While the start to the year didn't go as planned, everything has turned out great. Having Open House on the first day went well, and the students are settling into their classes. I loved watching the excitement that the students brought to school this week as they got to know their teachers and seeing their friends after the summer. I hope our new students, families, teachers, and staff are feeling welcomed. 

Please remember that every year, parents must review the changes to the Parent/Student Handbook which can be found on our website.  If you are new to the school, you would have acknowledged reading the handbook as part of the enrollment process.  In particular, please be sure to read the Uniform Policy section of the handbook.  I have already spoken to the middle school about the length of their PE shorts.  Middle school girls should be wearing junior, not girl sizes which are much shorter.  The junior sizes are small enough to accomodate a small waist while providing the proper length which should be close to the knees.  Please check the sizes and purchase new ones as needed. The other concern is hair styles.  Some of the newer fad styles have been added as not acceptable. We understand that some summer cuts may still be growing out, but the expectation is that by next week, everyone will be aligned to the policy.  Students who are not following the uniform policy will begin receiving uniform violations next week which will lead to consequences and missing out on jean days.  I am aware that some of you are waiting on back orders from Risse Brothers.  They did reach out to us, and the items should be in shortly.  

To help you understand why Catholic schools have a uniform policy, it is to minimize distractions, promote unity, and remind students that their primary purpose at school is to learn and grow in their faith. Similarly, hairstyles should be neat, simple, and in keeping with the dignity of our school setting. By avoiding extreme styles, unnatural colors (which includes any dye that changes the child's natural color), or distracting trends, we help ensure that students’ attention remains on their studies, their relationships, and their spiritual formation—rather than on outward appearances. This approach reflects the Catholic understanding that personal presentation should express modesty, self-respect, and respect for others, supporting the overall mission of our school.

Hillsborough County has shared with us that there is a new process for students with disabilities that are placed in private schools.  If your child needs an evaluation, IEP review, etc. please follow the directions in the flyer in this week's Tidbits.  Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!

Ordering is now open, and lunch service begins on: Tuesday, August 26th 2025 

The Office of Catholic Schools is beginning a strategic planning process to look toward the future of Catholic education in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. We will be conducting listening sessions in each of the nine pastoral regions of the diocese throughout the month of September. These sessions are open to the public. 

If you wish to attend, please use this link or the QR code to select your meeting date and location site (Deanery/School). All meetings are 7:00-9:00 pm. Registration closes 3 days in advance of each session date. For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Catholic Schools and Centers at 727-347-5539 or emailocsc@dosp.org.