By Ethan Connors
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February 12, 2026
PRINCIPAL’S PONDERINGS February, the longest short month of the year. Somehow it’s the only month with fewer days and more attitude. One minute we’re cruising through the school year, and the next we’re asking, “Wait… how is it only February 11th!?” (And also, “How is it already February 11th!?”) The weather can’t decide what it wants to be, our routines are strong but our patience is being tested, and the calendar is packed even though the month is not. And yet, February still brings so many good things: students settling in, teachers pushing forward, and families doing the daily hero work of getting everyone up, fed, and out the door. As we make our way through this longest short month together, let’s remember to dress in layers, stay hydrated, and be extra kind to classmates, to staff, and to ourselves. Hang in there everyone. March is out there somewhere, probably hiding behind the next snowflake! Mr. Connors WHAT’S NEW Pick-Up and Drop-Off instructions We have noticed a concerning trend during both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up: some K-8 students are being dropped off or picked up on Rusholme Street. This creates a significant backup, disrupts our normal traffic flow, and has nearly led to several accidents. Please follow the appropriate parking lot drop-off/pick-up procedures, which can be found here: Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedures . If someone else brings your children to school or picks them up after school, please review these procedures with them as well. Our goal is to prevent any accidents that could occur due to traffic congestion and gridlock. We have ordered additional signage for these areas, but until it arrives, we appreciate your diligence and cooperation in keeping everyone safe. ************ Early Dismissal This Friday/No School Monday Just a reminder that we have an early dismissal this Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:55 and NO SCHOOL on Monday, Feb. 16. *********** Enrollment for 2026-2027 DUE THIS FRIDAY Re-enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is now open, and must be completed by February 13 to guarantee your spot for next year . When you start, please make sure you are registering for the 2026-2027 school year. If you already have an account but have forgotten your username or password, please email katee.bates@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us . Please do NOT create a NEW account by hitting the “get started” button. Current families must “LOGIN” (in the upper right hand corner) to update their accounts. If you have a new student that you would like to add to your current family profile, select add new student once you have reviewed your current student’s information. Make sure to submit at the end. Link to re-enroll: https://portal.sccsiowa.org/ You may use your ESA marketplace funds to pay the $150 enrollment fee for 2026-27. Log into your Odyssey account and click on “View balance”, then on “view marketplace”. Click on the search button at the top (magnifying glass icon on the right hand side) and type in "Registration". Then click on the SCCS Registration Fee Logo and add to your cart. You should receive an email from Odyssey that says “thank you for your purchase”. This process will have to be completed for EACH child. Odyssey will then transfer the money to SCCS - no need to let the SPS or SCCS office know that you paid via Odyssey. Each child has to use their own funds. If a child doesn’t have enough money in their account, you will have to pay out of pocket. If you have already paid through Blackbaud, but would rather use ESA funds, go ahead and complete the ESA payment, and then money you already paid via Blackbaud will be applied to any balance you have due (lunch or aftercare, for example), or refunded. If you do not have marketplace funds, please login to your Blackbaud account and once you have selected a student, select “purchase optional items” at the top center of the page and select the 2026-27 enrollment fee. The enrollment fee must be paid and the online enrollment updated by Feb. 13 to be considered fully registered and save your spot for the 2026-27 school year. ********** Now Hiring: President – Scott County Catholic Schools (SCCS) Scott County Catholic Schools is seeking a visionary and faith‑driven President to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of our vibrant, multi‑school Catholic system located in the Diocese of Davenport. This is a unique and rewarding leadership opportunity to shape the future of Catholic education for students, families, and parishes across Scott County. About the Role The President is responsible for advancing our Catholic mission, ensuring excellence in