SPB Family Newsletter
August 2, 2021
WELCOME BACK, GREEN KNIGHTS!
August is upon us and in just a few short weeks, our 66th school year at Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School will commence. While summer isn't over just yet, I have to admit that I am looking forward to seeing our students in our hallways once again! I am proud to begin my fourth year as principal, and I am excited to continue the traditions of academic excellence and faith formation for which Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School is known. Our theme from last year will continue this year: Go Forth and Light Our World. Let us begin this school year the same way we begin every day with our students, grounded in the mission of Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School:
The Eucharistic community of Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School focuses on
Christ-centered values and develops the unique potential of each student
through a rigorous and engaging curriculum.
There are various events coming up to welcome our SPB students and families back to school. I want to extend a special welcome to the new families who are joining us this year! Be sure to review the important dates below. Please note that Meet the Teacher on August 23 is for K-8 ONLY. Once again this year, we are asking that all back to school forms be completed online prior to the first day of school. I am very happy to share that there is no need to print out hard copies of the back to school forms!! However, students who are entering Kindergarten or are new to SPB must print the medical and dental forms for your health care provider and dentist to complete and sign by the first day of school, August 25. Students in Kindergarten-Grade 8 who require medications during the school day must also print the medication forms and have their health care provider sign the form before bringing any medications to our school nurse. We now have the capability to batch print forms in the office which I know is wonderful news for parents, teachers, and for us! The link will go live on August 7 and can be accessed HERE. The online forms are for K-8 ONLY. Preschool families should have received hard copies in their welcome packets to complete and submit at the Preschool Parent Meetings.
I know that many of you are wondering about the mask policy for this coming school year. We have a meeting with the diocese at the end of this week and will make a decision following that meeting. Our hope is to align our decision with other Catholic schools in the area. We will let you know once that decision has been made.
There have been some exciting changes Inside our school that we are excited for you to see! Four classrooms received new carpeting, treads were replaced on both sets of steps to the gym, and carpeting was installed in the hallway by Mrs. Peko's room. Also, thanks to generous donors and a $10,000 Rooted in Faith grant, lockers were installed in six more classrooms. Please check out these upgrades when you visit for Meet the Teacher.
Technology in our building continues to be enhanced. Our fifth graders will each receive a Chromebook and carrying case which they will use all the way through eighth grade. A huge THANK YOU is extended to our PTO as well as the Jane Cunningham Foundation for funding the purchase of the Chromebooks and carrying cases for our students. In addition, we are adding another iPad cart for our students in K-3 to use. We now have a total of seven carts of iPads used by our primary students. A total of nine ActivPanels will be installed in classrooms by the time the school year begins.
Another exciting change on our campus is the work on Phase 5 of our Capital Campaign! The areas in front of the entrance of the school and the convent are being demolished and concrete to be poured for brand new loops and driveways. Soon the areas will be free of potholes and provide a safe way for people to drive on our campus. Thank you to the parishioners and families who made contributions to our campaign so that this could happen.
Last but certainly not least, I am so grateful to our amazing maintenance crew who worked tirelessly in the summer heat to make our school SHINE! Carpets have been cleaned, floors have been waxed, desks have been fixed, etc....the list goes on and on! Thank you to Mr. Jon Detzel, Mr. Scott Rutti, and Mr. Chris Rutti for all of their efforts.
In these final days of summer, let us take time to thank God for all the graces He has bestowed upon us and ask Him to keep Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School students, parents, faculty, and staff in his loving care. Should you have any questions prior to the start of school, please call us at 440-442-6766 or email office@saintpaschal.com
Blessings,
Diane M. Raguz, Principal
IMPORTANT DATES FOR K-8
August 2-23 - PTO Uniform Exchange
Please visit the self-serve PTO Uniform Exchange in the Parish Life Center for great bargains on gently used uniforms.
The doors will be open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and during Masses on weekends.
Items with envelopes are for purchase from individual families. Please leave money in labeled envelopes at the main table. Please bring cash (preferred) for the various envelopes. Any checks should be made payable to the SPB PTO.
All other items are by donation and at your discretion. Donations go to SPB PTO. This is a service provided by the PTO, not a money maker. This service allows families to “pay it forward“ and support our SPB community!
Please bring in your outgrown, gently used, laundered uniform items and spirit wear. Clothing may be dropped off during regular exchange hours and will be sorted/placed out intermittently.
Questions? Contact Colleen Ockenden at CMOckenden@gmail.com
August 8 - Kindergarten Meet & Greet
Incoming kindergartners are invited to join us for a Meet & Greet following the 10:30 Mass on the school playground. Thank you to our PTO for hosting this event!
August 23 - Meet Your Teacher (K-8) - 4:30-6:30 p.m. (does not include preschool)
- Join us on this day to meet the teachers, see class lists, and more!
- Physical education uniforms will be on sale this day in O'Brien Hall and spiritwear will also be available for purchase.
- Our school nurse, Rayann Owens, will be in the clinic if you would like to speak to her about any special medical concerns regarding your child or to drop off medications. Please click here for the form that needs to be completed for the administration of medication at school.
