Advent Program

Thank you to all of our families who came out and enjoyed our wonderful Advent Program last Friday evening. Thank you to Mrs. Ana Foukimoana (6th grade teacher) for all of her effort and hard work putting together such a beautiful program. Miss McKamey did a superb job of directing our band and we also would like to thank everyone who spent hours "behind the scenes" help making our program the best ever.

Principal Search Committee Named

Fr. Felino has appointed the committee and the following people have agreed to serve: Bruce Abe, Kevin Barber, Carlos Ruelos, Vincent Nguyen, Grace Johnson, Maggie Brown and Gaynell Walker. The ex-officio members are the committee are: Fr. Felino, Kevin Murphy, Karen Tarabochia and Kris Smith. Please pray that God will sent St. Paul School a fantastic principal full of faith, commitment and energy.

Share the Good News About St. Paul School

Research consistently shows that world-of-mouth is the very best form of marketing for Catholic schools. Do you have family, friends, neighbors or acquaintances with school age children that don't attend St. Paul? Please tell them what a wonderful school we have and encourage them to apply for admission. Rita Turner and/or Kris Smith would be delighted to meet with people to answer questions and take them on a tour of the school.

Student Council

We are continuing our drive for food, warm coats, blankets, warm socks, hats and gloves. It will run until Thursday, December 17th. The warm clothes will be donated to St. Vincent De Paul. All grades will collect in their classrooms.

Inclement Weather

Our Inclement Weather Procedure is as follows. We hope it serves sa an efficient means of communication for you. Please keep this information in a place where you can refer to it in the event of an emergency situation. School closure (and late starts) will be announced byradio in the morning between 5:30am and 7:30am. Generally speaking, if Seattle Public Schools close, St. Paul School and the ESS program will be closed also. On occasion, although our school is not closed, the hot lunch program may not be provided. If possible, this will be announced also. When it is necessary to close because of inclement weather, or any other emergency, parents will receive notice by radio and TV. Listen to early morning broadcasts from KJR, KOMO, KIRO and KING. If no announcement is heard over these stations, assume school is open at the normal time. Late Openings at St. Paul School will always be at 9:30am. Please refer to your Parent Handbook for the Emergency Closure section. You can also log in to www.king5.com for school information.

Student Absences

Please remember to contact the school office by 8:00am to report your student's absence. Student arriving to school past the tardy bell at 7:55am need to check in the school office before going to their classroom. Students with an early dismissal MUST be picked up in the office by a parent. The school office number is 206-725-0780.

Christmas Vacation

School will be on 1/2 day school schedule dismissing at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 18th, for our Christmas Vacation. THERE WILL BE NO ESS PROGRAM AFTER SCHOOL ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 18TH. School will be closed Monday, December 21st, through Friday January 1st. School resumes on Monday January 4th, with a full day schedule.

Class Pictures

Classroom pictures are scheduled for Tuesday, January 5th. This will include the entire school PK-8th grade. All students grade K-7 are in UNIFORM DRESS. PK is to wear their normal attire. 8th graders are to dress in their "Sunday Best" clothes for their group picture and bring their St. Paul uniform to change into after their pictures are taken. Order packets are included in this week's parent envelope. Checks must be made payable to Buteau's Photography.

Health Update

We have received word that the H1N1 vaccine is now available everywhere in the area. Please contact your doctor's office to receive any additional information you might need regarding this vaccine.

Health Screening

Please note: The date our Vision and Hearing Screening has been changed to a date not yet determined. Please continue to watch your weekly newsletter for information. This screening will include all students from St. Paul School Pre-K through 8th grade. If there are any concerns regarding your child's screening results, you will be notified. Feel free to contact the school office for additional information.

Santa Breakfast

Thank you to all of our parent helpers for the outstanding Santa Breakfast this past Sunday. We had a wonderful turnout and this event was enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you for the many hours that went into making this such a success. Special thanks to Mr. Eric Wilcox, father of Arianne (3rd) and Miranda (K) for being this year's Santa.

Student Council

We are continuing our drive for food, warm coats, blankets, warm socks, hats and gloves. It will run until Thursday, December 17th. The warm clothes will be donated to St. Vincent De Paul. All grades will collect in their classrooms.

