Here's to a Terrific 2015!

Welcome back to school. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas Break and that your New Year is off to a great start!  We are looking forward to a spectacular year here at St. Paul's.

Upcoming Events

Monday, January 5 ~ No School, Professional Development Day
Tuesday, January 6 ~ Classes Resume
Thursday, January 8 ~ 3rd Grade Morning Math at 7:45
Friday, January 9 ~ End of 2nd Quarter
Tuesday, January 13 ~ 5th & 6th Grade Math Club at 7:15, State of the School Address to Parents at 6 PM in North MPR
Wednesday, January 14 ~ State of the School Address to Parents at 8:30 AM in North MPR
Thursday, January 15 ~ 4th Grade Science Club at 7:30 & 3rd Grade Morning Math at 7:45
Monday, January 19 ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
Tuesday, January 27 ~ Cultural Arts Event Titled To Whom It May Inspire Produced by The Coterie for K-5 from 10-11:15
Friday, January 30 ~ Feed the Need 
Thursday, February 5 ~ Hooray For the USA from 9:15-10:15 & Noon Dismissal for Professional Development
Friday, February 6 ~ 4th Grade to Coterie to See The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
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 ~ Midquarter & Fifth Grade Presidents Program at 2 PM in North MPR
Thursday, February 12 ~ Fourth Grade Music Showcase at 7 PM
Friday, February 13 ~ Valentine's Day Parties  
Monday, February 16 ~ Presidents' Day, No School
Tuesday, February 17 ~Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast 

Wonderful Resource

Recently, some of our teachers and administrators participated in an ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) webinar titled “Raising Resilient Children in a World Filled with Stress & Pressure" which was presented by Dr. Robert Brooks.  The webinar provided some great strategies for helping raise, discipline, and guide children so that they develop resilience and are able to deal comfortably and effectively with setbacks and mistakes.  ISACS has posted the recorded version of the webinar at http://www.isacs.org/page/472128_Learning_Bridge_Webinar_Login.asp.  It will be available until January 16^th and can be accessed by visiting the link above and selecting “12/3/14 - Raising Resilient Children in a World Filled with Stress & Pressure" with Robert Brooks and using the password “rowing”.

State of the School Addresses

Join Mr. Myler in the North MPR at 6 PM on Tuesday, January 13th or at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, January 14th to hear him speak about the State of the School.  We look forward to seeing you there.

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.  While we are still working on the scheduling, she will be presenting to students throughout the day on Monday, February 9th.  More details to come soon.  In the mean time, click here to find out more about Eloise Greenfield's life and contributions to children's literature.

Hooray For The USA & Presidents' Celebration

Our first and fifth grade students are back at work learning about famous Americans and our national leaders.  If you have a child in first grade we look forward to celebrating the culmination of the first grade famous Americans thematic unit on Thursday, February 5th at 9:15 in the North MPR.  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 as our eighth graders and their parents 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.  

Much thanks to the Parents' Guild and all the parents for the terrific cultural arts events!  We are looking forward to several great events over the next few months! 

 

Eucharist Chapel, Ice Skating, Christmas Break, & Webinar Resource

Have a fabulous Christmas break!  We look forward to possibly seeing you at Eucharist Chapel on Friday, December 19th (grades 3-8 only) or at Line Creek (grades 3-5 only) on that same day from 9:45-11:45.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, December 18 ~ T-2 Grade Chapel in the Sanctuary, Fifth Grade Presidents' Lock In
Friday, December 19 ~ 3rd- 8th Grade Eucharist Chapel, Ice Skating Field Trip for 3rd-5th Grades

Ice Skating Field Trip

On Friday, December 19th our 3rd through 5th grade students will go ice skating at Line Creek Community Center.  We hope to skate from 9:45-11:45.  Students are welcome to bring their own ice skates/hockey skates if they wish but skates will be provided.  Students may bring $3 or less if they would like to purchase something from the snack bar.  We would love to have you join us for this fun event.  There is an adult fee of $4 for any adult wishing to skate.  Maybe we'll see you there!

