August 20, 2019
Good afternoon Saint family,

Happy Tuesday! Just as we were getting our normal carpool procedures down, we were thrown a curve ball. Sometimes you never know what God has planned for your day, however with trust he will pave a way! 

I want to thank all of you for your patience and understanding as we re-routed our carpool this afternoon as soon as we heard at approximately 2:00 pm that there was a gas leak outside the building. Our saint staff did an amazing job of working together to ensure the safety of all our students.

Thank you again to all our parents and especially our new families trusting us to take care of you!  

In Him,
Principal
School Business
Documents Needed
The following forms are due : Emergency Information Form, Acceptable Use Policy for Technology, Handbook Acknowledgement Form, BASP Form and Honor Code Form. If you haven't already done so, please turn them in to the school office immediately. Thank you!
Optional Casual Uniform Orders  
StJPII offers Optional Uniform pieces for students to wear any day of the week that is not designated as “Full Dress”.
  • All prices include state sales tax. Orders will only be accepted online through the Acceptiva link on our school website
  • Orders are due this Friday, August 23.
  • Please retain a copy of your order and receipt.
  • Items ordered will be sent home with the students in early October.
  • The next ordering time is in November for delivery in early February.
Early Dismissal
Our first early dismissal day will be next week, Wednesday, August 28.  Pre-K and Kindergarten students are dismissed at 2:15 p.m., 1st - 5th graders are dismissed at 2:30, and Middle School is dismissed at 2:45. We have early dismissal once a month, typically on the last Wednesday of the month, to allow time for monthly faculty meetings. Typically on these days, students may wear school appropriate blue jeans and a StJPII spirit t-shirt or school sponsored t-shirt. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for more guidelines. All early dismissal dates are posted on the school online calendar .
Picture Day is Coming
Next Tuesday, August 27 will be Individual Picture Day. Students will take individual pictures for the yearbook. They should plan on wearing their House shirts since it is a Tuesday. If you do not have a House shirt, then please wear a casual uniform top (polo). Be on the lookout for the order forms in your Tuesday Folders.
Volunteer Approval Process
We love our volunteers! If you wish to volunteer during the upcoming school year, you must be volunteer approved. Click here to go to our website for a checklist on how to become volunteer approved. For first time volunteers, you will see that processing the paperwork will take four to six weeks to complete, so don’t delay! Be sure to turn in all forms together.
Love and Logic Class in September
Parents of our newest and youngest Saints are asked to attend one of two upcoming Love and Logic Workshops presented by former Assistant Principal Dan Courtney (who is currently serving as Principal at Christ the Redeemer Catholic School). One or both parents are encouraged to attend the session that best fits your schedule:  September 17 at 9:00 a.m. OR 6:30 p.m. in St. Jude Hall. "Be not afraid..." to attend this course, where you will learn about how StJPII develops accountability in our students. You will walk away with a better understanding about how StJPII partners with our parents; and take home some practical tips that will help you stay calm and avoid un-winnable power struggles with our children. Even if you have attended in the past, you are welcome to join us for a refresher.
Calling All 8th Grade Parents- Washington DC Trip Meeting
The 8th grade Washington DC trip is quickly approaching. The 8th grade Washington DC parent meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4 at 6:30 p.m.  in St. Jude Hall. We will be discussing this year's trip to Washington, DC, passing out required paperwork, and answering parent questions as we get ready for our 27th trip! 
Carpoool: Reminders
Carpool Procedures 
You may read our  Parent Student Handbook  for a complete overview of carpool line procedures, including rainy-day carpool.  Here are a few reminders about our process:

  1. Cars should use their carpool tag that was issued this year - make sure it is the correct color (PreK/K white, Elem. green, MS orange).
  2. Display your carpool tag on your rearview mirror until you exit the parking lot.
  3. For safety and security, handwritten tags not allowed. (Please do not count on verbally telling the carpool attendant your number. IF your carpool tag gets lost – you may request a replacement tag for $1).
  4. Middle school (orange tags) must line up on Tapper Hill and should join the line AFTER the green line ends OR 3:30...whichever is later.
  5. Be good neighbors and keep all cross streets and driveways clear. Do not block intersections or the entrance to Temple Sinai on Brimhurst.
  6. Refrain from parking in the reserved Clergy parking spot. This space is reserved 24/7 for visiting Clergy who often visit campus many days of the week at various times.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience. Since HISD starts next week, we will need to show Christ's love and extend grace to one another as we navigate our new routines.
Upcoming Events
All-School Mass this Friday
We will have our second All-School Mass of the school year this  Friday, August 23  at 8:30 a.m. in the Gutierrez Student Center (GSC). As a school community, we typically celebrate Mass on Fridays and on Holy Days. Here are just a few reminders about Mass days:

  • Please remember that students are required to wear their full dress uniforms for Mass and sit with their class. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook to ensure your child is in compliance with the proper full dress code.
  • On Mass days, our gym (BAC) and student center (GSC) become our church. Please enter reverently, refrain from bringing in drinks, and turn off your cell phones so that everyone may fully enjoy the gifts of this sacrament. 
Parent Nights
August 27 - PreK, Kindergarten, Middle School Parents 
August 29 - 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 make plans for your children to stay at home. Please click on the buttons below to preview the agendas for each evening.
Dads Basketball
StJPII dads play men's basketball on Wednesday Nights in the gym at 7:00 p.m. Please contact Mark Gugliotti to be added to the distribution list and for more information: markgoogs@att.net or 832-301-1681. Everyone is welcome. It's a fun way to meet other dads and get some great exercise!
Run with the Saints Fall Festival
The 21st Annual Run with the Saints (RWTS) 5K /KidsK honoring Lauren Lockard is now the "RWTS Fall Festival" which will incorporate the annual 5K/KidsK, Trunk or Treat as the official race day party, and the PTO's pumpkin patch all on one day. The proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation and St. John Paul II Catholic School. The festivities will take place on Saturday morning, October 26 . Please mark your calendars and invite your friends and family! A few notes about the event:
  • To register for the race and buy your t-shirt, click the registration button below.
  • The event is open to the public and it's free to attend Trunk or Treat. (There is no need to pre-register to attend Trunk or Treat.)
  • If you are interested in volunteering with the race (5K/KidsK), running experience is a bonus, but not required. Please contact RWTS Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator Jeanne Aertker.
  • To secure a spot in the parking lot, decorate a trunk, or to help with the Trunk or Treat/race day party, please contact Sandy Russell.
  • To volunteer to help with the PTO Pumpkin Patch, please contact Khristine Salvatierra.
If you have questions regarding the Run with the Saints Fall Festival, please contact Events Officer  Kaela Lewis   for more information. Please use the buttons below to register or volunteer. 
2020 StJPII INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL- CALLING ORGANIZERS
We are thrilled to announce the 2020 StJPII's International Festival, which will be held on Friday, January 24 in the BAC. We are excited to celebrate the many nationalities in our school. The International Festival will be a fun and educational experience for our entire community.

We are currently looking for International Festival Committee Chairs. If you are interested in becoming a Committee Chair, please sing up HERE. Opportunities include: Country Booths, Performances, Sponsors, Communications, Treasury, Logistics, Decorations, Setup & Cleanup, Hospitality, Passports & Programs and Photography. 
Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala- Tickets On Sale Now!
Tickets are now on sale for the Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala. Go to  www.jp2.org/gala  to purchase tickets. The party will be held at the Westin Houston Memorial City on Saturday, February 22, 2020, and will feature cocktails, a three-course dinner, a big board, a live auction, and live music by the Newsboyz. Maximize your fun by getting a room for the night at special StJPII pricing of $129.
 
Buy your individual tickets early for a discounted price of $125. Do you want to sit with your friends? The best way to guarantee you will sit with your friends is to purchase a  table at the $1,250 level or above . If you buy individual tickets, we cannot guarantee you will be seated at a specific table.
Athletics
Elementary School - Soccer Registration Closes Today
soccer_goal.jpg
Soccer season is off and running!! We have almost 300 Saints already registered for WHCSA Soccer! Please remember registration closes today  August 20 , and there is no physical needed. Simply go the the Athletic tab on the website and proceed to  Elementary Soccer  - all the information is on the page. 
Middle School
Middle School Athletics kicks off this week with our Varsity Football team scrimmaging at St. Vincent de Paul on Wednesday! Good luck to our SAINTS!
Volleyball tryouts are now over, the teams have been chosen, and our Lady Saints are working hard at practice! Soccer tryouts got rained out today but we will shoot for day two on tomorrow and Wednesday, so pray for no rain! Our JV and Varsity teams will be picked by the end of the week! Cross Country will have their 1st practice this Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. here at school, and they will follow with a parent info meeting right after practice in the BAC. Please remember that XC is a non tryout sport and it is open to 5th graders as well!
PTO Corner
Birthday Club
Don’t forget to sign up your child for birthday recognition this year. It’s a fun way to celebrate his/her birthday at school. Click on the button below to complete the form. Please note, orders are honored on a first come, first served basis, so don’t wait too long! 
After School Clubs
After School Clubs
Check the  school calendar  for the schedule.

Click on the various links to see club flyers, contact information, and online registration.

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St. John Paul II Catholic School
1400 Parkway Plaza, Houston, TX 77077
281-496-1500 • 281-496-2943 (fax)
St. John Paul II Catholic School prepares all students spiritually
and academically to succeed in life and to do God's will.