Weekly Packet 8/30/21

Week of August 30, 2021

Principal Notes

Dear Parents,

In just a few days it will be September and soon after that Fall arrives. Fall is my favorite time of year with its cooler days and the excitement of holidays to come. When you work at a school Fall brings with it the freshness of the new school year, new school shoes, a new classroom, and a new teacher. It is such a promising time, one when anything seems possible.

Last week our students went about their days, walking to classes, playing in the yard, working and laughing as if a pandemic never took place. They are back into the regular school routine and we could not be happier.

Fall sports season is upon us and much as we want to have a regular season, the testing requirements and possible exposure outside of our own community make it challenging. For this reason, we have decided to conduct an intramural season with Flag Football and Girls Volleyball. Students in grade five and above are eligible to play. More information will be emailed to families later this week.

We want so much to have a normal school year without having to quarantine any classes. Please help us by making certain that your child’s masks fit them, especially when they talk. If a student’s mask keeps falling below their nose, we will replace it with one of our masks. Also, you can send a towel with your child so that they can sit outside to eat their lunch. This allows them to sit with friends but socially distance themselves a bit. Thanks for your support in helping to keep everyone safe.

Back to School Nights are next Tuesday and Wednesday, September 7 and 8. To avoid too many people inside classrooms at the same time, we have planned for online presentations. We will send the schedule home next week but for planning purposes, TK through 5th grade will be Tuesday evening and Junior High will be Wednesday evening.

Attached is a letter from our Pastor, Father Tony. As the largest ministry of St. Philip the Apostle Parish, the school appreciates the parish and Fr. Tony for their support.

Lots of prayers for a safe and healthy week,

Jennifer

To view all of this newsletter's documents, click here.

Health

Surveillance Testing

Thank you for your participation in the surveillance testing survey. We are happy to announce that we will be offering weekly COVID-19 PCR testing as early as this week. More information will be sent out tomorrow, Tuesday 8/31.

Travel Plans

If you plan to travel during the school year, please contact Maite Ramirez at mramirez@stphiliptheapostle.org.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe!

Travel, Sick days, Covid-19 and Quarantine FAQ

Not sure when to stay home? Not sure when to come back? How about travel quarantine? Click here to review current protocols per the Pasadena Department of Public Health.

Announcements and Events

Pets on Campus

This is a friendly reminder that pets are not allowed on campus.

Reporting Absences

When reporting your child out, please state the reason for the absence. Thank you for being a partner in keeping everyone safe!

You can report your attendance to Karen Conley at kcconley@stphiliptheapostle.org.

Volunteer Requirements: Tuition Plan A & C

As a reminder for families on Tuition plan A & C, please make sure your TB clearance and VIRTUS is up to date. If volunteering on campus, please forward a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card.

All volunteers on campus this year:

Must wear masks covering their nose and mouth.
Must have up to date fingerprints, Virtus, and TB results.
Must check in at the front desk and get temperature checked.
Must show proof of Covid vaccination.
If feeling ill, sniffles, cough- please stay home!

PTO News

Book Fair

Welcome Back Falcons! Soar into books at the 2021 St Philip the Apostle School Book Fair. Tuesday, September 14 - Friday, September 17

Open daily 7:30am-4:00pm

Bookmark Design Contest:

Students will also have the opportunity to win a free book by entering our bookmark contest. Get creative and show your school spirit by designing a St. Philip themed bookmark. Entries due by Wednesday, September 8. One winner will be selected from each grade group: TK-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th-5th, 6th-8th. Drop off bookmarks labeled with the student's name and class in the bin located in the front office. Bookmark template attached to flyer.

BOOKMARK INSTRUCTIONS HERE

Any questions regarding PTO – contact Ali Crist or Diane McCullough at pto@stphiliptheapostle.org

Reminders

Good Neighbor Note

Please do not arrive early! We are causing lots of traffic because of the early arrivals. If you are running a few minutes late, we are happy to wait with your child until you are able to safely pick them up. Thank you all for your cooperation!

A reminder of dismissal times are listed below.

Monday-Friday

3:00 K through 5th

3:15 Junior High

Procare

Please remember to check your child(ren) into Procare every morning.

Amazon Smile

Need another reason to shop? Support St. Philip the Apostle School! Use Amazon Smile while shopping on Amazon. You will still get all the same prices, Prime deals, and free shipping, but through Amazon Smile, St. Philip can benefit from your purchases!!

Use the link below to get started!

Amazon Smile

After-School Activities

Drama Club Fall Production

This year's fall production is Elf Jr. Click here for more information about auditions for grades 5-8th.

Spanish with Mrs. Cresta

Mrs. Cresta is now offering year-round after-school enrichment classes in Spanish. Beginning Spanish students are all welcome! If you would like to learn Spanish, join Sra. Cresta’s Spanish Club! Click here for more information.

Golf Lessons

Golf Squad at St Philip the Apostle is for both new and continuing students and provides weekly opportunities for your child to learn the technical swing mechanics (i.e. putting, chipping, full swing, etc.) as well as the social skills required to enjoy golf, the clubs, and golf course (i.e. vocabulary, etiquette, rules, history, etc.) all under the instruction of an LPGA or PGA Professional. Golf is a very challenging and fun sport that can lead to college scholarships. So start early and start now...boys and girls! Even if your child already plays, it is great to enjoy weekly, convenient lessons from the pro. (Click here to read more on how and why your child can benefit from continuing professional, golf practice with Golf Squad at your school.) Click here for additional info and online registration.

We look forward to building the foundation to enjoy golf for a lifetime together!

Crochet Classes

All levels of experience welcome! Click here for more information about weekly crochet classes with Mrs. Nieto. Click here to register.

Sports

Cross Country

St. Philip Cross Country is back! All Falcons in grades 3-8 are welcome to join the team and make a positive impact on the school’s team no matter your experience! Cross Country is as much about personal growth as it is contributing to the team. Click here for more information.

Service Hours

Book Fair

Volunteers are needed to help set up/tear down, cashier, restock merchandise, and assist shoppers. Sign-up opportunities are below.

Book Fair Volunteer Sign Up: Click Here

If you are creative and crafty and are interested in helping with decorations or purchasing supplies, we will be meeting at the tables by Holy Angel Hall tomorrow (Tuesday, August 31) from 8:00-9:00 am. You will receive one service hour for attending. Please sign up to attend on the link above. If you have experience with creating balloon garlands/arches, please contact Joy Majich and Natalie O'Connor at ptobookfair@stphiliptheapostle.org.

Join the Traffic Team

Traffic Team needs volunteers! A fun and easy way to earn your hours - help out with morning dropoff and help keep our students safe. You can work one morning a week or more days if your schedule permits-

7:25 am- 8:00 am. Sign up today If interested contact Matt Hartman at traffic@stphiliptheapostle.org

Parish News and Events

Centennial

Please join us in celebrating St. Philip the Apostle Church and a century of service in our community.

Cub Scouts

Calling all boys grades K-4th! You are invited to join St. Philip's Cub Scout Pack 131 for some awesome adventures. Click here for more information.

Community Events

Arlington Garden Family Fun Fundraiser

Click here to learn more information about the Arlington Garden Sweet 16 fundraiser and how you can participate.

Reflection of the Week

“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.” St. Gianna Molla