PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
October 2019

“Start by doing what is necessary,
then do what is possible,
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

          St. Francis of Assisi


Peace and Greetings:

Tomorrow, October 4, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, born in Italy in 1181, he founded the Franciscans religious order. This is an opportunity to acknowledge our gratitude to two members of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, Sr. Marie Benedict and Sr. Mary Mercy for their presence and contribution to our St. Paul community. In “continuing the call of St. Francis of Assisi” they “seek to enflame humanity with a sense of the sacred found deep within each person.”

At the request of the Bristol-Burlington Health District (BBHD) and for the safety of our student athletes and fans given the concerns associated with EEE, WNV and exposure to mosquitos, we have temporarily rescheduled the times of evening outdoor athletic games on our campus. Until directed otherwise, all outdoor events will end by 5:30 pm to assure participants and spectators have the opportunity to leave the fields before dusk.

We will be conducting an active intruder drill for students/faculty to shelter-in-place or evacuate, as appropriate, under the supervision of the Bristol Police Department on Monday, October 7. You will receive an activated test message (Parent Notification System) that morning informing you of this drill. A reminder that you must answer “hello” to voice activate the recording. Please contact the main office on Tuesday if you do not receive an alert message on Monday.

There is no school tomorrow, October 4, faculty will be participating in an Archdiocesan professional development workshop or Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day. There will be a noon dismissal (buses available) on Wednesday, October 16 following the PSAT exam for sophomores and juniors. Freshmen will be involved in special workshops during the morning. Seniors are encouraged to visit colleges on this day. 

Our annual student Walkathon/Oktoberfest will be held next Friday, October 11, beginning at 11:45 am. The Chunky Tomato pizza truck, an ice cream truck, taco and hotdog/hamburger stations, obstacle course, field games, carnival games, prizes, music and much more is planned for our school-wide community celebration. Community is one of our five core values and it takes a faith community to foster the unique greatness that’s inherent in each of us as children of God.   

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held from 1:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 16. If desired, parents should have their child schedule appointments (10 minute blocks) directly with their teachers beginning on Wednesday, October 9. Please discuss your availability with your child.        

Upcoming Open Houses for prospective students are this Sunday, October 6 at 2:00 pm and Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 am. The Placement Exam is scheduled for Saturday, November 2 at 8:00 am. Current students and parents are our best ambassadors so please consider sharing our good news with others in your hometown.

Special thanks to Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu and the Bristol Registrar of Voters, Sharon Krawiecki and Kevin McCawley, for conducting a local mock student election on Tuesday. Students were given the opportunity to experience a “live” voting environment with private voting booths and a ballot machine. Congratulations to Mayor Thomas Pauloz, Chief of Police Michael Ferrero, City Assessor Martina Joung, Superintendent of Parks Benjamin Speaker, Registrar of Voters Sammi Bray, Director of Public Works Colin Ivers, Tax Collector Richard Scott and City Clerk Sarah Lynch. Students will shadow their Bristol counterparts this Tuesday, October 8 and be introduced to the Bristol Finance Board and City Council later that evening.

I’m pleased to share that the Bristol Boys’ & Girls’ Club will be honoring the St. Paul National Honor Society (NHS) this Thursday, October 10 at their annual Humanitarian Dinner. The NHS is being recognized for their many years of service tutoring elementary students afterschool at Cambridge Park, a nearby public housing neighborhood. Congratulations on making a difference!    

Lots going on in October besides the aforementioned: St. Luke’s Production of Augustus Tolton, Living Rosary, Junior Class Retreat, Homecoming Weekend, Halloween for Charity, etc.! As always, my personal thanks to everyone who contributes in countless ways to the growth and success of St. Paul. I am inspired everyday by your thoughtfulness and generosity.

In the Spirit of St. Paul,
Cary signature





Cary M. Dupont ‘72
President/Chief Administrator
Faith Feature
Class of 2020 Senior Retreats

Members of the Class of 2020 had their senior retreats on Thursday, September 26 (ladies), and Friday, September 27 (gentlemen). Each group enjoyed the beautiful setting and hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Litchfield. Ms. Lauren Noce, Education Coordinator at Carolyn's Place, was a guest speaker for the ladies on the topic of true friendship. SP graduate Mr. Alex Wells '13, currently working in animal control for the town of Cheshire, addressed the gentlemen on what it means to be a real man and build meaningful friendships with one another.

The groups also enjoyed Mass in the outdoor Grotto. "Best retreat yet!"

St. Paul Juniors (Class of 2021) will have their retreat on Thursday, October 24. Permission slips will be going home on October 7.
Respect Life Mass this Sunday, 10/6 (11am at St. Joseph Cathedral, Hartford).

A highlight of the Mass is the presentation by Archbishop Leonord P. Blair of the Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Medals, which are given to persons who have demonstrated commitment to the protection of all human life.

