages with Full-color photos
- Packed with memories, milestones, and Panther pride
- A special keepsake honoring 100 years of our amazing school
- Order by Friday, May 1st, to purchase go to: https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx
This once-in-a-century yearbook is the perfect way for students and families to remember this unforgettable school year. Get yours before they’re gone!
If “Yearbook” is not an option in Blackbaud, that means you have already ordered one (remember that you have to log into each of your children’s accounts if they each want one).
***********
Rising Knights Girls Wrestling Fundraiser Flyer
***********
Recess Volunteers Needed
Volunteer Recess Supervisors Needed!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help supervise recess! Having extra adults on the playground helps ensure our students stay safe, supported, and engaged during outdoor play.
Volunteering for recess is also a great way to fulfill your required volunteer hours while spending time with our school community.
To volunteer, CMG training is required for all school volunteers. If you are interested, I am happy to send you the information and steps needed to complete the training. Please email: jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us if interested. If you are set with the CMG trainings please use the links below to volunteer for a day that works for you.
Thank you for helping us keep our playground a safe and fun place for our children!
**********
WEEK AT A GLANCE
List of Services
-
Wednesday, Apr. 15List Item 1
Biz Town Interviews - 4th and 5th Grades
-
Thursday, Apr. 16List Item 2
STEM Fair - 8:45 - 10:00 Denning Hall
-
Friday, April 17List Item 3
Students may wear spirit wear tops with uniform bottoms
6th grade bake sale
2 hour early dismissal at 12:55
-
Saturday, Apr. 18
-
Sunday, Apr. 19
-
Monday, Apr. 20
ISASP testing for 3rd - 8th grade
-
Tuesday, Apr. 21
ISASP testing for 3rd - 8th grade
No Algebra for 8th grade
-
Wednesday, Apr. 22
ISASP testing for 3rd - 8th grade
AHS Spring Information Knight 5:30











