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
CALENDAR REMINDERS
As noted on our school calendar, there is NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 19 for the President’s Day Break. School will resume with a regular schedule on Tuesday, February 20.
SCHOOL MASS
Next week, we will not have school Mass on Tuesday. Instead, we will have our school Mass on Thursday, February 22 at 8:15 AM in honor of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, our school and parish patron saint. Please join us for this Eucharistic celebration.
**Since Thursday is a school Mass day, please be sure that your child is in complete uniform; No free dress passes.
SPRING PICTURE DAY
St. Peter’s Lifetouch Spring Picture Day will take place TOMORROW–Thursday, February 15. 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. The last week we sent the orders at hone, you may order online at https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/ and enter our school Picture Day ID: EVTNS8RFP
SCHOOL PANORAMIC PICTURE DAY
We will be taking our whole-school panoramic photo on Tuesday, February 20. For this photo, all students should be in uniform (no free dress passes).
If you would like to order this panoramic photo, you may order with the order form being sent home, or order online at at https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/#/ and enter our school Picture Day ID: BY043129T0
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 7, and the Aztec Trek Walk-a-thon and games will be held on March 22.
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 - 8th grade
2nd place - 6th grade
3rd place - 1st grade
Check our website to see class standings and make a donation on Venmo – https://www.stpeterssf.org/aztec-trek
GO AZTECS!
MESSAGE REGARDING THE ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT
- Each year families may apply through TADS for the Archdiocese Elementary Family Grant. This grant does not renew automatically. TADS is now accepting applications for the school term 2024-2025, If you are interested in applying, please go to www.mytads.com to complete your new 2024-2025 financial aid application. Please be sure to have your financial documents (2023 Federal tax form 1040, W-2, 1099, Calworks, Calfresh, Social Security, Workers Comp, Unemployment or any other financial documents requested by TADS). ready to upload or fax to TADS.
- Your application and all documents need to be received by TADS no later than April 1, 2024. 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 from the Archdiocese to the elementary students’ families in late May/early June.
If you have any questions, phone TADS at 800-477-8237.
MESSAGE FROM THE BASIC FUND
The BASIC Fund application for new students is now available online at https://basicfund.org/. The New Application deadline is March 29, 2024.
Renewal emails for returning students have been sent by BASIC Fund to parent emails. If you need to change your email for the Basic Fund or have questions, please call (415) 986-5650. The Renewal Application deadline is March 29, 2024.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
We live our core value to UNITE as students wear their school uniform with pride. Please remember that the complete daily uniform includes the plain white polo shirt, navy slacks or uniform skirt/jumper, green uniform sweatshirt, black or white socks, and solid black or solid white sneakers (tennis shoes).
On Fridays (unless there is a church service), students may wear the optional gray Aztecs hoodie, Aztecs sweatpants, and Aztecs T-shirt.
** To purchase the gray Aztecs sweats, obtain an order form in the school office.
For more details on the school uniform, refer to the Uniform section of the Parent-Student Handbook that was distributed on the first day of school, which is also available on the school website: http://www.stpeterssf.org/parents-students
Students who are out of uniform will receive a “Uniform Notice” to be signed by a parent or guardian, as a reminder about the uniform policy, and to help us unite as a school community!
REMINDERS:
February 15 LifeTouch Spring Picture Day
February 16, 19 NO SCHOOL; President’s Day Break
February 20 LifeTouch School Panoramic Picture Day
February 22 8:15 AM School Mass–Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
February 26 Minimum Day–12:30 PM Dismissal
