Today is report card day, and as I reviewed the teachers’ comments—not just the grades—it is clear that our students continue to demonstrate many strengths. Overall, they are truly shining in their growth and effort.

Our recent i-Ready reading results show that 75% of our students are reading at or above grade level, which is an encouraging indicator of their progress. Across grade levels, the two areas where students can continue to grow are vocabulary development and comprehension of informational texts.

In addition to completing assigned work and practicing skills on IXL, one of the most effective ways students can improve in these areas is by developing consistent reading habits. Families can play an important role by providing opportunities for children to engage with informational texts in everyday life. For example, students might help follow written instructions for a project or recipe, read and discuss a newspaper or magazine article together, or explore nonfiction books on topics that interest them. With continued support at school and at home, we are confident that our students will keep building the strong reading skills they need for success.

 

Tomorrow is a half-day, and it is the day we will kick off the second PTCO fundraiser. This is your last opportunity to raise funds to meet your $250 fundraising obligation. It's always better to have others pay this money, so please share the raffle information with friends and family after the kickoff.  

Finally, I want to share how very proud I continue to be of our students. While we do not yet have all the final details, many members of the eighth-grade class have already been accepted to Tampa Catholic High School, Jesuit High School, and Academy of the Holy Names, with several earning scholarships in recognition of their strong entrance exam scores and outstanding academic records.

I am also proud of the students who represented our school at the Odyssey of the Mind competition last Saturday. Although they will not be advancing to the next level, they represented our school admirably and gained valuable experience through their participation.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of accompanying the eighth-grade class on a visit to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, where we focused on sacred art. Museum staff offered numerous compliments not only on the students’ respectful behavior but also on their thoughtful engagement with the activities. I was especially impressed by their curiosity, insightful questions, and genuine interest in the artwork. One staff member shared that, based on her usual experiences with school groups, our students truly stood out and “gave her hope.” That comment captured the day perfectly.

Thank you to all of our parents and teachers for helping to build a strong foundation of faith, character, and learning that will serve our students well in the years ahead.

Please continue to read Tidbits for more information, and have a fantastic rest of your week.  

The FACTS Grant and Aid application setup for the 2026-2027 school year is complete. Applications and documents received after May 1, 2026 are considered late for initial consideration. 

All Diocesan High Schools utilize the FACTS Grant & Aid Application in the determination of in-house tuition assistance and the Catholic School Tuition Aid Grant (CSTAG). Additionally, all elementary/middle school families are required to submit their financial documents via the FACTS Grant & Aid Application.

Note: Pricing for the 2026-2027 FACTS Grant & Aid Application Fee will remain the same at $38.00.

Resource for Families:

Diocesan aid is limited. Applications received after the initial consideration deadline of May 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year will be subject to a reduced rate, provided that funds are still available. Appeals are to be made directly to the school.