July 25, 2023

Dear Saint families, I pray that your family has enjoyed a relaxing and rejuvenating summer! It has been so much fun following our saints on social media with #saintsonsummerbreak2023! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! We have enjoyed a busy summer here on the StJPII campus. In June, we finished another great Summer Enrichment Program and we also hosted the Third Annual Symposium for Blue Ribbon Catholic Schools. Now that summer is coming to a close, we are anxiously preparing the facilities for the students’ return back to campus. I am always abundantly thankful for our phenomenal PTO (Parent Teacher Organization); last year alone they raised almost $20,000 through their volunteer efforts! These funds have allowed StJPII to purchase many teacher wish-list items that will enhance classroom learning, including: iPads, math manipulative kits, classroom chapter books, chromebook carts, and more! Each new school year presents opportunities for new hopes, fresh ideas and new-found excitement. Here at StJPII, the excitement is building - and I am happy to unveil our theme for the 23-24 school year.   Eyes Up  “My Eyes are ever upon the Lord” Psalm 25:15 Our greatest gift as a school is being rooted in our Catholic faith which guides us and grounds us to grow in ways that only our Lord can fulfill! In all circumstances we are more than capable when we focus our eyes on HIM! I am looking forward to inviting the Lord into our daily practices more than ever, ensuring Christ is at the center of all we do. Together we will focus our Eyes Up, seeking to love without needing anything back and living out the virtue of charity…as we are looking up to Christ. Thank you for your constant support, and I look forward to seeing you soon! In Him,

Rebecca Bogard Principal P.S. Make sure to read this entire newsletter! It is full of important details about the first days of school, the new “For Every Saint” Capital Campaign, the “Wait Til 8th” program, how to get involved, athletics, and MORE!

Welcome New Faculty and Staff

Bailey Burke Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Burke is a wife and mother to two children with a 3rd on the way, due in October! She is very excited to join the saints family! She has only ever taught in public education but is excited about the change to private school. She is entering her 12th year of teaching and has taught Early Childhood Education for half of her career. Mrs. Burke has taught 8th, 5th, 2nd, Kinder, and ECSE/Special Ed Inclusion (Early Childhood Special Education). She attends Bear Creek as her home church with her family and occasionally attends Mass at St. Cecilia Catholic Church with her husband's parents. Faith and family are the most important things in her life and she strives to live a life that is Christ-centered. Mrs. Burke graduated with an Undergraduate (BA in Theatre) and Masters degrees (Masters in Education: Curriculum and Instruction) from Arizona State University but is a Saints and LSU fan (thanks to her husband!) She also loves watching and cheering on the Astros with her family. For the past few years, Mrs. Burke has been teaching 5th grade and is SO READY to be back teaching her heart's passion with the littles. They are her people!

Carolyn McCall Kindergarten Assistant Mrs. McCall grew up in Houston, and attended St. Ambrose Catholic School and St. Agnes Academy. She graduated from LSU with a degree in Elementary Education. She has been married to her husband, Tom for 32 years and they have two children, Abigail and Ryan. Abigail is a recent graduate of Texas A&M and lives in Dallas, and Ryan is a junior at Texas A&M. Carolyn and her family are members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. She is looking forward to working at St. John Paul II, as she has very fond memories of her days as a Catholic school student.

Anna Corpuz 2nd Grade Teacher Mrs. Corpuz is excited to join the 2nd grade team at St. John Paull II in the fall. She holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Teaching as well as certifications for GT, ESL and IB. She was raised in Northern Virginia, outside Washington DC where she began her teaching career. In July 2019, she moved with her now husband to Houston. After working 8 years in public education for grades Kindergarten through 4th, she is excited to merge her faith with teaching at StJPII in the fall. When not teaching, Anna and her husband, Adrian, enjoy hiking, biking and traveling. She also has a passion for cooking up a storm in the kitchen. She is enthusiastic about the year to come!

