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Dear St. John Paul II Parents,
It is so hard to believe that it is already the end of June, and I hope that you all are enjoying your summer! Here at StJPII, we have been anxiously preparing for the 17/18 school year and the many things we will celebrate as we begin our 30th year as the best Catholic School in Houston/Katy!
I am very grateful to Mrs. McCurry, all the staff, alumni, and student volunteers for a successful Summer Enrichment program that has been receiving very positive feedback from our parent community. The staff, curriculum, and fun days allowed for a truly beneficial experience for all.
It is with great pleasure that I share with you the latest news on the horizon. Coming this fall are new signage on campus and some new looks in the classrooms. A huge thank you to our PTO & SJV Knights of Columbus for presenting the school with a combined total of $28,500 to purchase the famous “wish list items.” These funds are providing several new items that will allow the teachers to experiment with flexible learning spaces. These spaces are designed for specific learning experiences and allow the students choices in their classroom environment. We have purchased wobble chairs, rocker chairs, targeted small group tables, standing desks, whiteboard tables for solving math problems, an entire wall of whiteboard space to write and edit as a group, and much more!
This 30th academic year calls us to reflect on who we are as a school and through prayer, it became clear our theme should be, “Celebrating our Community of Saints”. We are all called to sainthood and it is in the strength and wisdom of our community that we can help each other on this journey. We will be celebrating each and everyone of us, as we are the SAINTS, and also featuring a “saint in our church” who exemplifies a virtue. We will together participate in learning how these saints call us to develop the seven virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude, Faith, Hope, & Charity.
How can you participate? We will be providing all families an opportunity to exercise our monthly virtues in your daily lives. From carpool to dinner time, your family will have the opportunity to learn that virtues can be shown even in the little things as we continue our journey to “SAINT”hood. Be on the lookout for our first issue in August!
NOW...check out the newest members of our StJPII community of saints, and need to know school NEWS below!
In Him we trust,
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Welcome to the StJPII Community...
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Dr. Michael Weinman,
Assistant Principal (4th-8th)
I am both honored and thrilled to join the StJPII Family! In just a few days, I have embraced the positivity, core values, and growth mindset flowing through the halls and hearts of this campus. It is evident that people work takes precedence over paperwork with the staff, students, and community.
As I enter my 16th year in education, I am fortunate to have had a variety of opportunities to transition from knowledge to wisdom within academia. While most of my career has been serving in administrative leadership role, my teaching experience falls predominantly in mathematics and graduate level research/statistics. Proudly, I am a product of Catholic education, graduating from St. Bonaventure University (NY) in 2002 and attaining teaching and principal certifications at the University of St. Thomas-Houston in 2005. More recently, I completed my PhD in Educational Psychology in 2011, in which I had the opportunity to attend multiple residencies focused on meta-cognition, problem-solving, and team research applications.
As the oldest of five and father of five, I understand the importance of developing spirituality, self-worth, and moral responsibility within each child. Students must be given opportunities to ground themselves in real world problem-solving, while maintaining self-awareness in decision making. I look forward to working with families and staff to ensure we provide a rigorous, Catholic education for each student every day. Please know my door is as open as my mind.
Proud to be a Saint!
Mike
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Jessica Ande,
2nd Grade Assistant
Jessica Ande is the 2nd grade Teacher Assistant for the 2017/2018 school year! The most important thing to know about her is how much she loves St. John Paul II Catholic School! StJPII has been a huge part of her life for over two decades. She is proud to say that she attended this wonderful school as a student many years ago. Jessica began working at StJPII 11 years ago in the Summer Enrichment Program and has continued to work SEP ever since then. For the past two years, she has worked BASP as well as subbed at the school in the office and in the classroom.
