SPB Family Newsletter
October 28, 2021
Mission Statement
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.
Calendar of Events
November 1
All Saints Day
All School Mass--9:00 am
Girls on the Run--2:30-4:00 pm
Tuesday, November 2
Box Tops Dress Down Day
Individual Picture Re-Take Day
Altar Server Training--2:30-3:30 pm
Wednesday, November 3
Girls on the Run--2:30-4:00 pm
Spelling Bee Study Session--2:30-3:30pm
Romeo's Pizza Fundraiser
PTO Meeting--7:00 pm
Thursday, November 4
Friday, November 5
Grade 6--DARE
Grade 4--Connections Program
Grade 3--Fostering Friendships Program
A Note from the Principal
Although it was a brisk day, we were warmed by the support for our 2021 Walk-a-Thon for Catholic Education last week. Our students enjoyed walking the neighborhood with one another and finding out the winners of our lap walking contest and the coveted Golden Shoe Award. We extend a huge THANK YOU to our always supportive and amazing PTO! Special thanks to Melissa Vogley, PTO committee chair, for her unwavering efforts to make this fundraiser so successful, as well as PTO committee members Colleen Grossner, Kate Herberth, Colleen Ockenden, and Grace Powell. Thank you to the moms, dads, and grandparents who came out to chalk the walk, accompany classrooms, and direct the station activities.
The money raised at present is $27,370, and we THANK YOU, our parents, for your efforts and your support. Your children really got into the spirit behind our school theme,
“Go Forth & Light Our World.” In case you haven’t heard, Miss Ferrante's class won the coveted Golden Shoe award for the most laps walked per child than any other class in the school. Congratulations to all who made this a truly wonderful event! We certainly are blessed!
Finally, with the holidays approaching and after consultation with medical professionals, we have decided to continue with our masking policy until January 7 at which time we will reevaluate. Last year at this time we had multiple COVID cases which ultimately led to our transition to remote learning. This was particularly concerning because we had gone an entire quarter with no cases. Please look for information next week regarding the new quarantine guidelines issued by the Ohio Department of Health. The overall goal of these new guidelines is to keep students learning in school.
Sincerely,
Diane Raguz, Principal
Golden Shoe Award
Top 10 Walkers
Parent Volunteeers
Christmas Concerts Postponed
After much consideration, we have made the decision to postpone the in-person Primary (K-3) Christmas Concert and the Junior High/Band Christmas Concert for another year. We arrived at this decision after considering the COVID-19 protocols we have in place to keep our students safe, including keeping grade pods isolated, spacing out students as much as possible, and limiting the number of family members from outside the school community to mingle in one space for prolonged periods of time. Knowing how crowded these concerts have been in years past, we do not feel it is possible to safely have that many people share a space. Also, last year our COVID-19 cases increased during the months of November and December; therefore, we want to be proactive in preventing as many cases as possible, especially as the holidays follow quickly after.
That being said, we fully acknowledge how important music and the arts are here at SPB and to all of you. To keep the spirit of the season alive this year, Miss Margevicius and Mr. Adams will be putting together a filmed version of the concert so that family members near and far can share in the joy of the Christmas season (and you can for years to come, as well!). During the week of December 6th, students should come dressed in their Christmas outfits on the day they have Music, and their songs will be recorded during their class time. To celebrate their hard work, we will have a viewing party of the concert for our SPB students during the last week before Christmas break, and then the finished product will be shared with families via an unlisted YouTube link.
Please know that we have come to this decision with our students’ and families’ health as the number one priority, and we will still assuredly have a wonderful musical time this holiday season.
Playground Safety
Green Knight of the Quarter
Giuliana Velotta is a fifth grade student who is this year's first Green Knight of the quarter! Teachers were quick to share that Giuliana was the perfect choice as our first Green Knight. Giuliana was nominated by Ms. Zaffiro. She wrote, “From the beginning of the year, Giuliana has always been a good friend, kind to others, and a diligent student. Giuliana’s attitude is infectious, and she genuinely cares about everyone including her teachers. When I think of a SPB Green Knight, Giuliana Velotta comes to my mind right away.” Mrs. Yanick shared, “I had Giuliana in first grade and I can remember her beautiful smile every morning when she would walk into our classroom. What a perfect way to start the day!” Mrs. Dulzer commented that “Giuliana is a shining example of a Green Knight. She is kind, compassionate, respectful, and a conscientious student. She is a quiet leader who works well with her peers in the classroom, at recess, and on the volleyball court. A few weeks ago, I noticed that she went out of her way to include a student at recess who was standing alone. Her small act of kindness is just one example of her living the 4 Cs of a Green Knight.” Mrs. Longano shared, “Guiliana has a very kind heart. In 2nd grade, she was always willing to help a classmate and her teacher. She was kind to everyone. She still always greets me in the hall with a smile, even under her mask!”
