St. Patrick's Parent Association

On behalf of the Parent Association (S.P.A.), we are delighted to welcome you to the Saint Patrick’s School Family.  The S.P.A. is a dedicated group of parents who are actively involved in the life of our school and are committed to making our children’s educational experience the best it can be.  The S.P.A. not only encourages the exchange of ideas between parents and the school’s administration, but also offers a link to Saint Patrick’s in various social settings. 
 
We hold several general meetings throughout the school year and invite all parents to attend. These sessions offer an opportunity for parents to collaborate on programs at the school, become informed of current events and upcoming activities and join in our on-going fundraising efforts.  In addition to sharing ideas and resources, S.P.A. members vote on matters that influence our children and their experience at St. Patrick’s. 
 
The S.P.A. also provides and enhances many programs, activities and services that directly benefit the students and school.  In addition, throughout the course of the year, the S.P.A. sponsors a number of family and school spirit events.  These functions are not only fun for the students and their families, but also encourage the development of friendships and close bonds.   We also have Ambassador Families to assist in transitioning and welcoming new families to Saint Patrick’s School.
 
We are proud of the contributions that the Parent Association makes to enhance the quality of education our children receive, as well as their overall individual school experience.  One of the many benefits of attending Saint Patrick’s, and what we feel sets us apart from other schools, is the interaction and cooperation between parents and the school administration. We all work together to in the best interests of our children.
 
In closing, we welcome you to the Saint Patrick’s School family and wish you and your child a rewarding experience for the upcoming school year.  We hope that you will choose to join us and participate in our exciting events throughout the course of the year. 
 
May God bless you all and our special school!

Advent Dinner

Our annual Advent Service is usually held during the first week of Advent.  It is a wonderful evening beginning with a Vespers Service in the new church, followed by dinner in the parish center.   A raffle with great prizes donated by the parents of St. Patrick’s School is held during the evening.  Proceeds from the evening benefit The Franciscan Sisters of Peace and Dominican Sisters of Hope.  This Advent event is usually coordinated by the Co-Vice Presidents of the S.P.A board.

Ambassador Family Program

This program welcomes new families with warmth and sprit and serves as an additional resource for their acclimation to St. Patrick’s School.  A new parent social is held in September.  Ambassador families are sought in May and June. 

Book Fairs

Scholastic Book Fair (Fall)
In October, St. Patrick’s partners with Scholastic Book Company and holds an annual book fair.  A vast display of books are available for immediate purchase on the book fair days.  The students in K- 8th grade visit the book fair with their classes and have the opportunity to purchase books or make a wish list for books they would like and return the next day to make their purchase.  Pre-K students usually visit with their parents before or after the school day.  All parents are encouraged to discuss with their children what they are allowed to purchase.  The book fair is usually held on a Tuesday in conjunction with the first S.P.A. Meeting and until 12pm the following day.  Parent volunteers are needed to assist the children with their book sales as well as set up and pack up the book fair.
 
Barnes & Noble (Spring)
In June, St. Patrick’s partners with Barnes & Noble book store in Mohegan Lake and holds an evening or two of community outreach and school entertainment in the store along with an opportunity to purchase the summer reading materials.  Purchases may be made online or in store with the appropriate school code.  A portion of the proceeds during the book fair are donated back to St. Patrick’s School.

Box Tops 4 Education

Collect and send in Box Tops 4 Education from products you already buy – the school gets 10¢ for every label submitted.  Download the new APP to your smartphone!  To find out more about the program and to enter the monthly drawings to win our school thousands of Box Tops each month, register as a ST PATRICKS SCH supporter www.boxtops4education.com

By-laws

The chairperson for this committee shall be responsible for reviewing and updating the by-laws for the S.P.A. and make recommendations for change on an as needed basis.  The chairperson shall ensure that the Executive Board conducts all business accordingly.

Catholic Schools Week/Open House

Catholic Schools Week is a celebration of what sets Catholic schools apart from all others, our Catholic faith, students with strong characters and consciences, discipline and high academic standards.  At St. Patrick's, we open our doors to prospective families and students on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for tours and information sessions.   Most importantly, the students of St. Patrick's participate in a Mass to celebrate this special time and participate in a number of "spirit" events throughout the course of the week.  The Co-Presidents of the S.P.A. work with the principal, parent volunteers and the publicity and booster committees to coordinate the various Catholic Schools Week and Open House events.