CLICK HERE for more details about the event, sponsored by the Pro-Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford.
The Living Rosary

October 16th we will have the Living Rosary immediately before PSAT's. During this celebration, the school community will pray the rosary using a variety of languages representing the diversity of the school community and heritage of our students as we honor Mary.
Franciscan Work Day

In honor of the feast of St. Francis, the Sisters would like to invite students to the Franciscan Life Center high school FAITH group. Students will have the opportunity to earn 1 service hour by working with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist on their land.

Saturday, October 5 at 2:30-4:00 p.m.
John Lateran Center, 405 Allen Ave, Meriden
The biggest SCHOOL-WIDE FUNDRAISER event of the year is HERE!!!
On October 11, St. Paul students will participate in the school's Walk-a-thon to raise money for their school. The funds raised will be used for school programs, classroom materials and school activities. We are all proud to be FALCONs and we hope you will consider sharing
this link http://spchs.com/walkathon2019/ with family and friends in support of our school.
Any amount contributed to help us reach our goal is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!
Donate ONLINE OR for a printable donation form CLICK HERE !
Admissions News
Open House - Make sure to invite those you know!
If you or someone you know is a prospective student/family and interested in seeing all St. Paul has to offer, take an interactive tour of our classrooms, visit our faculty and meet our family, make sure to - sign up for our open house !

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OPEN HOUSE DATES:

Sunday, October 6 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 am

We would love for you to share with prospective grade 9 or grade 10 students looking to attend St. Paul Catholic High School in the 2020-2021 school year, our Placement Exam dates.

Incoming students must take the Placement Exam on either November 2, 2019 at 8:00 am or December 14, 2019 at 8:00 am.

Registration is open NOW -
Academic News
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, October 16
from 1:00 pm-7:00 pm
Students will be dismissed at noon and buses will run. 
 
Please discuss with your child(ren) the time you will be available on October 16.
 
Students will begin making appointments with their teachers on Wednesday, October 9 during class time. As appointments are made with teachers, your child will fill in the appointment sheet so that you will know when and with whom the appointments are scheduled.
 
As you can imagine, there is not a sufficient amount of time for every teacher to visit at length with every parent. Therefore, priority will be given to those parents whose students are experiencing academic difficulty at this time. 
 
Our school counselors will be available. If you wish to meet with a counselor, please encourage your student to visit the Guidance Office to schedule a meeting.
 
Teachers and school counselors will post their appointment schedule outside of their rooms. 
 
If your child does not schedule appointments for you, you will be able to write your name in an available time slot on the teacher's or counselor's conference schedule.
 
Administration will also be available. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you when you are here. 
Counseling Office News
SENIOR PARENTS: If your child is planning on applying Early Action to college, the deadlines are fast approaching! A student needs to have their green transcript request form to their School Counselor TWO WEEKS before their deadline. Therefore if the college's deadline is Nov. 1st the forms should be in by October 15th. If the deadline is Nov. 15th the forms should be in by Nov. 1st.

SOPHOMORE AND JUNIOR PARENTS: All Sophomores and Juniors will be taking the PSAT on October 16th . The CollegeBoard website has information and other tools on their website if you are interested in learning more.
 
JUNIOR AND SENIOR PARENTS : In the upcoming weeks and through December, representatives from many colleges and universities will be visiting St. Paul during the school day to meet with our counselors and any interested students. Students can view the college visitation schedule in Naviance and are encouraged to sign up and attend some of these college meetings. Students must sign up in Naviance, complete, and return a permission to miss class form (available in the Counseling office) at least 24 hours prior to the visit in order to attend.
Finance Office News
St Paul Catholic High School uses an independent consultant, FACTS Grant & Aid, to evaluate financial need. Anyone who wishes to be considered for tuition assistance must submit an application to FACTS Grant & Aid. The application fee is $35.

New this year: The document requirements and deadlines have changed. Please see the table below. The online application is available as of 10/1/2019. Click  HERE  to access the online application !
Award announcements will be mailed out by the end of February for families with incoming freshmen, and mid-March for all other students.

Please contact the Finance Office at 860-584-0911, ext 20, if you have further questions about Tuition Assistance.
Athletic News
Our Fall Sports teams
are in full swing!

For an update on
all of our teams this Fall
To see the full season schedule AND any time changes for our afternoon/evening games
 visit our website at http://spchs.com/team-schedules/
Advancement Department News
Our first and biggest fundraising event of the year is right around the corner and we would love for you to join us! This night is full of fun, celebrating our Circle of Honor Recipients and fundraising for the students of St. Paul! With dinner, dancing, raffles, silent and live auctions there's fun all night long.
Performing Arts
The set is coming along for the St. Paul Performing Art's production of
Charlotte's Web .

Tickets will be on sale SOON!
Keep a look out on our website.
Save the Date
Parent Facebook Page
Are you on Facebook? Want to keep in touch with the St. Paul Parents? Keep up-to-date with events happening at St. Paul, share your ideas, community events, ask questions, etc.
Request to join “St. Paul Falcon Parent Community” and you’ll be approved shortly after! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2268656876536761/
Sewing Club Needs Yarn & Newborn Hats
Sewing club is gearing up for their third year participating in Little Hats, Big Hearts 2020, which honors babies, moms, and heart healthy lives in a very special way. Students are busy knitting and crocheting red hats to be given out to thousands of babies to celebrate American Heart Month and raise awareness of congenital heart defects.
 
