Dear Families of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, 

October is the Month of the Rosary. The Rosary has been around, in its earliest form, for 1200 years! How wonderful that when we pray the Rosary, we continue a prayer that has been around for over twelve centuries! As a school, we celebrate this beautiful way of honoring Mary in a variety of ways. Last week, the school met on the football field with our balloon rosary hanging on the goalposts and we prayed the rosary together. Students led each decade with special intentions for our school family and our broader global church family. Additionally, each morning we pray a decade (or two) as we journey through all 20 mysteries (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious) before the month is over. Also, our families signed up to pray rosaries at home so that each day of the 31 days of October, a rosary is prayed by our school families. Thank you, for your participation in this prayer! I love praying the Rosary. But this wasn’t always a favorite form of prayer for me. When I was a child, I felt that it “took so long” and “was so repetitive”. As an adult, I find such beauty in the repetitive and harmonious prayers. As long as I can remember, my Dad prayed the rosary every day until his death in 2018. He kept a rosary in his car and prayed on his way to the hospital before his morning hospital rounds. In 2002, at the age of 51, my father suffered a very serious massive stroke. He was left with memory and vision loss --- and was even unable to recognize my Mom or me. From his hospital bed, he constantly repeated the “Hail Mary”. It was at that point that the beauty of the Rosary really hit me. When my Dad was obviously very scared, the thing that gave him comfort was the beautiful repetition of this prayer to Our Mother. I think of my Dad every time I pray the Rosary. I thank God for the gift of Mary and the gift of the Rosary as a way to honor her. 

Only by His Grace,

Veronica Tucker

Principal

WHAT'S BREWIN' WITH MRS. TUCKER

Informal grade-level meetings with Mrs. Tucker. Meetings start at 8:15 AM in the Library. Bring your own coffee!

• Oct. 26 | 1st Grade
• Nov. 2 | 4th Grade
• Nov. 9 | 2nd Grade
• Nov. 16 | 3rd Grade

LUNCH REMINDERS: 

As we start the second quarter, here are a few lunchtime reminders from our Family Handbook:

• Parents/guardians, siblings (not current students) and other family members are welcome to join students for birthday lunch during scheduled lunch times. Siblings must remain with parents/guardians at all times. Safe Environment compliance is not required to join students for their birthday lunches. Parents should limit their lunchtime visits to birthdays. 
• Visitors and students enjoy lunch together at designated guest tables. Other students remain with their classes. 
• We ask that you not bring forgotten items to school, including lunches. This is part of teaching our students responsibility. We promise to take good care of your student. If a lunch is forgotten, a lunch will be provided and charged to the student. 
• Fast food may be brought in as a treat for birthdays, but not on a regular basis or in place of forgotten lunches.  

INTERNATIONAL DAY - FRIDAY, OCT 28 - 12:00PM NOON DISMISSAL

Noon Dismissal Procedures

• Parents should park in any available spot (front or back) and enter into the school for pick-up. 
• Pre-K3 – 3rd grade will dismiss (sign-out) from classrooms.
• 4th – 8th grade will dismiss (sign-out) from the gym.
• Please share these procedures with anyone picking up your students on Oct. 28!

RED RIBBON WEEK – Oct. 24-28

A week dedicated to raising awareness about the destructive effects of drug and alcohol misuse. For resources on drug and alcohol misuse visit: https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/

Monday, Oct. 24 – Sock it to Drugs – Wear Crazy Socks

Tuesday, Oct. 25 – Say “Peace Out” to Drugs – Wear tie-dye shirts with uniform bottoms

Wednesday, Oct. 26 – Only Airheads Do Drugs! – Mass Day, official school uniforms

Thursday, Oct. 27 – Wage the War on Drugs – Wear camouflage shirts with uniform bottoms

Friday, Oct. 28 – No Bones About It, Drugs are Scary! – Wear Halloween Shirts & Jeans or uniform bottoms

DNN - Oct. 21, 2022

PARENTS NIGHT OUT / SPIRIT NIGHT

November 11, 2022 | 7-10 PM | Ages 3 - 17 (must be potty-trained)

Cypress Academy of Gymnastics, 32523 Tamina Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354

HOW THE EVENT WORKS:

• Doors will open right at 7:00pm.  
• When families arrive, they will go to one of two places: 
• Check-in table for pre-registered children to check in. 
• Walk-ins will fill out a waiver and then get in line at the front desk to register and pay. Cypress Academy only accepts cash or check at the door. 
• Each child will be given a wristband with a number on it. The parent that drops their child off will be given a tag with a number that matches the wrist band. Parents MUST present this tag at pick up. They recommend parents take a picture of the tag so they do not have to keep up with it. They can also text that picture to someone else, if they plan to have another person pick up their child.  
• Children will be split into groups by age. They will remain with their group’s coach throughout the night and will rotate throughout different areas of the gym with a mixture of free play and games. Upon pick up, coaches will check children's wristbands with parent's tags.  

