The Flame

Dear SLS Families,

As October draws to a close and we transition into November, we enter a wonderful season of gratitude, faith, and community outreach.

Understanding All Hallows' Eve: As we approach the end of the month, families often ask about the Catholic perspective on Halloween. Halloween originates as All Hallows' Eve—the vigil of All Saints' Day. Historically, Catholics dressed as saints on this evening to honor those who came before us and celebrated their inspiring lives and deep devotion to Jesus Christ. It serves as a great reminder of the communion of saints and our own daily calling to walk in faith.

Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive: Throughout November, our school will be hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive to help those who are less fortunate.

• Grade-Level Collections: Each grade level will be assigned specific non-perishable items to bring in.

• Distribution: Our Student Council will organize the collected items into food bags and distribute them to local families on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

• Thank You: Thank you in advance for your extraordinary generosity and support! This food goes directly to families in need within our very own community.

We Are Here to Support You: If your family is currently struggling to provide basic necessities, please reach out to me directly in complete confidence. Our parish has a wonderful St. Vincent de Paul Society that is ready and equipped to help. Please know that we are here to support our entire school and parish community—we are in this together!

Staying Focused on Academics: Finally, thank you for all that you do each and every day to encourage your children to work hard in their studies. As we approach the upcoming holiday season, it can sometimes be difficult for students to keep their "heads in the game." Your continued support and partnership at home make all the difference in keeping our students focused and successful.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our school community.

God Bless,

Sister Carolyn Braun, IHM

• Friday, October 23rd
• Trunk or Treat at 6:30-7:30pm - sign up here
• Thursday, October 29th
• Parent/Teacher Conferences after school from 3-7pm
• NO CARES after school
• Friday, October 30th
• Parent/Teacher Conferences from 7:30am - 11:30am
• Students join their parents in the conferences (4th - 8th graders)
• No School for students because they are included in the conferences.
• Monday, November 2nd
• School Mass at 9:30am - Feast of All Souls' Day
• Monday, November 9th
• Canned Food Drive begins!
• Friday, November 20th
• Movie Night @ 6:30pm
• In the Cafeteria
• Tuesday, November 24th
• School Mass at 10:30am
• HALF-DAY of School
• NO CARES after school
• Faculty Meeting
• Wednesday, November 25th - Friday, November 27th
• Thanksgiving Break
• No School for Students

A Note from Our Development Director, Jeffrey Southworth:

Hello, St. Laurence families! This month, one of our exciting areas of focus is reconnecting with St. Laurence alumni and finding new ways to keep them engaged with our school community. If you know any alumni or have family members or friends who attended St. Laurence, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out and help us continue building our alumni network. You can reach me at jsouthworth@saintlaurence.org.

I would also like to thank everyone who completed our Family and Community Business Connections Form. Your responses will help us better understand the businesses, professional expertise, and potential partnerships within the St. Laurence community. We truly appreciate your willingness to connect and support our school! If you did not fill it out and would like to take a look and consider, please follow this link - Family and Community Business Connections Form.

Continue to please keep an eye out for information about Pennsylvania’s EITC program and the launch of our Annual Appeal which will be available in the coming weeks!

Eligible individuals and businesses may be able to redirect their Pennsylvania state tax dollars to support Catholic education and receive a 90% tax credit through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.

Join Vic D’Ascenzo from the Foundation for Catholic Education for a brief virtual information session to learn how EITC works, ask questions, and determine whether the program may be a good fit for you.

Monday, October 26 | 6:30–7:00 p.m. | Zoom

There is no obligation to participate.

Click Here To RSVP

St. Laurence families are invited to Bonner & Prendie’s 3rd Annual Veterans Recognition Celebration & Breakfast on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Join our fellow Catholic school community for a meaningful morning honoring our veterans. See the flyer below for details.

School lunch program starts on Monday, September 8th.

Click on the link below to order for your child.

Saturday Vigil — 4:30PM

Vigilia del sábado — 7:00PM en español

Sunday — 7:30AM & 11:30AM in English

Domingo — 9:00AM en español

St. Alice — 10:00AM in Vietnamese

Please share this link with those in the community, your family members, and your friends! Spread the word about St. Laurence! We would love for others to join us in our mission to spread the Gospel message to everyone! Donate today!

• Parents should check Option C regularly to know how their child is doing academically.
• Car Riders for dismissal must be picked up at the back parking lot. No parent can pick up their child by car in the front lot. Front lot is for buses and daycare vans only.

St. Laurence Catholic School

Main Office: Mrs. Betsy Santiago, 610-789-2670

Tuition Help: Mrs. Betsy Santiago, 610-789-2670

FACTS Help: Sister Michele Smith, 610-789-2670
Website: saintlaurence.org
Location: 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, Pa 19082
Phone: (610) 789-2670
Facebook: St. Laurence Page
Instagram: St. Laurence Instagram