As we continue moving through the season of Lent, I would like to share our Lenten theme. This year we are showing “Love Throughout Lent.” Accompanying our theme is a lovely drawing done by one of our students, DJ Banker. He originally created this drawing during Catholic Schools Week as the cover of a card being sent to the Oblates at their retirement home in Childs, Maryland. It was such an amazing drawing that I decided to use it for our Lenten theme.
We would like to welcome and congratulate 2nd Grader, Noah, for becoming a member of the St. Anthony of Padua parish. He was baptized over the weekend by Father Wrightson. Welcome, Noah!
Congratulations to our 2nd Grade students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday. They did a wonderful job being reverent while receiving this Sacrament for the first time. They are now preparing to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist in May.
Thank you to Father Patrick Kifolo for celebrating our monthly Mass today with the school community. It was a lovely service and a great way for us to join together as a school community as we finish this week.
March’s Catholic Social Teaching
During the month of March, we will continue our Catholic Social Teachings focusing on Solidarity (Matthew 5:21-24 – Teaching about Anger; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 – One Body, Many Parts).
School Social Media
Please follow us on Facebook (St. Anthony of Padua Grade School Families, Alumni & Friends) or Instagram (sapgs.de) to see photos taken during the school day of our students. The children’s smiles will certainly brighten your day.
Lenten Outreach
A former teacher and parent of St. Anthony’s, my 2nd Grade teacher, Mrs. Linaflor (Lina) Hidalgo, was attacked during an attempted robbery on her way home from the bank in the fall. The injuries she sustained from this attack have caused her to need full-time care from her family and private aides. Modifications also need to be made to her house so she is able to remain there. This type of care is very expensive and we would like to help by raising money to go towards the cost of her care. To do this, we will be having 3 dress down days in March on three consecutive Fridays – March 17th, March 24th, and March 31st. Cash or check will be accepted. There are two options to pay for these days:
Option 1 – Donation of $10 (more is always welcome) per person for all 3 dress down days for students and staff, paid by or on the first Friday, March 17th.
Option 2 – Donation of $4 per dress down day if you only want to participate in 1 day.
Dress Code Reminder
For Kindergarten through 8th Grade, school shoes include sneakers ONLY if they are SOLID white or black meaning no other colors are on the shoes with exception of a white or black logo. Colored sneakers may only be worn on gym days and are a violation of the dress code policy if worn on other days. Students have been challenging this rule. We may return to official school dress shoes next year if this continues to be an issue. We have given a two-year grace period on this due to Covid with the expectation that when new shoes were purchased they would be solid white or black. Beginning March 14th, homeroom teachers will issue dress code violations (level A referral) for being out of uniform. I appreciate your support.
NO AFTERCARE on the following days:
Thursday, March 9th – Noon Dismissal for All
Wednesday, March 29th – Noon Dismissal for Middle States Meeting
Middle States
We are in the final three weeks of the Middle States re-accreditation process. Our Middle States team visit will be from Sunday, March 26th – Wednesday, March 29th. During their visit, the Middle States team will be reviewing our Middle States report, talking with staff and students, and making suggestions for improvements. If you can think of any areas that need improvement, I would welcome your feedback. Call me anytime. Please do not rely on email.
Thank You to all of our parent coaches!
A huge shout-out to all of our parent coaches this Winter season. Everyone is a volunteer, and we could not run the athletics program without the help of all parents involved. This is the age when children learn the basics of each sport and how to be a team player. Our coaches set great examples. I thank them for sharing their time and talents with us. You made many children very happy! I thank every volunteer who kept a score, purchased food for concessions, sold items, and collected money at the door. Excellent teamwork! Your children will remember that fondly one day, I assure you.
Congratulations to our February students of the month! These students were recognized by their teachers for being flexible in the classroom. Congratulations to McKenzie Mazewski (PK3), Mina Schweiger (PK4), Charlotte Jackson-Iacono (K), Lola Acevedo (1st), Jackson Lawrence (2nd), Ezra Pabon (3rd), Olivia Kapa (4th), Noel Pulliam (5th), Eryn Banks (6th), Emily Anderson (7th), and Kevin Reed (8th). Way to go!
Congratulations to our former Tigers who received Honors from Padua Academy!
Distinguished Honors were awarded to Amanda DeFrehn (12) and Hannah McGuigan (10). High Honors were awarded to Eva Pellegrino (11) and Jessica Rieger (11). Honors were awarded to Avara Lingerfelt (11). Way to go, girls! Keep up the great work!
Safety Reminders
Please do not park on the sidewalk or along the fence of the parking lot during dismissal.
It is making it very difficult for cars and buses to safely pass and for everyone to exit safely. Please just drive around the block once. By the time you circle once, a space will be available. Our Middle States team will be evaluating drop-off and pick up procedures during their 4-day observation period. I would like to establish safer practices before they arrive as I know this is an area of weakness.
Upcoming Important Dates
March 9th – Noon Dismissal – NO AFTERCARE
March 10th – No School for Students; Teacher Work Day
March 13th – No School for Students; Diocesan Professional Development Day for Teachers
March 17th – Dress Down Day for Lenten Outreach
March 24th – Dress Down Day for Lenten Outreach
March 29th – Noon Dismissal – NO AFTERCARE
March 31st – Dress Down Day for Lenten Outreach
April 6th – Noon Dismissal with NO AFTERCARE; start of Easter Break April 7th – April 16th – School Closed for Easter Break
April 17th – School Reopens
Lenten Blessings,
Mrs. Judith J. White, Principal
“Love and charity are service, helping others, serving others. There are many people who spend their lives in this way, in the service of others. … When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love!”
~ Pope Francis