Happy Tuesday!
A huge thank you to all parents for your attendance at our Parent Nights last week! I hope that you enjoyed meeting the teachers and learning more about the upcoming school year.
The parent night presentations along with course syllabi for an overview of content for each grade level are now available on the StJPII school website. I have also included a link below in the School Business section of the newsletter.
I truly am looking forward to a wonderful year, I thank you in advance for your support in partnering with us to Be not afraid...to love like Christ in all we do!
Jesus Calling today states, "The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still, and know that I am God. However, this timeless truth is essential for the well-being of your soul."
In Him,
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Join us for our First First Friday Mass of the School Year
Please join us for our First Friday Mass this week on September 6. According to the First Friday Devotion given to us by Saint Margaret Mary, we can receive special graces from Jesus by attending Mass on 9 consecutive First Fridays. This year, we all have an opportunity to receive these special graces through our all-school Masses. Each of the months that we are in school, there is an all-school Mass scheduled on the First Friday of the month with the exception of January. You and your child only have to make the effort one time, January 3, in order to benefit from additional graces from God. Who can resist that opportunity?
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2019-2020 Annual Fund Drive
It’s almost time for our Annual Fund Drive! In order to kick off our drive with some momentum, students will be allowed to wear their favorite sports team jersey or shirt on
Wednesday, September 11! Gifts from our fans (parents, faculty, board members, grandparents, alumni and friends) form the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts. Let’s band together as a team to reach the end zone and meet our goal!
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Parent Nights Materials Online
Thank you everyone for attending Parent Night. The course syllabi for each grade and parent night presentations for Middle School only are now available online.
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ECI Cafeteria - Welcome Back
Our school cafeteria team would like to welcome all Saints back on campus! Our cafeteria is managed by ECI Management Group, and 2 of their dedicated employees who take care of our children every day are Mandy Nguyen and Wendy Fitzjarrald. They want to let our families know that they are here to serve and help in any way that they can. If you have any questions for need assistance, please feel free to call Ms. Fitzjarrald at 713-304-3395. Please know that you may pay your balance online or send a check to the school office. The daily morning announcements feature each day's menu, which can also be found online here:
https://www.jp2.org/lunch Bon Appetit!
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Kindercare - No Parking
Please do not park in Kindercare's parking lot across the street, even for just a few moments to drop off your children in the morning or in the afternoon. Kindercare has a towing company that will tow your vehicle if it is parked there. Additionally, it is also a safety concern to walk across Parkway Plaza from their driveway without a crossing guard. We must be respectful neighbors, as they are often very accommodating and it shows that we are good neighbors. Only use the established carpool line or walkers processes that are outlined in our handbook to drop your children off in the morning or pick up in the afternoon.
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Is it really okay to hold kids accountable for their misbehavior… or is this an archaic concept that no longer applies to raising kids? We at Love and Love have always taught the same thing - hope and pray for affordable mistakes, provide a strong and sincere dose of loving empathy, and let logical or natural consequences do the teaching.
We provide unconditional love, dignity, and opportunities for kids to make small mistakes. That’s the “love” in Love and Logic. The “logic” develops inside the child’s heart and mind when they discover that the quality of one’s choices largely determines the quality of one’s life.
Do choices matter?
I remember the first time I heard how horrible and downright mean it is to upset our children by providing consequences. I was speaking at a seminar in Salt Lake City.
By the way… if you’re a Salt Lake City citizen, please don’t take any offense. I love your city.
A parent at the conference shared her confusion:
We caught our sixteen-year-old sending nude pictures of herself to her boyfriend. We’d been learning about Love and Logic, so we felt it important that we take her phone. We really felt that it made sense… but then her therapist told us that we were way off base.
Trying to understand the situation, I asked, “Tell me how you did it.”
Mom continued:
We were careful to remain calm and to do our best to use empathy. We just told her that we loved her and that we didn’t feel comfortable providing a phone when she was using it to do something inappropriate and dangerous.
I was confused and asked, “So the therapist told you that you shouldn’t have done that?”
Mom replied:
The therapist told us that doing this was too upsetting to our daughter. He went on to tell us that Love and Logic isn’t effective because it upsets kids.
“What do you think?” I asked.
Her answer:
I just don’t know how a person can raise a responsible child without having some accountability.
Over the past few years, a strangely popular “no-consequences” movement has developed among many. They seem to argue that if we just do a better job of loving kids and meeting their underlying emotional needs, there will be no need for consequences. They also suggest that using consequences… even reasonable ones delivered with great love… is a big no-no.
Have you heard this, as well?
