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

10/9/25

10/16/25

10/23/25

10/30/25

We apologize for the technical difficulties experienced last week during Mr. Castanon's introductory meeting.

In an effort to address all questions and ensure everyone has an opportunity to hear from Mr. Castanon, we will host another meeting on Thursday 10/9/25 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

Dear STA Families,

Please note that there will be no school on Monday, October 13 in observance of Indigenous People’s Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 14.

We wish all our families a safe and restful long weekend.

Grab a burger with your family for dinner and automatically support the school!

STA decathlon team will meet every Tuesday afterschool from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm in the 8th grade classroom.

Contracts are due back on October 17, 2025.

pdf

insert_drive_file

24-25 Academic Decathlon Contract (1).pdf

Download

137.0 KB

I would like to invite all 8th grade parents to join me for a meeting to discuss the next steps in your child's educational journey, High School.

We will discuss the entrance exam, high school tours, and get a list of high schools you would like to have a meeting with.

We will also discuss end of the year activities.

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

8th Grade will be hosting two fundraisers during STA B Team Volleyball home games.

Come out and support the snack sale to make 8th grade banquet a blast for our class of 2026.

Cheer is ready to kick off for the school year.

Practice will take place on Fridays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

This year we will have two teams:

Team A: 5th- 8th

Team B: Tk- 4th

Dear STA Families,

We invite you to join us for our second School Family Mass on 10/19/25 at 11:20 am. This special Mass will be led by our 8th grade class, who will take part in the readings and other ministries.

We look forward to gathering as a school community in prayer and faith. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow spiritually.

Vision to Learn will visit STA to provide free vision screening and eye exams for all of our students. The permission slips went with the students this week. You only need to return the document if you do NOT wish for your child to participate.

Screening date: Monday, October 20, 2025

Exam dates: November 18, 19 & 20, 2025

pdf

insert_drive_file

St. Thomas Aquinas.pdf

Privacy Notice - English-Spanish.pdf

Fall 2025 Opt-Out Consent english and spanish 1 (DCS Logo).pdf

Download

1.1 MB

Please take a look at Student Council's haunted house wishlist. Every $15 donation will count as 1 service hour so long as you submit the receipt to the office.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/330M6MO7PRR19?ref_=wl_share

1. Harvest Festival Candy Donations:

We’re asking each family to help us make this year’s Harvest Festival a sweet success by donating 2 lbs of candy per family. The candy will be used for our Trunk or Treat and game booths. Please send donations to your child’s classroom teacher by October 21. Families will receive one service hour for every $15 spent on candy with a submitted receipt. Thank you for helping us make this a fun event for our students!

2. PTO has provided the sign up genius to register for event donations.

"Thank you for your continued help and support. It is through your generosity of time, talent, and resources that we are able to provide meaningful experiences for our students and school community. Your partnership makes a real difference in the success of our events and programs.

Below, you will find important information and upcoming opportunities to get involved. Together, we can continue building a strong, faith-filled, and vibrant community for our children.

We are looking for volunteers to help us with set-up and clean-up for the Harvest Festival, as well as donations to support the event. If you are interested, please sign up using the link provided."

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DAAAD2AA1F9C52-59186415-harvest?useFullSite=true#/

Donation Drop-Off:
Please request items to be dropped off at the school office no later than Thursday, October 23, with receipt. The office will be closed on the day of the Harvest Festival, so we won’t be able to accept items then.

From Thursday, October 23 through Thursday, October 30, 2025, our school will join communities across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week. This important week reminds us of the value of living a drug-free life—one that protects our health, strengthens our future, and allows us to live out God’s plan for us.

Students will take part in activities and themed days that encourage them to make safe, healthy, and positive choices. Together, as a school and family community, we can inspire our children to embrace the benefits of a drug-free life: strong minds, healthy bodies, and bright futures.

Thank you for your support in guiding our students to choose wisely today and every day.

10/23/25 "Sock it to drugs" Crazy socks day with mass uniform.

10/27/25 "Follow your Dreams, Be Drug Free" Pajama Day.

10/28/25 "Team up against drugs" Jersey Day with Jeans.

10/29/25 "Rockn the 50s, Rolling Drug Free" 50s Day.

10/30/25 "Put a Cap on Drugs" Wear a red cap and/or red accessories with mass uniform.

Student costume contest on Campus at 10 am.

We invite you to join us for a day full of spooky surprises.

Please join us for the first coffee with the principal & pastor of the school year at 8:20 am in the parish hall. We ask that you wait until carline dismal is over to enter campus.