Wonderful Resource

Recently, some of our teachers and administrators participated in an ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) webinar titled “Raising Resilient Children in a World Filled with Stress & Pressure" which was presented by Dr. Robert Brooks.  The webinar provided some great strategies for helping raise, discipline, and guide children so that they develop resilience and are able to deal comfortably and effectively with setbacks and mistakes.  ISACS has posted the recorded version of the webinar at http://www.isacs.org/page/472128_Learning_Bridge_Webinar_Login.asp.  It will be available until January 16^th and can be accessed by visiting the link above and selecting “12/3/14 - Raising Resilient Children in a World Filled with Stress & Pressure" with Robert Brooks and using the password “rowing”. 

 

 

Christmas Programs & Much Much More

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We are making the most of these next three weeks and have lots happening at St. Paul's and in the Lower School.  We look forward to celebrating this Christmas Season with you!

Upcoming Events

Thursday, December 4 ~ 3rd-5th Grade Christmas Program at 7 PM
Friday, December 5 ~ Read For 2015 for 3rd-5th Grades
Wednesday, December 10 ~ 5th Grade Field Trip to See A Christmas Carol
Thursday, December 11~ 3rd Grade Field Trip to See The Nutcracker
Friday, December 12 ~ 1st and 2nd Grade Christmas Program
Monday, December 15 ~  In Harmony Field Trip
Wednesday, December 17 ~ 2nd Grade to Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer
Thursday, December 18 ~ T-2 Grade Chapel in the Sanctuary, Fifth Grade Presidents' Lock In
Friday, December 19 ~ 3rd- 8th Grade Eucharist Chapel, Ice Skating Field Trip for 3rd-5th Grades

Christmas Programs

We hope you'll join us as we celebrate the holiday season. Our first Christmas program will be put on by our third through fifth grade students on Thursday, December 4th at 7 PM.  Upon arrival students should gather with teachers in the under croft of the church.  Due to construction, we ask that all parents and guests enter the church through the main entrance on 40th street.  Students are welcome to enter using the entrance near the school parking lot.  Please see Mrs. Everly's blog for more information about arrival time and dress attire.  Our first and second graders will perform on Friday, December 12th at 9:15 in the North MPR.  We look forward to sharing the joy of the season with you at these special performances.

Read For 2015

Our third through fifth grade students are gearing up to read for 2015 seconds to celebrate the upcoming New Year.  On the afternoon of Friday, December 5th these students will gather in the second floor commons as they enjoy a good book followed by hot chocolate and cookies.  Students are welcome to bring a small stuffed animal or pillow to lay on as they delve into their books.

Family Yoga
St. Paul's Community Learning Center is hosting two family yoga sessions for parents and children.  The first session will be led by Mrs. Zavagnin and will be on Tuesday, December 9th from 4-5 in the ECC commons.  The second session will be led by Ms. Lauren Hruby and will be on Saturday, December 13th from 10-11 in the ECC commons.  There is a limit of 12 families per class so be sure to sign up soon.  The cost is $15 per session.  Please see the flyer to access the sign up sheet.

In Harmony Field Trip

Our first semester of In Harmony Choir is wrapping up and will culminate in a field trip where students can showcase all they've learned.  On Monday, December 15th all participants who've missed fewer than three practices will travel to Crown Center as well as two local living facilities to share their love of music with shoppers and/or residents.  Much thanks to Mrs. Everly and Senora Meli for helping lead these young performers. 

Ice Skating Field Trip

On Friday, December 19th our 3rd through 5th grade students will go ice skating at Line Creek Community Center.  We hope to skate from 9:45-11:45.  Students are welcome to bring their own ice skates/hockey skates if they wish but skates will be provided.  Students may bring $3 or less if they would like to purchase something from the snack bar.  We would love to have you join us for this fun event.  There is an adult fee of $4 for any adult wishing to skate.  Maybe we'll see you there!

Advent Happenings

This week in chapel on the second floor we've talked about sharing our light with others during this Christmas season.  We've talked about several ways to do this including:

1. Bringing in stocking stuffer item(s) for our Lower School Service Project which will benefit children whose families receive help from the St. Paul's Food Pantry

2. Singing or playing a musical instrument during our daily divisional chapels.  Students may sign up with Mrs. Jones or their classroom teacher.  Musical offerings will begin Monday, December 8th and continue through Thursday, December 18th.  