Canteen

Canteens are 7th and 8th grade social events that take place throughout the year.  Parents schedule social events that take place both at school and other establishments, set-up/clean-up for parties, collect event fees and chaperone events.  The canteens are run by 2 or 3 parents from both 7th and 8th grades, the parents usually hold term for two years.

Class Parents

At the beginning of each school year, outreach and information is sent to all families for two or three parents in each grade to help out as class parents.  Responsibilities include being a primary source of communication between the parent and the S.P.A., attending S.P.A. general meetings (about four or five a year), assisting teachers with class parties or special events, attending class trips, collecting and managing class dues, etc.  It is a fun and rewarding way to be more involved in the school.  Class Parents receive a full orientation, prepared information and templates to use when corresponding with parents, as well as continued support throughout the year from the Head Class Parents. The term is usually one year.

Head Class Parents

Head Class Parents are responsible for coordinating information, communications, and updates to all the Class Parent volunteers.  Head Class Parents are responsible for receiving and reviewing Class Parent request forms and also assigning Class Parents to each class at the beginning of the school year.  They provide a full orientation to all Class Parents, act as a resources for Class Parents and prepare/update information and templates of correspondence, which class parent use throughout the year.  They are also required to attend S.P.A. general meetings and be a primary contact between the school, S.P.A. and all Class Parents.  The term is usually two years.

Craft Fair

The annual St. Patrick’s Craft Fair is held in mid-November in our gymnasium.  It is a day filled with fun and festivities and timed perfectly to get everyone in the spirit of the holidays!  Local vendors showcase crafty or holiday themed items that are for sale.  The school runs the kitchen and baked good table featuring breakfast and lunch items, as well as beautifully wrapped baked goods.  Parents are asked to contribute soups, stew and chili for the kitchen lunch and home baked goodies like….loaf breads, pies, cookies, cakes, brownies, coffee cakes, jams/jellies and homemade chocolates.  A drawing is held during the Craft Fair, watch for your tickets via backpack mail!  Help is need for set up, the entire day of the craft fair as well as at clean up time.  This is a great opportunity for teens to obtain some Community Service Hours.

Directory

A school directory is prepared with an alphabetical listing of the students and families along with their contact information.  The directory is given to all those families who join the S.P.A. as members.

Family Fun Nights

Family Fun Nights are gatherings sponsored by the S.P.A. The events are either free to parents and families of the school or offered at a minimal cost, and take place after school hours usually on Fridays.  Help setting up and cleaning up is always welcomed. If you have an idea for a Family Fun Night, please let us know! 

Family Halloween Party (October)
A fun night for the entire family.  Children (and parents) dress up in costume and enjoy Halloween crafts, games, dancing and friendship.  The event takes place in the parish center in October, there is a small fee per family to cover costs and RSVP is necessary.
 
Family Gingerbread House Night (December)
Bring the family and join other St. Patrick’s families to create a gingerbread house.  The house form and decorative candy are supplied – you supply the creativity!  Each family works together to build a holiday house.  Pizza, salad and drinks are served.  There is a small fee per family to cover costs and RSVP is necessary.
 
Family Movie Night (January and February/March)
All school families are invited to join us in the school gym for a movie and popcorn!  Bring a blanket and wear your PJ’s or comfy clothes.  All movies shown are family movies either rated “G” or “PG”.  RSVP is necessary, this event is free to S.P.A. Membership families.
 
Variety Show (March/April)
Students are invited to participate in a fun evening displaying their talents.  Students participate either as individuals or in groups, they create a routine, a dance, play an instrument or perform their talent or hobby on stage in front of other students, friends and family members.  It is a fun evening to watch, whether your child is participating or not.  The Kitchen Café is usually open serving dinner and snacks.
 
End of the Year Family Picnic (June)
A great way to end the year!  Families gather at Downing Park in Yorktown for a BBQ picnic and some fun and games.  Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and beverages are supplies.  Families are asked to bring either a side dish or dessert based on RSVP’s received.  There is a small fee per family to cover costs and RSVP is necessary.