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Laura Doherty,
Elementary Counselor
Laura is a native Houstonian (she grew up in Baytown!) and life-long practicing Catholic. Laura and her husband Casey spend their free time reading, traveling, gardening, and spending time with their families. She is most looking forward to the opportunity to encourage and guide young students to live in line with St. John Paul II’s mission to spiritually and academically succeed in life and to do God's will. The Catholic Church has been a rock for Laura her entire life. She considers it to be a true blessing to work at StJPII, where she can openly exercise and spread Catholic teachings.
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Shari Hiltbrand,
Journalism/Stretch
Shari Hiltbrand is coming from The Kinkaid School to work with students in the Journalism and Exceptional Learner programs. She is a veteran teacher having taught in both public and private schools in the Houston area. Her classroom experience includes all levels of elementary and middle school Science as well as starting the middle school Journalism program at Kinkaid. Shari has a passion for working with all learners, but has a particular interest in helping students stretch in all areas of their classroom experiences, having completed the required coursework for the Gifted and Talented Awareness early in her career.
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Kaela Lewis, Communications & Events Officer
Kaela Lewis started her professional education in the communication field where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Mass Communication and continued with a Master’s degree in Public Administration focused on public policy. She has many successful years in education. Previously, she served as the Senior Administrator for Academic Community Outreach at Ochsner Health System. Her most recent position at the Texas Education Agency, included developing and implementing educational technology to streamline intervention activities for the State of Texas. Additionally, she led the team that manages the Intervention Stage and Activity Manager (ISAM) which is a web-based tool that allows school districts and its partners to manage interventions overseen by the State.
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Sandi Morales,
PE Teacher
Sandi Morales joins StJPII as a Physical Education teacher and athletic coach. Sandi has a B.S. in Kinesiology, a B.A. in Psychology, and an M. Ed. in School Counseling. She has been teaching and coaching students from elementary to college for over 10 years. As a college recipient of a Honorable Mention Award for volleyball, Sandi believes that focusing on fundamentals, consistency, and encouraging continuous improvement keep student-athletes engaged and ready to succeed in life. She is ready and excited to bring her skills to the volleyball program.
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Jacquelyn Olexa,
Donor Relations Officer
Jacquelyn Olexa is a fundraising professional with eight years of experience in donor relations and communications in Catholic education. She comes to StJPII from the University of St. Thomas where she managed alumni and donor communications and annual fund. Previously, she was a founding staff member at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston working to build their program and strategies, including developing their constituent and media relations. Jacquelyn is a 2001 graduate of St. John Paull II and a 2005 graduate of Duchesne Academy. She has degrees in Journalism and Political Science from Southern Methodist University and a Master in Liberal Arts from the University of St. Thomas.
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Christine Ulery,
1st Grade Assistant
Christine Ulery is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University. Her daughter is a junior at St. Agnes Academy and her son will be a seventh grader at StJPII this fall. Christine has substituted the last 3 years at StJPII supporting the teachers and staff. She is looking forward to being a daily part of the StJPII community in her new role.
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Michelle Williamson,
3rd Grade Teacher
Michelle Williamson was very involved throughout the years at StJPll serving on the PTO, working on decorations committee, co chairing the school gala in 2007, and numerous other committees. She is looking forward to being back where it all began for her children. Her family is blessed to have had children at StJPII for over 17 years. It’s been exciting for them to see how it has grown and changed. I look forward to being on the other side now, and having the opportunity to teach and inspire children like the teachers have done for three children.
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Mr. Stunz has previously served on the StJPII Board from 2005-2014. Prior to serving as a Board Member, he volunteered in the StJPII library for several years and his children attended StJPII. He has founded a software development firm that specialized in systems and services for employee benefit and insurance administration.