- Register for the Extended Day program outside the office.
- See what our PTO and Ladies Guild are all about and meet some of the members.
- Any school supply kits ordered last spring will be delivered directly to your home. A tracking number is provided via the email address the parents submitted upon purchase.
August 25 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR GRADES 1-8
- The Extended Day program begins today.
- Hot lunch begins today, too.
August 25 & 26 - Kindergarten Staggered Start
- Kindergartners and their parents will come to school in small groups to be introduced to their classrooms, teachers, and routines. Be sure to check the letter that was sent home to you for detailed information.
- The FIRST FULL DAY for kindergarten is Friday, August 27.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR PRESCHOOL
- Early Learners Parent Meeting (AM class)-Wednesday, August 25 at 8:30 a.m.
- Early Learners Parent Meeting (PM class)-Wednesday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m.
- Pre-K Parent Meeting (AM class)-Thursday, August 26 at 8:30 a.m.
- Pre-K Parent Meeting (Full Day class)-Thursday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m.
- Junior Kindergarten Parent Meeting-Friday, August 27 at 9:00 a.m.
August 30 -September 3 - Preschool Staggered Start
- Be sure to read the letter that was sent home for detailed information about your scheduled dates and times.
We ask that ALL back to school forms be completed online by the first day of school. THERE IS NO NEED TO PRINT HARD COPIES! However, students who are entering Kindergarten or are new to SPB must print the medical and dental forms for your health care provider and dentist to complete and sign by the first day of school, August 25. Students in Kindergarten-Grade 8 who require medications during the school day must also print the medication forms and have their health care provider sign the form before bringing any medications to our school nurse. It is imperative that we have these forms on file, especially the Emergency Medical Authorization, should an emergency with your child occur. Thank you!
New Changes and Faces to Our Faculty and Staff
I am happy to announce that Mrs. Moira Popelka will move from fifth grade to fourth grade this school year and partner with Miss Ferrante. Mrs. Bridgette Kreutzer, our intervention specialist, shared with me that she will not be returning to SPB. We are working with PSI, our third party contractor, to find a replacement.
- Mr. Frank Adams, our new band instructor, is an experienced music educator and talented musician. He will be with us two days a week while also working with two other Catholic schools. We are thrilled to offer band once again through Music Alliance and look forward to Mr. Adams' leadership.
- Miss Nicole Karpuszka will join our faculty as our new second grade teacher. Miss Karpuszka is a recent graduate of the University of Dayton, and she has many gifts to share with our students and faculty/staff.
- Mrs. Kelly Monaghan joins the preschool staff as the aide for Mrs. Klick's PreK class. Mrs. Monaghan is not a new face to SPB. She is a current parent and has directed our amazing eighth grade musicals for several years.
- Mrs. Beth Petsche will be our new Project Challenge teacher. Mrs. Petsche will work with the Project Challenge students on Fridays. She has varied experiences in both Catholic and public schools.
- Mrs. Kris Platko will join us as our new art teacher. Mrs. Platko taught at Constellation Schools the past couple of years and previously served as a long-term substitute for Miss Babin a few years ago. Both of her sons also graduated from SPB.
- Ms. Mellissa Zaffiro will serve as our fifth grade teacher this year. In addition to her regular teaching license, Ms. Zaffiro also holds a license as an Intervention Specialist. She has experience in both public and Catholic schools.
- We have offered the third grade position to a teacher, and she has accepted; however, we will not announce her name until she officially signs her contract.
Reminder for Incoming Seventh Graders
FAQs this summer
Will the students have to wear masks this year?
We have a meeting with the diocese at the end of this week and will make a decision following that meeting. Our hope is to align our decision with other Catholic schools in the area. We will let you know once that decision has been made.
When do we find out who our child's teacher is?
Class lists will be posted during Meet Your Teacher on Monday, August 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Please note: This event is for K-8 families only.
Where can I find the school calendar?
There is a basic school calendar (also found below) located under Quick Links. A more detailed Google calendar can be found on the home page of our website. You can even sync it with your personal Google calendar.
Will there be an instrumental music (band) program this year?
Yes, we will return to working with Music Alliance, an organization that provides band programs for a number of Catholic and public schools in the area. We hope that our band program comes back as strong as it once was. During the 2019-2020 school year, we had nearly 125 students in grades 4-8 involved with band which was about 65% of the student population in grades 4-8 at that time.
What types of shoes are allowed?
School shoes are defined as good, sturdy, supportive shoes. They must have non-marking soles. Shoe color must be basic black, brown, navy blue, tan, or gray. WHITE SHOES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Tennis shoes, track shoes, hiking shoes, moccasins or boots are not part of the basic uniform. Girls are permitted to wear saddle shoes.
Will hot lunch be served on the first day of school?
Yes. Please be sure your child has money in his/her account.
Will there be Extended Day on the first day of school?
Yes. Please be sure to review the handbook and complete the registration prior to your child's attendance.
When will students in grades 5-8 receive their Chromebooks?