Field Day

Field Day takes place in May or June and is a day filled with fun and contests for the students.  Students are assigned color teams and take turns competing in various contests inside and outside the school.  The kids visit the fun tent where they can get their face painted and take a break with snack and water. Students gather together for a BBQ lunch, watermelon, ice pops and the annual tug of war against the 7thand 8th grade students.  Parents are asked to help out with the games and the lunch, one or two parents are needed to head up the event and work with Mrs. Alvarez in planning the event.  Field Day is sponsored by the S.P.A.. 

Giftwrap Sale

A lovely selection of wrapping paper, gifts, candy and magazines are available through our fall fundraiser.  Students and parents will have the opportunity to browse the catalogs, select and place orders through the school.  All families are encouraged to reach out to friends and family members with these catalogs.  Orders placed through the school will be delivered towards the middle of November.  Depending on the size of your order, it will be sent home with your student or you can pick it up at the school office. 

Golf Outing

The Golf Outing is coordinated by a group of St. Patrick’s parents, both present and past, and is usually played the last Tuesday of September.  Golfers enjoy 18 holes of golf at a local club, light lunch and full dinner, one golf cart is assigned to each 4-some.  Golfers can sign up as a 4-some, a pair or as individuals and the committee will pair them up with other players.  Various raffle chances are available at check in and at the dinner, challenges are presented a many of the holes.  Help is needed securing sponsors, for the event, soliciting prizes for the event, during the day at check in, monitoring each hole and at the dinner in the evening.

Kitchen Coordinators

The kitchen coordinators work to keep the kitchen organized and stocked with basic goods for various S.P.A. events and school functions.  Event coordinators and class parent are asked to contact them before purchasing goods/supplies for their event or function.  The kitchen coordinators are usually seasoned parents and can share information and tips regarding the event you are planning.  Many of the basic supplies can be purchase in bulk and thereby save money for the school. 

Labels for Education

Collect and save Labels for Education from products you already buy (Campbell’s Soup, Pepperidge Farm, Swanson products), see website for complete list of products – the school will receive free merchandise from labels submitted.   Complete information about this program can be found at: www.labelsforeducation.com

Membership to the Parent Association (S.P.A.)

We encourage each and every family to join the Parents Association.  The S.P.A. is an important part of our school community that works towards the common goal of enhancing student, family and faculty life at St. Patrick’s.  By contributing to the S.P.A. Membership you will not only help support many activities and programs, but will have a say at the meetings and be able to vote on issues that effect the students and school.  When you join, you will receive a copy of the student directory.  The yearly membership fee is $25 per family. Look for the membership committee at Back to School Night and at regularly scheduled S.P.A. meeting.  The Membership Committee also sells notes to school pads, backpack envelopes, mini school calendars and the car magnets and holds a 50/50 raffle at the meetings. 

Santa Shop

The Santa Shop provides the children of the school the opportunity to do some holiday shopping for their friends and family (and probably themselves) in an independent, safe environment.  Children in K-8th grade will visit the Santa Shop with their class, make their selections, pay and take their gifts home with them.  Parents of Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 children are asked to accompany their children to the Santa Shop.  A varied assortment of gifts are brought in for the day and children are provided with decorative baggies to wrap their gifts themselves.  An envelope is sent home a few days before the Santa Shop and parents are encouraged to discuss with their children who they should buy for and the spending limits. Parent help is needed the day before for a few hours and the entire school day that the Santa Shop takes place. The event takes place in November or December.

School Sports

Basketball
Boys and girls in grades 3-8 are invited to play with on the St. Patrick's team.  Registration takes place in September, games begin in October and finish up with playoffs in February/March.  St. Patrick's plays in the Westchester Catholic Sports League.  Coaches and Team Parents are needed for each team and parent are expected to help during home games. 
 
Volleyball
Is offered for girls in grades 4-8 and boys in grades 6-8. Registration begins in February, practice begins in March, games are played March-May.  Parents are expected to help at home games.  St. Patrick's plays in the Westchester Catholic Sports League. 
 
Soccer
Shrub Oak soccer offers St. Patrick's students the opportunity to play along fellow students of their same age. 

