2016 is Underway

 

We hope 2016 is off  to a great start for you and your family!  Since we've returned from Christmas break we have begun third quarter and are back into a regular routine making the most of every moment we have here at school.  

4th-6th Grade Math Competition

We have 24 students participating in the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) math competition on Saturday, January 30th.  The competition is from 8 AM - 1 PM at Brookside Charter.  Much thanks to Ms. Beilharz for arranging this opportunity for our students and to our students who are eager to participate.

 

Hooray for the USA & 5th Grade Presidents' Celebration

We look forward to seeing you at these culminating events!  First grade guests are invited to join us in the North Multi-purpose Room at 9:15 on Thursday, February 4th to meet several famous Americans.  Fifth grade guests are invited to join us in the North Multi-purpose Room at 2:30 on Wednesday, February 10 to hear all about our Nation's leaders and to see the students' hard work.  We look forward to seeing second grade guests at "Destination Asia" on Friday, March 11 in the North Multi-purpose Room.  The exact time will be announced once we get closer to the event but it will be shortly after All School Chapel that morning.  

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast

The entire school community is invited to join us as our 8th grade class and their parents host this year's Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast.  The breakfast is Tuesday, February 9th from 7 AM- 8AM, and for $5 the eighth graders will be serving pancakes, breakfast casserole, orange juice, and coffee in the North Multi-purpose Room.

Save the Date!

Drs. Kevin & Natashia Bergert Present on Safe Technology Usage

You won't want to miss this informative presentation by two local pediatricians who are passionate about helping parents and children navigate technology usage. 

There will be two presentations the evening of Tuesday, February 23rd.  One presentation will be geared for parents whose children are in kindergarten through third grade and the second presentation will be geared for parents whose children are in fourth grade and above.  We are currently working on specific times and will share those once we have confirmation.  Both presentations will take place in the North Multi-purpose room. We hope you will join us to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

Valentine's Parties

Valentine's parties will be held the afternoon of Friday, February 12th.  First and second grade parties will be from 2-3 PM and third, fourth, and fifth grade parties will be from 2:30-3:15.  Thanks to all of the room parents and parent volunteers who make these parties possible!

Wine in the Vine

If you are currently a parent of a third grade student it's not too late to purchase a ticket for this year's Wine in the Vine celebration.  This is an auction item donated by the third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers  where parents are invited to spend an evening partaking in food, drink, and festivities within the third grade rainforest.  If you are interested in purchasing tickets please contact Katie Wiedwald or Cindy Wissinger.  The event is Thursday, February 25th from 6-7:30 PM.

Parent Teacher Conferences

We look forward to visiting with you on Thursday, March 3rd or Friday March 4th for Parent Teacher Conferences.  We truly value the opportunity to work together and appreciate having a formal time to sit down and discuss your child's growth this year.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, January 26- 5th Math Club at 7:30
Thursday, January 28 - Kindergarten Open House from 5:30-7 PM
Saturday, January 30 - 4th-6th Grade Math Competition at Brookside Charter School, Gift Gathering Party for Parents
Tuesday, February 2 - 4th and 5th Grade Math Club at 7:30
Thursday, February 4 - First Grade's Hooray for the USA at 9:15 AM
Tuesday, February 9 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast 7-8AM and 3rd Grade Attends Harriet Tubman at Folly Theater
Wednesday, February 10 - 5th Grade's Presidents' Celebration at 2:30 PM
Thursday, February 11 - 4th Grade attends Underground at Kauffman
Friday, February 12 - Valentines Parties in afternoon for 1st-5th Grades
Monday, February 15 - Presidents' Day, No School
Wednesday, February 17 - Author Visit for 4th-6th Grade
Thursday, February 18 - 4th Grade Showcase at 7 PM
Tuesday, February 23 - Dr. Natashia Bergert & Dr. Kevin Bergert Present on Safe Technology Usage, Times TBA
Thursday, February 25 - Wine in the Vine Celebration for Parents of 3rd Grade Students
Tuesday, March 1 - Rainforest Open House for Third Grade Guests
Wednesday, March 2 - Kansas City Greater Giving Presentation for 5th and 6th Graders
Thursday, March 3 - Parent Teacher Conferences 12 PM-8 PM
Friday, March 4 - Parent Teacher Conferences 7:30 AM- 12 PM
Wednesday, March 9 - Kansas City Greater Giving Presentation for 5th and 6th Graders, MS Musical Matinee
Thursday, March 10 - MS Musical Matinee & Evening Performance at 7 PM
Friday, March 11- End of 3rd Quarter, Destination Asia Celebration for 2nd Graders, Teachers Leave for Haiti
March 14-March 18 - Spring Break