Ashley Wetwiski 3rd Grade Teacher Mrs. Wetwiski will be joining the third grade team at StJPII. She holds a Bachelor's degree in education, STEM certificate, a Catechist certificate, and will begin her Masters program in the winter semester. This year will be her 18th year teaching, 10 have been in Houston and 8 in her hometown of New Orleans. God blessed her life with 2 wonderful daughters. Brianna is a 3rd year LSU veterinary student and Gabrielle is a freshman at A&M studying forensics. For leisure, Mrs. Wetwiski enjoys baking/cooking, supporting her students in their extra-curricular activities, and spending time with her family and friends. She is looking forward to the beginning of school to meet her students and their families!

Tim McGrath PE Teacher Mr. McGrath has been a teacher and coach for 20 years, with experience in Physical Education, Special Education, and Science. He loves to cook, listen to music, and work in the garage building rustic furniture. Some of Mr. McGrath's favorite Netflix series are "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul," and "Narcos." His wife, Cassandra, introduced him to his two favorite cooking methods: the cast iron skillet and the pressure cooker. His son, Zane, is a junior in high school; his daughter, Gracia, is an eighth grader; and his two step-sons are attending Sam Houston in Huntsville.

Laura Doherty Part-Time Counselor Mrs. Doherty is excited to return to the saint community this Fall! After graduating from the University of Texas in 2007, she spent 6 years teaching middle school and earned a Master’s in Educational Counseling from St. Thomas University. She previously worked as a high school counselor (4 years) before working as an elementary counselor here at StJPII (2 years). Mrs. Doherty left StJPII in 2018, to spend time at home with her new baby (who is now somehow 4 years old). She is looking forward to being back on campus two days a week supporting the Saint community at the middle school counseling level with Mrs. Costantini. When not working, Mrs. Doherty loves spending time with my husband and their sweet son.

Maria Chapellin Part-time Receptionist Mrs. Chapellin was born in Caracas, Venezuela.  She has been married to her husband Luis for 20 years, and has 3 amazing sons; two of them are StJPII alumni and the youngest is starting 5th grade this year. She has lived in Houston for the last 14 years. Mrs. Chapellin is a passionate baker and enjoys photography and music. She has been an active member of the StJPII PTO for a few years and it has been very fulfilling as she has met the most wonderful parents-friends.  Mrs. Chapellin highly recommends that all parents try and be a part of our amazing  PTO. She feels blessed and extremely happy to join the StJPII staff. Mrs. Chapellin looks forward to continue helping our saints community in any way possible.

Other Staff Reassignments: Cindy Kim - Music and Movement Allyson Sutton - 1st Grade Lauren (Gerland) Pace - 8th Grade Speech

Welcome Events

Ice Cream Social (NEW Families only) Sunday, August 13, 2:00-3:00 p.m. All NEW Families and Ambassador Families are invited to the BAC/GSC (gym and cafeteria). Orient new families, pick up carpool tags, register for BASP (before and after school care), get information for after-school clubs, sign up to volunteer for PTO Committees, snack on ice-cream, and meet fellow StJPII SAINTS!

Meet and Greet (ALL Families) Sunday, August 13, 3:00-4:30 p.m. Visit the classrooms, meet your teachers, and handle school business (carpool tags, sign ups, etc.) in the BAC.

Parent Nights Aug. 30 - PreK, Kindergarten, Middle School Parents Aug. 31 - 1st-5th Grade Parents Parents are invited to attend and learn more about StJPII. You will have the opportunity to hear about the upcoming academic year, campus updates, and highlights from the parent survey. These events begin at 6:00 p.m., and are for parents only, so please make plans for your children to stay at home.

Prepare for the First Days of School

Supplies - most school supplies for the beginning of the year are included in your tuition, there is no need to buy anything. PreK-1st Grade will also receive a tote bag (only Grades 2-8 may bring backpacks from home).  School Nurse - please contact Nurse Jeanne Aertker to alert the school of important medical needs. Summer Reading / Math - remember to complete the assigned summer packets for reading and math, which are posted online.