Sewing club gratefully accepts donations of both newborn-size hats and yarn (red cotton or acrylic) only. The deadline for donations is Nov. 22, 2019.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Zillich at dzillich@spchs.com
Lunch PrePay Option!
Always scrambling for lunch money as the kids are walking out the door?

No worries - Stella accepts prepayment.

Have your child bring in cash or a check (made payable to Paul Gregory’s). She will keep track of the balance and let your child know when the balance is running low.
First Aid/CPR Course
Mr. Duffany will be offering the American Heart Association's Heartsaver First Aid/CPR course this month on October 21 and 23 . This will give the participants a 2-year certification through the American Heart Association.
Students will be trained in basic First Aid, CPR, use of a defibrillator and use of Epinephrine auto-injectors and other life-saving skills. See Mr. Duffany for more details. 

In November he will offer the BLAST course which is a babysitting certification course through the American Association of Pediatrics. More details to follow.
St. Paul Gift Card Program
Join us in raising money for St. Paul simply by using gift cards where you’re already shopping.

It’s easy, rewarding, and fits perfectly into your busy life. To help you get set up PLEASE don't hestitate to contact the Advancement Office or our Scrip Coordinator !

Did you know you can now pay for your gift cards with your credit card? Yep!

So many options and once you start using it - it's SO easy!
St. Ann's Church Clothing Drive
St. Ann Church in Avon funds yearly scholarships at St. Paul Catholic High School. Please support their clothing sale by donating clean, gently-worn, up-to-date styles for men, women, teens and children. 

Donations will be accepted, in the box in the lobby until October 25. 
 
You can also support their efforts by shopping at their clothing sale on Friday, 11/1/2019 , 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ($5 entry fee), and Saturday, 11/2/2019, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM (No admission charge), and Saturday, 11/2/2019, noon - 2:00 PM $20 per bag of clothing.
Grandparents' Day Invitations
Grandparents' Day invitations will be mailed this week. RSVPs are not necessary. Please contact Shelley Mendoza at smendoza@spchs.com with any questions you may have.
CT Catholic Men's Conference THIS MONTH

The 12th annual Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference is set for Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic High School, 1001 Stafford Ave., in Bristol.

Calling all men to join us for a day of dynamic speakers, exhibitors, incredible worship, Confession, Adoration, fellowship, and food!

This year’s theme is “Forge Your Path to Holiness.” Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt is the opening speaker. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair will be the primary celebrant at the 4 p.m. vigil Mass. Other invited speakers include Dan Burke, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers and Father John Bartunek. Boxed lunch is included. Register at www.ctcatholicmen.org
Upcoming Public Activities - Be in the Know
Management Practices Tour of the Pequabuck River Watershed - Saturday, 10/5 10:00am-12:30pm - For more information and to register CLICK HERE, For the Waiver CLICK HERE.

Girls with Impact - The Only Tech-Enabled Entrepreneurship Program for Teen Girls.
Register before 10/5 and receive a discount. 10/7 is orientation and the 12-wee k class begins on 10/14.

Women's Work - Monday, 10/7 at 5:30pm - Bristol Public Library

Tolton: From Slave to Priest - Wednesday, 10/9 at 6:30pm (students will enjoy that afternoon)

Catholic College and University Meet and Greet - Friday, 10/11 at 7:00pm - St. Francis of Assisi Church New Britain

Augustus Tolton - From Slave to Priest A Saint Luke's Production - Wednesday, October 09, 2019 – 6:30pm at St. Paul Catholic High School.
Trip to Spain and Paris - Spring Break of 2020
Students, Parents, Alumni are invited to join us on a once-in-a-lifetime educational tour to Spain and Paris!

When? Spring Break April 9, 2020 - April 17, 2020
Where? Spain and Paris

CLICK HERE for a great presentation outlining the trip! October 3 is the first deadline to sign up! Visit www.Explorica.com/Jalbert-892 or contact Mrs. Noemi Jalbert at NJalbert@spchs.com for more information.
Travel to Italy and Greece - Summer of 2020
Why Are We Going? Your child will...
  • Step outside the classroom and engage with the world firsthand
  • Go beyond his/her comfort zone and experience new foods, cultures and people
  • Receive an experience that will help him/her stand out on college applications
  • Learn how to navigate new situations with a broader global perspective
  • Have a life changing experience

When? July 11, 2020 - July 19, 2020
Where? Travel from Boston to Rome

What's Next?
There are a limited number of 30 spots available! You can enroll @ www.eftours.com/2209043PJ  
or call EF's Traveler Support Team from Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM at 800-665-5364.  
 
Please email Dr. Gnoza at jgnoza@spchs.com , or Mrs. Posten at tlposten@aol.com with any questions!