St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School

The Crusader Connection

October 11, 2017

Volume 6 issue 7

St. Thomas

Week

Principal’s News Sister Kateri Rose, O.P Principal

Calendar Items 10/13 Fall Festival

Spirit Wear Day @ Stars 12-3 PM Noon Dismissal No PM extended day 4pm Soccer game @Veterans Park

10/20 Spirit Wear Date Night @SEAS 6:30 pm 10/26 End of 1st quarter Restless Concert @ SEAS 10/27 No school Professional Development Date Night @SEAS 6:30 pm 11/2 8th Grade Doughnut Sale

Contents Notes from Sister School Announcements

Jr. Sacristan Program Fall Festival (Spirit Wear Day) MS Chess Club

Date Night Middle School Musical

Restless concert 8

th grade doughnut sale

Sports Basketball coach needed Crusaders Pride PTO

Used Uniform Sale Rosary

Pilgrim Virgin

Parents In Prayer Other

Home and School

Connection September

Issue

This Week’s Planner

Dear Aquinas Parents, A big “Thank You!” to all who attended our middle school potluck social this past Saturday. It was another wonderful evening of community and was enjoyed by all. Thank you for giving of yourself and your time to support each other in this Aquinas family. This week, I just want to share two resources with you. First is a tool for parents to help them manage their child’s portable devices--assuming he/she has one or more. It is called Disney Circle and was highly recommended by Aquinas middle school parents who have been using it and are pleased with the results. Here is what they had to say about the tool: “It allows us to limit individual apps, types of websites (such as “online gaming”), set time limits, block for periods of time, and set bedtime. It also blocks inappropriate websites based on the age of the user and records internet surfing history. It works for cell phones, computers, and gaming consoles. It does not interfere with access to online school applications, like Google Classroom, and does not slow down internet responsiveness.” It sounds like an all-around win to me! Secondly, I would like to share an article with you. The title of the article is “How Smartphones Hijack Our Minds” and it is loaded with data from multiple recent studies demonstrating that increased use of iPhones weakens the intellect. You may recall that at the Back-to-School Nights I told you that if there was just one thing that you could do to help your child to be more academically successful (besides having a relationship with the Lord) it should be to eliminate technology from his/her life as much as possible. This article demonstrates the reasons behind my saying this. I read the article, completely enthralled, from beginning to end. It relates what I believe we all know intuitively but don’t want to admit because we’re comfortable with where we are and admitting that all of this data is significant means making life changes that are hard to make. I encourage you to read the article and be open to evaluating how your family makes use of technology. If you really want your child to be happy and successful, a great place to start is right here! I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our Fall Festival this Friday! It is always a fantastic day filled with fun. Don’t forget to join us in cheering on our Aquinas boys’ soccer team after the festival at Veteran’s park! With prayers, Sr. Kateri Rose, O.P.

STARS website Parent Login User name: STARSparent Password: stars-40thyear

This is a general login account for all Parents.

Please do not change the password.

Aquinas Library Amazon book

wish list

Fall Festival Weather Report

It looks Great!

https://aquinastars.org/calendar/https://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/Home-and-school-Sept.pdfhttps://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/Home-and-school-Sept.pdfhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B6A20j9bEL6FxKr7lc6WFSDGZrc7CGjtDMEpB_l862M/edit#gid=921784632https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B6A20j9bEL6FxKr7lc6WFSDGZrc7CGjtDMEpB_l862M/edit#gid=921784632https://meetcircle.com/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By20JnJlYjWJUjZHMGNJZzlBUU0/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0By20JnJlYjWJUjZHMGNJZzlBUU0/view?usp=sharinghttps://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2VV5V7PP22XQL/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2VV5V7PP22XQL/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?

The Crusader Connection (Continued)

This Friday, we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the final apparition of the Blessed Mother to the three shepherd children at Fatima. To commemorate this beautiful event, the school community will participate in an International Rosary on Friday morning at approximately 8:15. All parents and families are welcome to join us in the school gym for this time of prayer.

Fall Festival- Spirit Wear DAy You may purchase your tickets for Fall Festival online or in the front office. Single admission tickets are $3, Family admission tickets are $10. Concession/Activity tickets are $10 for a strip of 11. Aquinas Swag will be sold at the Fall Festival...stop by the table to check out the limited supply available at closeout prices. Sellers will accept cash or check for purchases. Come join in the fun!

Calling all bakers

(and non-bakers)…we are in need of cakes for the Cake Walk at the upcoming Fall Festival, Friday, October 13th. You may drop off your cake the morning of the 13th in the school office. Home-made and store bought sweets both happily accepted, as well as boxed cup-cakes and pies. The participants play “musical chairs” and the winner gets to choose from the Cake Table. The more sweets, the more fun for all! Thank you for your generosity.

Fall Festival Volunteers needed Please take a look at the Sign Ups for many positions needed to make this year’s Fall Festival great! Opportunities are available for Indoor or Outdoor activities as well as set up and clean up.

Middle School Chess Club We are Happy to announce that Aquinas will be hosting a Middle School Chess Club again this year. There are only 20 spaces available. Interested students will be bringing the registration form home today.