There’s some truth in what they say. Yes! Loving kids, building trusting relationships, and meeting needs is essential… and it does tend to cut down on the need for consequences. The downside of their rather extreme position is that it ignores the reality that the world is a place full of consequences.
It’s pay now or pay later.
We can either help our kids learn that choices matter when they are young and the consequences are small, or we can allow the world to teach this lesson when they are older and the consequences are often tragic.
Are we going to prepare our kids for a world that doesn’t exist… or the real world?
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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.
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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.
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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 tomorrow,
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!
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Art Reminders from Mrs. Stieber
All art students need to have an "Art Smock" - an old "Mom or Dad's Shirt" with long sleeves cut above the students elbow and labeled with students name after Labor Day weekend so we may paint in September.
Reminder both "Art Club" and "Mini-Art Club" classes begin the second week in September, starting
Monday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 11.
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After School Clubs and Activites
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After-School Activities
Click on the various links to see club flyers, contact information, and online registration.
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Kindergarten Parents
: If you are interested in volunteering to start a Kinder Girl Scout Troop, please contact Joyce Holicek. Email at
jovipg@yahoo.com
or text to 713.409.4946
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Calling All 5TH-8TH Grade Girls
The StJPII Challenge Club invites interested girls and their parents
to our Parent/Daughter Information and Kick-Off Meeting on
Friday, September 13 from 3:20 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. in St. Jude Hall. We will have a special presentation on what Challenge Club has to offer you! Parents are encouraged to attend; you will have the opportunity to meet with the Consecrated Women, the missionaries and the High School team leaders who will be working with the girls. You will also learn about this year’s theme and other Houston-area Challenge events. We can’t wait to see everyone!! If you have any questions, email Annette Higgins at
sjp2challengeclub@gmail.com.
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Staying Ahead Of The Game (SAOTG)
Middle School Parents, have you wondered about our new after school program, Staying Ahead Of The Game which works with our students on Executive Functioning Skills. Here's there mission: to help capable students, including those struggling with learning differences, to achieve greater success by improving their executive functioning skills such as organization, task prioritization, study skills, and impression management. StJPII is the ONLY elementary school in the diocese to exclusively have this specific program to support our kids in this area. We have seen great success and are happy to welcome Evan and his team back to St. JPII our second year. Click on the button below to check out StJPII's SAOTG Instructor, Evan on Great Day Houston!
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StJPII Homecoming
All current and former families are invited to our Homecoming football game against Western Academy on
Thursday, September 19 to kick off the school year! Fun and festivities will abound as we cheer our Saints to victory. We’ll have food trucks in the parking lot, so gather your friends and bring your tailgate gear for what promises to be a great new StJPII tradition. Stay tuned to Saints Weekly, Facebook and the website for more details.
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StJPII All- School Reunion Alumni Mass
Are you an alum, parent of an alum, former faculty or staff member? If so, mark your calendars for the All-School reunion Mass on Sunday, September 22. All alumni, past parents and former faculty and staff are invited to attend. Visit StJPII
All-School Reunion Mass web page for more information , including how to RSVP and nominate someone for the Distinguished Alumni Awards.
If you are an alumni parent, former or current staff member and would like to serve as a Eucharistic Minister or a Reader, please email
Kaela Lewis. For questions or to RSVP please email
reunion@jp2.org.
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Run with the Saints (RWTS ) Fall Festival
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Just in case you missed it...Trunk or Treat and the Pumpkin Patch is part of Run with the Saints Fall Festival this year!
October 26
is going to be an exciting day for the StJPII community and you won't want to miss out. KidsK participants can run in costume and everyone is invited to enjoy Trunk or Treat and the Pumpkin Patch.
- 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.
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RWTS Volunteers Needed
We also need volunteers to plan and make this the best race yet! Running experience is a bonus, but not required. Please contact RWTS Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
Jeanne Aertker
for more information on Volunteering or sign up below!
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Wine Tasting at Total Wine on Memorial on Saturday, September 28 from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Parents, treat yourselves to a date night and join us for a tasting of 8 premium, hand-selected red and white Italian wines! We will learn about the famed appellations and grape varietals that make Italy unforgettable and enjoy a tour of the land, all through the auspices of a wine expert dedicated to making our experience educational and fun. It will be in a relaxed setting where you will be able to ask questions, mingle with other couples and purchase the wines you enjoy. Lite-bites and appetizers will be served throughout the evening. There are only a few spots left, so don’t delay and purchase your couple’s ticket now at
www.jp2.org/gala or click the button below.