SchoolStore

SchoolStore is new fundraising opportunity for the school.  Parents invite friends and family to shop online through this site and the school will receive a percentage of the sale back.  There are over 400 merchants to shop at, a large selection of magazines to choose from and there is an opportunity to donate money to a student’s classroom.    

Shamrock Auction

The Shamrock Auction is an annual dinner dance evening that has become the largest fundraiser for St. Patrick’s School.  The event usually takes place in mid-March and has previously been held a Villa Barone in Mahopac and Colonial Terrace in Cortland Manor.  It is a fun-filled night with many opportunities for people to have dinner, dancing and opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items.  Auction gifts are donated from the community, businesses and so many families of St. Patrick’s School. 
 
Proceeds from the auction directly benefit the children of the school and are used in a variety of ways – including the recent gymnasium renovation, updated sound system, Library improvements, purchase of computers for classrooms and various school programs.
 
Click here to go to Auction Website
 
 

S.P.A. Board (St. Patrick's School Parent Association)

 
Our board is a group of elected parents charged with working closely with the Principal and acting as liaisons to the parents.  The board members meet once a month with the Principal and hold the bi-monthly S.P.A. meetings with the parents.  Our board members hold a 2 year term and are responsible for overseeing events and fund raisers as well a running certain events such as the monthly meetings, open house, and teacher appreciation week.
 
Responsibilities of each office include:

Presidents – Schedule and coordinate the various S.P.A. family and school spirit events that are held throughout the course of the year, help with implementation of various programs and services that benefit the students and school, assist the principal in organizing Open Houses and Catholic Schools Week festivities, coordinate the school's participation in the annual Yorktown Street Festival, conduct the S.P.A. General Meetings along with the Principal.
 
Vice-Presidents – Provide support and work closely with the Presidents, School Principal and other board members.  Coordinate the Advent Reflection Dinner and Teacher Appreciation Week
 
Secretary – Record and review the minutes of both the Board Meetings and the S.P.A. Meetings
Treasurer – Work closely with the principal and board members and oversee the financials of the S.P.A., prepare, update and present the budget, issue checks to cover sponsored events and reimbursements to parents.

Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program

If you shop at Stop & Shop please consider registering for the A+ Rewards Program and linking your courtesy card to St. Patrick’s School.  You can earn money for the school, while saving money on your food purchases and gas at participating Shell Stations.  You must register EACH September for this program.  Visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus, St. Patrick’s school code is 16827

Teacher Appreciation 

We very grateful for our terrific teachers and staff at St. Patrick’s School and we take pride in celebrating them monthly!  We aim to treat them to something special at least one time a month, as well as throughout Teachers Appreciation Week in May.  Parents may be called upon to provide food and beverages throughout the year and especially during Teachers Appreciation Week where help is welcomed setting up and cleaning up after daily the celebrations.  Members of the S.P.A. Board carefully coordinate these celebrations. 

Thanksgiving Feast

The children, teachers and staff of the school join together and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in the parish center.  The meal is severed buffet style and includes all the fixings from Thanksgiving dinner.  Parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate, by helping to plan the event, provide food items and assist the children at the “Feast”.  The parish center is decorated with works of art made by the children of the school.  The Thanksgiving feast takes place on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and is followed by the Thanksgiving School Mass.

Uniform Exchange

We have a collection of gently used uniform pieces that are available throughout the year by contacting the coordinator or inquiring at the school office.  Donations of gently used uniform pieces are welcomed, simply send them into the office with a note saying "for uniform exchange".  From time to time we donate extra uniforms or the old style uniforms to the missions in Haiti and our school clothing drive.

Yearbook

The Yearbook Committee produces a book depicting the current school year’s memorable events, celebrations and activities along with class pictures and a special section honoring our 8th grade graduates.  The committee is made up of two coordinators from the school staff (Mrs. Sauerhoff & Mrs. Vespucci) along with 7th and 8th grade students.   Parents of 8th grade students are tasked with putting together a dedication page for their 8th grade student – detailed information is usually handed out at the beginning of the school year and due back in the beginning of January.  Yearbook order forms usually go out to all school families in January or February.  Parents who have taken photographs of school events are welcome to submit them for publication consideration to: stpatricksyearbook@gmail.com. The yearbook is “put to bed” in early April and distributed in June.