STA Weekly Newsletter
September 30, 2025
Hispanic Heritage Month
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
School Masses for the Month of October
10/2/25
10/9/25
10/16/25
10/23/25
10/30/25
10/2/25 PTO Meeting
Next PTO meeting will be on Thursday 10/2/25 at 6:30 pm.
Topic: Mr. 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
10/6/25 Tippi Toes 3:30-4:40
Make sure you have submitted your registration in order for your student to participate.
We need a minimum of 6 students in order to host the program.
10/7/25 $1 Pink Shirt & Jeans supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Show your support! 💗 Bring $1 and wear a pink shirt with jeans to help Student Council raise awareness for Breast Cancer.
10/7/25 Decathlon 3:30- 5:00pm
10/9/25 Middle School Math Teacher Meeting
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
10/13/25 No School
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.
10/15/25 & 10/22/25 Sports Snack Bar (8th Grade Fundraiser)
Come out and support the snack sale to make 8th grade banquet a blast for our class of 2026.
10/17/25 Eagles Cheer Squad
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
10/19/25 Family Mass
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.
10/20/25 Vision to Learn
Screening date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Exam dates: November 18, 19 & 20, 2025
10/24/25 Haunted House Wish List
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
10/24/25 Harvest Festival Donations
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 will share the sign up genius to register for event donations.
In the meantime, here is a list of the items we will need:
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.
Modelo- 12 cases (glass bottles only)(24 pack)
Seltzer- 5 cases (any kind)
Michelob Ultra- 3 cases
Lime margarita mix- 6 bottles (must contain alcohol)
Strawberry margarita mix- 6 bottles (Must contain alcohol)
Tequila- 3 Bottles (any kind)
Vodka- 2 bottles (any kind)
Case of water- 10
Coke - 12 cases
sprite- 10 cases
diet coke or coke zero- 2 cases
cranberry juice- 4 bottles
pineapple juice- 4 bottles
10 oz cocktail cups(100 count)- 3
Sturdy Plates- 400 plates
Thursday Setup (Oct. 23) (3:30p-5p)(Double Hours)- 10 volunteers
Trunk or Treat (Oct. 24)(6-9p) - 5 cars
Tear Down (Oct. 24) (9p-11p)(Double Hours)- 10 volunteers
10/23/31- 10/31/25 Red Ribbon Week
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.
10/31/25 Student Costume Contest
Student costume contest on Campus at 10 am.
We invite you to join us for a day full of spooky surprises.
11/7/25 Coffee with the Principal & Pastor
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.
AUP due back ASAP
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.
STA 25-26 Directory
ADMINISTRATION:
Fr. Ambrose Udoji
Pastor
Fr. Joseph Guo Chen
Associate Pastor
Mr. Juarez
Principal
Mrs. Armstrong
Vice Principal
Mr. Contreras
Vice Principal
FACULTY:
Mrs. Villaseñor
TK/Kinder Teacher
Ms. Salcedo
1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Ortiz
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Duarte
2nd Grade Long-term Sub
Mrs. Arriaga
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Armstrong
4rd Grade Teacher
Ms. Rodriguez
5th Grade Homeroom, Middle School ELA
Mr. Contreras
6th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Science
Mr. Castañon
7th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Math
Mr. Borgerding
8th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Social Studies
borgerding@stampkschool.org
Mr. J.D.
Physical Education and Athletic Director
STAFF:
Ms. Ureña
Office Manager
Mr. Padron
Bookkeeper
Ms. Gutierrez
TK/Kinder Aide
Ms. Marcilla
Extended Care Staff
marcilla@stampkschool.orgMs. Vazquez
Office Aide
Schedule Information
Monday - Thursday Schedule:
Friday Schedule:
Elementary School Friday Schedule
.
PE Schedule:
STA Sports
Calendars
Please Note: Dates and times are subject to change. We will notify you as soon as possible if any adjustments are made.