Uniforms

Here is a short description of which uniforms should be worn, by day. Monday - Casual uniform day Tuesday - House shirt polos, with uniform bottoms (EXCEPTION: The first day of school 8/15 will be FULL DRESS UNIFORM due to Feast of The Assumption Mass) Wednesday - Spirit shirt or casual polo, with uniform bottoms Thursday - Casual uniform day Friday - Full dress day for All-School Mass (EXCEPTION: our first Friday 8/18 will be casual dress uniforms) Please refer to the website for more information about uniforms. All uniform pieces are available at Mills Uniforms in store and online.

Used Uniform Sale Are you looking for a particular uniform item? Uniform on backorder? Come out to the Used Uniform Sale on Monday, July 31 in St. Jude Hall. There will be tons of inventory for you to look through. You may email useduniform@jp2.org for all your uniform needs.

Handbook Updates

Please refer to the StJPII Parent-Student Handbook for important Handbook changes and additions for the upcoming school year: Student Absences: If a student is absent, the student is given the same number of days to complete the work as they were absent. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for make-up work as well as ensure it is returned in the appropriate timeframe upon return to school. Should the student miss an assessment, the student is responsible to discuss possible makeup dates with the teacher. Pages 19 & 35 Fall Conference: One required conference will be scheduled in the fall on a designated day and students are required to attend with their parents. Page 20 Special Needs Learners and Referrals. Pages 23-25 Middle School Advisory: Advisory period is provided for all students in grades six through eight. This period will be utilized to reinforce organizational and study skills along with social-emotional learning through building relationships and interpersonal skills, spiritual formation as well as further academic support. Page 20 Trips & Excessive Absences: Approvals for scheduled trips will be approved based on the student’s regular attendance. (Trips should be planned around the academic calendar utilizing the embedded breaks). Pages 34 & 35 Leaving School Early: Page 35 Camp Allen & Washington DC: approximate costs. Page 41 Cell phones: Students will be charged a $50.00 fee for each confiscated electronic device. Disciplinary action will be taken at the discretion of the administration should there be repeat offenses. Prior to all practices or competitions, student-athletes are required to turn in their cell phone to their coach or athletic staff present. Cell phones should never be present in a locker room or restroom during after-school activities, practices or competitions. Out of respect for their classmates and coaches, if student spectators are in possession or use of cell phones, they will be encouraged to let an adult hold their device so that students may fully participate and support the athletic team. The use of cell phones against the standards set in this handbook, will result in disciplinary action. Pages 42 & 99 Social Networking: While this policy applies to all social networking sites, TikTok is a particular concern given its reach and security problems. Page 71 Guiding Principles for St. John Paul II Catholic School Regarding Secular Legal and Regulatory Issues. Page 45 Smartwatches: No smartwatches allowed. This includes any device with the capability to connect to the internet. Page 48

School Business

For Every Saint Capital Campaign  We are pleased to announce some very important plans at St. John Paul II Catholic School for the coming years. Last year through our strategic planning activities, we identified several necessary campus upgrades and renovations. To address these needs, and to add to our endowment, we embarked on a capital campaign that we named the For Every Saint Campaign. Our dreams are big and bold with a campaign goal of $4 million. We are humbled to report that with the help of a wonderful committee of volunteers, we have already raised over $1.5 million! This is thanks to God and several generous families who have made this campaign a priority in their lives. The objectives accomplished by the For Every Saint Campaign are ultimately concerned with caring for the assets entrusted to us. Because we have always believed that every one of our students deserves to have safe facilities that reflect the faith, academic rigor, athletic skills, and talents that are characteristic of StJPII, our focus now is on raising the remaining funds for these much-needed capital projects.  Every great institution embraces periods of renovation and upgrades, and it is common that additional funds are needed to accomplish this. StJPII is contracted with an architect, and we are working to finalize construction plans. Our goal is to begin construction as early as next summer. This will be a multi-year effort and eventually we will need the help of every family in order to reach our goal. Some may ask - “How is this different from the donations we already make?” That is a good question! The difference is, the For Every Saint campaign is a capital investment in StJPII’s future. Gifts to the For Every Saint campaign will be used for projects not covered by tuition and will supplement our traditional annual fundraising and the upcoming gala. The Annual Fund will still take place, remains the cornerstone of our annual budget, and enables us to take care of StJPII’s operational needs within the school year. The first 35 years have been a period of tremendous growth and blessings for the StJPII community. It is now time to look to the future and together, as a family of saints, confidently build upon our strong foundation to bring about the next level of excellence at StJPII. We look forward to sharing more details with our families when school reconvenes. Please join us in praying for the success of the For Every Saint campaign.   Campaign Co-Chairs: Katie Hengst, John Zagata Campaign Committee Members: Theresa Bramanti, John Fahy, Sarah Moore, Sandra Vreedenburgh, Trey Wakefield

