Be Unique - Be a Leader - Be Aquinas
Knightly News - January 7, 2018
Principal's Post

I welcome the entire St. Thomas Aquinas community back to school this week from an extended Christmas break. We were scheduled to return last week (and we did for 1 day), but our full return was delayed due to the frigid temperatures. We plan to return this week for an entire week of classes, sporting events, etc. 

As we start this new calendar year, it is a time to re-commit ourselves to the pillars of St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Middle School - Truth, Scholarship, Excellence. These are what we - our teachers, students, coaches, and staff - strive for each day at St. Thomas Aquinas. With God’s help, may we pursue these with increased vigor and determination. 

Have a great Aquinas week!

St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.
Principal Schlueter

Go Knights!
Walsh University and Stark County Catholic High Schools sign a new CCP Agreement to support local Catholic education. (Left to Right) Stark County Catholic High School President Dan Gravo and Walsh University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Douglas Palmer Ph.D.
News Release

Walsh University, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Central Catholic Partner to Enhance College Credit Plus Program for Catholic School Students

North Canton, Ohio - A new College Credit Plus (CCP) agreement between Walsh University and Stark County Catholic High Schools will save time and money towards earning a college education, while strengthening Catholic educational opportunities in Stark County. The agreement allows students from St. Thomas Aquinas and Central Catholic High Schools to take Walsh University courses and earn college credit at no cost while completing high school.

Though Walsh and St. Thomas Aquinas have had a long standing CCP partnership, the University is now offering College Credit Plus courses to Central Catholic High School students while expanding its list of course offerings to both schools. The new agreement will provide a pathway to programs such as Walsh Nursing, Pre-Med, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Interdisciplinary Studies and in the near future Engineering and Business.

"We are pleased to expand this opportunity and support our fellow Catholic schools in Stark County,"said Walsh University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Douglas Palmer, Ph.D. "Not only will students be able to earn college credit at no cost to their families, but they are also getting exposure to a college campus that shares their Catholic faiths and traditions in the classroom."

The purpose of Ohio's College Credit Plus program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students. The agreement between Walsh and Stark County Catholic High Schools offers students from Central and St. Thomas the opportunity to take college classes and earn college credits toward the field of study they plan to pursue in college, even before receiving their high school diplomas.

"Stark County Catholic High Schools have a long tradition of academic excellence. We're thrilled to expand this program and help make higher education more accessible to our students," said Dan Gravo, President of Stark County Catholic High Schools. "The fact that we're able to do this with an institution like Walsh University, that shares our Catholic values, is an added advantage for our students. 
A Note from Campus Ministry
The St. Thomas Aquinas community encourages you to please keep in your prayers the Perry Community who mourn the loss of a Middle School student over break. Also, the Louisville community mourns the death of the wife of the elementary school principal. 

We hope parents, grandparents and guardians allow an open communication with their children and provide opportunities to speak freely about concerns. Mr. Pederzolli in the Guidance Department is always available to speak with as well as other school staff members who genuinely care for your children. If there is ever a need for immediate intervention, text 4hope to 741741.  

Campus Ministry Quote of the Week
“Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties.” C.S. Lewis
Alumni Memorial Mass
Mark Your Calendars

St. Thomas Aquinas will host a Memorial Mass for our deceased alumni on Saturday, January 27th at 4pm in the Main Chapel. Please call Mrs. May at the school (330.875.1631) if you plan to attend. 
STA Students Fulfilling Our Mission to Serve:

Aquinas students, Please connect with Mrs. May about details for these volunteer opportunities.

St. Joseph Nursing Home  
-Help Residents log on to new tablets & teach how to play games 
-Help residents in a program called “Music and Memory”
Important Meetings & Info - Please Read!
All 2017-2018 School Forms are available on the St. Thomas Aquinas website.

