Weekly Insider - October 16, 2020
Celebration of Learning Student Led Conferences – October 30th
Our Celebration of Learning parent-teacher conferences will be held on Friday, October 30th (there is no school on this conference day). All of the conferences will take place virtually, and parents will be given the opportunity to sign up for a specific 10-15 minute time slot. All parents are expected to have a Celebration of Learning Conference with their child present along with the homeroom teacher. Homeroom teachers will be reaching out to families to schedule the virtual Celebration of Learning Conferences. Families in 3rd-8th grades, you may sign up for a conference with other teachers once all families in that homeroom have signed up for their slot. We will let you know once that is available for scheduling.
Red Ribbon Week – October 26th – October 29th
We will celebrate National Red Ribbon Week the week of October 26th. This is a time we reflect and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle for ourselves and our children. Our students will be participating in dress up days during the school week to signify their commitment to making the choice to be healthy and live drug-free. As we lead our community in making the commitment to remain drug-free, let’s keep the children worldwide in our thoughts and prayers.

Dress up days:
Monday, October 26th: “Be Happy”-Wear pajama pants/appropriate shirt.
Tuesday, October 27th: “Be Brave”-Dress as a superhero! Wear an appropriate superhero costume or superhero t-shirt and jeans/uniform bottoms.
Wednesday, October 28th: “Be Drug Free” -Wear red + wristband (will be given at school)! Wear red shirt with jeans/uniform bottoms. May also wear spirit wear!
Thursday, October 29th: Say “Boo!” to Drugs- Wear your Halloween costume! May also wear a Halloween shirt with jeans/uniform bottoms. Restrictions: school appropriate costumes, nothing overly scary (keep early childhood students in mind), no face paint, no makeup, no hair paint

*School uniforms can always be worn instead of dressing up if your children prefer.

Additionally on Wednesday, following our Weekly Assembly, we are excited to host two Zoom presenters for Red Ribbon Week this year. Dr. Crystal Collier will present to 5th-8th grades, and Dr. Ann Lee will present to PK3-4th grade.

Crystal Collier, PhD, is a therapist and educator who has been working with adolescents and adults suffering from mental illness, behavioral problems and substance use disorders since 1991. Her area of expertise includes adolescent brain development, prevention programming, parent coaching, and addiction. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and a doctorate in Counselor Education. Dr. Collier’s comprehensive prevention model, which teaches the neurodevelopmental effects of risky behavior to children, teens, teachers and parents, was selected for the 2015 Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

Many of you may know Ann Lee, MD, as a fellow St. Cecilia parent, or perhaps your child’s pediatrician! Dr. Lee is a native Houstonian who graduated from St. Agnes Academy. She completed her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University and received her medical degree from the University of Texas at Houston Medical School. After completing an internship and residency in pediatrics, Dr. Lee served an extra year as Pediatric Chief Resident. She enjoys teaching and was voted “Best Resident Teacher in Pediatrics.” We look forward to Dr. Lee’s presentation on making healthy choices.
October School Board Meeting – Tuesday, October 20th
The October School Board Meeting will take place at 6:30PM on Tuesday, October 20th. Board meetings are open to parents to attend, and are currently being held on Zoom. If you are interested in attending a meeting, please contact our School Board President Nadine Balombin.
Athletic Pictures – Cheer & Football
Freeman Photography will be on campus on October 29th at 3:30pm to take pictures for Cheer & Football. Please click this link to order the photos. 
Parish Parent Volunteer Opportunity
The church is looking for people to join their Media Ministry which includes helping to livestream daily and weekend masses. No experience is necessary, we will train you! It is easy and a wonderful way to give your time to the parish. You can also include this ministry on your in-parish discount application for next school year! Click on the link to sign up for training. For more information, please contact Maribel Mendoza.
All Saints Day Costume Day – Monday, November 2nd
Students are welcome to dress as their favorite Saint on Monday, November 2nd to celebrate All Saints Day. This is optional, and school uniform is acceptable dress on this day as well.
School Email Resources Document
St. Cecilia Catholic School uses Constant Contact for sending mass email communications to parents including: the weekly Insider newsletter, Insider Alerts, Daily Prayers and other event specific emails throughout the year. The school also uses FACTS Family Portal to allow teachers to send emails to parents – either individually, as a homeroom, or as a grade level. Depending on the email platform you are using, sometimes those emails can go to a promotions / spam / junk folder. We have compiled some resources from Constant Contact and FACTS to assist parents in safelisting the emails from St. Cecilia Catholic School so they go directly to your inbox. These resources will help ensure that you are not missing important information being sent from the school.
HSA Monthly Meetings
The St. Cecilia Home and School Association (HSA) had their first monthly general meeting of the school year. All HSA Zoom meetings will be recorded. Here is the link to view the first meeting.
Employment Opportunities
St. Cecilia Catholic School is hiring! We currently have several open positions to fill immediately - both full-time and part-time positions are available including: Classroom Aide, Faculty Nursery and Substitute teachers. If you are interested in working alongside our amazing teachers and staff, check out the open positions currently available here and apply today!
Prayer for the Faithful Departed
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

  • Ed Walsh, Husband of Dr. Carol Ann Everling, past St. Cecilia Catholic School Principal
Our mission at St Cecilia Catholic School is the ongoing Catholic formation and education of the whole child in mind, heart, and spirit, in preparation for an adult life of commitment and service.