academic and operational leadership, and guiding the long‑term success and vitality of the school system. Serving as the executive leader, the President collaborates closely with the SCCS Board of Directors and Trustees, pastors, principals, and the broader community. Key Responsibilities Mission & Catholic Identity • Champion and model the Catholic identity of SCCS. • Ensure Catholic values, teachings, and traditions are integrated into all school programs, policies, and practices. • Lead the development and ongoing review of SCCS’s mission, vision, and philosophy. • Foster a culture of dignity, respect, and spiritual growth for students, families, faculty, and staff. Institutional Leadership • Provide strategic leadership to principals and department heads. • Build strong relationships with stakeholders. • Represent SCCS across the diocese and broader community. Operational & Academic Excellence • Oversee instructional quality, business operations, and system‑wide administration. • Ensure compliance with all diocesan, state, and federal education guidelines. • Support continuous improvement and school advancement initiatives. Stewardship & System Viability • Collaborate with the Board on long‑range planning and policy implementation. • Ensure sound fiscal stewardship and budget oversight. • Lead hiring, supervision, evaluation, and formation of key personnel. • Promote strong partnerships with parishes, families, and community organizations. Qualifications • Practicing Roman Catholic committed to the mission of Catholic education. • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. • Experience in Catholic education or organizational leadership preferred. To apply or learn more, contact: logan.ahnquist@sccsiowa.org ************ Iowa ACE Iowa ACE is making one last push to have parents sign-up to be a part of Iowa ACE to help in the fight to keep the ESA! By signing up with Iowa ACE, you will: Align with a statewide organization advocating for quality education and choice for all students. Gain access to resources and tools to support your family’s educational journey. Strengthen the community of families who value the same mission of access, excellence, and faith-based learning. Here’s how to get started: Visit www.iowaace.org and click “Parents for Educational Choice – Join Now!” Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education Complete the brief sign-up form to become a member of Iowa ACE’s parent network. Watch for updates and communications from Iowa ACE and our school about ways you can engage and support our community. ************ 8th Grade Career Fair UPDATE Due to the low numbers of presenters confirmed to date, we are unable to have our Career Fair this year. Thank you. If there are any questions, please contact Mrs. Whitney Woods at whitney.woods@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us ************ Coach Sloth We will be having Author Coach Sloth at St. Paul’s next week. He was a starting cornerback in 2000 for the Iowa State Cyclones and helped lead them to victory in the Insight Bowl. He spent 10 seasons playing and coaching arena football, and also starred as a football player in 5 movies! His author presentation is no charge to St. Paul’s, but it is a Pay it forward assembly. With each book order, you help send him to another school at no cost. Please see flyer below for more information: Coach Sloth.pdf Paper order forms are also coming home with Kgn - 5th Graders ********** Winter Wonderland Family Reading Event Join us in Denning Hall on February 17th from 5:45-7:15 for a fun parent led evening. We will play Bingo for Books, reading games, and we will have a book swap. crafts, and prizes. We will also have pizza, cookies and juice. All families are welcome, Pre-School through 5th grade. See attached flier. Title I Reading Night Flyer ********** STILL CURRENT Home and School Skating Event Please join us tomorrow, Thursday, February 12 from 5PM - 9PM at “The Landing” in Bettendorf for a fun night of ice skating. H&S Ice Skating Flyer.jpeg ********** Tuition Rates for 2026-27 For the 2026–27 school year, our K–8 tuition rates will be $6,930 for parish-supported families and $8,930 for non–parish-supported families. For reference, the 2025–26 Education Savings Account (ESA) amount is $7,988, and the estimated ESA amount for 2026–27 is $8,148; however, the state has not approved any increase in funding for any schools at this time. ********** Future Club Scholarship St. Paul the Apostle Future Club is offering a scholarship for a graduating high school senior who attended St. Paul the Apostle School, and who is planning to attend a college or university. You must include a typewritten essay entitled “What My Catholic Education Has Meant to Me” (maximum 1,000 words). The Selection Committee will review