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Other Staff Reassignments:
- Stacie Sudkamp – 5th Grade Teacher
- Cindy Kim – PreK Teacher
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Please refer to the online handbook, for important Handbook changes or additions for the upcoming school year:
Please refer to the following sections in the handbook for MAJOR changes or additions:
- Required Full Dress Uniform (GIRLS) - Plaid jumper with StJPII patch for PreK-2nd & Plaid skirt for 3rd-5th. – PG 46
- Advertising in Saints Weekly – 100% of your solicited advertising costs applies toward your Family Commitment. –PG 57
- Chromebook Acceptable Use Agreement & FAQs for 6th graders (ownership of chromebook) –PG 68 – 72
- Afternoon Walkers: Manderly & Brimhurst will be used for Elementary and Middle School Students – PG 31
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Prepare for the 1st Days of School
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- Supplies - most school supplies for the beginning of the year are included in your tuition, there is no need to buy anything. PreK-1st Grade will also receive a tote bag (only Grades 2-8 may bring backpacks from home). Students in Grades 4-8 will need to purchase binders.
- Uniforms - Casual uniform orders can be picked up during the Ice Cream Social or Meet and Greet. All other uniforms can be purchased from Millswear.
- BASP - You may sign up for our Before and After School Program at the Ice Cream Social and/or Meet and Greet. For more information, click here or contact Leticia Velasco.
- School Nurse - please contact Nurse Jeanne Aertker to alert the school of important medical needs.
- Summer Reading / Math - remember to complete the assigned summer packets for reading and math, which are posted online.
- ECI- This year the meal pricing for the 17/18 school year is the same as the 16/17 school year! See the attached flyer for additional details.
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Join our Facebook Community
Stay connected for updates and events throughout the year on Facebook. For more information on StJPII Community Events, contact Kaela Lewis.
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Join the PTO
StJPII is blessed by wonderful volunteers who share their time and talents with our community through a variety of committees. While many of their efforts focus on fundraising, the PTO also provides fellowship opportunities and ways to get involved in the classroom. As a parent, you are automatically a member of our PTO.
To learn more about the PTO, please read the attached volunteer opportunities flyer. If you are interested in serving as a Room Parent Coordinator, please send an email to: roomparentcoordinatorsjp2@gmail.com.
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Volunteer Approval Process
In order to volunteer, you must attend Virtus training and submit paperwork to the school office. As a courtesy for our parents, StJPII will offer a "Protecting God's Children" class on campus on September 18, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This class is also open to the Archdiocese. We are letting our parents know about the class now so you can mark your calendars. You must sign up through the website to attend. Spots will fill up quickly, and once the class is full we cannot add any more spaces.
Please
click here
for information on our website about how to become volunteer-approved.
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Altar Server Training for Grades 5-8
Would your son or daughter like to be an Altar Server during our school Masses this year? If your 5-8th grader is interested, then they should plan to attend training in August.
StJPII Altar Servers must be active Altar Servers at their parish and come to the Altar Server Training in the GSC on Monday, August 14 at 3:00 p.m. Training will conclude before the Meet and Greet begins at 4:00.
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Sponsors Needed
We are currently seeking sponsors to underwrite
Run with the Saints
, our
November Raffle, and the
Crawfish Boil.
If you or your company are interested in advertising and participating, please contact
development@jp2.org
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RWTS Volunteers Needed
StJPII's annual 5K, which benefits children's cancer in memory of StJPII student Lauren Lockard, is scheduled for October 28. We need volunteers to plan and make this the best race yet! Running experience is a bonus, but not required. Please contact Kaela Lewis if you you are interested in helping and getting to know other StJPII families.
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Advertising Sales / Online Student Directory
Remember, for the 2017-2018 school year, our Student Directory will be completely online!
More good news - you may sell advertisements to fulfill your 2017-2018 Family Commitment. Instead of selling printed School Directory ads that have a very limited reach, you may sell online advertising space in Saints Weekly, which has a much wider audience. You will get DOLLAR for DOLLAR credit for whatever you choose to sell. Please be sure to consult the Company List before approaching any businesses because some families have established relationships with many vendors.
Please use the attached form when selling your ads. We hope you find this a welcome change; we are excited about offering you this convenient upgrade.
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Ice Cream Social
All NEW Families and Ambassador Families are invited:
Sunday, August 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the BAC (gym)
Orient new families, pick up uniforms/carpool tags, register for BASP, get information for after-school clubs, sign up to volunteer for PTO Committees, snack on ice-cream and meet fellow StJPII SAINTS!