3. Celebrate their family and share a wish for the world

Students can make and share a family ornament to hang on the second floor tree during chapel.  

Halloween & the Book Fair are Upon Us

Thanks for joining us for Parent Teacher Conferences!  We value this opportunity to check in with you regarding your child's academic and social development and truly appreciate our partnership with you.  Working with supportive parents who are invested in their child's education is one of the wonderful things about St. Paul's.

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 24th ~ Parent Teacher Conferences from 7:30 AM - 12 PM
Monday, October 27th ~ First Grade to Folly Theater to See Curious George
Wednesday, October 29th ~ Lee Denim Day for Breast Cancer Research- 3rd-5th Grade Students may Purchase Cookies During Lunch,  Second and Third Grade Attend Zoomobile Event on Amazon Animals
Friday, October 31st ~ Halloween Ball at 9AM for T-2nd Grade, Second Grade to Bishop Spencer Place, and Class Halloween Parties
Wednesday, November 5th ~ Family Night at the Book Fair 3:30-6
Thursday, November 6th & 7th ~ Students Visit the Book Fair with their Classes
Wednesday, November 12th ~ T-2 Grade Open House for Prospective Families at 9 AM, Mayor Sly James Visits with 3rd-8th Grade Students and St. Paul's Community From 2:15-3 in the North MPR
Thursday, November 13th ~ 3rd Grade Oregon Trails Day
Wednesday, November 19 ~ Mid Quarter
Thursday, November 20th ~ 1st Grade to Folly Theater to See Stella- Queen of the Snow
Tuesday, November 25th ~ Lower School Thanksgiving Chapel in the Church
Wednesday, November 26th - Friday, November 28th ~ Thanksgiving Break


ISACS Survey
If you haven't taken the survey yet, please do.  It will be closing very soon and we want your input.  Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to share your feedback with us.  We truly appreciate it.

Halloween Celebrations
Halloween is a very busy day at St. Paul's!  Students are invited to wear their costumes to school on Friday, October 31st.  We ask that they refrain from wearing any costumes that are too gory or scary and that they do not bring any inappropriate props such as fake weapons with them to school that day.  After All School Chapel, our toddler through second grade students will participate in the annual Halloween Ball in the Parish Hall where they'll sing lots of fun, festive songs and parade around in their costumes.  Later that morning, our second graders will visit Bishop Spencer Place where they will perform their Halloween Ball songs and will also trick or treat with the residents.  Our first and second grade class 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 for helping plan these special events.

Do you know someone who is interested in our toddler through second grade program?
If so, be sure to have them contact Jill McGee.  We will be hosting a T-2nd Grade Open House for prospective families on Wednesday, November 12th at 9AM.

Book Fair
We hope to see you at Family Night on Wednesday, November 5th.  Come preview and/or purchase books and socialize with other St. Paul's families and community members.  Students will be visiting the Book Fair with their classes on Thursday and Friday of that same week.  Parents are welcome to join their child during his/her scheduled time.  If students wish to purchase books, they may bring cash or a signed charge form to charge it to your St. Paul's account.

Mayor Sly James is coming to St. Paul's!
You are welcome to join us for his presentation Wednesday, November 12th from 2:15-3 in the North MPR.  Mayor James will be speaking about the importance of giving back and being active in our Midtown community.  Our third through eighth grade students will also be attending.

Lower School Thanksgiving Chapel
Join us for our annual Lower School Thanksgiving Chapel to celebrate our gratitude for the many blessings in our lives.  This chapel will be for first through fifth grades and will begin at 8:30 on Tuesday, November 25th.

A Successful Buddy Run & Lots More Fun Events To Come

Thanks to all who made the Buddy Run so much fun!  It was nice to see all the school spirit and to see buddies exercising together and encouraging one another!  

