Principal Post

Principal Post

March 25, 2025

Dear Parents,

We kicked off our Best Day Ever major fundraiser yesterday. The funds we raise will be used to continue moving forward in our safety upgrades to the school as recommended by the Homeland Security Audit completed in 2022.

·     Last year the funds raised purchased new secure classroom doors and locks.

·     This year’s project is a protective film that hardens the glass in windows and doors to make them shatter proof.

·     The cost of the project is $23,000.00.

·     Funds raised above this help fund our other Home and School projects and events throughout the year.

Please support our main fundraiser for the year!

Just in – We have already raised $11,532!!

Zigazoo App

I want to alert you to an app called Zigazoo. It promotes itself as a bully free app. We have discovered students are making videos on this app that are not appropriate. I strongly recommend checking your child’s device for this app and monitoring the content. Adults without children can access the app, therefore making it unsafe by sharing your child’s pictures and videos. I checked several reviews, one from CyberSafetyCop website gives the following information:

Safety Concerns 

While Zigazoo aims to provide a safer social media alternative for kids, parents should still exercise caution:

·     Exposure to Online Strangers
Although moderated, Zigazoo’s video interactions can connect kids with others outside their social circle. This may increase the risks of exposure to inappropriate connections or interactions.

·     Privacy Concerns
Kids post videos of themselves, potentially revealing personal details like school logos, routines, or home settings—information that could be misused. Parents should guide their children to avoid sharing identifying details.

·     In-App Notifications
Like other social apps, Zigazoo includes notifications to encourage engagement, potentially increasing screen time.

Reconciliation

Students in 2^nd-8^th grade will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation today if they are Catholic and have received their 1^st Reconciliation.

Baptism

If your child is not baptized and you would like them to receive the sacrament of Baptism, please contact Madeline Dudziak Peake at the parish office, 322-7994.

·     Did you know that children who are 7 years old and wish the sacrament of Baptism will also receive the other Sacraments of Initiation, 1^st Communion and Confirmation. Once a child reaches the age of reason, which is 7 according to the Catholic Church, they must be fully initiated into the Church.

·     If you would like your child to receive 1^st Communion in 2^nd grade with their class, please contact Madeline before their 1^st grade year in order to meet deadlines.

March Dates

March 28

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

·     End of 3^rd Quarter

·     Deadline for Classroom Requests

March 31

·     Progress Reports go home.

April 1

·     Panther Perks Turn-In Tuesday

April 4

·     Out of Uniform for Panther Perks

NOT NEW BUT IMPORTANT INFORMATION

School Volunteers

Thank you so much to all our parent volunteers! You make a huge difference in our school!

All volunteers who are present with children must complete the CMG training for safe environment and have a background check completed. To help with this, any parent who completes the training may record an hour towards their volunteer hours. If you have completed the CMG training this school year, please record your hour of volunteer time. Our hope is that it will help our volunteers get their trainings complete and recognize the time you put into doing that.

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

Classroom Request Form – Due this Friday, March 28

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!

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.