November & December Happenings

Thank you for joining us for Parent Teacher Conferences.  We appreciate your time and support as we partner together to help your child grow.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, November 4 ~ Guest Author Presentations at Chapel to Celebrate Book Fair Week & Family Night at the Book Fair from 3:30-6 PM
Thursday, November 5 & Friday, November 6 ~ Classes Attend the Book Fair
Thursday, November 12 ~ Third Grade Oregon Trails Day
Saturday, November 14 ~ Open House for Prospective Families 10 AM-12 PM
Tuesday, November 17 ~ Earthworks Visits Fourth Grade
Tuesday, November 24 ~ Lower School In-gathering & Thanksgiving Chapel in Sanctuary
Wednesday, November 25th - Friday, November 27 ~ Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 3 ~ Third Through Fifth Grade Christmas Program at 7 PM
Friday, December 4 ~ 1st and 2nd Grade Cultural Arts Field Trip
Monday, December 7 ~ In Harmony Field Trip
Friday, December 11 ~ 1st & 2nd Christmas Program at 9:15 AM & 3rd Grade to Nutcracker
Tuesday, December 15 ~ Fifth Grade Attends A Christmas Carol
Thursday, December 17 ~ Toddler Through Second Grade Chapel in the Sanctuary
Friday, December 18 ~ Eucharist Chapel for Third Through Eighth Grade Students, Third Through Fifth Grade Students go Ice Skating, & Christmas Parties
December 21 - January 4 ~ Christmas Break

Book Fair

Thank you to all of the parents helping make the St. Paul's Book Fair possible!  Be sure to join us for Family Night at the Book Fair on Wednesday, November 4th from 3:30-6 PM.  You are also welcome to join your child during his or her class's assigned Book Fair time.  Students who wish to purchase books may use cash or charge it to their St. Paul's Account with a completed charge slip.

Lower School Thanksgiving Chapel & December Eucharist Chapel

You are invited to join us for these two upcoming special chapels.  On Tuesday, November 24, first through fifth grade students will gather in the sanctuary to celebrate their gratitude as we begin our Thanksgiving celebrations.  You are also invited to our Christmas Eucharist service for third through eighth grade students on Friday, December 18.  You are always invited to join us for divisional or All School Chapel if other dates work better for you.

In Harmony Field Trip

Our In Harmony choir is off to a great start this semester.  We have over fifty, first through sixth grade students participating under the guidance of Tamara Everly and Rachel O'Connell.  These students will be singing at Bishop Spencer Place and at Crown Center on Monday, December 7.  They will also be performing at divisional and All School Chapels in December. 

Christmas Programs

We hope you've marked your calendars to join us for the St. Paul's Christmas Programs.  The third through fifth grade program will be on Thursday, December 3rd at 7 PM and the first and second grade program will be on Friday, December 11th at 9:15 AM.  For more information about the programs be sure to check Mrs. Everly's and Mrs. O'Connell's blogs.

Lower School Enhancements

This year we were very fortunate to add an additional teacher to the third through fifth grade program and also to modify the teaching duties of our fifth grade teachers in order to provide additional support and enrichment for our third and fourth grade programs.  This has been a tremendous blessing and in order for you to see how it's impacting students there are two videos that highlight how these personnel changes have enhanced our program and our students' experiences.  The first video is more detailed and lasts approximately five minutes and the second video is a quick summary of some of the benefits.  Thanks to all who made these enhancements possible!

