Dear Parents,
Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent. This is a special liturgical season when we take time to pray, reflect, repent, and renew so that we can grow closer to God as we prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus. Throughout Lent, I’d like to offer a reflection (from Daily Reflections for Lent: Not By Bread Alone) as we journey through Lent with each other and with our children:
“Ash Wednesday is marked with a somber sign of our faith. The cross on our forehead is meant to leave a lasting imprint deep within, like a spiritual tattoo that will linger long after we complete the 40-day course. The sacrifices and prayers of the season help us clear a path, but we can’t stop there, not if we want to experience real transformation. God wants nothing less than our hearts broken open so that he might find a resting place within and make us whole. Yes, the exterior practices are important, but what matters most is what happens unseen within our hearts and souls.”
Heavenly Father, guide us in the right ways as we begin our Lenten journey. Give us the courage to allow ourselves to be transformed by your love. Help us to use our Lenten sacrifices to dig deeper into our spiritual center and carve out a space for you alone. AMEN.
--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
March 7 marks the end of Trimester 2; therefore it is time for teachers to share report cards with parents and students. Report cards will be discussed at the mandatory Parent-Teacher Conferences to be held from March 11-13.
On Class Dojo, each teacher shared a link to sign up for a Parent-Teacher Zoom conference for March 11, 12, or 13. (March 11-13 will all be Minimum Days–12:30–dismissal.) If you have not already done so, please choose a conference time slot in order to meet with your child’s teacher. These conferences are important as we continue to support student growth and learning.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or call the school office.
AZTEC TREK UPDATE
Thank you to all who have already turned in their minimum $125 collection for our mandatory school fundraiser, the Aztec Trek!
The final due date for the collection envelope is March 19, and the Aztec Trek Walk-a-thon and games will be held on April 11.
Remember–the more money that you collect, the more prizes you receive and the more points your class will receive towards a class prize!
Currently, here are the class standings:
1st place - 6th grade
2nd place - 5th grade
3rd place - Kindergarten
Check our website to see class standings and make a donation on Venmo – https://www.stpeterssf.org/aztec-trek
GO AZTECS!
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IMMIGRATION WORKSHOPS
The Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Office of Human Life & Dignity is sponsoring Immigrant Resource Events on various dates and locations:
March 9 1:30-3:00 PM at Our Lady of the Pillar Events Hall: Know Your Rights & Listening Session
March 30, 12:30-5:00 PM at St. Peter’s School Parish Hall: Immigration Resource Fair
CALENDAR REMINDER
Next week, Tuesday -Thursday, March 11-13 are all Minimum Days (12:30 Dismissal) for students, so that teachers may meet with all parents for Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Next week on Friday, March 14, there is NO SCHOOL for students while teachers attend an Archdiocese Professional Development session.
LENTEN RECONCILIATION
During the season of Lent, students in grades 2-8 will take part in Lenten Reconciliation services as part of their Lenten preparation and reflection.
- March 13 at 8:30 AM - 5th & 6th grades
- March 20 at 8:30 AM - 3rd & 4th grades
- March 26 at 5:30 PM - First Communicants
- March 27 at 8:30 AM - 7th & 8th grades
MESSAGE FROM THE BASIC FUND
The BASIC Fund’s new and renewal applications for the 2025-2026 School Year are now open and available on the website https://basicfund.org/how-to-apply/. Families can submit their 2023 Tax Return along with their application, but we highly encourage families to submit their 2024 Tax Return as they won’t be required to update on next year’s renewal application. Current BASIC Fund families wanting to apply for a new sibling must fill out an application through the Existing Family Application page on our website. Families will need to input their email and BASIC Fund family account number (a separate email has been sent to families with their family account) to access their application. If the family does not know their BASIC Fund family account number, they need to follow the instructions noted to have their account number emailed to them. The New and Renewal Application deadline is March 28, 2025.
ARCHDIOCESE FAMILY GRANT FINANCIAL AID FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Applications for archdiocesan financial aid for 2025-2026 year are now open via myTads.com.
