STA Weekly Newsletter

Dear STA Families,

This September 15 – October 15, we proudly join in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This special time is dedicated to honoring the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and countless contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our nation and to our Catholic faith.

At St. Thomas Aquinas, we recognize that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Hispanic traditions bring with them a deep love of family, strong faith, and a commitment to community—all values that enrich our school family and reflect the very heart of our mission.

As we celebrate this month, let us remember the importance of embracing our shared heritage, learning from one another, and teaching our children the beauty of unity in diversity. Together, we give thanks for the gifts each culture brings to our school and to the broader community of faith.

Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

The teachers will have different classroom activities for the students throughout the month.

On the following dates, students are allowed to wear cultural outfits instead of the uniform. This is NOT free dress. Only cultural attire is allowed. If the student is wearing free dress, we will call you and ask you to bring their uniform.

9/17/25

9/24/25

10/1/25

10/8/25

10/15/25

Dear STA Families,

I would like to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of following our carline procedures during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. While it may sometimes feel more convenient to park and walk, the carline provides a much safer and more efficient process for both students and parents.

The benefits of our carline system include:

• Controlled environment: Students are dropped off and picked up in a supervised area, reducing the chance of accidents in the parking lot.

• Reduced traffic hazards: By staying in vehicles, parents help limit congestion and prevent unsafe crossings.

• Consistent routines: Students learn safe habits by following the same procedure each day.

• Efficient flow: Cars move in a single direction, making transitions quicker and safer.

• Staff supervision: Teachers and staff are on duty to guide students and watch for any safety concerns.

• Campus security: A structured system makes it easier to monitor who is coming and going.

• Peace of mind for parents: By limiting foot traffic in the parking lot, the carline also helps prevent unnecessary parent-to-parent confrontations or disagreements that can arise during busy times.

Parents who prefer may still park their car and walk their child to the school gate, which also ensures a safe and supervised arrival.

By working together and respecting these procedures, we ensure that the safety of our children remains the top priority. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our school community safe.

The Benefits of 2-Hour Block Periods in Core Subjects

This school year, we have returned to a 2-hour block schedule. While last year we adjusted to 1-hour periods to incorporate 5th grade into the middle school rotation, teachers found that shortened class times limited opportunities for deeper instruction and meaningful support.

The 2-hour block schedule provides several key benefits:

• Time for Full Lessons: Teachers can introduce new material, engage students in guided practice, and still leave time for independent work—all within one class period.

• Deeper Understanding: Longer blocks allow teachers to explore topics in greater depth, giving students the chance to apply concepts rather than rushing through material.

• Intervention and Enrichment: Extended time makes it possible to support struggling learners with small-group intervention, while also challenging advanced students with enrichment activities—all within the same class.

• Consistent Routines: Students benefit from a focused learning environment with fewer transitions between classes, which reduces lost instructional time.

• Teacher Flexibility: Educators can incorporate a variety of teaching strategies (discussion, projects, collaborative work, assessments) without feeling pressed for time.

By keeping 5th grade in the middle school rotation and returning to this proven structure, we are ensuring that all students receive the instructional time, support, and enrichment they need to succeed.

Lunch forms went home with the students on Monday, 9/15/25.

The lunch forms are due back at the office on Friday, 9/19/25.

Remember that we are unable to accept late forms because they are submitted to the lunch program at the end of the day on Friday, 9/19/25.

Our 8th Grade Class of 2026 is excited to partner with Chipotle for a delicious fundraiser! Join us for dinner and help support our students.

Event Details:
Location: Chipotle – 2180 S Atlantic Blvd Ste B, Monterey Park, CA 91754
Date: Thursday, September 18th
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

How to Support:

• In person: Simply show the flyer at checkout (attached to this email).

• Online pickup orders: Use code EGX3B9G at checkout.

25% of all event sales will be donated to our 8th grade class!

Thank you in advance for your support. We can’t wait to see you there!

Please join Mr. Borgerding on Thursday for an open forum to discuss Faith.

Students must wear Mass Uniform for picture day.

Please make sure your child's hair is done properly and help them with their tie in the morning.

Sunday Funday raffle tickets went home with students on September 5th.

They are due to the school office no later than September 26th.

Reminder that students will be performing for the event after Family Mass.

We invite you to join us for our first family Mass of the school year, led by our student council.

Mass begins promptly at 11:30 am.

Next PTO meeting will be on Thursday 10/2/25 at 6:30 pm.

Topic: Marco Juarez's Personal Meeting Room
Join Zoom Meeting
https://la-archdiocese.zoom.us/j/5897232327?pwd=hGJDBPoa0avpCDA9GaZspT81syDkGf.1

Meeting ID: 589 723 2327
Passcode: sta

All of the students have received a physical copy of the AUP.

Please keep the first pages with all of the information about the contract; we only need the signature page returned to the homeroom teacher.

The students are unable to receive an iPad until the AUP has been submitted.

​Ms. Vazquez

Office Aide

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Please Note: Dates and times are subject to change. We will notify you as soon as possible if any adjustments are made.