5 minute Lower School Enhancement Video

1 minute snapshot Video

School Pictures, Family Fun Fest, & Screenings

Upcoming Lower School Events

Wednesday, September 9 ~ 4th Grade Science Club

Tuesday, September 15th ~ 4th Grade Math Club, School Pictures for Toddler and 1st-8th Graders
Wednesday, September 16th ~ School Pictures for Toddler through Kindergarten Students & Fifth Grade Field Trip to Ironwoods Challenge Course
Thursday, September 17th ~ New Parent Coffee in S MPR at 8:30
Friday, September 18th ~ Family Fun Fest 3:30-6 PM
Wednesday, September 23rd ~ Noon Dismissal for Professional Development
Friday, September 25th ~ Kindergarten Music Program at 9:15 AM
Friday, September 25th ~ Sunday, September 27th ~ St. Paul's Hosts a Tent at the Plaza Art Fair
Monday, September 28th ~ Tuesday, September 29th ~ Speech & Hearing Screenings
Wednesday, September 30th & Thursday, October 1st ~ Occupational Therapy Screenings
Thursday, October 1st ~ Author Paul Zelinsky Presents to 1st-3rd Graders, 6th Grade Showcase at 7 PM
Friday, October 2nd ~ Pet Blessing at 8:30

School Pictures

Picture Day will be here soon.  Your child should have brought home a Lifetouch flyer on September 3rd.  You can complete the order form on the flyer and return the envelope to purchase pictures or you can order on line.  You will also have the opportunity to order pictures once you receive the proofs.  1st through 8th grade students will have their pictures taken on Tuesday, September 15th along with our Tuesday and Thursday Toddlers.  All remaining Toddlers and ECC students will have their pictures taken on Wednesday, September 16th.  Please contact Shirley Laird at slaird@speds.org if you have any questions.

Family Fun Fest

Family Fun Fest is Friday, September 18th from 3:30-6 PM on the field.  More information will be provided from the Development Office and from Parents' Guild.  We look forward to seeing you there.

St. Paul's & the Plaza Art Fair

St. Paul's will be hosting a tent at the Plaza Art Fair this year.  Be sure to drop by and see us or contact Jill McGee if you are interested in helping.  We will be there Friday, September 25th; Saturday, September 26th; and Sunday, September 27th.  

Speech, Hearing, and Occupational Therapy Screenings

St. Paul's partners with The Children's Spot of St. Luke's Hospital to offer speech, hearing, and occupational therapy screenings each year.  All prekindergarten students and any new students in third grade and under will automatically receive a complimentary fine motor screening.  Additional fine motor screenings are scheduled on a referral basis by classroom teachers.  Hopefully you received an email from St. Paul's on Tuesday, September 8th which contained the speech and hearing screening form.  If not, you can access that form here.  If you would like your child's speech or hearing screened, please complete the form and return it with the $12 fee to your child's teacher by September 21st. 

Curriculum Night

Thank you to all who attended Curriculum Night.  We truly appreciate your support and partnership.  You may view the PowerPoint that was streaming that evening if you hover over this hyperlink.  You can also access the Specials' Curriculum Packet.  Grade level curriculum information can be found on each grade level's blog.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!

It has been wonderful getting to see everyone these past few days!  I hope you had a fabulous summer.  We are looking forward to a spectacular school year!

Upcoming Lower School Events

Thursday, August 27th ~ Toddler-Second Grade Chapel in the Church at 8:40
Friday, August 28th ~ 3rd-8th Grade Eucharist Chapel in the Church at 8:30
Thursday, September 3rd ~ Lower School Curriculum Night
Monday, September 7th ~ Labor Day, No School
Tuesday, September 15th ~ School Pictures
Wednesday, September 16th ~ School Pictures
Thursday, September 17th ~ Fifth Grade Field Trip to Ironwoods Challenge Course
Friday, September 18th ~ Family Fun Fest
Wednesday, September 23rd ~ Noon Dismissal for Professional Development
Friday, September 25th ~ Sunday, September 27th ~ St. Paul's Hosts a Tent at the Plaza Art Fair
Monday, September 28th ~ Wednesday, September 30th ~ Speech & Hearing Screenings
Thursday, October 1st ~ Occupational Therapy Screenings
Friday, October 2nd ~ Pet Blessing at 8:30