Regular School Hours 
Mon - Fri 7:30am - 3:30pm STA Phone 330-875-1631

Upcoming Events 
  • Tuesday, January 9 - Swim team fundraiser at Chipotle (N. Canton location)
  • Friday, January 12 - Second quarter ends
  • Monday, January 15 - No School (Martin Luther King Day)
  • Friday, January 19 - March For Life
  • Saturday, January 20 - Royal Knights basketball game at 4:00 
  • Tuesday, January 23 - STARS ice cream
  • Thursday, January 25 - 6th Grade Visitation Day
  • Saturday, January 27 - Alumni Memorial Mass
  • Monday, January 29 - Catholic Schools Week

Athletic Events
  • Monday, January 8, 5:00 - Freshmen boys basketball vs Massillon
  • Tuesday, January 9, 6:00 - Boys JV basketball vs Massillon
  • Tuesday, January 9, 7:30 - Boys basketball vs Massillon
  • Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 - Girls basketball at Cleveland Central Catholic
  • Thursday, January 11, 5:30 - Freshmen Boys basketball vs VASJ
  • Friday, January 12, 5:30 - Boys JV basketball vs VASJ
  • Friday, January 12, 7:30 - Boys basketball vs VASJ
  • Saturday, January 13, 11:45 - Boys basketball at Fairless
  • Saturday, January 13, 1:00 - Girls JV basketball vs JFK
  • Saturday, January 13, 2:30 - Girls basketball vs JFK
Parent Forum

Did you know STA offers our students the opportunity to take college courses to earn credits towards a college degree? Did you know we have a partnership with Walsh University and Stark State?

Walsh University is holding a parent forum, CCP offerings for STA and CCHS, on Thursday, January 11, 6:30 pm in the Barrette Business Center, Room C . For those unable to attend but who have questions, contact Katie-Elisabeth Brown, at Walsh by email: kebrown@walsh.edu or phone: 330-490-7349.
Synchrony Financial Difference Maker
Deb Gill, Auxiliary Funds Clerk
Ms. Gill is the type of person who goes above and beyond to do what is needed for St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Middle School. In addition to managing the Auxiliary funds for the school, she assists the Ed-Choice program, and even monitors lunch duty. However, what is really special about Ms. Gill is how she treats each student with respect and makes them feel special each day. St. Thomas Aquinas is a much better place because of the presence and efforts of Ms. Gill .
Teacher Awards

We have life-changing teachers here at St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Middle School! We want to celebrate and thank them for their hard work and dedication to education but we need your help. Do you have a teacher that has positively influenced your life? If so, nominate them for a Golden Apple Award! To nominate your favorite teacher, visit our website for the nomination form .
Malone University December Teens of the Month
Katie Hiestand and Benjamin Crawford - Nominated by Angelo Pederzolli.
St. Thomas Aquinas students have been invited to participate in the Start to Strike Program, a theatre program sponsored by ArtsinStark and the Canton Palace Theatre. Auditions for a spring drama performance, on March 15, 16, and 17 under the lights of the Canton Palace Theatre, will be announced soon for Central Catholic and St. Thomas students watch for details! See Mrs. Pusateri for more information or questions.
2018 Aquinas Gold Auction
A Silent Auction Teaser #2:

“Escape” from the ordinary at the Canton Brewing Company and Escape Room at the Nest. The night of intrigue starts with beer tasting and pizza in the renovated North Third Street establishment that still has a “Speakeasy” downstairs, complete with its own secret entrance off Market Ave. Fortified with beer and pizza, you and your guests will embark on a quest in a newly designed “Escape Room” adventure. Test your wits, skill and teamwork in one of the newest entertainment experiences in Canton. 
Compliments of Dave Beule & the Canton Brewing Company
for the 2018 Aquinas Gold Auction
Recognizing Our Auction Sponsors
Thank you!
Gold Sponsor - $2500
The K Company Inc. has been setting the standard in HVAC design, installation and service since 1972 for commercial and residential heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration systems.  Since then, we have kept pace with the industry's many technological advances, enhancing and expanding our services to better serve Northeast Ohio. As we grow, one thing has remained constant – our commitment to 100 percent customer satisfaction. Always with a long-term partnership in mind, we are dedicated to providing the best products and service in the industry at a fair and competitive price.
Platinum Sponsor -$1,250 
Ample Storage is conveniently located at 11015 Cleveland Avenue Northwest, Uniontown, OH 44685. Our facility is completely fenced, with a gate accessed by your personal code. Storage units are available 6 different sizes to suit all your storage needs - 5X10 to 10X40. Please visit www.amplestorageunits.com for pricing and additional storage sizes.
From the Guidance Office
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Please check in with the Guidance Office for many more College Scholarship opportunities or the STA website for recent additions .

