Principal Post

Principal Post

January 22, 2025

Dear Parents,

We have a busy time coming up with re-enrollment for our existing families and our Catholic Schools Week celebrations. While my Post has important information, please also check the weekly announcements for daily details.

Re-Enrollment/Registration for Grades 1-8 for the 2025-26 School Year

A separate email will be sent out today regarding the procedures for re-enrolling your child for next year. This is for students entering 1st through 8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year.

ESA’s 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.

Catholic Schools Week is Next Week!

Please see the schedule that is being sent home today in the Wednesday folder about Catholic Schools Week activities and out of uniform information.

·     We are focusing on service this year and each grade will do a service project.

·     Our Tuesday Dodgeball for Diapers raises money to buy diapers for the Women’s Choice Center.

·     Change this year – Open House, Mass and Book Fair for families is moved to Sunday, February 2.

NOT NEW BUT IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Celebrate St. Paul's 

Saturday, January 25

Join us for a party celebrating our patron saint! We will begin with Mass at 4:30, followed by a family style dinner in Denning Hall at 6 pm. Live Music by The Moonshiners will be in Denning for the adults, and Inside Out 2 movie night for kids ages 5 and up. We will offer babysitting for those under 5. 

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 2nd 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.

Coffee with the Principal

Covid derailed our Coffee’s with the Principal, and it’s time to bring them back! Join me for coffee and donuts on Wednesday, January 29 from 8:00 – 9:30 AM in Denning Hall. I will come with a few agenda items to share, and there will be open discussion and time for your questions. I’m looking forward this time to share a cup of coffee and great conversation!

January Mid-Year Assessments

Students are currently taking the mid-year assessments. The assessment window began on January 6 and goes through January 24. It is important for students to be present for these assessments. We use the results to monitor student growth from the beginning of the year and they are required by the state of Iowa Department of Education. Please do not schedule vacations and appointments on these days if possible.

Date Change for Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House

Due to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25, and the scheduled parish activities, we are moving our Catholic Schools Week Open House and Mass to February 2. Instead of kicking off the week, we will culminate our celebration with Open House and Mass.

Please add it to your calendar.

Preschool and Kindergarten Round Ups

Please put the following dates on your calendar if you have children entering one of our preschool programs or Kindergarten. More information will be sent out after the holidays.

February 11, 6:00 PM Denning Hall – Kindergarten Round Up Parent meeting (student assessments will be in May.)

February 14, 8:00 – 10:00 AM in the Preschool classrooms.

January/February Dates

January 7-24

·     Mid-year iReady and FAST testing

January 25

·     Celebrate St. Paul’s, 6:00 PM in Denning Hall

January 29

·     Coffee with the Principal, 8:00-9:30 AM in Denning Hall

January 26-February 2

·     Catholic Schools Week Celebrations – more information to come

February 2

·     Catholic Schools Week Open House and Mass, Scouts Pancake Breakfast

February 7, 8, 9

·     Women’s Christian Experience Weekend (CEW)

February 11

·     Kindergarten Round Up Parent Meeting, 6:00 PM in Denning Hall

February 14

·     Classroom Valentine Celebrations and out of uniform

·     Preschool Round Up, 8:00 – 10:00 AM in the Preschool Classrooms

February 21, 22, 23

·     Men’s Christian Experience Weekend (CEW)