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, October 8th ~ 1st Grade Field Trip to Pumpkin Patch
Friday, October 10th ~ 3rd Grade Field Trip to Mahaffie Farmstead
Monday, October 13th ~ Columbus Day, No School Due to Professional Development
Wednesday, October 15th ~ 4th Grade Cultural Arts Trip to Kauffman Center
Thursday, October 16 ~ T-2nd Grade Open House for Prospective Families & Fifth Grade Showcase at 7 PM
 Friday, October 17 ~ End of 1st Quarter & Feed the Need Friday
Tuesday, October 21st ~ Chef to School Day, 3rd Grade Food Art Class with the Chef, & Make-up Picture Day
Wednesday, October 22nd ~ 1st Grade Music Program at 9 AM
Thursday, October 23rd ~ Parent Teacher Conferences from 12 PM -8 PM
Friday, October 24th ~ Parent Teacher Conferences from 7:30 AM - 12 PM
Monday, October 27th ~ First Grade to Folly Theater to See Curious George
Wednesday, October 29th ~ Second and Third Grade Attend Zoomobile Event on Amazon Animals
Friday, October 31st ~ Halloween Ball at 9AM for T-2nd Grade, Second Grade to Bishop Spencer Place, and Class Halloween Parties
Thursday, November 5th - 7th ~ Book Fair


Field Trips & Cultural Arts Events
Be sure to check your child's grade level blog for all upcoming field trips.  We have several scheduled for October.
Much thanks to our Parents Guild and Cultural Arts Representative for helping arrange numerous, exciting Cultural Art activities!  We are thrilled to offer these events to our students and would not be able to do it without the assistance of Parents' Guild.

1st & 5th Grade Musical Programs
We hope you'll join us for these grade level performances.  The students and their teachers have been working hard to prepare for their performances.  First Grade will perform at 9 AM on Wednesday, October 22nd and fifth grade will perform at 7 PM on Thursday, October 16th.  Both performances will take place in the North MPR.

Parent Teacher Conferences
We are looking forward to visiting with you at Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 23rd and Friday, October 24th.  Sign ups became available last month and can be accessed by the emailed link and/or by accessing the link via the class blog.

ISACS Survey
Mr. Myler will be sending out a communique sharing information about our upcoming ISACS survey.  This is a standard electronic survey that is conducted through our accreditation organization.  We'll be opening the survey soon and are hoping that you'll take the time to share your input with us.  Our hope is to have 100% of all constituents complete the survey. Thank you in advance for your time and input.

Halloween Celebrations
Halloween is a very busy day at St. Paul's!  Students are invited to wear their costumes to school on Friday, October 31st.  We ask that they refrain from wearing any costumes that are too gory or scary and that they do not bring any inappropriate props such as fake weapons with them to school that day.  After All School Chapel, our toddler through second grade students will participate in the annual Halloween Ball in the Parish Hall where they'll sing lots of fun, festive songs and parade around in their costumes.  Later that morning, our second graders will visit Bishop Spencer Place where they will perform their Halloween Ball songs and will also trick or treat with the residents.  Our first and second grade class 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 for helping plan these special events.

Do you know someone who is interested in our toddler through second grade program?
If so, be sure to have them contact Jill McGee.  We will be hosting a T-2nd Grade Open House for prospective families on Thursday, October 19th at 9AM.

Please help us welcome Mr. Casey Howell

While Mrs. Shurtleff is on maternity leave, Mr. Casey Howell will be teaching first through fourth grade PE classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.  Mr. Howell is certified in kindergarten through twelfth grade physical education and is excited to be joining our St. Paul’s community.  He is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and, during his student teaching experiences, taught several different physical education courses at Blue Springs High School and worked with kindergarten through fifth graders at Cordill-Mason Elementary School.  He has also taught summer school and substitute taught in the Independence School District for several years.

Mr. Howell can be reached at chowell@speds.org or at 816.268.6595.

Thank you for helping us welcome him to St. Paul’s. 

Noon Dismissal, Mr. Howell, In Harmony & Buddy Run

Reminder: NOON DISMISSAL ON SEPT. 24 FOR ALL STUDENTS
CARPOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS WILL START AT 12:00
(please be patient, carpool may run a little longer)
LUNCH WILL NOT BE SERVED FOR STUDENTS. IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE STAYING IN EXTENDED DAY THEY WILL NEED TO
BRING A  SACK LUNCH.

