School Newsletter
9.02.21
Mission:
St. Anthony of Padua School Community
engages students in academic excellence
while guiding them to live as a reflection of Jesus.
From Mr. Wieber:

For many years, the St. Anthony community of volunteers has been strong and passionate about their school and church.  Parent volunteers are an invaluable resource to our teachers, students, programming and the culture of the school.  This past year saw a virtual halt to volunteerism but we are ready to get out, get together and open up again!
  
Whether your student is a preschooler or 8th grader, we have many opportunities for you to help the school community.  After all, getting involved is a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education and it sends a positive message that you consider St. Anthony School a worthwhile investment.  Even if you haven't been involved in the past, now is a great time to start.  Your time, skills and support are more important than ever as we kickstart our year.

Yours in Christ,
Chad L. Wieber


Noteworthy News

  • PICTURE DAY: Picture Day order forms were sent home this week. Forms DO NOT need to be returned to the school office. The forms with payment (if not using online ordering) need to be brought with the student on picture day.
  • Thursday, September 9, Preschool 3 year old, DK through 8th Grade
  • Friday, September 10, Preschool 4 year old
  • Picture day is a dress up day for staff and students - NO JEANS.
  • Friday, September 10, 2021 will be a uniform only day for K-8. If you are celebrating a birthday color day, please wear your uniform and change after group pictures are taken.


  • BEGINNER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND: We are excited to partner again with West Catholic High School to offer band to our 5th through 8th grade students. Please see the attached information here.
  • UNIFORM APPAREL: Please use the following Uniform/Spirit Wear Link to place an order for St. Anthony of Padua School uniform apparel. The deadline is Sunday, September 12th at 11:59pm.
  • HOT LUNCH UPDATES AND MENU CHANGES:
  • Chocolate milk is now available
  • For the month of September the alternative entree is hummus, veggies, crackers and a cheese stick
  • DISMISSAL NUMBERS: Please email schooloffice@saparish.com if you need extra dismissal numbers printed.
  • LATE ARRIVALS AND HOT LUNCH: Hot lunch orders are placed before 8:30am each day. If your child is arriving at school late due to an appointment, please email the school office and teacher that your child will need hot lunch. If you child doesn't preorder before that time, they may be served an alternative option rather than the main entree.
  • BIRTHDAY TREATS IN CLASSROOMS: Birthday treats (DK through 8th grade) must be individually wrapped store bought treats. Preschool room is allergy friendly. Please provide a non-food item if you are sending in a birthday treat.

Notes from last week:

  • ELECTRONIC DEVICE AGREEMENTS: We are asking that all parents complete and sign an Electronic Device Agreement for their students. Even if parents do not plan on having their student(s) bring home the device for virtual/at home use, students are entrusted with an electronic device during the school day. In order to track these devices, as well as ensure proper care is given to them, we need these agreements completed. Students will be bringing home the agreement this week from their homeroom teacher.
  • TRAFFIC PATTERN: Please remember at arrival and dismissal times, our driveways are one way. Traffic should enter at the west (chapel side) driveway and exit at the east (playground side) driveway.
  • DROP OFF TIME: Parents please note that school doors open at 7:45am. If students are dropped off prior to that time, there is no adult supervision provided outside.
  • HOT LUNCH: Hot lunch will be free again this year through federal funding. We are requesting all families regardless of financial status to fill out a Free and Reduced Lunch Application found here. Lunch applications assist the school in receiving Title I funding through the state. Title Funds last year helped purchase over 40 Chromebooks and provided funds for tutoring opportunities.
  • UPDATED September Hot Lunch Menu

  • MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION FORM: If your child(ren) need to take medication during the school day, you must fill out a Medication Administration form (available in the school office).
  • If it is a prescribed medication, your physician must complete and sign the bottom portion of the form.
  • ALL medications must be kept in the school office.
  • At NO time, should a student have medication on their person or in their locker/desk. Medication - prescribed or over-the-counter - must be in it's original container - not a baggie.  
  • Please contact the school office with any questions.
  • FAMILY FUN RUN: Great News! The Family Fun Run will be Olympic-themed and will be held on St. Anthony of Padua School grounds. We will have a shorter route but will include obstacles on the path. We welcome you to bring your tailgate set up in the parking lot. A picnic-style lunch of hot dogs, chips, apples, and water will be provided with your race registration (here). We will have giveaways and raffle prizes too! **The last day to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt will be Thursday, September 2, 2021. Race registration will be open until Noon on Friday, September 17, 2021,** Family Fun Run Flyer
  • VIRTUS: We plan on having parents back in school to volunteer for the 2021-2022 school year. Any parent who volunteers with children MUST have completed the online Virtus class - this includes coaching, classroom parties, field trips, and playground supervision. Please take some time this summer to take the Virtus class if you plan to volunteer in any capacity during the school year. If you have taken the class in the past, your account should still be active.
  • PESTICIDE ADVISORY: Pesticides are applied - after school hours - on the third Wednesday of the month.  Please see the link below if you need FURTHER notification of application.  You may call the school office with any questions. Pesticide Advisory
  • CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Exciting news! The Children’s Choir will be starting up again this September! The Choir is open to students in Grades 2 through 8. Rehearsals will begin on Thursday evenings beginning Sept 9 (6:00pm-6:45pm). We will meet in the gathering space for a “social” and move into the church to rehearse. The Children’s choir will generally sing the second Sunday of the month at 9:00am Mass (along with the special Christmas and Easter Masses). If you have a child in the upper grades that would like to run the monitor during rehearsals they would be very welcome to join us as well. Any questions contact Vonnie Clark (vclark@saparish.com) or 616-485-0695. Looking forward to the JOY of the children’s VOICES!
Scrip Office Updates:

Are you interested in reducing the tuition costs of sending your child(ren) to St. Anthony of Padua K-8 and/or to West Catholic / Catholic Central? If so, and if you aren’t already a participant, then enrolling in the St. Anthony SCRIP program might be a great decision. Please see the attached document for some frequently asked questions on SCRIP.
Board of Directors Updates:

Our new Mission Statement:

St. Anthony of Padua School Community
engages students in academic excellence
while guiding them to live as a reflection of Jesus.

Our Strategic Plan will focus on 5 years of growth and development to continue to make St. Anthony of Padua School the best choice for educating your children in a Faith-filled environment!
Home and School Association Updates:

ST. ANTHONY FAMILY FUN RUN: Sign up TODAY to be guaranteed a t-shirt and swag bag. This year the Family Fun Run will be Olympic themed and will be held on St. Anthony of Padua School grounds. We will have a shorter route, but will include obstacles on the path. We welcome you to bring your tailgate set up in the parking lot. A picnic style lunch of hot dogs, chips, apple and water will be provided with your race registration. We will have giveaways, raffle prizes, and a chance to DUNK THE DEAN! (link to sign up).

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING: Are you interested in learning more about Home & School, helping out in the classroom, or being involved with our family events? We would love to hear from you. Fill out a quick survey to let us know how you would like to volunteer. (link to survey)
Athletic News:

  • COACHES CORNER: St. Anthony is asking ALL COACHES to complete their concussion training this year prior to the start of the appropriate season. Online certification is required every 3 years and can be done online here. Please send the completion certificate to athletics@saparish.com. Additionally, coaches are required to be Virtus trained and have a Volunteer Background information packet on file. Virtus may be done online (here) and the volunteer packet is available upon request. Please email athletics@saparish.com if you have questions or need to check your status of Virtus (required once) or Volunteer paperwork (every 5 years).
  • SPORTS PHYSICALS: All students grades 3rd through 8th are required to have a physical dated after 4.15.2021 on file with the school office before the first day of scheduled practice. Forms can be found here and emailed to athletics@saparish.com or dropped off to the school office.
  • ATHLETIC COMMUNICATION and CALENDAR: The athletic calendar will be updated regularly with practices times, game times and deadlines. Please use the athletic calendar as a reference point for planning. It can be found on the school website and St. Anthony app. All athletic communication should be sent to athletics@saparish.com. **Please note all last minute changes and cancellations will be found on TeamSnap App Notifcations and Chats screen from GRACEAC, coaches, and athletic directors**
St. Anthony of Padua App:

Please search "St. Anthony of Padua School" in the App Store or follow one of these links to download it.
St. Anthony of Padua School | 616-453-8229 x 200
schooloffice@saparish.com | www.saparish.com