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September PTO Meeting
Please join us for our first PTO meeting of the year:
Wednesday, September 4 at 8:15 a.m. The PTO meets in St. Jude Hall and would love to see you there! The first meeting will introduce the executive board, committee chairs, and you will get the opportunity to hear from a member of the administration. Stop by and hear about the fun activities planned for the year ahead! Be not afraid…to join the PTO! Questions about PTO? Contact PTO President Andrea Dvorachek for information:
pto@jp2.org.
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A Special Thanks To Our Parent Volunteers
Thank you to the following people who provided snacks and helped set up for the August 28 Faculty & Staff Meeting:
Casey Aguilar, Beverly Alexander, Gail Anderson, Mary Beyer, Valentina Bracho Rodon, Anne Davis, Maria Do, Tiffany Doucette, Andrea Dvorachek, Victoria Forkner, Danille LaLonde, Nicole Lambert, Amber Leech, Lizette Maya, Gwen Montesino, Sarah Moore, Cristina Negron, Thien Nguyen, Ronda O’Connor, Ana M. Parra-Esteva, Marcela Pigurina, Martha Rivera, Nicole Roca, Olga Saenz, Sandra Vreedenburgh, Kate Yuan.
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Box Tops for Education
If you haven’t already, please download the Box Tops for Education app. Start scanning your grocery receipts today. The PTO will still take the original (unexpired) box tops so keep clipping and collecting them too.
The contest runs September 20 through October 4.
NEW this year... The StJPII's Box Top contest will be between our four Houses. When submitting Box Tops to your child's homeroom teacher please label them as follows: Child's Name/House or Tuesday shirt color
Let’s see which House can bring in the most Box Tops! There will be a celebration for the winning House!
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PTO Spirit Store- Spotlight Item of the Month
PTO has the BEST seats in the House! Show your School Spirit and sit in comfort at the StJPII Homecoming game on September 19. Purchase your stadium seat online on the StJPII website. This item is now on sale for only $35!
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St. Katharine Drexel Society (Mom's Club)
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St. Katharine Drexel Society Ladies Retreat
Save the Date for the first St. Katharine Drexel Society Ladies Retreat of the school year on this
Thursday, September 5 at 5:30 p.m. in St. Jude Hall. For more information about St. Katharine Drexel Society or the Ladies retreat, please email Edith Hernandez at
edee_san@yahoo.com.
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Dads Club
Save the Date for the first Faith & Ale of the school year on
next Tuesday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Watson's House of Ales. For more information about Dads Club or Faith & Ale, please email Dr. Weinman at
dads@jp2.org.
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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!
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International Festival- Sponsors Needed
Thank you to everyone who signed up to chair a committee - we are looking forward to a great 2020 StJPII International Festival! We are currently looking for International Festival Sponsors. This is a great opportunity for businesses to have their name in front of the StJPII community. Sponsorship opportunities range from $100-$300 and are tax deductible. For further information please contact us at:
StJPIIInternationalfest@gmail.com
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The teams are formed, coaches are ready, so let the practices begin! WHCSA coaches meeting is Tuesday Sept. 17 at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church (MDUMC) at 7:30 p.m. ~ all coaches must attend the meeting in order to receive their schedules! StJPII provides uniforms for the players, however, parents are responsible for cleats and shin guards! Our field will be very busy this Fall as we have almost 300 students registered for Elementary soccer!
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This past week our Football team traveled to Western Academy and were victorious in their game winning by a score of 8-0! Coach Porth played the 6th/7th graders as a JV squad and the boys did great! We will play a Varsity game this Thursday vs. St. Laurence at Strake at 6:00 p.m. Our Lady Saints Volleyball teams have been very busy! The Varsity Navy team has not started District play yet but Varsity White has split their last 3 games by first defeating St. Ambrose but then losing to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and then to St. Ambrose. JV has won both games and C Team split their 3 games with 2 wins and 1 loss. Soccer & Cross Country are still in practice mode but XC is preparing for their season to start this Saturday. The JV & Varsity Soccer kick off their season with a home game on Tuesday, September 10 vs. St. Francis de Sales. The Fall athletic calendar is very busy so please take a look and come out to support our SAINTS!
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Calling all Youth in K thru 12
Do you have a strong relationship with God? Want to make it stronger? Then work on a Catholic Religious Award!
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These national medal programs are administered by the Galveston-Houston Archdiocesan Catholic Committee for Youth Organizations. Archdiocesan of Galveston-Houston is hosting their Launch Day on September 7 to help get you started: youth will complete a step of the award, and adults can take training to be an Adult Advisor. For more information and to register visit
www.ghaccyo.org.
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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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