Quota International of Alliance Inc. (NEW)
This college scholarship is geared more for any student with speech and hearing impairments, it's also to service to youth and community service to disadvantaged women and children, this is available to any senior girl residing in the Alliance area who plan to attend an accredited college or university upon graduation. This application deadline is March 30,2018 . More information and application can be found in the Guidance office.

THE CANTON STUDENT LOAN FOUNDATION for graduating seniors holding a 2.0 and higher GPA looking for financial assistance must call before June 1st deadline ph # 330-493-0020.
Support the Swim Team!

Tuesday, January 9th
Chipotle 1472 N. Main St
Between 4:00pm & 8:00pm
STA Hosting Royal Knights of Stark County Special Olympics Team

Royal Knights of Stark County
vs
Colombiana DD Comets

Saturday, January 20th
4:00pm

Admission: Donations Accepted. FREE admission with a canned food item benefiting the Louisville Food Pantry.
Athletics - Stay in the Know & Follow Us
Before Christmas break, we visited each of our partner schools to deliver special gifts! We're grateful for all of the support we receive from Stark County Catholic elementary schools.
STA Basketball Partner School Nights

Thank you to all the families that joined us to “Celebrate our Rivalry” at the St. Thomas Aquinas and Central Catholic basketball games over break! We love having fans from the elementary schools in the stands!

We want to invite families to join us again for special partner nights. Catholic school elementary students wearing their school basketball jerseys, school spirit shirts, or Knight shirts will receive free admittance to the games below (parents will need to buy a ticket). During half-time of the varsity games, students from our partner schools will be recognized from the stands.  

Friday, January 12 – STA Boys Home Basketball Game, 7:00 pm varsity game  

Monday, February 5 –STA Girls Home Basketball Game, 7:00 pm game 
Planning a class reunion, email us and we'll post the information in our weekly eBlast!
CLASSMATE UPDATES

The Class of '68 reunion is coming up - where are you now? Send us an update !
2019 REUNIONS

Class of 1979 is looking for a few fabulous alumni who would love to be a part of the 40th Reunion Planning Committee. Please contact Don Trubisky at 330-265-9647
CLASSMATE MEMORIALS
Eternal rest grant unto them...
Rosemary (Petro) Charles - Passed away December 23rd. Served 30 years as the principal's secretary, one of the original employees of the school.
Emily Sager '92 - Passed away December 27th.
Patrick L. "Dietz" McMcKinney '84 - Passed away January 3rd, 2018.
STA IN TOUCH

To stay in the know with all things STA, please be sure to update your information on the website.
Got News or Photos to Share?
If you have any announcements for the STA eBlast, please email it to the STA eBlast Editor . Please add EBLAST in the subject line.

The weekly deadline is Saturday at noon to be included in that week's newsletter. Any announcements submitted after this deadline will be in the following week's STA eBlast.
Upcoming Events - Save the Date
Mark your calendars, the Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for February 3, 2018 .

The KNAC will need all hands on deck. Contact Stephanie Wheeler to find out how you can help make this FUN event SUCCESSFUL.

Money raised by this event supports all high school and middle school athletics.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Aquinas Vegas Gold Auction 2018 Needs Your Help

The Auction Committee is seeing TICKET donations for the following:
Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Attractions
Columbus Clippers, Columbus Blue Jackets
Canton Attractions, Blossom/Quicken Loans Arena upcoming events.

Contact Diane Harwood or school 330.875.1631
Ways to Support STA
St Thomas Aquinas High School is partnering with Schoola ( www.schoola.com ).

What’s Schoola? It’s a great way to raise funds for our school. Schoola collects pre-loved women's and children’s clothes, preps and sells them online, and gives 40% of the proceeds (minus the cost of inbound shipping) back to St Thomas Aquinas High School to help fund programs for our kids. That’s $2 out of every $5 earned back to our school! Simply click on the image to view our very own Schoola landing page where you can request a bag and view our progress and funds earned

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to St. Thomas Aquinas High School & Middle School to help fund programs for our students. Every little bit counts, donations quickly add up.

It's easy! Type smile.amazon.com and log into your Amazon.com account. Select St. Thomas Aquinas High School (yes the Middle School benefits too!), Louisville, OH. That's it. Now whenever you make a purchase STA benefits.

Thank you for your support!

Don't forget to forward this to your family and friends! And encourage them to  sign up  to receive their own copy of this email blast.