STA Weekly Update

We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Ortiz will be joining our St. Thomas Aquinas family as the new second-grade teacher! After a rigorous selection process, including multiple interviews and demo lessons, Ms. Ortiz stood out for her passion for teaching, her commitment to fostering a positive classroom environment, and her dedication to academic excellence.

Ms. Ortiz will officially begin her role on November 4th, but she’ll be on campus the week of October 28th to observe the classroom and meet our students and staff. She is excited to become a part of our community and work alongside our amazing second-grade families.

We look forward to formally introducing her at a Zoom meeting on November 8 at 6 pm, where families will have the chance to meet Ms. Ortiz and learn more about her teaching approach and goals for the class.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://la-archdiocese.zoom.us/j/5897232327?pwd=hGJDBPoa0avpCDA9GaZspT81syDkGf.1

Meeting ID: 589 723 2327
Passcode: sta

Please join us in giving Ms. Ortiz a warm welcome to our school!

We are thrilled to finally welcome Mr. Mendez to the St. Thomas Aquinas School family as our middle school math teacher! Starting on November 15th, Mr. Mendez will join our dedicated team, bringing his passion for math education and a commitment to helping each student excel. With a strong background in middle school instruction and a focus on creating engaging, interactive learning environments, Mr. Mendez is eager to inspire a love for mathematics in our students.

We look forward to formally introducing him at a Zoom meeting on November 19th at 6 pm, where families will have the chance to meet Mr. Mendez and learn more about his teaching approach and goals for the class.

Mr. Mendez will also be present during parent-teacher conferences so that you have an opportunity to meet him in person.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://la-archdiocese.zoom.us/j/5897232327?pwd=hGJDBPoa0avpCDA9GaZspT81syDkGf.1

Meeting ID: 589 723 2327
Passcode: sta

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Mendez to our school community!

Student Costume Parade at 10 am.

• Classroom celebrations 8:15- 9:30
• Student Recess 9:30- 9:50
• We will host a student Halloween costume parade from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. All parents are welcome to attend.
• Student Lunch 12:00-12:30
• We will not have mass on Thursday, so students are allowed to bring appropriate props. No fake weapons.
• Teachers will have an obstacle race dressed in costumes.
• Early dismissal at 12:30 pm.

• We will have school mass on Friday, 11/1/24.
• Students can dress up as saints or wear their professional mass uniforms.

• Students who need to take their pictures must wear their mass uniform for the makeup day.
• Families who did not like the first set of photos can retake them on the makeup day for no additional cost. You must bring the photo packet and return it to the company.
• Students can change into regular school uniforms after pictures are done.
• If students are participating in the $1 Dodger fundraiser, they can change into their Dodgers jersey after pictures are done.

Submit payment to the homeroom teacher. The 8th grade will collect the funds at the end of the day.

We are honored to invite you and your family to join us for a special Veterans Tribute Mass as we pray and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. This Mass is an opportunity for our school community to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

We encourage you to invite any veterans in your family or circle of friends to attend as we recognize their service during the Mass.

Thank you for helping us honor those who have given so much for our freedom. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://la-archdiocese.zoom.us/j/5897232327?pwd=hGJDBPoa0avpCDA9GaZspT81syDkGf.1

Meeting ID: 589 723 2327
Passcode: sta

We would like to remind you that the first trimester of the school year will officially conclude on November 8, 2024. It has been a productive and rewarding few months, and we are proud of the progress our students have made.

Report cards will be sent home shortly after the trimester ends, and we encourage you to take time to review them with your child. This is an important milestone, and a great opportunity to reflect on their achievements and set goals for the next trimester.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education. If you have any questions or would like to meet with your child’s teacher, please don't hesitate to reach out.

This is a reminder that school will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans Day. We take this day to honor and express our gratitude for the service and sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces.

Classes will resume on Tuesday, November 12. We hope you enjoy this time with your families and join us in remembering and thanking our veterans.

Report Cards will be sent home on November 12, 2024.

Homeroom teachers will send out a sign up so that you can choose a time slot to meet and discuss your student(s) academic progress.

Middle school teachers will host meetings together to facilitate the process. I will be present in the meetings to discuss math grades as well as student strengths and areas of growth.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we’re excited to host a special luncheon for our students to celebrate gratitude, community, and togetherness. We would love for parents to join us in making this event memorable for the students!

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 22, 2024

Time: 11:00 am

Location: St. Thomas Aquinas School

We are seeking volunteers to assist with food, decorations, setup, and cleanup. If you are available to help or would like to contribute in any way, we will send out a signup sheet next week.

Thank you for your support and partnership in creating a wonderful experience for our students. Together, we can make this Thanksgiving luncheon a warm and festive celebration!

Bishop Brian Nunez is inviting all students to participate in his Christmas Card Design Contest!

Students are encouraged to design a Christmas Card and submit their design for an opportunity to be selected as as his official 2024 Christmas Card.

Find all the the information in the attachment below.