Applications should be submitted by. April 15, 2025. To be considered for financial aid, one must live in one of the following counties: San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin county.
FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Homeroom teachers identify and describe Students of the Month at the end of each month. We all celebrate these students because they have exemplified living the St. Peter’s KEYS:
Knowledge feeds GROWTH.
Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.
You are LOVE.
SERVICE UNITES.
Congratulations to our February Students of the Month!
Kindergarten - Bella Garcia is sweet, caring, and always ready to lend a helping hand to her friends. She is a great example of the St. Peter’s School values of LOVE and SERVE. Whether it’s sharing supplies, offering kind words, or making sure everyone feels included, Bella’s kindness shines every day. She is also very respectful to the teacher and her classmates. Because she is so curious, hardworking, and dedicated, she has made a lot of progress in reading, English, Spanish, and Math, a shining example of the St. Peter’s core value of GROW. Thank you, Bella, for being such a wonderful friend and role model in our classroom. We are so proud of you!
1st Grade - Alejandra Soto Hernandez shows great responsibility and maturity for her age. She does her best at her work and stays on task very well. In addition, she is a good friend to her classmates and respectful towards adults. Good job, Alejandra!
2nd Grade - Tatiana Juarez is responsible, kind, and hard-working. She can be depended upon to follow directions and encourage others to do the right thing. She sets a great example for everyone in the class. Way to go, Tatiana!
3rd Grade - Carlos Cortez has been working really hard to grow each day in class. He has really improved recently earning units and puzzles on Lexia and STMath. He is kind, funny, thoughtful, and has been known to bring the entire class a treat on special holidays thanks to his aunt which really sweetens our day. Keep up the amazing work, Carlos! You are a star.
4th Grade - Leonardo Perez has been working really hard to grow academically in class each day. He works on earning units and puzzles on Lexia and STMath and is on schedule to complete Core5 by the end of the school year. Along with being a great student, he is also kind and helpful in class. Keep up the amazing work, Leo! You are a star.
5th Grade - Tino Ortega is always a leader in the classroom. The work that he puts in always has a lot of thought and expression. He is always participating and sharing ideas. Hard work and consistent effort makes him a reliable example to others. He is also a solid team player and is good about bringing people together. We are proud of his hard work and dedication, especially towards the core values of ACCOMPLISH and UNITE. Keep up the great work, Tino!
6th Grade - Nadyah Ghattas holds the KEYS to St. Peter’s School, embracing new experiences with an open heart and mind. She actively works to better herself and shows appreciation for those around her in her own unique way. Nadya shares her time, gifts, and joy with both her classmates and teachers. Congratulations, Nadyah!
7th Grade - Throughout the month of February, Jean Omondi has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic effort, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to his classmates and teachers. Beyond the classroom, Jean exemplifies kindness and respect, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Way to grow, accomplish, love, serve and unite in 7th grade, Jean!
8th Grade - Laura Garcia has grown and accomplished so much this year! She genuinely wants to reach her academic potential by asking questions and seeking help whenever faced with an area of difficulty. She is willing to work hard in order to be successful. Laura is embracing these new experiences and challenges with such positivity and enthusiasm. Way to go, Laura!
REMINDERS:
March 3-7 7th Grade Camp Retreat (Caritas Creek at CYO Camp)
March 5 ASH WEDNESDAY (Lent Begins)
March 5 12:30 Dismissal
March 7 End of Trimester 2
March 11 8:15 AM Lenten School Mass
March 11-13 12:30 Dismissal Days for Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 13 8:30 AM 5th & 6th grades Lenten Reconciliation
March 14 NO SCHOOL – Student Holiday; Faculty Professional Development Day
March 18 8:15 AM Lenten School Mass
March 19 Aztec Trek Collection Envelope Due
March 20 8:30 AM 3rd & 4th grades Lenten Reconciliation
March 20 STEAM Fair
March 21 No school–Student Holiday; Faculty Professional Development Day