Eucharist Chapel

All parents of third through eighth grade students are invited to join us for Eucharist Chapel on Friday, August 28th at 8:30 AM in the church sanctuary.  All are welcome to participate in taking Eucharist and students are encouraged to participate at their comfort level which could be remaining seated in the pews, receiving a blessing at the alter, taking the wafer and abstaining from the wine, or receiving both the wafer and wine at the alter.  Procedures will be reviewed with students in chapel and in their home room classes.  This is one of our four Holy Eucharist students participate in throughout the academic year, the others occur at Christmas, Easter, and the Baccalaureate service.

Lower School Curriculum Night 

Be sure to join us for Lower School Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 3rd.  This is a chance to hear all about the curriculum and content of your child's grade level and also to hear about special events such as field trips, thematic celebrations, and more.  We hope to see you at 6:30 PM.  Childcare is provided through Extended Day for a small fee.  Please be sure to preregister if you plan on utilizing childcare so Mrs. McDonald can provide sufficient staffing for the evening.  You can preregister by contacting Karen McDonald at kmcdonald@speds.org.  

August Letter to Lower School Parents

I hope you received this letter in your August mailing.  It highlights our Lower School Faculty and also provides a brief update on several pieces of our Lower School Program. 

The Busy Month of May

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, May 6 ~ Middle School Book Fair (5-8 Grades) & Dodge Ball Tournament for Haiti

Thursday, May 7 ~ 4th Grade Field Trip to Jefferson City 7:15-4:30

Friday, May 8 ~ 8th & 2nd Grade Buddy Chapel, Lower School Book Swap, 5th Grade Mercado Day & MS Walk

Monday, May 11- Friday, May 15 ~ 3rd-5th Writing Fair in Second Floor Commons

Tuesday, May 12 ~ K-1st Transition Open House from 9-10

Wednesday, May 13 ~ K-1st Transition Open House from 9-10

Friday, May 15 ~ ROAD Rally 9:30-10:30

Monday, May 18 ~ Yearbook Signing at 10:45 for 3-5th Grades, T-2 Field Day

Tuesday, May 19 ~ 3-8 Field Day & 8th Grade Vs. Faculty Softball Game

Wednesday, May 20 ~ 8th Grade Recognition Chapel in the Gym

Thursday, May 21 ~ Last Day of Classes, 1st & 2nd Skating, & 3rd-5th Going to South Moreland Park

Friday, May 22 ~ Graduation 10-12

Middle School Book Fair, Lower School Book Fair, & Summer Reading

Summer will be here soon which means extra time to dive into a good book just for the fun of it.  Our Parents' Guild helps students prepare by providing an opportunity to obtain some new reading material.  Our 5th through 8th grade students will attend the Middle School Book Fair on Wednesday, May 6th.  Our 1st-4th grade students can bring in gently used books which they can swap out for a new-to-them book.  The Lower School Book Swap will take place Friday, May 8th.  Incoming first through fifth graders will receive a summer reading calendar to document their summer reading.  Incoming third through eighth graders will also have an additional reading assignment for the summer months.  More info on the assigned reading will be available on class blogs and the library blog towards the end of May. 

May Field Trips

The 4th Grade Field Trip to Jefferson City was postponed and rescheduled for Thursday, May 7th.  Students should report to the school no later than 7:10 that morning.  Due to the full schedule, the bus will need to depart on time.  Our 2nd grade students will be walking to the Nelson Atkins on Thursday, May 7th to celebrate the culmination of their Native American unit.  On the last day of school our 1st-2nd graders will go roller skating at Winwood Skating Center and our 3rd-5th grade students will spend the afternoon walking to South Moreland park.

2nd Grade Music Program

Our last music program of the school year is Thursday, 

May 7th at 9 AM and will feature our second graders under the direction of Mrs. Haskamp.  We look forward to seeing parents and special guests of our second graders in the North Multipurpose Room.