all applications and essays. The scholarship is not renewable. All applications must be received at SPS by Tuesday, March 31. No late applications will be accepted. Future Fund Scholarship App 2026.doc ************ Pathfinders is taking small break! Due to the increase in conflict with musical rehearsals, I will be postponing our February Pathfinders. I know we have many regular Pathfinders who are in the cast and I would hate for anyone to miss out on our upcoming content. We will come back strong after Spring Break with two meetings in March and April. I am still working on our speaker line up but here are the tentative dates for those months: March 23 & 30 April 13 & 27 May 18—Final Meeting Thank you for your understanding! I will have sign ups out in the next couple weeks with an opportunity to sign up for multiple dates. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Sarah Kahler at kahler.sj@gmail.com. Stay well and I look forward to seeing our Pathfinders again in March! **************** Art Newsletter Dav East Little League Flyer ********** School Sponsored Soup Supper March 24th Lent is almost here, and that means it’s time for soup suppers! Soup suppers will be held every Wednesday evening in Denning Hall from February 25 through March 25 at 6:00 PM (following the 5:30 PM Mass). On March 25, our school will be sponsoring the soup supper. If you are providing soup, please: Drop off soups by 5:00–5:15 PM Label your crock pot with your name Take your crock pot home at the end of the evening If possible, include a list of ingredients and any allergens (this is especially helpful for those with allergies or dietary restrictions) Thank you for your generosity and support in making our soup suppers successful! Our school families will host this week’s soup supper with the help of our parish community. LINK TO SIGN UP ********** Recess Volunteers Needed Volunteer Recess Supervisors Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help supervise recess! Having extra adults on the playground helps ensure our students stay safe, supported, and engaged during outdoor play. Volunteering for recess is also a great way to fulfill your required volunteer hours while spending time with our school community. To volunteer, CMG training is required for all school volunteers. If you are interested, I am happy to send you the information and steps needed to complete the training. Please email: jescie.pullinger@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us if interested. If you are set with the CMG trainings please use the links below to volunteer for a day that works for you. Thank you for helping us keep our playground a safe and fun place for our children! February Recess Sign up Link March Recess Sign up Link April Recess Sign up Link May Recess Sign up Link ********** SPS Yearbooks for sale Celebrate 100 Years of Panther Pride! 2025-26 Yearbooks are on sale this year. St. Paul's is celebrating their 100th Anniversary! Each Yearbook is on sale for $25. Over 100 pages with Full-color photos Packed with memories, milestones, and Panther pride A special keepsake honoring 100 years of our amazing school Order by Friday, May 1st, to purchase go to: https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx This once-in-a-century yearbook is the perfect way for students and families to remember this unforgettable school year. Get yours before they’re gone! If “Yearbook” is not an option in Blackbaud, that means you have already ordered one (remember that you have to log into each of your children’s accounts if they each want one). *********** Family Trivia Join us for family friendly, all ages trivia night on Saturday, February 21st hosted by Boy Scout Troop 20. Doors will open at 5:30 after mass and trivia will start at 6:15 p.m. Questions will be geared for every age group from Bluey, to Taylor Swift, to Elvis and everything in between. Show up by yourself, with friends or with your family and join a table. Cost is $5 per person at the door ($50 for reserved table). Feel free to bring your own food and drinks or buy a walking taco and drink for $5. We will also have pop, water and desserts for sale. To reserve a table and/or food please fill out this FORM or contact Amy Murphy at amy2murphy@yahoo.com . Family Trivia Flyer.jpg ********** CEW Retreat Opportunities Make a New Year's Resolution that truly restores your soul. Resolve to attend St. Paul’s 2026 Men’s Christian Experience Weekend (CEW), God Shines His Light . CEW meets you where you are – whether you are seeking direction, renewal or a deeper walk with Christ – all while providing a meaningful faith community connection. Start your year with purpose. Start your year with Him. Contact Joe Verdi, 563.505.5207 Men’s Weekend: February 27, March 1, 2026 ************* WEEK AT A GLANCE