Advent Program

Catch the St. Paul School Band at the Advent Program this Friday, December 11th at 6:30pm in the Church. Band members in grades 6-8 are asked to arrive at 6pm. This is a graded performance and attendance is required! We look forward to sharing the sounds of this special season with you! - Miss McKamey

Inclement Weather

Our Inclement Weather Procedure is as follows: We hope it serves as an efficient means of communication for you. Please keep this information in a place where you can refer to it in the event of an emergency situation. School closure (and late starts) will be announced by radio in the morning between 5:30am and 7:30am. Generally speaking, if Seattle Public Schools close, St. Paul School and the ESS program will be closed also. On occasion, although our school is not closed, the hot lunch program may not be provided. If possible, this will be announced also. When it is necessary to close because of inclement weather, or any other emergency, parents will receive notice by radio and TV. Listen to early morning broadcasts from KJR, KOMO, KIRO and KING. If no announcement is heard over these stations, assume school is open at the normal time. Late Openings at St. Paul School will always be at 9:30am. Please refer to your Parent Handbook for the Emergency Closure section. You can also log in to www.king5.com for school information.

Student Absences

Please remember to contact the school office by 8:00am to report your student's absence. Students arriving to school past the tardy bell at 7:55am need to check in the school office before going to their classroom. Students with an early dismissal MUST be picked up in the office by a parent. School office number is (206) 725-0780.

Christmas Vacation

School will be on 1/2 day school schedule dismissing at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 18th, for our Christmas Vacation. There Will Be No ESS Program After School on Friday, December 18th. School will be closed Monday, December 21st, through Friday, January 1st. School resumes on Monday, January 4th, with a full day schedule.

Class Pictures

Classroom pictures are scheduled for Tuesday, January 5th. This will include the entire school PK-8th grade. All students grades K-7 are in UNIFORM DRESS. PK is to wear their normal attire. 8th graders are to dress in their "Sunday Best" clothes for their group picture and bring their St. Paul uniform to change into after their pictures are taken. Order packets will be included in next week's parent envelope. Checks must be made payable to Buteau's Photography.

Health Screening

We will be conducting Vision and Hearing Screening Friday, January 8th. This screening will include all students from St. Paul School Pre-K through 8th grade. If there are any concerns regarding your child's screening results, you will be notified. Feel free to contact the school office for additional information.

Mid Quarter

Please note that Mid Quarter is Friday, December 4th. Mid Quarter Reports will be sent home Tuesday, December 8th. Remember to take the time to go over areas of success and those needing improvement.

Tuition Assistance for 2010-2011

Please find enclosed information and directions for applying for the coming school year. We can assist you if you have difficulty with the application process. Please submit your application by February 1st so that we can also use the information to begin allocating local funds.

Noon Dismissal

Friday, December 4th is an half-day school schedule with school dismissing at 12:00 noon for our Teacher Inservice. All students remaining at school after 12:15 pm will be sent to the ESS program for supervision. Students going to ESS need to bring a brown bag lunch. There will be "NO HOT LUNCH PROGRAM" on that day.

Free Dress

Please Note: Friday, December 4th will be a "free dress" day for students at St. Paul School.

Picture Retakes

Picture retake day is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1st. This is NOT A FREE DRESS DAY, HOWEVER, YOUR STUDENT MAY BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR THE PICTURE. If you are having retakes, please remember to bring in the packet that you are returning. If you are taking pictures for the first time, we have order forms in the office. Checks must be made out to Buteau's Photography.

PTO Elections

As a reminder all Ballots must be returned to the Administration Office and placed in the Ballot Box by 1:00 pm today!

Thanksgiving Break

School has been dismissed at 12:00 noon today, Wednesday, November 25th to begin our Thanksgiving break. There will be no school tomorrow, Thursday, November 26th, and Friday, November 27th. The staff and faculty of St. Paul School would like to wish you and your family a very Blessed Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for.

Hot Lunch Program

Please note that our December/January Hot Lunch Menu is enclosed in this week's envelope. Order forms are due back by Wednesday, December 2nd. There is NO HOT LUNCH PROGRAM on our noon dismissal days. Please remember to send a sack lunch if your child is going to the ESS Program after school on those days.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Mandatory Parent/Teacher conferences are now completed. If you did not attend your conference, please contact your homeroom teacher ASAP to schedule an appointment time.

Auction Thank You

Thank you to our many families, parishioners, school staff and friends who came to support our auction this past Saturday evening, November 14th. We had such a wonderful time. Thank you to the many hands that went into making this such a great event. Many countless hours are put into such an event. We were so pleased to see it enjoyed by so many.

Yearbook Editors

Our prayers have been answered! Two parents have stepped up, Antoinette Johnson, mother of Micah (6th) and Julien (1st), and Arlene Cooper, mother of Dillon (2nd). We would welcome any pictures that you have taken thus far and would be willing to share.

