The Weekly Panther May 26, 2026

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERING
The End of the Year Is Upon Us!
The end of the school year is always full of fun activities and celebrations, and boy, do we know how to do it! From school trips to parks and trails, amusement parks, and even hosting our very own "State Fair," SPS is pulling out all the stops to send the kids into summer excited about learning.
If you're a parent, much like myself, looking for fun things to do this summer with your kids, you're in luck! The Quad Cities has so many wonderful summer activities to take advantage of. Below is just a small sampling of ways you can fill your days with your kids while they're home.
Water Fun
If you are looking for a good time involving water, take a look at this PAGE to find all of the activities that are suitable for toddlers to teens. There is a variety of options from pools, splash pads, spray parks, to water parks.
Easy Family Activities
Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley is always a solid summer day trip, especially for younger kids. It is close enough to make it a half-day outing without feeling like a major production.
The Family Museum in Bettendorf is one of the best rainy-day or too-hot-day options. It has hands-on exhibits and creative play areas, and it works especially well for preschool through elementary-aged kids.
Putnam Museum & Science Center in Davenport is another strong indoor option, especially if your kids like science, dinosaurs, history, or IMAX-style experiences.
John Deere Pavilion in Moline is free, interactive, and surprisingly fun for kids who like climbing into big machines.
The Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport has free admission in July. This means you can experience it all. Explore the exhibitions on view, stroll through the permanent collection galleries, and discover something inspiring around every corner.
Summer Events and One-Time Outings
Check the Visit Quad Cities Events Calendar regularly. It lists current activities such as QC Summer Games, river cruises, exhibits, live events, and family-friendly happenings across the area.
Consider a Celebration Bell River Cruise or other riverboat experience if your kids would enjoy being on the Mississippi, and learn a little in the process.
Catch a Quad Cities River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park. DID YOU KNOW that Modern Woodmen Park was voted the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the country by USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The historic downtown Davenport stadium won the #1 spot in 2014, 2024, and 2025, before placing a close second in 2026.
Summer Bucket List
With any and all of the options above (and more), make a summer bucket list in the first few weeks of things you hope to see and do. Cross them off your list when you do it. AND don’t worry, if you finish your list early, make another ONE.
Have a happy, healthy, and safe summer. We look forward to seeing you next year!
-Mr. Connors
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WHAT’S NEW
Last two days of school dress
Tomorrow, Thursday, May 28 is field day. Students may wear a spirit wear top and out of uniform bottoms (appropriate length and loose fitting), but please refer to your child(ren)’s teachers emails, as some may have slightly different guidelines. Anything that says St. Paul’s is spirit wear (100yr. Birthday shirt, band shirt, bowling shirt, etc).
Friday, May 29 is the last day of school. We have a two hour early dismissal at 12:50. Buses will run. Students may wear a spirit wear shirt with uniform bottoms.
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Wednesday Folders
Wednesday folders will be sent home tomorrow. Please check them for important information including your child’s report card and a school supply list for next year.
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Medication in the Office
If you brought in medication this year for your student, including epi pens, please pick it up on Friday, or next week (Tuesday - Friday) between 8:30 - 2:30.
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St. Paul the Apostle Golf Outing
June 12, 2026
Emeis Golf Course
12:00 Registration
1:00 Shotgun Start
Cost - $90.00 per golfer
Includes: 18 holes, cart and dinner, drinks
Email Julie Delaney at davstpauldev@gmail to sign up individually or for your foursome, by going to https://onecau.se/stpaulgolf
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Summer Office Hours
The school office will be open the following hours this summer:
June 2 - 12 - 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM weekdays
June 15 - August 7 - Wednesday mornings from 8:30 - 11:30
August 10 - August 21 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM (call first as we may be in back to school meetings)
August 24 - First day of school - Normal office hours 7:30 AM - 3:15 PM
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Enrollment
If you will not be returning to St. Pauls in August, please let the office know. We do have waiting lists in some of the grade levels.
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Another Summer Camp Opportunity
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Art Room News
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Helpful Links:
School Calendar
https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/school-calendar
Record Volunteer Hours
https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/parent-volunteer-hours-reporting-form
Uniform Approved Sweatshirts/PE Uniforms
https://www.empoweringabilities.org/stores/st-paul-the-apostle-school/
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STILL CURRENT
Parent Participation Obligation
As we wrap up the 2025-2026 school year, we need all families to complete their Home and School Parent Participation Obligation. Each family is required to fulfill a Home and School obligation each year. There are 3 options:
- $200 buyout - pay through Blackbaud at this link (must know dollar amount due)
https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=ix01qiteyce#/home/
2) 20 Volunteer hours throughout the 2025-26 school year. Record your volunteer
Hours here: https://www.stpaulcatholicschool.org/parent-volunteer-hours-reporting-form
3) $200 in REBATE PROFIT through purchasing Panther Perks
If this obligation was not yet fulfilled after the first semester, you should have received a letter in January with your balance due. If you need to know your current balance, please email kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us.
Balances not paid in full by May 31 will be sent to SCCS for billing.