Chromebooks will be distributed on Friday, August 27. In order for your child to receive his/her Chromebook, the insurance fee of $35 must be paid. We encourage you to pay for this the evening of Meet Your Teacher or the first day of school.
How will I know if my child will have physical education class on the first day of school and needs to dress in his/her gym uniform?
There will be no physical education classes on the first day of school for any of the classes.
Please stop by and visit us in the school office at Meet Your Teacher for help with all of your questions!
Additional Information
Students may arrive at school as early as 7:45 am. Students should enter the building by 8:00 am to comfortably arrive in their classrooms by 8:05 am, our official starting time. Students will be considered tardy after 8:05 am and until 9:00 am. After 9:00 am, students will be marked 1/2 day absent.
Assignment Notebooks
Assignment notebooks are required for students in grades 2-8. The notebooks have been paid for by our generous supporters and are free to our students. Please patronize our advertisers.
Milk Fee
All milk money is due by Thursday, September 2. The price of milk for the 2021-2022 school year is $45.00 per child, and is NOT included in the price of hot lunch. Please send in the milk money, with your oldest child, in an envelope listing your children's names and room numbers. Milk will be available beginning Wednesday, August 25. Free and reduced milk application forms are available here or may be requested from the school office.
Hot Lunch Program
The price of hot lunch is $3.00 per day. The Hot Lunch Program will begin on Wednesday, August 25. The cost of lunch does not include milk. Separate checks should be sent for hot lunch and milk accounts.
Hot Lunch Account
You may find out more information about the hot lunch program and point-of-service system that we use to manage your child's account in this parent information letter.
Playground Supervisors
Adults are needed to supervise the children as they play during lunchtime recess. Please complete the Playground Supervisors Letter and return it to the school office as soon as possible.
Grade Level Playground Volunteers
We will continue to need support from our parents as playground monitors. Please read this Playground Volunteer Letter for complete information.
Gradelink
Gradelink is the Student Information System (SIS) which is used for grades, homework, email alerts, and more. Your login information can be found in the first communication folder. There is also a free app for your mobile device. Be sure to log into the system so that you can stay updated on your child's progress and get important information from school.
Webpage/Weekly Family Newsletter/Communication Folders
The Gradelink Student Information System, our Weekly Family Newsletter, and our website are our primary means of communication between home and school. Please become accustomed to checking Gradelink and the Weekly Family Newsletter often, as the communication folders will only be sent home on a very limited basis during this school year. Groups are asked to submit information and flyers electronically.
School Uniforms
PLEASE NOTE: Again this year, due to the pandemic, boys in grades 7-8 may wear navy blue, hunter green, or white polo shirts with or without the school logo instead of shirts and ties, or they can also wear a solid white or light blue dress shirt without a tie. This will be in effect until further notice.
PE Uniforms
Gym uniforms can be ordered by printing this PE Uniform Order Form and returning it to school with a check (payable to SPB) or cash (exact change, please). Many items are in stock and will be given to your child. However, some items may need to be ordered and may take two to three weeks for delivery. Students should wear appropriate PE clothing until uniforms arrive.
Extended Day
The Extended Day Program will begin on Wednesday, August 25. Registration forms and fees must be submitted before your child may attend the program. The handbook and registration form may be found here: Extended Day.
Transportation
District bus schedules will be posted on Meet Your Teacher Night. You may also call the Transportation Department of your local public school district. Reimbursement for transportation is based on districts outside the immediate area. Please be aware each district has its own process for reimbursement. Each family is responsible for corresponding with their own district. Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School is not responsible for complying with the procedures the districts have in place.
MyEoffering
As a parishioner, you are offered a discounted rate of tuition for our school. Please follow this link to find out more and register for MyEoffering.
PTO Room Captains
The PTO invites you to join the PTO Room Captain Program for your child’s classroom!
We are looking for 2 parents per classroom. This is a simple way to take part in school and PTO activities! If interested, please respond back by emailing Sarah Link at slink1110@gmail.com by Friday, September 3rd!
PTO Room Captain Responsibilities:
Attend PTO meetings (in person or virtually if held via Zoom), they are the 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the Parish Life Center. ** Don’t worry if you can’t make them all, that’s why there are 2 parents assigned per classroom**
Distribute PTO meeting minutes to the rest of the parents in the class
Be the “point person” for the teacher to contact if s/he needs something for their class
Help organize volunteers that may be needed for room and/or PTO events ( you are just the organizer… you don’t have to actually attend all of the events)
Help communicate information to the class, possibly by email or class Facebook page.
If interested, please email Sarah Link at slink1110@gmail.com by Friday, September 3rd with the following info:
Your name
Your phone number
Your email address
Your child’s name
Your child’s grade
Your child’s home room teacher
Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School
Diane Raguz, Principal
Sheila Klepcyk, Assistant Principal
Karen Lipstreu, Administrative Assistant
Rev. John Thomas Lane, SSS, Pastor
Email: office@saintpaschal.com
Website: www.saintpaschal.com
Location: 5360 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, OH, USA
Phone: (440) 442-6766
Facebook: facebook.com/stpaschalbaylonschoolohio
Twitter: @SPBGreenKnights