Happy May! We have reached our final full month of school. This year seems to have gone by so quickly. We have many events coming up over the next few weeks, so please be sure to make note of the important dates at the bottom of Tiger Talk.
One of my favorite events, and one of our most beautiful, is the May Procession. On Tuesday, May 7th, at 2:00 PM, we will hold our traditional May Procession honoring our Blessed Mother, Mary. The entire school will process over from school to the church at 1:55 PM. A select group of 8th Graders will act as the May Court with a 2nd Grade girl acting as an attendant. This procession and prayer service is one of the last times our entire school community gathers together before graduation. Parents and family are welcome to attend. Arrive a few minutes early and stand outside if you wish to see the children as they enter. Please feel free to send in a bouquet of flowers that morning so that we can adorn the Blessed Mother’s statue. This is a lovely tradition that was started many years ago. The children enjoy bringing fresh flowers to the lobby in the morning. I thank you in advance!
During the month of May, we will begin our morning with the final Beatitude, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This Beatitude asks us to proclaim His Truth to all we know and spread the word of God. It assures us that when we suffer for our beliefs in God and the Church, we will still be able to join God in Heaven as long as we stand by our beliefs, even when others tell us not to. This is a familiar sentiment to even our youngest students who learn it is important to stand up for what is right, even when you have to stand alone or against friends.
Congratulations to our April students of the month!
These students were recognized by their teachers for their trustworthiness. Congratulations to Kathryn Galloway (PK3), Maisy Emel (PK4), Sophia Kapa (K), Jade Jackson (1st), Gino Petrucci (2nd), Jameson Fernandes (3rd), Greta Vorhauer (4th), Sara Barker (5th),Taylor Aungst (6th), Delaney Loyola (7th), and Jamyaa Jackson (8th). Way to go!
First Communion
Our 2nd Graders will celebrate their First Communion on Saturday, May 4th. The Mass will begin at 10:00 AM. All are welcome to attend this beautiful service.
Please keep the children in your prayers. God bless them on this joyous occasion.
Career Fair
On Friday, May 17th, parents are invited to come see our first annual Career Fair hosted by our Middle School students and Mrs. Hinton. Middle School has been working hard, researching different careers to share information with students and parents alike. Come learn about marine biologists, doctors, professional athletes, and more! Join us in the Ballad Room (Cafeteria) from 9:00 -11:00 AM.
A Musical Evening of Hope and Healing
On Sunday, May 19th, at St. Helena’s Church, come join members of the community for “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Remembering the life and courage of Mary and Joseph. This evening of hope and healing is dedicated to the memory of Paul “Gus” Sargent III. The event starts at 7:30 PM. If you are able, we hope you can attend.
8th Grade Graduation
Wednesday, May 29th, will be graduation for the Class of 2024. The Mass will start at 6:30 PM in our church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate our (soon to be) graduates!
AfterCare
AfterCare’s last day will be Friday, May 31st. The following week, the last week of school, there will be NO AFTERCARE. We are giving advance notice so parents have time to make arrangements if they normally utilize AfterCare.
Field Day
We have several fun things planned for the remainder of our school year. We will thankfully be able to have Field Day! Eighth Grade parents are invited to join us in the field at 2:00 PM for the Students vs. Parents Volleyball Game. We are excited to host this once again. It will be held on Thursday, May 23rd.
A few notes for Field Day:
Field day will happen rain or shine, as we have outdoor equipment ordered.
Please apply sunscreen to your child first thing in the morning, before coming to school. We will be outside from 8:30 AM-12 PM.
Students may wear hats and sunglasses if they choose to. Any items brought in by students are their responsibility, not the responsibility of teachers or staff.
Please pack a school appropriate change of clothes, a water bottle, and a beach towel for the day.
The Kona Ice truck will return! If your child is unable to have Kona Ice or cannot have certain flavors, please be sure to let your child’s teacher know.
Joe Corbi’s
Thank you to everyone who took part in this fundraiser! Joe Corbi’s donated money back to the school and also directly back to the Diocese to be used to help all of our schools with the Vision for the Future Fund (Financial Aid).
Festival Volunteering
School families are required to work 15 hours during the Italian Festival. Help is needed at the admission gates, the Panzarotti stand, and the Serpe’s stand. These hours help us to run the Festival smoothly. If you have not yet signed up, please click on the link to go to the Italian Festival Sign-Up Genius.
Registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year!
Forms are available at www.sapgs.org or by contacting the main office. Please register ASAP so that we can plan for programming and staffing for the 2024- 2025 school year.
Safety Reminders
Set up for the Italian Festival has already begun. You will begin to see at drop-off and pick-up that some areas will be unavailable to park in. Please be patient.
Teachers will stay outside with students until 3:15 PM to be picked up. Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade have already moved their dismissal spot to the main entrance. This is due to the festival set up happening in the Kindergarten Courtyard. Thank you for being patient and understanding.
Upcoming Important Dates
These last few weeks of school seem to move very fast. For that reason, I am listing important upcoming dates and events for the school and parish. Please remember you
can always check the school calendar if you are not sure of an event. More information will be coming home about certain events as we draw closer to them.
May 4th – First Communion – 10:00 AM – Church May 7th – May Procession – 2:00 PM – Church
May 17th – Middle School Career Fair – 9:00 – 11:00 AM – Ballad Room May 19th – Pentecost Sunday
May 20th – May 24th – End of Year Scholastic Book Fair May 21st – Spring Band Concert – 2:00 PM in the Gym May 23rd – Field Day – 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Field
8th Grade vs. Parent Volleyball Game – 2:00 PM – Field May 24th – Noon Dismissal with NO AFTERCARE
May 25th – May 27th – School Closed for Memorial Day weekend May 29th – 8th Grade Graduation – 6:30 PM – Church
May 31st – PreK 3 and PreK 4 – Last Day
This will be the LAST DAY of AFTERCARE. There will be no AfterCare the following week.
June 5th – Noon Dismissal
Kindergarten Graduation – 11:00 AM
June 6th – Last Day of School – 10:30 AM dismissal June 9th – June 16th – St. Anthony’s Italian Festival!
Our Italian Festival will be celebrating its 50th anniversary while our parish celebrates its 100th anniversary. The Italian Festival is such a fun week. You will be amazed by how this entire property is transformed into an event that has over 50,000 visitors.
Warm Weather Blessings,
Mrs. Judith J. White, Principal
Let us run to Mary, and, as her children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence” ~ St. Francis de Sales