Cafeteria Service ECI is the company that manages our cafeteria and cooks the delicious meals that our students may buy for lunch. ECI will once again use the "Dining Pay" declining balance system. Any balances remaining from last year and years prior are combined and visible when logging in to https://diningpay.com. For more information, please contact Eci@ecimanagementgroup.com or call 682-703-2017. Representatives from ECI will be available during the Meet and Greet on August 13 to answer any questions you may have. Please click ECI's letter below for more information about meal costs and how to register.

ECI Info & Sign Up Form

Dining Pay Cafeteria Portal

Before and After School Care Program New parents may sign up for our Before and After School Program at the Ice Cream Social, however, current families must sign up by clicking the registration form below. For more information, see the Parent Student Handbook or contact BASP Director Melissa Wilhite.

BASP Registration Form

“Wait Til 8th” Program Stay tuned for further information about a program that we are encouraging through our parent community called “Wait Til 8th”. We will partner with Smart Families Shaping Souls to support families to refrain from purchasing a smartphone for their children until after 8th grade. By banding together, we will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over the kids having a smartphone. StJPII will host parent information meetings and training sessions about how this program allows our children to remain healthy emotionally and spiritually.

2024 Gala: Haute in Havana StJPII holds a Gala every other year as a fundraiser for the school. We hope you will join us for the Cuban-style party of the year! Tickets will go on sale soon for the "Haute in Havana" Gala on February 10, 2024, at the Omni Riverway. Visit the link below for more information. Gala 2024: "Haute in Havana"

Middle School

CMG Technology Training (For New Middle School Parents) This is a reminder that StJPII requires parents of students entering 6th grade (and new 7th and 8th grade parents) take the CMGConnect Technology Training for Parents digital safety video course prior to checking out Chromebooks each school year. This will assist you in protecting your kids from Internet dangers, and better guide them to wise choices in this technologically paced world. New middle school parents are required to turn in your completion certificate during the first week of school (either at Meet & Greet or the first day of school) or by emailing it to Middle School Assistant Principal Mr. Eric Olson.

Parent Chromebook Online Course

Middle School Advisory The Middle School has allotted time in their weekly schedule for each student to have an advisory period. This will give middle school students the opportunity to learn time management, study skills, and various social-emotional lessons throughout the year. We are looking forward to offering this new opportunity for our Middle School students to grow spiritually and academically.

Get Involved

Join the PTO - Letter from the President On behalf of the PTO Board and Committee Chairs, welcome back to the 2023-2024 school year! We are praying that this upcoming school year is full of learning, fun, and community. We are so excited about the many volunteer opportunities which allow parents to get involved and serve our great school. I would like to extend an invitation to all parents to come and see what the PTO is all about. We have opportunities that are big and small, so there is something for everyone.   Be not afraid....to volunteer!!! Go Saints! Tiffany Doucette 2023-2024 PTO President PTO@jp2.org P.S. If you are interested in serving as a Room Parent, then please send an email by clicking the "Interested in becoming a Room Parent?" button below.

Interested in becoming a Room Parent?

Show your SAINTS Spirit The PTO Spirit Store sells a variety of awesome products featuring our school name and logo. Visit the updated online Spirit Store catalog today to get ready to show off your StJPII pride! Pre-orders will be ready for pick up at the Ice Cream Social/Meet and Greet (as long as we have the product in stock). Contact the Spirit Store if you have any questions, spirit@jp2.org.