Notes From Sister

School Announcements

On October 13, the 100th anniversary of Our Lady's final appearance to the shepherd children at Fatima and the day on which the Miracle of the Sun occurred, Donald Cardinal Wuerl will

consecrate the United States of America to the Immaculate Heart of

Mary. EWTN will broadcast this historic consecration live from the

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in

Washington.

Note: You still have time to seek the plenary indulgence offered

during this Centennial!

A special thank you to all Lunch Volunteers.

Due to cancellations, there are still several slots that

need to be filled for October and November.

Please see the Sign Up for more information.

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2025725/false#/invitationhttps://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2025725/false#/invitationhttps://signup.com/group/1186992547671572045https://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/chess-club.pdfhttp://arlingtondiocese.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9e3c7eccc950c946fbbd88272&id=bae58f161a&e=b55937dc3ehttps://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/1974432/false#/invitation

The Crusader Connection (Continued)

Date Nights Couples Date Nights are back! The first Date is scheduled for October 20th. You and your spouse are invited to a series of seven romantic, candlelit dinners sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School! These $20 per couple romantic dinners will include some short videos designed to make it a special evening and deepen your relationship together. Be assured this is a one-on-one night that will have NO sharing of anything. It is between you and your spouse. There will even be free babysitting! For more information, or to purchase tickets click here. Date Nights provide a volunteer opportunity. If you are able to help set-up or clean-up, Signup here.

Middle School Musical Meeting There is a mandatory meeting for parents whose children want to participate in Mary Poppins, on WEDNESDAY, October 18th at 6:00p.m. If you are unable to attend, there will be an alternate meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 24th at 8:00 a.m.

Restless Save the Date! On Thursday, October 26th at 7:00 PM Aquinas will host a concert by "The Restless." This talented Christian band has been featured at our Youth Rally the last two years and the students love their inspirational and energetic style. We are excited to offer this faith-filled family evening of music and praise. The concert will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in the Social Hall. Doors will open at 6:30 PM with cookies and lemonade available before the concert.

8th grade doughnut sale Thursday, November 2nd. Doughnuts will be $1.00 each or $8.00 for a dozen. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available. See the doughnut flyer to preorder your doughnuts today. Please support our fundraiser to get to New York.

Basketball Coaches needed The STARS athletic program is looking for a volunteer Boys JV basketball coach for the winter season (November-January). Some experience and knowledge of the game needed. If you are interested please contact Mrs. Ferguson jferguson@aquinastars.org

All game schedules are available on the Athletics page of the school website.

Sports

https://aquinastars.org/couples-date-night-2/http://signup.com/go/pfJucYmhttps://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/Donut_order_form-1.pdfhttps://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/Donut_order_form-1.pdfmailto:jferguson@aquinastars.orghttps://aquinastars.org/athletics/

The Crusader Connection (Continued)

If your student /club has an accomplishment or success you would like to have highlighted please submit your entry information to

connection@aquinastars.org (you may include pictures). Entries may be edited.

Valentina Barrera (4B) participated in the 2017 Columbus Day Soccer Tournament in Virginia Beach. The girls won the Championship for U10s girls category. Valentina is part of the Girls soccer team with PWSI club.

Used uniform Sale There will be a Used Uniform Sale on 26 October from 3-5 PM, in the OLA conference room. Used uniform donations will be accepted anytime in the front office until the day of the sale. All items are only $5 each but anyone who donates 3 or more CLEAN pieces can make a purchase for only $3/piece. Cash or checks will be accepted. All proceeds will go to the PTO and benefit STARS students. Volunteers are needed for the Used Uniform sale. These individuals will help set-up tables, take clothes out of bins, arrange clothes on tables according to size, meet and help parents select uniforms, and clean-up. If interested please sign up on the STARS volunteer opportunities web site.

Monthly Rosary and Pilgrim Virgin See the attached form for the opportunity to support Aquinas with a monthly rosary and the attached form for the opportunity to have the Fatima Pilgrim Virgin Mary statue visit your home.

Parents in Prayer

Let Us Pray: For Pope Francis, that God will continue to bless him, as he leads the Church.

For Bishop Burbidge, that God will bless him as he leads his flock.

For the special intentions of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School. For the victims of the Las Vegas tragedy, that God will guide them through this time of sorrow and suffering and give them strength. For the victims of the hurricanes and fires throughout our country, that God will guide them through this devastation and keep them safe. For the baby of an Aquinas family that God will grant the baby strength and healing.

Crusader’s Pride

PTO Announcements

mailto:connection@aquinastars.orghttps://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/Rosary-Master-Copy-2015-2016.pdfhttps://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/2015-2016Fatima-Statue-Sign-Up-Form.doc-Copy-1.pdf

The Crusader Connection (Continued)

For the safety and well-being of our Armed Forces serving throughout the world. For Mr. Britto, Mrs. Britto’s husband, for strength and healing. For Eileen Fitzgerald, mother-in-law of Mrs. Fitzgerald, for strength during her treatment.

