Principal Post

Principal Post, February 14, 2024

Dear Parents,

Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins our 40-day Lenten journey to Easter. The theme this year is “Be still and know that I am God.”  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 image at the top of this post for parish information.

ST. JPII Experience Retreat Experience for Teens 8-10th Grade

Make Christ your friend! These 5 amazing talks will help teens in 8th through 10th grade grow closer to their faith by learning more about Pope John Paul II. Teens will join us at the Believers Together Center in Moline, from Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon for a co-ed retreat. Experience for yourself the fun, faith, food, and fellowship! The cost is only $50 for this amazing weekend experience. Register by Friday April 12th, 2024 for the upcoming weekend.

Questions: Mike Wilshusen at 309-269-7686 or email at STJP2EXP@gmail.com

When: Saturday, April 27th, 9:00 AM - Sunday, April 28th, 4:00 PM
Where: Believers Together Center - 3209 60th St. Moline, IL
Cost: $50

Click here to sign up!

Early Outs, Days Off and Fun Events

Wednesday, February 14 – Ash Wednesday, School Mass at 1:30 PM

Wednesday, February 14 – Preschool Roundup 8:00 – 10:30 AM in the Early Learning Center

Tuesday, February 20 – Kindergarten Roundup Parent Meeting – 6:00 – 7:30 PM in Denning Hall

Friday – Sunday, February 23 – 25 – Men’s CEW

CHANGE – No School April 8 – Teacher Inservice Day.

CHANGE – Current Kindergarteners only – No school Friday, May 3 due to Kindergarten Assessments for the 2024-2025 school year.

Not New, but Important

Re-Enrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year

On Friday, February 2, I sent out the information regarding re-enrolling for 2024-2025. This is for our 1^st-8^th grade students. Please re-enroll your children by Friday, February 16. On Monday, February 19 we will open enrollment for new 1^st – 8^th grade students. If you have not re-enrolled your children by that date, your child may lose their spot. We have grade levels that will easily be full for next year with the inquiries we are getting. 

If your child is already a PreK-7th grade student at St. Paul's, you only need to update their information. Do not enroll them as a new student.

Kindergarten and Preschool Roundup

·     Kindergarten Round Up – Tuesday, February 20, 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Parent meeting and registration. Kindergarten Student Assessments will be held on Friday, May 3. 2024.

·     For more information, please contact the school office at (563) 322-2923 or email Julie.Delaney@st-paul.pvt.k12.ia.us

·     Preschool Roundup – Today - Wednesday, February 14, from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM St. Paul’s will be hosting Preschool Roundup in the Early Learning Center.

·     If you missed Roundup this morning, you can drop your paperwork off in the school office in the main building.

·     We will notify parents the first week of March regarding acceptance into our programs.

Camp Shalom

If you are looking for something fun for your child or family to do during the summer, find time to attend summer camp at Camp Shalom. Camp Shalom is a non-denominational Christian camp nestled in the woods near Maquoketa. This amazing camp is sure to provide your child with wonderful memories of fun and games, as well as wonderful experiences filled with Christ's love. Camp Shalom also fosters independence, and kids come away feeling more assured of themselves and of their relationships with others, as well as with God! 

The campgrounds include woodland trails, high and low ropes challenge courses, an archery range, canoeing, a soccer field, campfire circles, and more. The staff are committed Christians who seek to serve and nurture faith in others. Certified in first aid and CPR, the staff complete an intensive 2-week training program to prepare themselves to work with campers. If your child has gone to camp, you know how awesome the staff is! 

Camp Shalom is a gift that your children will appreciate for years to come. It can be life changing! Summer Camp Registration now open online. Registration can be found by visiting the Camp Shalom website: campshalomia.org Questions? Email- campshalom@gmail.com

PS- Camp Shalom is hosting a fun Winter Camp THIS WEEKEND! It would be a great opportunity to give camp a try! Find more information on the website.

P.P.S. Camp Shalom is also in need of summer staff for this summer! Young adults who have finished their sophomore year in high school can apply to volunteer as assistant counselors. Young adults who have finished their junior year in high school can apply to be on staff! Working at Camp Shalom is hard, but so rewarding. Most staff members return year after year and create lifelong friendships. If someone you know may be interested, they can apply at campshalomia.org. 

ESAs for the 2024-2025 School Year

Just to keep families in the loop, we have been informed that the application for the ESA’s (Educational Savings Accounts) for the 2024-2025 school year will be available in April. All families whether applying for the first time, or those received the ESA for the 2023-2024 school year must apply each year. When the link for the application is available, we will be sending it out.

Who will qualify for the 2024-2025 year:

·     All incoming Kindergarten students.

·     All students who qualified for the 2023-2024 school year.

·     New students transferring to St. Paul’s from a public school, homeschool or out of state.

·     Students whose families have an income level of 400% of poverty or below.