StJPII Spirit Store Online Order Form

Altar Server Training for 2023-2024 School Year If your student would like to be an Altar Server for our All-School Masses, please come to the Altar Server Training on Thursday, August 10 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. This training is for students in grades 5-8 who are active altar servers in their parish. Please follow up with Religion Coordinator Mrs. Kristi Yohr for more information.

Volunteer Approval Process We love our volunteers! If you wish to volunteer during the upcoming school year, you must be volunteer approved. Visit our website or click below for a checklist for how to become volunteer approved. First time volunteers, please note that processing the paperwork will take four to six weeks to complete, so don’t delay!

Sign up to be a Parent Volunteer

Athletics

Elementary StJPII cannot offer Elementary Sports without you! All of our coaches are volunteer approved parents. As a coach you will have the entire StJPII family behind you for support! If you are not volunteer approved, please start the process NOW so you can be approved to coach. Click here to see the StJPII Volunteer Approval Process. StJPII is a member of the West Houston Christian Sports Association (WHCSA), a skill building league. SOCCER: PreK- 5th grade Elementary Soccer registration opens on August 1 and will close on August 25. Please register each child separately online on Acceptiva which is under WHCSA Registration on the StJPII Athletic website. We cannot accept late registrations. Teams are formed in order of registration and the number of teams are based on the number of registrations and the availability of volunteer coaches. Please see the Elementary Sports page on our website for additional information about Soccer, including frequently asked questions and coaching information. For more information, you may contact Elementary Athletics Director, Mary Beth Hewitt, at mhewitt@jp2.org.

Middle School Our Middle School athletic program is governed by the Greater Houston Catholic Athletic Association (GHCAA). We open the school year with our Fall sports that begin in August. Our tryout schedule for Volleyball and Soccer is posted on the athletic calendar, as well as camps for both sports from Coach Ade and Coach Linhardt. There is not a sign up for any middle school sport tryouts, all are welcome to attend tryouts. Varsity Football practice starts August 1st and Cross Country will begin August 21st. The GHCAA league game schedule will be placed on the Athletics Calendar by August 10. Again, please refer to the Athletic calendar for all information and remember to click on the event to see all pertinent information. Every student who will participate in a Middle School sport must have a new physical dated after May 1, 2023 submitted prior to tryouts or the start date for non-tryout sports. Student physicals will last for the entire school year for all sports. For more information, you may contact Mary Beth Hewitt, Athletic Director, at mhewitt@jp2.org. Coach McGrath's Football Schedule: Week #1: Tues. Aug.1st & Wed. Aug 2nd  8am-10:30am (shorts/t-shirt/cleats) Thurs. Aug. 3 8am-10:30am (helmet/shorts/t-shirt/cleats) Week #2:  Practices will be “penciled-in” for 3pm-5pm. Depending on Coach McGrath’s in-service schedule, we might be able to change some of the practice times to the morning. More to come later. Cleats everyday.  Mon. Aug 7 (helmets/shorts/t-shirt) Tues. Aug 8 (helmet/shorts/t-shirt) Wed. Aug 9 (shoulder pads, helmet, shorts) Thurs. Aug 10 (shoulder pads, helmet, shorts) Fri. Aug 11 (shoulder pads, helmet, shorts) Week of School, week of Monday Aug. 14 Mon. Aug 14 3pm - 5pm (full pads) Tues. Aug 15 thru Thurs. Aug. 17 3:30pm - 5:30pm (full pads) NOTE: The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston has partnered with the 2023-2024 CHRISTUS Back to School Event and is hosting Free Sports Physicals (3rd-8th grade) and Free Immunizations (for all students). Any student seeking a sports physical for the 2023-2024 school year must register in advance. (Immunizations are walk-in without registration.) The event will take place on Saturday, August 5 from 8:00-12:30 at St. Mary's Clinic on Wayside Drive (77023) Click the button below for more details.

Athletics Calendar

Physical Form

CHRISTUS Free Sports Physicals

St. John Paul II Catholic School 1400 Parkway Plaza, Houston, TX 77077 281-496-1500 • 281-496-2943 (fax) www.jp2.org  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

St. John Paul II Catholic School prepares all students spiritually and academically to succeed in life and to do God's will.