Giuliana lives with her parents, Tim and Beth, her brother Luca who is in the second grade, and her sister Sophia who is in junior kindergarten. The Velotta family enjoys spending time together playing games or having a movie night. They also like to go swimming in Minnesota where they visit on vacation. Giuliana’s favorite subject is reading because it comes easily to her, and she loves to read. In her spare time, Giuliana also enjoys playing volleyball, playing with her friends, and working a little bit ahead in homework. In the future, she would like to go to college and possibly become an accountant. When asked about Giuliana, her mom said that Giuliana is kind, leads by example, and cares for others. Her dad shared that Giuliana has a kind heart and that he is so proud to hear that she always includes others. Giuliana’s brother Luca shared that Giuliana always works hard, and her sister Sophia added that she loves when Giuliana reads to her.
Friendly, positive, kind and caring were words repeatedly used to describe Giuliana. Miss Ferrante shared, “I can’t think of a student more deserving of the Green Knight award. She is the kind of student you wish you could fill your whole class with.” Mrs. Rickey shared that Giuliana never thinks about herself but always watches out for others. If anyone has a problem or needs encouragement, she is there. Ms. Raguz shared, “ While she may be on the quieter side, her actions speak volumes to those around her. She is polite, friendly, hardworking, focused, and motivated. She sets a positive example for her classmates by the way she treats others and how hard she works in her classes. I am so happy that Giuliana has been recognized for the person she is and for her commitment to learning.” Congratulations, Giuliana, on this well-deserved honor!
Walkathon Wrap-Up
Our Saint Paschal Baylon students and faculty took to the streets last Friday, walking our neighborhood, praying for our Prayer Intentions, remembering our friends and family on Memory Lane, thanking our generous sponsors and donors, celebrating our school community, and enjoying a sweet popsicle treat and the crisp (but dry!) fall weather. We raised $27,370 this year, surpassing last year's total by almost $2,000!
Your communication folders will soon have the thank you letters for you to distribute to your sponsoring friends and families. Their generous donations totaled more than $11,000!
Thank you to all of our participating families, and to all of our volunteers who helped plan, organize, distribute t-shirts and medals, and run this awesome fundraiser for our school.
Walkathon T-shirt Dress Down Days:
Friday, November 19
Monday, December 13
Tuesday, January 18
Thursday, February 24
Friday, March 18
Wednesday, April 13
Monday, May 16
Tuesday, May 31
Looking Ahead to Halloween
Halloween is approaching quickly and with it comes various activities. Our Student Council will once again host their games for grades K-2. Some lower grades will also have Halloween activities/parties in their classrooms. We will allow two parents to come in to help per homeroom. If teachers are planning on a party, they will reach out to their room captains.
As a school community, we are asking that parents do not send in any candy treats for grades K-8. Should a teacher need help with something for Halloween, he or she will reach out to parents for whatever is needed.
Halloween Attire
All students may dress down in orange and black on Friday, October 29. Please, no Halloween costumes for K-8.
Picture Re-Take Day is Coming!
Did you forget to order your child's pictures? You can still order on mylifetouch.com, with the SPB picture day ID: EVTSV7FW4.
Was your child absent on the original picture day? Please email or call the school office to receive an order form. Thank you.
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Snack Cart
Thank you to everyone who participated in September! The Ladies Guild will again be sponsoring the snack cart for our dear faculty and staff. See the link below for details and to sign up. Thank you!
8th Grade Musical, Beauty and the Beast
Please help support our 8th Grade Class Play, Beauty and the Beast, by purchasing Honeybaked Ham gift cards. The gift cards are an easy way to support us, especially if you normally order from Honeybaked for the holidays. The 8th Grade play will receive 20% of all gift card sales. All you have to do is visit this link:
https://honeybakedfundraising.com//fundraisers/Saint_Paschal_Baylon_8th_Grade_Play
to order your gift cards. You may choose to also scan the QR code below for easier access from your smartphone. Gift card sales will end on December 3rd. Order soon to beat the holiday mail rush, or choose electronic gift cards or instant access!
A Green Knight to Remember Gala
Altar Server Training
Playground Volunteers Needed-Grades 4-5-6
We are asking that each family (mom, dad, grandma, etc.) choose at least two days to volunteer each time slot being 11:15 am-12:50 pm. There are many, many time slots open! We are so grateful for the help!
This is a great way for you to interact with your child and his/her classmates during the school day! Recess Volunteers should arrive to school at 11:10 and check in at the office. Duties will include supervising students at recess, escorting the students to and from the school doors. Volunteers will be with one school staff member each day to help direct.
Remember that after your two volunteer time slots, you are done for the year, as each month is assigned to a different grade.
COVID-19 Volunteer Protocol: all recess volunteers are required to wear a mask when in the building.