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Used Uniform Sale
Hello Parents! It is time to start thinking about the Used Uniform Sale. Set up will be from 6 pm-8 pm on Tuesday, July 14th. Anyone who helps on Tuesday, July 14th will get to shop while they set up and get first picks. The sale will be held on Wednesday, July 15th and Wednesday, July 22nd from 8 am-11:30 am and 6-8 pm. The sale will also be held during Unpack Your Backpack Night on Thursday, August 20 from 1:00-5:30 and clean up will be held, in the evening, after Unpack your Backpack. Volunteers needed!!!! Home and School volunteer hours available.
We need your used clothing. Items can also be dropped off to the school now-June 12th. Please text Erin 563-508-2808 if you need to arrange a different time for drop off.
We will sell the following things at the sale: Uniform jumpers and skirts, navy and khaki pants and shorts, polos, SPS/AHS approved sweatshirts, 3/4 zips, sweaters, belts, gym uniforms, SPS and AHS spiritwear. If you want to sell your items please mark each item, on the front of a note card sized paper. Then attach it with a safety pin. Include the following information:
Name
Phone Number
Girls/Boys
Size
Price
You may donate items, too. All proceeds from donations go to Home and School and directly help our students. Donations can simply be dropped off as is. We also need shoppers! Many items are like new and prices are reasonable. Shopping the Used Uniform Sale directly impacts our children in the classroom!!!
Items can be dropped off in the school office now through June 12th or in the Gathering Space anytime thereafter. A special container will be in the Gathering Space.
If you are able to help or if you have questions, DO NOT REPLY to this email, but please contact Erin Darland at erin.darland@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us or 563-508-2808.
Thank you in advance for your help and support of this sale.
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DIOCESE OF DAVENPORT - Marriage & Family Life Coordinator
The Diocese of Davenport is currently looking for a Marriage & Family Life Coordinator that will work in the Faith Formation Department. The position is a full-time, exempt position. The Coordinator is responsible for providing coordination, collaboration, administration, support, and leadership for the parish leaders in areas of marriage and family life for the Diocese. The Coordinator identifies, designs, organizes and implements a process for the development, training, and ongoing accompaniment of leaders with a focus on building parish capacity in marriage preparation, early marriage, family formation, and the full inclusion of and pastoral care of families, especially those with special needs. The coordinator will support pastors, organize family life projects and help carry out the objectives of a strategic plan. A bachelor's degree in theology, religious education or other relevant discipline is required (master's preferred). Parish and pastoral experience in family life ministry is also required. Send resume to: Tiara Hatfield, hatfield@davenportdiocese.org<mailto:hatfield@davenportdiocese.org>, or 780 W Central Park Ave, Davenport, IA 52804.
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TRACK & FIELD OPPORTUNITIES
There is a Track opportunity for current 8th graders and under. (Parents can hang out on the field with them.
2026 — Youth track & field meet sponsored by QC Summer Games and Two Rivers YMCA. Your payment includes participation and a t-shirt. If you would rather mail in your payment & registration, please open this link https://qcsogo.org/docs/2026-Youth-meet-only-registration.pdf. If you need it printed, please email Ms. Luke at klucas@ascsdav.org and she will print it for you.
** This track opportunity has nothing to do with SCCS or SPS. If you have questions, please contact the person listed.
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Lost and Found
Mrs. VanCamp has gone through all of the lost and found items and put them out on a table in the hallway. If you are missing any items, please stop by to look. Any items left on the last day of school will be donated.
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Art Sketchbooks next year
The sketchbooks in Art were wonderful to use this year- Thank you for providing them. They will be coming home this week. Several students used very nice sketchbooks this year and they might be able to reuse them next year.
If your student’s sketchbook has more than 30 clean pages left, the front and back cover AND the spiral are intact and in good condition your student can probably reuse the book for the 26-27 school year. If you'd like to reuse the book next year, just carefully remove the used pages, and clearly mark the student's name and NEW homeroom to the front and bring it back next year.
Of course if your student/s would like to use the sketchbook for drawing over the summer and purchase a new one next year that's an option too. (If you get the school supply kit- sketchbooks are one year usage books.)
Thanks for your support! Mrs Brooke :)
Any questions? jen.brooke@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us
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Tutoring available:
There are several qualified teachers interested in providing tutoring this summer. If you are interested please contact the school office and they can share the list with you.
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Summer Activities
Better Golf Youth Summer Clinic.pdf
2026 Girls Basketball Camp Form.pdf
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Fun in the Sun
Please see the link below for information on “Fun in the Sun” for Preschool - 4th graders.
June 8 - 12
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ESA applications now open
The Odyssey ESA portal for parents is now open through June 30 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.
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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! Deadline to order is June 30.
USE THIS LINK TO ORDER: http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/40081
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WEEK AT A GLANCE
List of Services
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Wednesday, May 27List Item 1
8th Grade class trip
TK Open House 1 - 2:30
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Thursday, May 28List Item 2
Wednesday Folders and Report Cards go home
Last day for TK
Field Day - Spirit wear top and out of uniform bottoms
Burgers/Hotdogs for lunch
4th/5th grade field trip 8:30 - 2:30
6th/7th/8th grade field trip 10:30 - 2:30
8th grade Clap out 2:40
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Friday, May 29List Item 3
Last day of school
Kindergarten Graduation 10:30 Denning Hall
2 hour early dismissal at 12:55
8th Grade Graduation 6PM











