The Weekly News and Updates
November 6, 2025
Our Mission
St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School is a collaborative community where all are respected, encouraged, and challenged.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 7 -Spirit Wear!
Nov. 10-11 - Send money for Mini Market
Nov. 12 - All School Mass, 8:30 am
Nov. 13 - 4th Grade Mini Market
Nov. 14 - No School
Nov. 19 - All School Mass, 8:30 am
Nov. 21 - Mission Day, Out of Uniform
Nov. 21 - BINGO, 6-8 pm, meeting room
Nov. 25 - All School Mass, 8:30 am
Nov. 26-28 - No School, Happy Thanksgiving
Feb. 14 - Green Gala
We Pray
Saint of the Month
Living Like the Saints
During the month of November, we are led by The Children of Fatima - Blessed Lucia dos Santos, Saint Francisco, and Saint Jacinta Marto. These three children reported seeing apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, beginning in May of 1917 and culminating with the Miracle of the Sun on October 13th of 1917. During these apparitions, Mary appeared to the three children and conveyed messages that emphasized the need for prayer, repentance, and conversion; with a particular focus on praying the rosary daily for peace.
We Learn
No Touch November PBIS Challenge
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This month, our school is kicking off No Touch November: “Hands Off, Kindness On!” — a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) challenge focused on respecting personal space, using kind words, and keeping hands, feet, and objects to ourselves.
Throughout November, teachers and staff will be looking for students who demonstrate safe and respectful behavior. Classes will work together to earn stars for positive choices and teamwork. Once a class earns 10 stars, they’ll celebrate with a fun group reward!
Our goal is to help students develop self-control, foster strong friendships, and create a safe and caring environment for everyone. Families can support this challenge by encouraging respectful behavior at home and reminding students that kindness doesn’t require touch — it can be shown through words, smiles, and helping others.
Let’s make November a month full of kindness and safe choices!
Focus Behaviors:
§ Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
§ Use kind words instead of physical actions
§ Respect others’ personal space
§ Solve problems with words
Class Challenge: “Reach for the Stars!”
Each class earns a star when the whole group demonstrates hands-to-self behavior, kindness, or teamwork throughout the day.
§ Stars can be displayed on a classroom chart or a hallway bulletin board.
§ When a class earns 20 stars, they receive a class reward — such as extra recess, a dance party, or a popcorn celebration!
Mock Trial
Wishing the Best of Luck to Our Middle School Mock Trial Teams!
They’ll be representing St. Luke's at the Regional Tournament in Des Moines on Tuesday, November 11th — and we know they’ll make us proud! Go Longhorns!
The following students will enter the courtroom and showcase their skills:
Green Team:
Cedar T.
Jacob B.
Emmett T.
Malcolm T.
Alice D.
Gabe M.
Victoria P.
Abby J.
White Team:
Kynlee R.
Ava G.
Liam G.
Maggie T.
Ellie B.
Thalia Z.
Luke M.
Elise S.
CYC
CYC Registration opens on November 8th, 2025, at 12:00pm CST. To learn more and to register, visit our website (linked HERE).
At CYC, campers experience the joy of the Gospel in action—from daily Mass, prayer, and small group ministry to ziplines, campfires, and lake adventures. Each week is designed for a specific age group, helping campers grow in faith and confidence alongside new and old friends. We have weeks designed specifically for your elementary and junior high students! Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create joy-filled missionary disciples of Christ who carry the love of Jesus into the world!
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEECH & DEBATE
We are excited to once again offer Middle School Speech & Debate as an extracurricular this year! This is open to all students in Grades 6 thru 8.
Practice will begin in December and the season runs through the first part of May. Want to learn more or have questions? Plan to attend a brief informational meeting beginning at 7:00 PM on November 18th in the meeting room - Zoom link will also be provided for those who can not attend in-person. Watch for registration coming soon!
We Serve
Crossing Guard
We have a parent that graciously volunteered to do morning crossing guard. We are still in need of afternoon volunteers. Thanks!
St. Michael's Group
St. Michael's Group Retreat
A St. Michael's group will be hosting a retreat for boys in grades 3-8 at St. Luke's on Nov 15. This day-long experience will include prayers, talks, Mass, and even a trip to the trampoline park.
Theme: The 10 Commandments
Featuring: Ed Van Buskirk, Fr Ken Halbur, & other priests
When: Sat, Nov 15, 8:00 am-5:30 pm
Where: St Luke’s Church, 1102 NW Weigel Dr, Ankeny
Cost: $50 (scholarships available) covers lunch, Trampoline Park excursion, activities, and speakers. Attendees also receive sacramentals & prayer cards
Register by Tuesday, Nov 11: https://forms.gle/mA7nbgAedZf1kvhc6
Questions? Contact Jeff Pierick at 515-778-6087 or Karen Pierick at kmpierick@gmail.com
Oxtoberfest Feedback
Thank you once again to everyone who participated in Oxtoberfest 2025 and helped make the day such a great success!
Our planning committee is now gathering feedback to help make Oxtoberfest 2026 even better. Please take a few moments to complete our quick survey: 👉 Oxtoberfest Feedback Form
If you weren’t able to attend this year, we’d still love to hear from you! The first three questions take less than a minute to answer, and they will help us understand why — and how we might make next year’s festival more accessible or appealing for you.
A Sensory-Friendly Mass will take place at St. Joseph's in Des Moines on Saturday, November 22 at 9:00 am and all are welcome to attend. A special invitation is extended to any person with sensory issues.
In an effort to embrace and welcome the members of our church with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Diocese of Des Moines has begun hosting sensory-friendly liturgies. These Masses include lower lights, softer music, and shorter, more literal homilies; however, the biggest difference is that we try to create an environment free of stigma. We encourage families and individuals to get up and move if needed, to bring alternative seating, and to participate in the liturgy just as they are.
Following Mass there will be a social in the parish hall.
Contact Patty Origer at poriger@dmdiocese.org with any questions or requests for accommodations.