Mercado Day

Parents and special guests of our fifth grade students are invited to join us at 2 PM on Friday, May 8th in the South MPR to see all the students learned as they researched a Spanish-speaking country and created a Thinglink to showcase the information.  Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to purchase products from these countries.  We look forward to seeing you there.

3rd-5th Writing Fair

We hope you'll pop into the second floor commons to view the third through fifth graders' writing from this academic year.  You're welcome to join your child before chapel, after dismissal, or whenever you have a few moments to celebrate their hard work and enjoy all of the writing on display.

Kindergarten to First Open House for Parents

Do you have a student who will be a first grader during the 2015-2016 school year?  If so, you are welcome to join us on Tuesday, May 12th or Wednesday, May 13th from 9-10.  Sheila Abio, the Early Childhood Division Head, and Lisa Jones, the Lower School Division Head, will be in the commons to answer any questions you might have and the first graders and teachers will be hard at work carrying on with their normal literacy centers.  This is a great opportunity to see what a morning in first grade looks like.

Fourth Grade ROAD Rally

We would love to invite all parents of our current third and fourth grade students to attend the 2015 ROAD rally on Friday, May 15th from 9:30-10:30 in the gym.  Come see our current fourth graders share their chapter dances and other fun routines they've learned during their ROAD (Reach Out And Dance) classes this year.  This is our second year participating in this program and we look forward to providing this opportunity to next year's fourth graders too.

Field Days

Our toddler through second graders will participate in field day on Monday, May 18th.  Third through fifth graders will have their field day from 9-11 on Tuesday, May 19th.  Parents of third through fifth graders are invited to join their children for some parent/child games from 11-11:30 and for a picnic lunch from 11:30-12ish. 

Haiti Fundraising Underway 

Our students are hard at work raising money for our sister school in Haiti. Our third through fifth graders are making daily contributions to our second floor fundraising efforts.  For each $20 we collect on the second floor, students are adding a large plastic coin to our tree and adding a tree to our wall.  Our first graders worked hard at their First Grade Lemonade Stand and were able to raise over $3,000 for Holy Cross.  Be sure to check out the first grade blog to see all that took place.  A group of fourth grade students took some initiative and created yarn dolls which they sold at the lemonade stand to raise over $140.  Great work, students!!!  You are making the world a better place!!!

April Is Upon Us

Thank you to the auction chairs and all who helped to make the auction a success!  We appreciate all your hard work to create such a fun evening and to raise funds for St. Paul's!

Upcoming Events

Monday, March 30 ~ 3rd Grade to Powell Gardens 

Tuesday, March 31 ~ 4th Grade to Steamboat Arabia &
Meditation Session for Parents &/or Faculty by Ora Stafford 4-5 PM

Thursday, April 2 ~ All School Chapel 

Friday, April 3 ~ No School, Good Friday

Monday, April 6 ~ Haiti Kickoff in Divisional Chapels, CTP Practice Tests this Week

Wednesday, April 8 ~ 3rd-8th Eucharist at 8:30 AM in Sanctuary

Thursday, April 9 ~ 4th to Jeff City, T-2nd Chapel in Church

Friday, April 10 ~ Lit Fest 1st-3rd 8:50-11:35, 4th-6th 11:40-2:20
Saturday, April 11th ~ Love & Logic One Day Class from 9 AM- 5PM

Monday, April 13 - Thursday, April 16  ~ CTP Testing From 8:40 AM-11:15AM
Wednesday, April 15 ~ Love & Logic Class

Friday, April 17 ~ 1st to Zoo & Mid Quarter
Tuesday, April 21 ~ In Harmony Choir Tour 8:45AM-11:15AM & Teaching Empathy Through Reading Class for Parents From 4-4:30 PM
Wednesday, April 22 ~ Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day & Art Fair From 3:30-7:30 PM
Thursday, April 23 ~ 5th Grade to Exchange City

Eucharist Chapel

Parents of students in grades three through eight are invited to join us for Eucharist chapel on Wednesday, April 8.  The service will begin at 8:30 in the sanctuary.  