CONCESSIONS

Cypress Academy will have concessions available for the children during the event. Parents can purchase a concession wristband at the door for their child(ren) with cash only. Cypress Academy will mark on their wristband how much money they have to spend and as they purchase concessions, we will mark it off. All items are $2 each. 

OCTOBER FAMILY ROSARY

The month of October is dedicated to the Rosary, and after the Mass, the Rosary is the most powerful prayer at our disposal. St. John Paul II often said that the Rosary is a prayer of peace, and he encouraged families to pray the Rosary together. Please sign up for a day that your family will pray the Rosary together.

SHOUT-OUTS!

Thank you to Ms. Lea for spontaneously surprising our staff with a luncheon on Wednesday! What a fun surprise!

INTERNATIONAL DAY - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

International Day will take place on Friday, October 28th from 8:00AM to 12:00PM, and volunteers will be needed to assist students at each station. Supplies and details for every activity will be provided. Volunteers will need to stay at each station until the end of their sign-up time to assist with all classes passing through.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you for helping to make this an enriching day for our students!

GHCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School vs St. John Paul II Catholic School 

Wednesday, Oct. 26 | Kick-off at 7 PM

St. Pius X High School, 811 W Donovan St, Houston, TX 77091

Come out and cheer on the Dolphin football team in the championship!

BASKETBALL - Parent Information Meeting 

DATE CHANGE: Thursday, Nov. 3rd, 5:30 PM, In the Gym

This is a very important meeting. We will review parts of the Athletic Handbook, the schedule and the upcoming Dolphins Basketball season. Please make arrangements to attend.

DOLPHIN SPORTS RESULTS

10/17/22: Volleyball St. Cecilia at St. Anthony: JV St Cecilia 2-0, Varsity St Cecilia 2-0

10/18/22: St. Anthony Cross Country: GHCAA Championship Meet placed 6th and brought home 3 medals

10/18/22: Soccer Regis at St. Anthony: JV Regis 3-0 & Varsity Regis 5-1

10/19/22: Volleyball at St Martha: JV Lost & Varsity Won

10/20/22: Soccer at St Martha: Varsity STAOP 6-1 (Playoff game next week)

UPCOMING DOLPHIN SPORTS

10/26/22: GHCAA 6-Man Football Championship: vs JPII at St Pius HS at 7 PM

WHAT IS THE FUND FOR ST. ANTHONY?

The Fund for St. Anthony helps sustain programs, activities, and investments that are not covered by tuition. Simply, The Fund for St. Anthony is the best way possible for parents, grandparents, parishioners, community members, alumni, staff and friends to help make a financial difference in the future of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and its students. Your investment on an annual basis, at a level that you are comfortable with, helps raise necessary funds for important school objectives. Learn more at: https://ap.school/fundforstanthony

PARTICIPATION UPDATE

Thank you to our early supporters to the Fund for St. Anthony - as of today we are at 14% family participation! When we reach 90% family participation in the Fund for St. Anthony, the entire school will earn Monday, March 20th (the day after spring break) as a DAY OFF!  

2022-2023 WISH LIST

Are you interested in making an immediate impact for our students? We have created a list of classroom or school-wide items that we would like to purchase! As a school we will be working to fund these items through the Fund for St. Anthony, but if you would like to give to specific items, you may give online at the link below. A gift through our Wish List also counts as Fund for St. Anthony Participation!

MATCHING GIFTS

Does your employer (or your spouse's employer) have a matching gift program? If so, you can ask your company to match your support for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. You can double or even triple the value of your donation simply by notifying your employer of your gift.  Please contact your employer’s personnel office for eligibility requirements and to obtain a matching gift form. If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Tressel, ktressel@ap.school.

PADUAN POINTS: Families earn 5 Paduan Points when you contribute to the Fund for St. Anthony! 

STEPS FOR STUDENTS EARLY BIRDS!

Join our St. Anthony team to be a part of Steps for Students on February 11, 2023.

Early bird pricing for this year's Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk ends on Oct. 31! Almost 1,000 participants have already signed up as either Runners or "Snoozers." Register today to join us for this year's race. And don't forget to encourage your family and friends to join you as part of the largest event in the Archdiocese and the largest gathering in the country supporting local Catholic education!

St. Anthony of Padua's Steps for Students team will be raising funds to upgrade sound and lighting in our gym to improve our student programs and fine arts presentations. Thank you for supporting this effort!

Early Bird Pricing Ends Oct. 31!

1. 5K TIMED: Compete against other runners and your best 5K time on this route! Price: $17.00 Race Fee

2. 5K UNTIMED: Like the Timed 5K.... but not timed. Price: $15.00 Race Fee

3. FAMILY FUN RUN: Under a mile route. Price: $15.00 Race Fee

4. HIT THE SNOOZE FOR STUDENTS: Support Catholic schools without running the race! Register to Hit the Snooze and you will still receive the official race t-shirt shirt, but will not receive a bib or race medal. This is the option for those who would like to participate virtually. Price: $20.00 Race Fee 

**All St. Anthony Students who join our team by Nov. 30th will receive a Free Shoe Pass (except Mass Days) for the month of December!** 

FRASSATI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

Falcons Homecoming 2022 - Inaugural Game in the New Stadium, Oct. 22!

