Principal Post

Principal Post

March 5, 2025

Dear Parents,

Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins our 40-day Lenten journey to Easter. The theme this year is “Rooted in prayer, led by the Spirit.” Going home today in the Wednesday folder is a sheet that shares the Lent experiences our students will participate in. Today students in grades K-8 are attending Mass and will receive ashes. According to the USCCB (US Bishops)

“This tradition has its roots in the Old Testament, where wear­ing ashes was a common sign of repentance for sins, and a sign of one’s humility before God. Since Lent is a season of penitential renewal through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, it’s appropriate that this ancient sign marks the beginning of the season.

The parish has many opportunities this Lent to participate in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Please see the information above.

Soup Supper, April 9 – School Sponsored

I hope you have had the chance to join the parish on one or more Wednesdays for the Lent Soup Suppers. They are a great chance to build community and enjoy a delicious dinner. On April 9, school families are asked to bring a crock of soup, Mac ‘n Cheese, dessert or help set up. If you are interested in helping, please go to the SignUp Genius - https://tinyurl.com/muhtjvw8

Preschool and Kindergarten Acceptance Letters

We are excited to inform our Preschool and Kindergarten families that acceptance letters for incoming preschool and kindergarten students were mailed out on Monday. Families can expect to receive their letter in the mail this week. Due to the high demand for our T/TH 3-Year-Old Preschool and morning 4-Year-Old Preschool, some families may not have received their first choice this year. While it is a wonderful challenge to have so many parish families utilizing our educational programs, we apologize for any disappointment this may cause. To ensure a fair admission process, we follow a priority system when admitting children into our programs:

1)   Families in good standing who already have a child enrolled in our PreK-8 programs.

1.    St. Paul Parishioners

2.    Catholics belonging to a different parish.

3.    All others

2)   Families in good standing from a SCCS supporting parish.

3)   Families from a non-supporting parish or without parish affiliation who are Catholic.

4)   Families that do not meet the criteria above.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this process. We sincerely appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming your children to our programs!

March Dates

March 5

·     Ash Wednesday, 1:30 PM All school Mass

March 13, 14

·     Musical – Alice in Wonderland, Jr.

March 17-21

·     Spring Break

March 28

·     2-hour early dismissal, Spirit Wear tops may be worn with uniform bottoms.

NOT NEW BUT IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Tuition and Enrollment Fees Dropped Off at School

I want to give parents a heads up that if you drop your tuition or enrollment payments off at the SPS school office, they don’t go immediately to SCCS. The checks stay at St. Paul’s until an SCCS employee comes to pick them up. If your check needs to be deposited in a timely manner, I suggest mailing it directly to SCCS or dropping it at their office to avoid late fees. Mrs. Boche and Mrs. Thompson will try to alert SCCS when payments arrive, but that is not a guarantee that they will have the chance to send an email. We are still working on these processes, and we appreciate your patience. If you receive a late fee in this type of situation, please reach out to Rose Strickland at SCCS.

Classroom Request Form

We are beginning our planning for the 2025-26 school year and teachers will be putting together homeroom assignments. Teachers look at many factors when creating homeroom lists including academic ability, behavior, and student friendships to create a balanced homeroom where children with be successful. Requests for a particular teacher or separation from a particular student should be few. It is important to give clear, detailed reasons for this isolated request. 

Requests granted for a particular homeroom will be limited to a maximum of 3 boys and 3 girls. The principal, guidance counselor, assistant principal and current classroom teachers will meet to decide which requests will be granted based on the most pressing student needs (academic and behavioral). Classroom Request forms must be turned into the school office by March 28, 2025, to be considered. Forms are available in the school office. Emails, personal conversations, and phone messages will not serve as a formal request and will not be considered. Late forms will not be accepted. 

Join Us for Prayer After School During Lent!

Lent is a season of prayer, reflection, and drawing closer to God—and we have a special opportunity for you and your family to do just that!

·     Each Friday during Lent, St. Paul the Apostle will have All-Day Eucharistic Adoration in the church. At 3:00 PM—the Hour of Mercy—the St. Paul Singers invite you to come straight from school and join us in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet together in song.

·     This is a beautiful and powerful family devotion, helping us all to reflect on Christ’s mercy and love during this sacred season.

·     What: Divine Mercy Chaplet in Song
When: Fridays in Lent at 3:00 PM
Where: St. Paul the Apostle Church

Bring your family, take a moment to pause in prayer, and grow in faith together this Lent. We’d love to see you there!

ESAs for the 2025-26 School Year

ALL Iowa students attending an accredited nonpublic school for the 2025-26 school year will qualify for an ESA (Educational Savings Account). Parents need to apply each year for their children to receive the ESA. More details will be sent out as it becomes available.

Financial Assistance for the 2025-26 School Year

We have financial assistance available for Illinois families and families who don’t belong to one of our supporting parishes (non-Catholic). We don’t want the cost of tuition to hinder any students from being able to attend St. Paul’s.

Home and School Membership and Volunteer Opportunities

Did you know every family is a member of St. Paul’s Home and School? As members, all families are invited to attend the monthly meetings on the 2^nd Monday of the month at 6:00 PM in the Media Center. At meetings we plan events for the students and families like the upcoming skate night at the Eldridge skating rink on Tuesday, February 18 from 6-8PM. We invite you to come share your ideas and get involved! We are looking for some volunteers to take on a few small projects.