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Meet and Greet
ALL families are invited:
Monday, August 14, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Visit the classrooms, meet your teachers and handle school business (uniforms, carpool tags, sign ups, etc.) in the BAC. Used uniforms will be sold in St. Jude Hall.
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Boo Hoo / Yahoo Breakfast
On the first day of classes, all NEW families are invited:
Come commiserate, celebrate and meet with other new families! This is a casual and fun way to kick off the school year with moms and dads feeling the same range of emotions as you!
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Parent Night
September 6 - PreK, Kindergarten, Middle School Parents
September 7 - 1st-5th Grade Parents
Parents are invited to attend and learn more about StJPII. You will have the opportunity to hear about your child(ren)'s academic year with their teachers in the classrooms. This event begins at 6:00 p.m., and is for parents only, so please make plans for your children to stay at home.
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Retreat For Families in October
Did you enjoy the Family Retreat last year? If so, you have another opportunity to join with members of our community October 20-22 in Huntsville, TX on StJPII's Feast Day weekend. For additional information click the flyer to learn more.
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Save the Date - StJPII Gala 2018
We are excited to announce that the long awaited StJPII Gala will be making a comeback this year to celebrate the school’s 30th Anniversary. The 2017-2018 year will be filled with fun events commemorating StJPII’s rich history culminating in a Don’t Stop Believin’ 1980’s themed bash.
Get your tickets early - dinner, drinks, a live auction and music by The Spazmatics will be the highlight of this 30th Anniversary year as we come together as a community to celebrate StJPII’s influence on a generation of Catholic students. Pull out your 80’s gear and get ready to dance the night away at the Westin Houston Memorial City. Our future is 30 years in the making, and we hope you will join us on February 24, 2018.
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PreK- 6th grade Elementary Soccer registration opens on
July 17
and closes shortly after school starts on August 21.
StJPII is a member of the West Houston Christian Sports Association (WHCSA), a skill building league. Please register early online under Soccer Registration on the StJPII website. We cannot accept late registrations.
The teams are coached by Volunteer-Approved Parents. If you are not volunteer approved please start the process NOW so you can be approved by August. See StJPII Volunteer Approval Process. Teams are formed in order of registration and the number of teams are based on the number of registrations and the availability of Volunteer coaches. We will have an introductory coaching class for any interested parents the first week of school. Teams practice once or twice a week (depending on age) with games on Saturdays.
Please see Elelmentary Sports page on our website for additional information about Soccer, including frequently asked questions and coaching information. For more information, you may contact Elementary Athletics Director, Deanne Gordon.
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Our Middle School athletic program is governed by the Greater Houston Catholic Athletic Association ~ or GHCAA. Please view the tryout schedule for both Volleyball and Soccer, as well as the August Volleyball Camp, and our Football schedule that will be posted online under the new BAC/Athletics Calendar. The Cross Country schedule will be posted closer to the end of July.
Every student trying out for a MS sport must have a new physical on file prior to trying out. Physicals must be dated after June 1, 2017. For more information, you may contact Mary Beth Hewitt at mhewitt@jp2.org
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7/17 WHCSA Elementary Soccer Registration Opens
8/13 Ice Cream Social
8/14 Altar Server Training
8/14 Meet and Greet (first official day of school)
8/15 First Day of Classes and Boo Hoo / Yahoo Breakfast for new families
8/21 Elementary Soccer - Online Registration Closes
9/6 Parent Night Meeting PreK, Kinder, Middle School Parents
9/7 Parent Night Meeting 1st-5th Grade Parents
9/18 Virtus Class at StJPII
10/28 Run with the Saints
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St. John Paul II Catholic School
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1400 Parkway Plaza,
Houston, TX 77077
281-496-1500 •
281-496-2943 (fax)
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St. John Paul II Catholic School prepares all students spiritually
and academically to succeed in life and to do God's will.
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