For the repose of the soul of Kim Decowski, Mrs. McNulty’s sister-in-law, aunt of Killian and Maeve. For the repose of the soul of Cece Iroma, mother of Wendolyn El (Aquinas and JP alumni). For Jennifer Fernandez, mother of Evan, that God will restore her health.

For Alvaro Parada, father of Anthony and Mariah, that God will restore his health.

For an Aquinas Community member, that God may grant healing and strength.

Our Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions Workers and the Unemployed: That all workers may receive respect and protection of their rights, and that the unemployed may receive the opportunity to contribute to the common good. We are blessed to have such wonderful families in our Aquinas community and one of the many spiritual gifts we give each other is praying for the intentions

listed. Email your prayer intentions to mdsa72@gmail.com

St John Paul the Great Open House Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School turns 10 this year! Come to the Open House on Sunday, November 5, from 1 -4pm to learn about all that has been accomplished in the last decade! The first 100 8th graders to pre-register receive a free t-shirt! Visit jpthegreat.org or email admissions@jpthegreat.org or call 703.445.0300 for more info!

Super Science Day at JP the Great Saint John Paul the Great Science Department is hosting a Super Science Saturday (RSVP). On October 21st, from 9:00-noon, you will have a chance to work real high school labs, meet the teachers in the department, hang out with some of our National Science Honors students and generally have a GREAT time. Click here for the flyer with more information and click here for the permission form.

Other

mailto:mdsa72@gmail.comhttp://www.jpthegreat.org/mailto:admissions@jpthegreat.orgtel:(703)%20445-0300https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bVMDP-4h5bmLgq6m9PbANGV4gps3gP2kn0FouCniDWY/edithttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bVMDP-4h5bmLgq6m9PbANGV4gps3gP2kn0FouCniDWY/edithttps://aquinastars.org/wp-content/uploads/Flyer-for-Science-Saturday.pdfhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Nzqp9btUbLNGZHQ1k3VGpJWEk/view?usp=sharing

The Crusader Connection (Continued)

JP Fun Run for Options Supports our Special Education Options Program Hosted by the JP Family Association Saturday, November 18, 8am. View event page here! Register here! (Register by Nov 9 to get your free race t-shirt!) Questions? Please email: Fun.Run@jpthegreat.org

JP the Great Middle School Activities Special Activities for Middle School Students at St John Paul the Great Catholic High School: Drama and Acting Class Performances: Frankenstein / November 17 - 19, 2017 Madrigal Feast / December 9 Merchant of Venice / January 12, 2018 Little Women - The Musical / April 27 - 29

Catholic Apologist at OLA On Saturday, November 4th at OLA the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring all day talks by a well-known apologist. John Martignoni has a weekly radio show on EWTN; his talks are focused on teaching the faith through the use of scripture and providing the information necessary to defend the faith. The Knights are opening this wonderful event first to the parishioners of OLA and the families at Aquinas and St. John Paul the Great. Only 500 reservations will be accepted. Please see the attached flyer for more information. If you are interested, sign up quickly. After October 16th, the event will be announced to 10 other parishes in the surrounding area.

Diocesan Pilgrimage Bishop Burbidge and the Arlington Diocese are sponsoring a Pilgrim Experience for the Whole Family on Saturday, October 14th at the Basilica in Washington. The day includes a Holy Hour with reflections on the Message of Fatima, Mass, and a Eucharistic Procession to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. To view the entire agenda visit arlingtondiocese.org/diocesanpilgrimage

Married and Engaged Couples A Retreat for led by Fr. Paul Scalia Saturday, October 21, 2017 Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Gainesville, VA For more information and to register please see their website www.holytrinityparish.net/event/marriage-retreat/ or contact htmarriageministry@gmail.com.

Our Faith at CDU Catholic Distance University (CDU) has some great 8-week courses and 3-week seminars coming up this month:

What Catholics Should Know About Islam Exploring the Scriptures for Types of Mary Church History I: Early Christians to the Middle Ages Introduction to Scripture and Salvation History The Catholic Theological Tradition Applied Catholic Spirituality Fundamental Moral Theology

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The Crusader Connection (Continued)

Introduction to Literature for Theology Christian Civilization Introduction to Plato and Aristotle The Moral Life: Living the Virtues God, Man, and the Universe

Many more courses are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree entirely online!Don't miss CDU's free webinars exploring a range of topics such as the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI, What Luther Got Right and Wrong, Catholic Social Teaching, and more. The Diocese of Arlington is a partner with CDU, so you can get discounts on their courses as well as credit toward catechist certification by using the promo code CDU15ARLINGTON when you register.

The Institute of Catholic Culture October 12 live webinar: Saving the Americas: The Story of the North American Martyrs, with Christopher Check. Be sure to register on their website to get free access to hundreds of past lectures on a wide range of topics!

www.aquinastars.org

http://arlingtondiocese.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9e3c7eccc950c946fbbd88272&id=1a57fbded7&e=b55937dc3ehttp://arlingtondiocese.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9e3c7eccc950c946fbbd88272&id=1a57fbded7&e=b55937dc3ehttps://instituteofcatholicculture.org/events/