The Weekly Panther Sep. 23, 2026

PRINCIPAL’S PONDERING
Thank you to everyone who came to the Block Party! An event like this takes a tremendous amount of preparation from our Home and School team. Although the weather forced us to wrap up early, we still enjoyed a wonderful time together.
A huge thank-you to Sara Schwartz and Adam Meade for leading the event, and to everyone who helped make it happen!
-Mr. Connors
WHAT’S NEW
Join Us for Our Capital Campaign Kickoff!
St. Paul the Apostle school families are invited to join us as we officially kick off our Investing in Our Faith Capital Campaign: Celebrating Our Past and Building for the Future!
Come celebrate with our students and get an exciting look at what’s ahead for St. Paul the Apostle!
Monday, September 28
2:15 PM
West Parking Lot
We hope you can join us as we celebrate this exciting next chapter for our school and the future of St. Paul the Apostle!
***The West Parking Lot will not open until 2:45 on Monday for the safety of the students. Please park your car and come join us for the Kickoff.***
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School picture day is Sept 29
Students may be out of uniform next Tuesday, September 29 for School Pictures. Please watch your email for a proof of their picture and for ordering information.
TSS Photography will be taking pictures, so if you have any questions, please reach out to them. tsscustomerserviceqc@gmail.com
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Canned Food Drive
The St. Paul canned food drive began this week and will run through the end of October.
SPS is competing against the other area Catholic schools to see who can bring in the most cans.
For fun, we are going to compete within our school. At the end of the food drive, the winning grade level will win a popcorn-and-candy party! All of the food collected goes to Assumption to help them compete in the Student Hunger Drive.
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Military Status
Help us to get our Student Information System up to date regarding military status. If you are presently serving in one of the armed forces or reserves, please email kelly.boche@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us. This is for our information only. The Arsenal usually requests the NUMBER of veterans we have in our school parent database, but we only tell them how many, not your name. Thank you for your service!
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Trunk or Treat
We’re excited to invite our St. Paul families to our 2026 Trunk or Treat!
Friday, October 23, 2026
5:30–7:00 PM
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School
Bring your family, dress up, and enjoy an evening of trunk-or-treating, fun, and Halloween festivities!
Want to decorate a trunk/pumpkin and participate in trick or treating?
Please RSVP using the link below so we can plan for our participating trunks/pumpkins/trick or treaters:
We can’t wait to see our St. Paul Panthers dressed up and ready for some Halloween fun!
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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 23rd up until 5:00pm. We'll have a special display area where everyone can admire the amazing creations!
Judging & Prizes:
Four judges will be invited to blindly judge the pumpkins in each of our four categories:
Most Creative
Spookiest
Funniest
Best Family Theme
In addition to our guest judges, families, students, and staff will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite pumpkins! Winners will be determined using both the guest judges' selections and community votes.
Winners will be announced on October 26th and will receive a small prize!
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Trunk Decorating Contest
Think you have the most creative, spooky, or fun trunk at Trunk or Treat? Show us what you've got!
Four families will be invited to serve as guest judges for the Trunk Decorating Contest. The judges will select the top three trunks, and each winning family will receive a family prize!
We can't wait to see everyone's creativity! Let's make this a fun and festive celebration of fall together!
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Ladies Night Bingo Donations Needed
SPS Home & School Association is gearing up for our annual Ladies Night Bingo fundraiser on November 12th!
To help make this event a success, we are in need of prize donations (gift cards, baskets, products, or services) for round winners and raffles.
Why donate?
- Support Our Students: Proceeds fund vital school expenses outside the regular budget.
- Promote Your Business: We will gladly advertise you or your business at the event through coupons, brochures, or marketing materials!
If you are able to contribute, please contact the Home & School Board at saintpaulhomeandschool@gmail.com
We will happily arrange to pick up your donation! Thank you for your generous support!
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WEEK AT A GLANCE
List of Services
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Wednesday, Sep. 23List Item 1
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Thursday, Sep. 24List Item 2
Hosting Games in Gym
Men's Night Bonfire 7PM
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Friday, Sep. 25List Item 3
2 hour early dismissal (12:55)
Students may wear a spirit wear top with uniform bottoms
6th Grade Bake Sale (all items .50)
Midterms - check your PowerSchool account for grades (Middle School)
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Sat, Sep. 26
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Sun., Sep. 27
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Mon., Sep. 28
Capital Campaign Kickoff for new addition 2:15 - West Playground
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Tues., Sep. 29
School Picture Day - Out of uniform
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Wed., Sept. 30
School Picture day for 3yoMW Preschool only