Thank you again for your time and service to the students and teachers of SPB! Simply click on the following links to sign up: Grade 6, Grade 5, Grade 4
Fall Open House for Prospective Families (K-8)
PTO News
We are thankful for all your Box Top purchases. 10 cents from each product adds up for SPB! Our next box top dress-down days are Tuesday, November 2nd, and Monday, November 8th! Please read this info about this optional program. Use this sheet to submit paper copies or send virtual box tops to me. Thank you! Maria Patyk 216.577.8014 or majdihp@gmail.com
Join us for our next PTO meeting Wednesday, November 3rd at 7 pm in the PLC or virtually. You can purchase SPB Pura Vida bracelets 1 for $8 or 2 for $15, purchase car magnets, & learn about many happenings from the PTO. Please join the fun! We would love your input.
Athletic Association News
Soccer - City Champion Runner-Up
Our 7 and 8 Grade Soccer took second place in this year's CYO soccer tournament. Our girls had a tremendous year with a deep run in the playoffs.
Green Knight High Five to our athletes: Annelyse Conley, Natalia Cunagin, Lily Detzel, Dria Duqum, Julia Fitzwater, Annie Goff, Carla Grossner, Maddie Herberth, Gia Iacovetta, Elizabeth Keefe, Gwen Kozelj, Sofia Leffler, Oliva Minello, Danica Polantz, and Erin Rossoll. Thank you to Coaches Kristen Miller and Joe Longano!
Volleyball - City Champion Runner-Up
Our 8 Grade Volleyball team for taking second place in the CYO Elite Division volleyball tournament, they were second of 73 teams in the diocese. The girls had a very successful season and were the only team to take a set from St. Michael all year.
Green Knight High Five to our athletes: Angela Basic, Kiki Campolieti, Milli Ellis, Bella Jarc, Maggie Kane, Gigi Miller, Lauren Uzzo, D'Aira Whitner. Thank you to coaches Denise Coreno and Gina Miller!
Holiday Craft Show Volunteer Request - Saturday November 20, 2021
Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for our Annual Holiday Craft Show benefiting the Blessed Sacrament Ladies Guild on Saturday, November 20, 2021 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is the largest fundraiser for the Guild and is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. Please consider volunteering some of your time to help make the day a success. Volunteers also get free admission to the show! Please contact Beth Juelich-Velotta at bethjuelich@yahoo.com with any questions.
The following link will take you to our sign up page on SignUpGenius.com
Craft Show Volunteer Opportunity for 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders
The Ladies Guild is in need of student volunteers to assist with set-up and clean up for the Craft Show on November 19th and 20th. 6th and 7th graders will earn a dress-down pass, and 8th graders can use the time towards Confirmation Service Hours!
Please follow the link to sign up: https://signup.com/go/QvyaFCG
Any questions, contact Emily Orlando orlando.emily@gmail.com
Romeo's Fundraiser
Need a break from making dinner? Stop by Romeo's Pizza on November 3rd from 4-8pm. 20% goes back to our SPB PTO.
Moe's Fundraiser
What's in this week's folder?
Folders will not be sent home this week.
"Faith and Racial Healing" Study Group
"Faith and Racial Healing" Study Group: Eight-Week Parish Small Group Process
Contact Gail Mastrangelo, 440.442.2854 or by email: gail_mastrangelo@sbcglobal.net We plan to begin on *November 4th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Kazel Room of Saint Paschal Baylon Church Offices. Meetings will continue every Thursday (except Thanksgiving) through December 16th returning January 6th & 13th to complete the program. Three books are required for study and discussion. The SPB Social Action Commission will cover the cost of books if the expense would be burdensome or prevent your participation. All are welcome!
Course topics:
· The Big Picture of Racial Injustice;
· The Middle Passage;
· Recovering the Voices of the Slaves;
· From Convict Leasing to Mass Incarceration;
· Confessing Our History of Lynching;
· Civil Rights and the Struggle for Equal Education;
· The True Theology of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.;
· Seeking Restoration
*Note change in start date!
Community News
Lake Catholic High School Admissions:
Open Houses:
This year we will be having two Fall Open Houses at Lake Catholic. These are currently scheduled for in-person, but if that changes, we will notify everyone as soon as we can!
November 15 from 6-8pm
Placement Exams: OLSAT
This fall, we will be using the OLSAT 8 as our Placement Exam for incoming freshmen students. We will be offering a number of dates in the fall for this, but students are welcome to take it as a part of their shadow day experience as well! If you’d like your students to take it on their shadow day, please let me know! Students will need to have their exam taken by November 13 to be considered for a scholarship. Our dates are below:
November 13 @ 9:00 am & 11:00am
Students can sign up here: https://forms.gle/5ZK6Ek7GM2Nm6A7L9
Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic School
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