Dear Parents,
February is upon us! Since Valentine’s Day is in February, I associate the month of February with one of our school’s core values–LOVE. February is also the month of the Holy Family, a family that we may look towards as an example of unconditional love. Below is a prayer that we can offer together to remind us of our love for our families, and to remind us that we are a school family working together to help our children open their hearts and minds. As stated in our school philosophy–We are a family–somos una familia–with parents, students, and educators working together.
JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.
MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.
JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.
HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. AMEN.
–Mrs. Sandra Jimenez
SCHOOL CALENDAR REMINDERS
Please note that this Monday, February 13, is a Minimum Dismissal Day for students so that teachers may attend a professional development meeting.
Next week, we also have a long holiday weekend for Presidents’ Day. There is no school on Friday, February 17 and Monday, February 20.
STAR ASSESSMENTS
This week, we continue with the 3rd round of STAR assessments for all students. STAR assessments are required by the Archdiocese Department of Catholic Schools, and these assessments provide one data point in students’ academic progress. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
VALENTINE’S DAY TREATS
For Valentine’s Day (February 14), students may distribute pre-packaged snacks or treats and/or non-edible items (such as pencils or stickers) to their classmates. Please be sure that your child has enough items to distribute to each person in his/her class.
Teachers will let you know how many students are in each class.
SPRING PICTURE DAY
St. Peter’s Lifetouch Spring Picture Day will take place on Tuesday, February 14. These photos are OPTIONAL for students to take.
If your child is taking a spring photo, he/she may wear appropriate free dress, as outlined in our School Handbook. Order forms were sent home, or you may order online at https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/ and enter our school Picture Day ID: EVTSXQMK7
TRIMESTER 2 PROGRESS REPORTS
Last week, Progress Reports for Trimester 2 were sent home. Progress Reports provide a snapshot of your child’s progress, giving time to maintain grades or submit work for improvement before the end of the trimester Report Card arrives.
Signed and returned Progress Reports are now past due. Please sign and return your child’s progress report if you have not already done so. If you have any questions regarding the progress report, please contact your child’s teacher.
DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
For those who missed the meeting about Dual-Language Immersion at St. Peter’s School, a full recording of the Zoom meeting is available at this link:
PASSCODE: *0cQgp9+
The slides of the meeting are available here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1c9D4BqAKTIcaPApnI53OrJpnrAbYd9HDd99fU-1O8CY/edit?usp=sharing
Now, ALL parents are encouraged to complete this SURVEY to gather input about a possible Dual Language Immersion program at St. Peter’s School. Please click on this link for the survey. Your input is needed and greatly appreciated! https://forms.gle/U2SF87zu2SAhUY776
MESSAGE FROM THE BASIC FUND
The BASIC Fund application for new students is now available online at https://basicfund.org/. Renewal emails for returning students will be sent out starting in February.
The deadline for applications is March 31, 2023.
MESSAGE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE FAMILY GRANT
April 15 is the annual deadline for submitting all information to TADS, the third party needs-evaluation company that the Archdiocese uses to collect the financial data from families. This is consistent with the process we used to award tuition assistance for this year. After the Student Aid Form has been processed by TADS, the Department of Catholic Schools gathers the completed application materials. The Archdiocese of San Francisco is unable to provide financial aid to all students who apply. Applicants are ranked on the basis of financial need. Within the limit of available funds, the Archdiocese of San Francisco will then award financial aid.
Late applications will NOT be considered. Students must live in Marin, San Francisco, or San Mateo Counties to be considered for the Archdiocesan Scholarship. Please visit the other scholarship programs section for more opportunities. Grant notifications will be sent out to the elementary student’s families in late May/early June.
To use the TADS Financial Aid online application go to mytads.com. You will be guided through the application. If you have any questions, you can phone TADS at 800-477-8237.