Auction Date

Coming soon, Saturday, November 14th is our St. Paul School Auction. Our auction is from 5:30-9:00pm in Roman's Hall. Please mark this date on your calendar an remember to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to secure your spot. Tickets are going fast.

End of First Quarter

First Quarter ended last Friday, Oct. 30th.

Halloween Carnival

Our carnival took place last Friday, October 30th. Thank you to all of our parents, students, and families who helped make this even so enjoyable.

Dear St. Paul Families,

Autumn has arrived in Seattle and with it rainy and cold weather. Please be sure your student is dressed appropriately for whatever the forecast is. Additionally, several students have arrived at school feeling poorly and running high temperatures. We have been advised by the Center for Disease Control to stress the following practices with school families:

1. Keep children home if they are sick until at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
2. Cover coughs and sneezes.
3. Clean hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub and especially after coughing or sneezing.
4. Keep sick household members in a separate room in the house as much as possible.
5. Monitor the health of the sick child and any other household members by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.

Another autumn tradition is the ending of the first academic quarter of the school year. Unfortunately, per your contract, we cannot release your child's report card if you have a balance owing. Please take care of this so that everyone gets a report card on the same day.

Finally, some of you may have employers who provide a Dependent Care benefit. This allows the employer to without a certain amount of your earnings before calculating taxes, and then the employer reimburses you for the amount withheld. I found this to be a help when my children were in Pre-K, Kindergarten and ESS.

Thanks for all you do to make St. Paul School such a haven of love, support and learning.

Kristine A. Brynildsen-Smith, Ed. D.
Interim Principal

End of First Quarter

First Quarter ends the Friday, Oct. 30th. Check with your student to make sure all missing assignments have been turned in.

Student Council Costume Contest

Calling all goblins and ghosts! St. Paul is having a costume contest!! During the Halloween carnival we will be looking for the following costume categories: Cutest Character, Fantastically Fashionable, Candy Corn Corny, Sickly Scary, Perfectly Pretty, and the Most Halloweeny! The contest will take place at 7:30pm in Roman's Hall. We look forward to seeing you HAA! HAA!! (in scary tone)

CYO Basketball Sign-Ups

If you are planning on playing for the CYO teams for 8th grade boys, 8th grade girls, 7th grade boy and the 6th grade boys, you need to get your registration and payment in by October 29th. If you have not paid for your soccer registration and are planning on playing basketball, you will not get to practice or play until you have aid up for both programs. We re a Catholic program and want to encourage justice of all participants. It is important you do your part. Registration forms will be on the St. Paul website for you to print and turn in.

Kennedy H.S. Open House

All 6th/7th/8th grade students and their families are cordially invited to attend and Open House at Kennedy Catholic High School on Tuesday, November 3rd from 6:30-8:30pm. During your visit you will experience Honors and College Prep Programs. Questions can be answered by calling the school office at 206-246-0500.

No School

Wednesday, November 11th -Veteran's Day- Please note.

St. Paul Parish

St. Paul's Pro-Life Group thanks all who contributed sorted aluminum products to the recent drive. A total of 222 pound earned $93.26. All proceeds are donated to Birthright and Human Life of Washington. We are especially grateful to Pete and Nora Sullivan for the use of their truck. The next drive will be held in February. Newspapers may be deposited in the parking lot containers any time.

Auction Update

Remember Saturday, November 14th is our St. Paul School Auction. Our auction is from 5:30-9:00pm in Roman's Hall. Please mark this date on your calendar and remember to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to secure your spot.

PTO Meeting

Tonight, Wednesday, October 21st, at 6:30pm in Roman's Hall. Please plan to attend.

Hot Lunch Program

Please note that our November Hot Lunch Menu is enclosed in this week's envelope. Order forms are due back by Thursday, October 29th. There is NO HOT LUNCH PROGRAM on our noon dismissal days. Please remember to send a sack lunch if your child is going to the ESS Program after school on those days.

End of First Quarter

First Quarter ends next Friday, Oct 30th. Check with your student to make sure all missing assignments have been turned in.

Halloween Carnival

Our carnival will take place next Friday, October 30th, beginning at 5:30pm and ending at 8:00pm. Please note that we are requesting each child to bring 2 bags of candy to the office or your homeroom teacher ASAP. We are still in need of parent volunteers to help sell tickets that evening. Please contact Leslie in the school office if you are able to help.

Parish Breakfast

Sunday, November 1st is our St. Paul Parish breakfast. The breakfast is between the two masses and begins at 9:30am. IF you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you and invite you to attend.