Lit Fest

The Lit Fest is back and we couldn't be more excited!  Thanks to Parents' Guild, our first through sixth grade students will be attending.  First, second, and third grade students will be attending the morning of Friday, April 10th and the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students will be attending that afternoon.  Mr. N and classroom teachers are previewing author bios and books to help students get the most from this experience.

Community Learning Events
Be sure to check out the Community Learning section of the St. Paul's website to see numerous events that are taking place.  You can also RSVP using the site.

Standardized Testing

Our third through seventh grade students will be taking standardized tests the week of April 13th.  This will be our second year taking the CTP 4 by ERB (Educational Records Bureau).  Students will test from approximately 8:45-11:15 Monday through Thursday morning.  Please help us make sure the students have had a good night's rest, a hearty, protein-packed breakfast, and arrive at school on time.  Students are also encouraged to bring a healthy snack to enjoy between subtests.  All students will participate in a practice test the week prior to testing.

Grandparent& Special Friends' Day

Students in kindergarten, fourth, and eighth grade are encouraged to invite grandparents or special friends to join them on Wednesday, April22.  Kindergarten's guests are invited in the morning and the fourth and eighth grade guests are invited for an afternoon celebration.

February Happenings

Upcoming Events

Monday, February 9 ~ Eloise Greenfield Visits St. Paul's 
Tuesday, February 10 ~ Cultural Arts Event Titled Music Around the World for Preschool-2nd Grade
Wednesday, February 11 ~ Mid quarter & Fifth Grade Presidents Program at 2 PM in North MPR
Thursday, February 12 ~ Fourth Grade Music Showcase at 7 PM
Friday, February 13 ~ Fifth Grade to Union Station & Valentine's Day Parties  
Monday, February 16 ~ Presidents' Day, No School
Tuesday, February 17 ~Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast 7-8:30 AM
Tuesday, February 26 ~ Wine in the Vine Auction Item for Parents of Third Grade Students
Tuesday, March 3 ~ Rainforest Open House
Thursday, March 5 ~ Parent Teacher Conferences 12 PM - 8 PM
Friday, March 6 ~ Parent Teacher Conferences 7:30 AM - 12 PM 
Wednesday, March 11 ~ International Festival for Toddler - 2nd Grade 8:45-9:45

Join Us in Welcoming Author Eloise Greenfield to St. Paul's

We are thrilled to be able to have Mrs. Greenfield join us!  She is the author of over 40 children's books and the recipient of numerous awards throughout her career as an author and poet.  She will be presenting to kindergarten through sixth grade students throughout the day on Monday, February 9th.  Click here to find out more about Eloise Greenfield's life and contributions to children's literature.

Fifth Grade Presidents' Celebration

  If your child is in fifth grade we hope you'll join us to celebrate all of our nation's Presidents at 2 PM on Wednesday, February 11th in the North MPR.  The students and teachers look forward to sharing all of the students' hard work with you as they celebrate all they've learned.

Fourth Grade Music Showcase

Join us as our fourth graders share their love of music and performing with us on Thursday, February 12th at 7 PM in the North MPR.

Valentine's Day Parties 

The last class parties of the year will be here soon. Our first and second grade parties will be from 2-3 PM and our third through fifth grade parties will be from 2:30-3:15.  Thank you to all of the room parents and parent volunteers who make these parties so enjoyable for the students.

 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast

Join our school community on Tuesday, February 17th anytime between 7 and 8:30 AM in the school cafeteria as our eighth graders host the Annual St. Paul's Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast.  For $5 you'll receive a hearty breakfast of pancakes and egg casserole.  All proceeds will go towards the 8th grade class gift.  

Wine in the Vine

If you are the parent of a third grader it's not too late to sign up for Wine in the Vine.  This auction item will be hosted the evening of Tuesday, February 26th and will provide a chance to mingle with other third grade parents and enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres inside the St. Paul's Rainforest.   Please contact Katie Gregg if you would like to participate.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Teachers have sent out the links to sign up for parent teacher conferences.  We truly value this time and are looking forward to sitting down with you to share your child's progress.