COVID VACCINES
Message from the Latino Task Force and Unidos en Salud at the 24th and Capp Street site:
“We’re here to keep your family and community safe. Everyone 5 years and older should get the new Bivalent COVID booster. Everyone 6 months and older should also get a flu shot. Appointments available at https://my.primary.health/a/bridgevaccine?access_code=748F2ABB5AEF6DBC or visit our site at 24th and Capp Street, Friday, Saturday, and Monday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. For questions or assistance making an appointment, call 844-965-0987. And keep testing before gathering with friends and family!”
INFECTION MITIGATION PLAN
We continue to endure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 at school, we have developed a School Infection Mitigation Plan, which was given to each parent on the first day of school as part of the Parent-Student Handbook. The Infection Mitigation Plan is also available on our school website at http://www.stpeterssf.org/pandemic-reopening-plan
Please remember -- If your child is feeling ill or has been exposed to COVID-19, phone the school office and keep your child at home!
🡪 Symptoms to watch out for include:
Fever -- 100.4°F / 38°C or higher
Cough
Severe headache
Sore throat
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
New loss of taste or smell
Vomiting
Diarrhea
JANUARY 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 January Students of the Month!
Kindergarten - Kehlani Davila Flores comes to school with the biggest smile. She is ready to learn and will always ask the class to quiet down. She cares about her learning and others as well. When someone is having a bad day, she will be the first to give them a hug and tell them that everything is going to be okay. She is an amazing student who works hard on everything and gives it her all. No matter what we are working on, she does the work with a smile. Congratulations, Kehlani!
1st Grade - Gavin Contreras follows playground rules and tries his best during class time to finish assignments. He treats his classmates with respect. Keep up the good work. Congratulations, Gavin!
2nd Grade - Leonardo Perez shows a great attitude, hard work, and is a good friend to others. He jumps right into his work, whether it is math or reading. He is always one of the first to volunteer to help out, demonstrating the St. Peter's KEY of LOVE. Way to go, Leo!
3rd Grade - Marcus Ceron Ramos participates a lot in our classroom discussion and shows out-of-the-box thinking for both ELA and Math subjects. He shows respect towards others and is responsible with daily classroom activities. He also shows that he can GROW and ACCOMPLISH with the work he does in class. Thank you for being part of our classroom. Marcus!
4th Grade - Minerva Chamul Lopez has been a shining example of a student who embodies our school's KEYS. She earned 2nd Honors last grading period and works hard each day to continue her growth as a student. She is an amazing friend and is willing to help and serve in class. Keep up the amazing work, Minerva! You are a star.
5th Grade - Damian Perez Ortega displays excellent academic focus and effort in class. He is always prepared and ready and eager to learn. He is also the first to lend a helping hand to his classmates and teacher. Bravo, Damian!
6th Grade - Angel Carvajal has shown tremendous growth in his learning and has demonstrated his ability to have a growth mindset. He displays his ability to persevere through difficult obstacles that often come with learning and trying something new. He keeps up a positive demeanor in class, and shows a willingness to overcome the fear of the unknown. Congratulations, Angel!
7th Grade - Annarelly Contreras is beyond kind, attentive, and respectful. She is curious and observant, which speaks to her strong work ethic. She is always exhibiting our grow, love, and serve KEYS through her optimism and helpful nature. You're such a lovely soul, and we are proud of you and your gentle character, Annarelly!
8th Grade - Miguel Ayala has exhibited growth and has pushed himself to be his better self–academically and socially–this year in 8th grade. He asks the necessary questions and offers thought-provoking responses in class discussion. Miguel has also united with his classmates as a member of our 8A community. He continues to show his potential and has been a great addition to the class! Way to go, Miguel!
REMINDERS:
February 8 5:30 PM Parent First Communion Zoom Meeting
February 6-16 STAR Testing Window #3
February 13 Minimum Day Dismissal
February 14 8:15 AM School Mass
February 14 Lifetouch Spring Picture Day
February 15 Minimum Day Dismissal
February 17, 20 Presidents’ Day Holidays
February 18 2:30 PM First Communion Mass