 
Upcoming Events

Wednesday, September 24th ~ Kindergarten Music Program at 9 AM & Noon Dismissal for Professional Development

Friday, September 26th ~  Feed the Need, Second Grade Field Trip to Sea Life, & Buddy Run Pep Rally at 3
Monday, October 29th ~ In Harmony Choir Starts Rehearsals at 7:30

Thursday, October 2nd ~ 6th Grade Showcase at 7 PM

Friday, October 3rd ~ Buddy Run
Wednesday, October 8th ~ 1st Grade Field Trip to Pumpkin Patch
Friday, October 10th ~ 3rd Grade Field Trip to Mahaffie Farmstead
Monday, October 13th ~ Columbus Day, No School Due to Professional Development
Wednesday, October 15th ~ 4th Grade Cultural Arts Trip to Kauffman Center
Thursday, October 16 ~ Fifth Grade Showcase at 7 PM
 Friday, October 17 ~ End of 1st Quarter
Tuesday, October 21st ~ Chef to School Day, 3rd Grade Food Art Class with the Chef
Wednesday, October 22nd ~ 1st Grade Music Program at 9 AM
Thursday, October 23rd ~ Parent Teacher Conferences from 12 PM -8 PM
Friday, October 24th ~ Parent Teacher Conferences from 7:30 AM - 12 PM

Please help us welcome Mr. Casey Howell

While Mrs. Shurtleff is on maternity leave, Mr. Casey Howell will be teaching first through fourth grade PE classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.  Mr. Howell is certified in kindergarten through twelfth grade physical education and is excited to be joining our St. Paul’s community.  He is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and, during his student teaching experiences, taught several different physical education courses at Blue Springs High School and worked with kindergarten through fifth graders at Cordill-Mason Elementary School.  He has also taught summer school and substitute taught in the Independence School District for several years. 

Mr. Howell can be reached at chowell@speds.org or at 816.268.6595.

Thank you for helping us welcome him to St. Paul’s. 

Buddy Run

Next Friday students will join their buddies in the 5^th Annual Buddy Run.  Each student will receive a Buddy Run t-shirt next week and should wear the shirt next Friday for the event. There are three great incentives this year to celebrate students’ collective fundraising success:

·         The student with the most sponsors (aunts, uncles, neighbors and family friends) will join his or her buddy get to cut the ribbon and announce the start of the run.

·         The class with the most spirit will receive a doughnut party

·         The class with the most sponsors will receive a pizza party

You can find more information about the Buddy Run by visiting the Buddy Run page of our website, including a sample letter your child can share with family and friends to encourage their support.

In Harmony Choir

Starting on Monday, September 29^th and continuing each Monday school is in session through December 15^th, students in grades first through sixth are invited to join Mrs. Everly in her music room at 7:30am. We will prepare for performances at All School Chapel, Christmas, and more.  We are putting together plans for a performance at Crown Center (pending an available performance spot) and/or some area nursing homes in December. To participate in this performance, students cannot miss more than three rehearsals. 

All interested students may join – from novice to professional, shower singer to stage singer.  We will have additional sign-ups for the choir in the spring semester.  Be sure to click on this link if you need an additional sign up sheet.

Jeff Lanza Presentation 

Retired FBI agent Jeff Lanza spoke to our middle school recently about online safety. While he gave the students lots of tips on safety (and common sense) online, he asked them to remember at least this one thing from his presentation: "Before you share - THINK. Do you really want your post/like/comment/photo to be out there forever? The internet never forgets."

Interested parents can view a video of his presentation HERE. 

Note: the presentation mentions some sensitive topics, so we recommend that parents view the presentation before sharing with students.
 

Keeping Everyone Healthy
Ms. Kuhls, our school nurse, has reminded us all of the importance of encouraging students to thoroughly wash their hands throughout the school day.  This is a good reminder always, but, with additional illnesses that have been especially hitting our youth, it's a great message to send to our students both at home and at school.  Ms. Kuhl's has also been in communication with some grade levels regarding lice.  Please help us by checking your child's hair and reporting any known and treated cases.  It's always a good practice to have girls pull their hair up and to remind all students that they should respect personal space and never share items like hats, headbands, etc.  Additional information about lice can be found in the letter that was sent out to parents on Friday, October 19th.  An electronic copy can be accessed via this link.