On Saturday, October 22, Frassati Falcons Football will take on Dominic Savio in their first Homecoming game in the new stadium! All middle school (and elementary) students get in free to this Frassati Catholic first! Gates open at 12:30 PM for fun, games, and a food truck, field blessing and dedication around 2 PM, and game kicks off at 3 PM - tickets available upon entry. Bring the whole family and be a part of Frassati Catholic history! Located at the Frassati Catholic Stadium - 22151 Frassati Way, Spring, TX 77382.

Frassati Catholic Open House - Nov. 2

Frassati Catholic applications are open for the 2023-24 academic year! For current 8th grade students or those interested in transferring this is the first step to becoming a Frassati Falcon - families can get started today. And on Wednesday, November 2, from 6-8pm you're invited to the Frassati Catholic Open House for an info session and tours of campus. Learn more about Frassati Catholic, meet current students and faculty, and take the opportunity to see what life is like at a Frassati Falcon. This is the perfect event for middle school families from 6th through 8th grade. RSVP on our website here - https://www.frassaticatholic.org/openhouse.

CHILI FEST - OCT. 22 - 6-9 PM

Sponsored by Catholic Daughters - The 4th annual Chili Fest is a family event for the St. Anthony of Padua parish community. Join us for an evening of food, fun and fellowship…. all at pre-pandemic prices! Sign-up to enter a chili team! https://ap.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1415750

ALL SAINTS DAY FESTIVAL

Our parish is hosting an All Saints Day festival on November 1, from 5:00-8:30 PM. All parishioners, but especially children, are invited to come experience the saints through saint-themed games, activities, and of course, food! 

Details: https://ap.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1442253

To Volunteer: https://ap.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1437593

MONDAYS - Chess Club, 3:45-4:45 PM, Library

TUESDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (English) 8:15 AM, PLB Room 204 

TUESDAYS - Awakening! Bible Study (Middle School) 7:15 AM, Paduan Center 

THURSDAYS - Parent Rosary Group (Spanish) 8:15 AM, PLB Room 204

THURSDAYS - ROBO Fins Robotics Club, 4-5 PM (7th & 8th Graders)

WEDNESDAYS - Mass Choir, 6:45 AM, Sheltz Hall 

WEDNESDAYS - Run Club, 3:30 PM, Sports Fields – Starting Sept. 21

WEDNESDAYS - Art Club, 3:45-5 PM, Art Room

FRIDAYS – Quiz Bowl, 3:45-5:00 PM, Mrs. Sturgeon's Room

Please check the calendar and/or communications from club advisors regarding cancellations or changes. 

10/24/2022 - Red Ribbon Week (RRW), October 24-28

10/24/2022 - RRW: Sock it to Drugs – Wear Crazy Socks

10/25/2022 - RRW: Say “Peace Out” to Drugs – Wear tie-dye shirts with uniform bottoms

10/26/2022 - RRW: Only Airheads Do Drugs! – Mass Day, official school uniforms

10/26/2022 - Mass (7-1), 9:00 AM, Church

10/26/2022 - What's Brewing? with Mrs. Tucker (1st grade), 8:15 AM, Library

10/27/2022 - RRW: Wage the War on Drugs – Wear camo shirts with uniform bottoms

10/28/2022 - RRW: No Bones About It, Drugs are Scary! – Wear Halloween shirts & jeans or uniform bottoms

10/28/2022 - International Day (Sign-up Genius)

10/28/2022 - NOON DISMISSAL

11/1/2022 - 8th GRADE CHOIR PRACTICE, 7:00 AM

11/1/2022 - Mass (4B) All Saints Day, 9:00 AM, Church          

11/1/2022 - SPIRIT NIGHT - Gringos, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

11/1/2022 - 3rd Grade Saints Gallery, 2:30 PM, Sheltz Fellowship Hall

11/2/2022 - What's Brewing with Mrs. Tucker (4th Grade), 8:15 AM , Library

11/2/2022 - Saints Trivia Bee, 2:30 PM, Gym

11/3/2022 - Prospective Family Fall Preview, 8:30 AM, Library

11/4/2022 - Rehearsals Frassati Lessons and Carols, 7:00 AM

Full Calendar available in FACTS and on the App!

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS

Do you have athletics or school event photos that you'd like to share for possible use in our yearbook or in school media? Please upload photos to our school Dropbox at this link: https://www.dropbox.com/request/UW0oqUAV9OySKlqlOShr. Photos can be uploaded at anytime before the end of the school year. Thank you for helping us showcase our athletes and students! If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Tressel at advancement@ap.school.