School News
From the Desk of Mrs. Schweitzer
In St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians chapter 4 verse 32, he says, “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.”
What do these words mean to us as followers of Jesus? These words tell us what it means to be Christian, and how God calls us to “Live by the Spirit” so as to grow His Kingdom on earth and live holier, happier lives.
This school year, we will spend time focusing on the Sunday Gospel readings and what they tell us about how we can “Live by the Spirit” each and every day.
Our Word of the Week from the Gospel of Matthew: “HYPOCRITE” “Knowing the malice of the Pharisees, Jesus said, ‘Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?”
Blessings,
Mrs. Schweitzer
We Love Our St. Anthony Family!
🎃 PTO Pumpkin Decorating Party- October 20th -
All students are invited to a free after-school event on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 2:30–4:30 PM in the Cafeteria! Enjoy pumpkin decorating, Halloween Bingo, snacks, and fun—all supplies included.
❖ RSVP Required: Return signed
permission slips by Thursday, Oct. 15 to secure a pumpkin.
❖ Pickup: Park in the upper or lower lots behind school for dismissal at 4:30 PM
Picture Orders: Forms will be sent home this week with instructions on how to access your student(s) photos. You may order online or stop in the office to order the pictures if you like.
St. Anthony Drama Club Kickoff (Grades K–8) Calling all student actors! St. Anthony Drama Club is back. Students create, write, and star in their own original play, performing for family and friends on Thursday, March 11, 2027.
❖ First Meeting & Brainstorming: Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 2:30–4:00 PM (Cafeteria) - Snacks and drinks provided!
❖ Permission Due: Please send a permission note with pickup details by Friday, Oct. 23 (required for busing, Urban Center, and snack prep).
❖ Questions? Contact Mrs. Faulhaber at
LFaulhaber@stanth.org.
World's Finest Chocolate Sale: Thanks to all who participated! Congratulations to our top sellers - Brandon & Hallie Dummitt, Ashton Garnett and Niko Francisco - selling 8 boxes!!! If you have outstanding box payments, please send them to the office as soon as possible.
Pet Blessing: In honor of St. Francis of Assissi whose Feast Day is this month, Fr. Ivan will hold a Pet Blessing next Monday, October 19th at 12:45 in the Grotto as long as weather permits.
PTO Meeting: Next Tuesday, October 20th there will be a PTO meeting in the school library at 7PM. All are welcome to come and share ideas
Rosary: On Friday, October 23rd we will participate in an all school rosary in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary
Texas Roadhouse Night TONIGHT between 3PM and 10PM: Present the
attached flyer or mention St. Anthony and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to PTO
Holy Cross High School Events:
➢ Open House: Sunday, Oct. 18 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. I strongly encourage all 8th graders and even 7th graders to attend this event on Sunday to see what Holy Cross High School has to offer! See
attached flyer.
SCHOOL ABSENCES
Please be sure to contact the school office by 7:30AM if your student will be absent on a given day. Completion of the St. Anthony Reentry After Absence Form or a note will be required upon the student’s return to school. A copy of the form is attached to this newsletter. After 3 days, a physician’s note / release is required to accompany the form or note.
USDA SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM - At this time, all students will receive a breakfast and a Hot Lunch with a drink at no cost to parents as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (“CEP”) under the National School Lunch Program.
TECHNOLOGY REMINDER
Please remember that the students' school emails and Chromebooks are meant for school/academic purposes only. Misuse of school emails and Chromebooks is considered a misuse of technology and a ten point violation which would result in two detentions. This also applies to cell phones and other devices such as watches used for texting during school hours. All of this is stated in the student handbook. Any important communication from your child/children during the school day should be via the school office phone or email. I have reminded students of this policy.
INCLEMENT WEATHER REMINDER
Please remember that in case of inclement weather, a telephone call will go out to all families, local televisions stations will be notified, and an email will be sent stating plans regarding delays or school closings.
2026 / 2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Our school calendar for this year is
attached.
UPCOMING DATES
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday, Oct. 19 | Pet Blessing at 12:45 PM (in the Grotto) |
| Tuesday, Oct. 20 | Pumpkin Decorating starting at 2:30 PM |
LUNCH THIS WEEK
| Date | Menu |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | Mini Corn Dogs |
| Thursday | Chicken Tenders |
| Friday | Grilled Cheese |
| Monday | Soft Tacos or Nachos |
VIRTUS is the brand name that identifies best practice programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote right-doing within religious organizations. The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.
“Protecting God's Children® for Adults” is training conducted by VIRTUS® certified facilitators on the prevention of child sexual abuse. The training makes participants aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy steps one can use to prevent child sexual abuse. The Diocese requires all adults who enter the school building or are around school children in any capacity, must be in full compliance with the charter. This requires completed paperwork on file with the Diocese, attendance at a one-time Virtus Live Training session and maintenance of monthly online bulletins. More information can be found at
www.virtus.org. In summary, ALL ADULTS who would like to be involved with our school children must be Virtus certified and in compliance with the National Charter, “Protecting God’s Children” program.
This means that all volunteers are required to be VIRTUS trained -- this includes classroom volunteers, field trip sponsors, room mothers, cafeteria workers, coaches, and substitutes, etc. New parents wishing to be VIRTUS trained should register online at
www.virtus.org. If you are transferring from another parochial school, please make sure you add St. Anthony School to your VIRTUS account. If you already have an account with VIRTUS and it has been suspended or if you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Bottom.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
•
WATER BOTTLES – There are no water fountains available in the building. Water refilling stations are available.
Each student should bring their own water bottle.
•
DISMISSAL – Please be sure to arrive at school to pick up your students on time in your designated area. Traffic tends to become a problem if cars arrive once dismissal has occurred. Students line up in the school based on the area they will be dismissed to. The County bus should depart BEFORE any cars leave the parking lot. If you have questions, please contact the office.
• School begins at 7:30am. It is beneficial for students to arrive a little early to prepare for their day so they are not rushing or catching up first thing.
•
MAKEUP – (including nail polish and artificial finger nails) is NOT to be worn in school. Students are not permitted to wear face or body make-up but are permitted to wear fingernail polish on out-of-uniform days. Also, boys’ hair may be no longer than to the collar, and in the front, should not hang in student’s eyes and should be neatly trimmed. Please ensure your student(s) are following these handbook guidelines.
•
LUNCH PROGRAM – Our diocesan school lunch program does not allow outside fast food to be brought in. Sodas/sugary drinks/sports drinks should not be in water bottles. Soft drinks/sodas should not be packed in a lunch brought from home.
•
ELECTRONIC DEVICE REMINDERS – As a reminder, in accordance with the 26/27 Handbook, all toys, headsets, electronic devices,
cell phones,
smart watches, etc., are not to be visible during the school day (7:00 AM – 2:30 PM). ANY hand-held device (cell phone, hand-held games, smart watches, etc.) is not permitted to be out or visible during the school day. If a cell phone must be brought to school, it must be turned off and kept in the child’s backpack.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS – Please designate St. Anthony as your Kroger Community Rewards partner.
Here’s How!
- Login or create your digital account at www.kroger.com
- Link your Card to an organization.
Selecting the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account.
- Sign in to your digital account.
- Enter the name or NPO number of the organization you wish to support.
- Select the appropriate organization from the list and click “Save”