Seattle Prep

6th/7th and 8th grade students and their parents are invited to attend Seattle Prep's Open House Wednesday, November 4th from 5:30-8:00pm. Seattle Prep is a Catholic Jesuit High School located on North Capitol Hill. Meet the faculty, tour the school and find out more about curriculum and student activities! Any questions, call the Seattle Prep Admissions Office at 206-577-2146.

Picture Day

Friday, November 6th, will be Picture Day at St. Paul School. This is also our "free dress" day for November. Order packets will be enclosed in next week's envelope. Orders must include cash or checks payable to Buteau's Photography. DO NOT MAKE CHECKS OUT TO ST. PAUL SCHOOL. Pictures will be back in time for Christmas. Watch for your order form next week.

Noon Dismissal

Friday, November 6th, is a noon dismissal day due to a Teacher Inservice. All students still remaining at St. Paul School at 12:15pm will be sent to ESS for supervision. All students attending ESS on this day ned to bring a "brown bag lunch." There is NO HOT LUNCH PROGRAM on noon dismissal days of school.

Report Cards

First Quarter Report Cards will be sent home with your student on Friday, November 6th. Take the time to sit with your student and praise their successes and come up with a positive plan for areas that are creating more of a challenge to them.

Parent Teacher Conferences!

Mandatory Parent/Teacher conferences will be starting on Thursday, November 12th, and Friday, November 13th from morning through evening hours. Please be on time for your scheduled conference appointment.

Family Mass

The 10:30am mass on the third Sunday of each month is designated as "St. Paul Family Mass." Therefore, Sunday, November 15th, we invite and encourage all students and their families to participate in our 10:30am liturgy.

Help Needed

We are still in need of help with the 2009-10 Yearbook. If you would like to volunteer to help with this committee it would be an excellent way to earn your commitment hours.

Please Note

Please bring lunches or any other items you may be bringing to your student to the school office as to not disrupt any valuable learning that is taking place in your student's classroom. We will ensure that your child receives these items.

Parent Envelopes

Please remember to return your Wednesday parent envelope on Thursday. These envelopes will be used every Wednesday for the rest of the school year as a means for you to receive regular school news.

Student Absences

Please remember to contact the school office by 8:00am to report your student's absence. Students arriving to school past the tardy bell at 7:55am need to check in the school office before going to their classroom. Students with an early dismissal MUST be picked up in the office by a parent. School office number is (206) 725-0780.

Pizza Lunch

Our St. Paul School sponsored pizza lunch will be Thursday, October 15th. An order form is enclosed in this week's packet. Order forms are due back by Tuesday, October 13th. If you do not order pizza, please send a sack lunch with your student on that day.

CYO Athletic Commission

We are actively seeking volunteers that are interested in progressing sports and athletics at our school. CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) offers sports for grades K to 8. St. Paul students and parish youth currently participate in CYO soccer, cross country, basketball, volleyball, track and baseball. Team formation and our school's participation in these sports activities is not possible without parent coaches and volunteers. If you are interested in contributing your time and talents to this aspect of school life, please contact Jimmy Patacsil via email at jopatacsil@gmail.com. Thank you.

Parent Volunteers Needed

We need parent volunteers to help with the Halloween Carnival. If interested, please contact your child's homeroom Teacher. We also need parents to help sell tickets the evening of the carnival. Time slots are 5:00-6:00pm/6:00-7:00pm/7:00-8:00pm.
Please contact Leslie in the school office if you can help.

Halloween Carnival

Our school carnival will take place Friday, October 30th, beginning at 5:30pm and ending at 8:00pm. We are enclosing a presale ticket form this week along with our Halloween Carnival Activity List. Also, please note that we are requesting each child to bring 2 bags of candy to the office or your homeroom Teacher no later than Monday, October 19th.

High School Information Night

The 2009 Catholic High School Information Night is scheduled on Thursday, October 15th at St. Edward School. The evening program begins at 7:00pm. Sixth, Seventh and Eighth grade students and parents from any school are invited to attend.

No School

Please note on your October calendar that next Friday, October 9th, is a "No School" day. Teachers will be attending a K-12 Religion Articulation Day.

Parish Breakfast

Sunday, October 4th is our St. Paul Parish Breakfast. The breakfast is between the two masses and begins at 9:30am. If you do not have a church home, we would love to welcome you and invite you to attend.

Auction Date

Remember Saturday, November 14th is our St. Paul School Auction. Our auction is from 5:30 - 9:00pm. Please mark this date on your calendar and remember to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to secure your spot!

Band News

The band is off and running! (Old Miss McKamey is walking briskly)! We have a wonderful group of enthusiastic musicians this year! Special thanks to our veteran players that demonstrated the instruments to our fifth graders. The seed is already taking root!

