10/10/25 PA Meeting

PA Updates

Back to School BBQ

The PA hosted the Back to School BBQ in September and welcomed almost 1,000 people to celebrate the beginning of the year. 

  • A huge thank you to all volunteers who made this event a success!

Oktoberfest – Saturday, October 18

Join us Saturday, October 18, 7-10pm in Egan Hall for Oktoberfest. This fun evening will feature a ping pong tournament, prizes, and a brat toss (yes, flying hot dogs!).

  • Funds donated throughout the evening will go directly towards improving the campus for our students. Your gifts at Oktoberfest will help repair the aging and broken tiles around the school entry and flagpole. 
  • Tickets available here.
  • We are looking for many more volunteers to support set-up/decorating, kitchen, bar, and games.
  • We are looking for help creating a Bavarian village. If you would be willing to lend the following items for event decor, please email Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org. Place your name on any items so they may be returned.
    • Artificial Christmas trees
    • Potted mums 
  • PA Reps: Please encourage families to attend and volunteer.

Snapdoodle Fundraiser

Snapdoodle Toys & Games is offering a PTA Holiday Shopping Week, Sunday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Nov. 30. 

  • Shop in-store at any Snapdoodle location and mention St. John at checkout—20% of proceeds benefit the school.
  • More info will be posted in November

Room Parents

Ciara Byars, PA Communications Lead, checked in and asked for feedback from Room Parents. 

  • Are weekly emails helpful? Too much or too little info? 
  • Please share thoughts with Ciara Byars. 

Hospitality

Aleah Valley and Liz Le Johnson, Hospitality Co-Leads provided an update. 

  • Thank you to 8th grade for hosting last month’s luncheon.
  • October Coffee & Donuts slots are filled—great job!
    • Reminder: Each grade is responsible for filling monthly coffee and donuts slots
  • Encouraged grade-level Hospitality Chairs to remind families to contribute to optional classroom hospitality funds as they are able.

Auction

Courtney Blair, Auction Co-Chair, provided an update about the 2026 Auction. 

  • We are still seeking to fill the Classroom Auction Coordinator positions for the below grades. Room Parents: Please help recruit volunteers for these important roles.
    • Preschool (Chandler, Baber)
    • 6th Grade (Sullivan)
    • 8th Grade (Arruela)
  • The Auction kickoff meeting will take place after Oktoberfest. Keep an eye out for communications from Courtney and Ainslie. 

ParentMap ParentEd Talks

The ParentMap ParentEd Talks series is off to a great start. 

  • The September event featured Jennifer Anderson, Kids Eat in Color founder.
    • The recording, key takeaways, and resources are available on the PA website. 
  • Upcoming Event:
    • Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, pediatric psychologist and author of Love the Teen You Have
    • Topic: Cracking the Teen Code: Spot Trouble, Build Trust and Stay Connected
    • Date: Thursday, October 23, 12–1 PM
    • Register for this event here using promo code: STJCATHSCH
  • Click to register for the full series featuring all eight talks during the academic year or get additional information about upcoming talks. Use promo code: STJCATHSCH

School Garden

The school garden provided such joy as well as a delicious bounty for the school this spring and summer. 

  • Open Garden Days: Wednesdays after school.
  • Winterizing is underway.
  • Volunteers welcome—reach out to Megan Richards if interested in helping.

Admin Updates

Jog-a-Thon

The 2025 Jog-a-thon was a huge success. Thank you to the team, volunteers, and sponsors!

  • The fundraising goal was exceeded as we raised $107,557.
    • Reminder: Please check with your employer for donation matching.
  • Student participation was 95% across the school; 7 classes had 100% participation. Way to go!
  • The Jog-a-thon Celebration Day included free dress and the “Cash Grabbin’ Gecko” game for all students.
Cash Grabbin’ Gecko
Cash Grabbin’ Gecko

Updates from Abby & Paul

  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: October 23–25 (in-person only). Don’t forget to sign up here by October 20. 
  • Pre-K & Kindergarten Open House: Thursday, November 6 at 6 PM. Encouraged “pro-parents” to attend this event to meet prospective families. More details to come. 
  • CYO FUNdraiser: “Bump It Up” Volleyball Playoffs this week—Tuesday October 14 and Thursday October 16. Come cheer on the teams!

Important Dates

  • Oktoberfest: Saturday, October 18
  • ParentEd Talk: Thursday, October 23
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: October 23–25
  • PK/K Open House: Thursday, November 6
  • Snapdoodle Fundraiser: November 23–30

Parent Action Items

  • Volunteer for Oktoberfest and Classroom Auction Coordinator roles.
  • Check for Jog-a-thon donation matching opportunities with your companies.
  • Room Parents: Share feedback on PA communications with Ciara Byars.
  • Hospitality Chairs: Please ensure Hospitality volunteer opportunities are fulfilled during your assigned month (Parish Coffee and Donuts; Teacher Appreciation Luncheon). 
  • Register for ParentEd events using promo code STJCATHSCH

PA Feedback!

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