Gratitude to the Beginning Band parents/students for your interest! Your presence at the instrument rental meeting was appreciated.

Need to reach Miss McKamey? The best way is voicemail at Kennedy Catholic High School: (206) 246-0500/Ext. 370

Welcome Dr. Kristine Brynildsen-Smith

We welcome Dr. Kristine Brynildsen-Smith to St. Paul School beginning Monday, October 5th. Dr. Brynildsen-Smith will be our interim Principal for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year.

Thank You from Bernadette O'Leary

Thank you new friends for the opportunity to serve you at St. Paul. It has been a pleasure to spend this short time with you. I have enjoyed getting to know you and your children.

I wish you all the best as you continue your journey through the 2009-2010 school year. Your passion for and dedication to St. Paul are commendable. Keep it up.
God Bless.
Bernadette O'Leary

Dear Parents

Each day, I learn more names and enjoy great classes here at St. Paul School. It was a pleasure to speak with so many of you at our Back To School Night. - Thank you to all of you who attended last Wednesday evening. We had a wonderful turnout. I realize that many of you had and have questions - Change is never easy.

There will be a meeting on October 6th to help you through this transition. Right now it is the time to focus on the wonderful gifts we have here at St. Paul - you, our children, the terrific faculty and staff. It is our responsibility and our mission to move forward, proclaiming the Gospel in word, action and worship. Our children are the most important stakeholders and they deserve our full, positive support. We look forward to a wonderful year working together.

Thank You Friends

We want to thank the following people for working on the entrance doors to the school and Roman's Hall.
- Roy Cheesman
- Pete Sullivan
- Jack Roni
- Frank Tolemi
We are so grateful for your dedication to St. Paul

Hot Lunch Program

Please note that our October Hot Lunch Menu is enclosed in last week's envelope. Order forms were due back today Wednesday, September 30th. There will be NO HOT LUNCH PROGRAM on Thursday, October 15th. Remember to send your child with a sack lunch on that day.

Magazine Sale

Our fundraiser QSP's Magazine Program has ended today, Wednesday, September 30th. This is an important fundraiser for our school because we retain 40% of every magazine subscription dollar received through the program. And, more importantly, the funds we raise will be used for enrichment programs and activities that will benefit our students. Thank you for your support.

Help Needed

We are in need of help with the 2009-10 Yearbook. If you would like to volunteer to help with this committee it would be an excellent way to earn your commitment hours.

Free Dress

Friday, October 2nd, will be a "free dress" day for students at St. Paul School. Please adhere to the Parent Handbook for any clarification needed.

Noon Dismissal

Friday, October 2nd, will be a noon dismissal for our students. Students remaining on school grounds after 12:15pm will be sent to ESS for supervision. Teachers will be in meetings for the afternoon. There will be no hot lunch program for the day. If your child is going to ESS, please remember to send a sack lunch.

Mid Quarter

Please note that Mid Quarter is Friday, October 2nd. Mid Quarter Reports will be sent home on Tuesday, October 6th. Now is an excellent time to talk to your student about any missing assignments and test grades.

Information Changes

If there is a change in an address or phone number, please contact the school with this information. It is important that we have current information in the event of an emergency. Send a note with the correct information with your child marked "office".

Certificates of Immunization Status Forms Needed by Monday, October 5th

ATTENTION PRE-KINDERGARTEN-EIGHT GRADE PARENTS

September 30, 2009

Current immunization information is required prior to entering the Pre-Kindergarten-Eighth grade at St. Paul School.

According to Washington State law, students are required to be current on their immunizations to remain in school therefore, this information must be received by the school office not later than Monday, October 5, for your child to remain at St. Paul School.

If you have any questions, please contact us at (206) 725-0780. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Bernadette O'Leary
Interim Principal

Traffic Pattern Update

We have enclosed another copy of the Pickup and drop off procedures in this week's envelope. Please note the first line which states "All drop-off and Pick-up of students takes place in the BACK PARKING LOT."

Parent Envelopes

An information packet will be sent home each Wednesday with the youngest child in the family. This is our way of communicating important information between school and home. Please check with your child every Wednesday for this packet. Sign the parent envelope to indicate that you have received this information and please return to school by Thursday. This will allow us to use this envelope throughout the school year to avoid loose papers from getting lost.

Student Absences

Please remember to contact the school office by 8:00am to report your student's absence. Students arriving to school past the tardy bell at 7:55am need to check in the school office before going to their classroom. Students with an early dismissal MUST be picked up in the office by a parent. School office number is 206-725-0780.