N ewsletter

May 29, 2020

St. James the Apostle Catholic School is a Christ-centered community where children can grow in faith, values of service and academic excellence.

Drive-In Graduation:

St. James Made It Happen! On Friday, May 22, 2020 at 5:55 p.m., 23 carloads of 8

th grade graduates and their

family members anxiously awaited on Nunes St. on the Southside of San Antonio to enter

the gates of their precious Catholic school that many attended for the past 11 years. At 6:00

p.m., the church bells resounded, horns honked, and Pomp and Circumstance played as cars

entered the courtyard of St. James the Apostle Catholic School to attend the first-ever Drive-

In Graduation. Students exited their cars wearing the traditional cap and gown accessorized

with face masks. They sat 8 feet apart in front of the outdoor classrooms. Once the music

ended, the ceremony began.

Dr. Jennifer Grenardo, Ed.D., principal of St. James the Apostle Catholic School,

accompanied by the Vice Principal, Sister Debbie Walker, FMA, invited all the graduates to

stand to begin with a prayer service. After a reading about love from 1 Corinthians 13,

graduate Jessie Garcia, who was diagnosed with cancer just before COVID-19 began, came

forward to crown Mary. Co-salutatorian, Gianna Felan, shared a heart-felt refection about

how St. James the Apostle Catholic School taught its students how to show love to others by

listening without interrupting, enjoying without complaining, and forgiving without

punishing, thus concluding the prayer service.

The graduation commenced with inspiring words from fellow co-salutatorian,

Matthew Martinez. Matthew referenced a quote from the great Michael Jordan saying,

“Some people want it to happen, some people wish it to happen, and some people MAKE it

happen. Dr. G and Sister Debbie were determined to recognize this 8th grade class, and I

would like all of us to give them a round of applause for figuring out a way to make this

happen for us.”

For the conferring of diplomas, each student picked up his/her diploma from a

decorated table and posed for a social-distanced photo with Dr. Grenardo and the pastor of

the church, Father Joseph Kandeor. As each name was called, families honked and cheered

within their vehicles to celebrate this monumental moment. Valedictorian, Joshua Medel,

lastly addressed his classmates. “This Pandemic affected every single one of our lives in a

major way. Students have to learn from home, parents have to work from home, and teachers

have to teach from home. This virus is a large obstacle that we have to overcome by staying

home and distancing ourselves . . . I feel like despite all of this year's short comings, all of us

here have something to be grateful for. We are all safe and looked after by Jesus Christ and

each other.”

The ceremony ended with a blessing from the pastor, Father Joseph, as he sent out

our students into the world to be a light for others.

On a hot Friday evening in the heart of the Southside of San Antonio, St. James the

Apostle Catholic School honored their 8th

grade graduates, teachers, and families. St. James

made it happen!

Answering God’s Call Fr. Joseph will be completing his stay with St. James. At the beginning of July, he is being reassigned to

Houston. Families will be encouraged to send in thank you notes and photos next week.

We welcome Father Sonny Aryanto, CICM, as administrator of St. James the Apostle Church in San Antonio.

Perfect Attendance 4th Quarter Pre-K 3A Alexa Moreno Camila Muniz Luke Newton Tessa Pichardo Julian Sandoval Evangelina Summey Pre-K 3B Clarissa Avila Noelle Harrison Devyn Rose Hernandez Rolando Lerma III Emily Molina Victoria Muzquiz-Cardenas Oliver Ramirez Severiano Regio Amaris Viesca Pre-K 4A Aguirre, Nadya Arroyo, Madelynn Ayala, Bailey Berden, Eva Campos, Emilie Castillo, Kai Chambers, Isaiah Del Fierro, Damian Escamilla, Eliana Flotte, Aiden Gomez, Benjamin Guevara, Michael Hernandez, Elena Lemcke, Ardenn Medellin, Jace Nunez, Cody Orsborn, Sofia Palacios, Marcus Villanueva, Giovanni Villanueva, Marcello Zepeda, Vivian Pre-K 4B Alaquinez, Penelope Cedillo, Christian Coz, Eli Espinoza, Evy Farias, Tatiana Garcia, Isabella Garcia, Kyson Gonzalez, Alejandro Martinez, Luke Mendez, Violet Montoya, Victoria Moreno, Aiden Nuncio, Vincent Oritz, Eian Rodriguez, Aria Springer, Evelena

Jace Stelzig Kinder A Alayla Cruz Cristian Guerrero Juliette Lozano Matthew Marquez Machalyn Navarrez Norah Newton Grayson Ortega Evelyn Ortiz Kolton Patro Alivia Winegeart Kinder B Cristian Alvarez Olivia Armijo Vanessa De La Rosa Lucas Galindo Isis Garcia Landon Garcia Mckenzie Griesenbeck Leonardo Perales John Joseph Perez Allyson Urbina Gabriel Zapata Siller 1A Lucian Borrego Winter Flores Joseph Hewitt Isaiah Jaosidy Dolci Mermella Abigail Puente Joziah Rios Mikayla Romero 1B Mariella Azocar Aria Martinez Abigail Morales Gabriella Nuncio Eli Tello Liam Toscano-Montes Samuel Vasquez 2A & B Abonce, Justin Acevedo, Haylie Armijo, Camden Asebedo, Emily Avila, Yesenia Bobadilla, Charlize Borjon, Fabian Curiel, Lily De La Rosa, Richard De Luna, Ian Diaz, Deyli Elizardo, Sophia

Espinoza, Esme Garcia, Dylan Garcia, Ernest Gonzalez, Alexander Guevara, Vincent Hernandez, Dylan Hernandez, Fernando Hernandez, Roman Ibarra, Natalee Leal, London Macias, Lucianna Mendez, Victoria Montalvo, Gianni Montalvo, Giovanni Montoya, Marc Moreno, Ayden Pacheco, Faith Perez, Eli Perez, Yvonne Reyes, Trinity Rodela, Cristian Salas, Rodolfo Sarabia, Ethan Schmitt, Elijah Solis, Aaron Toscano, Nyomi Trevino, Emma Vasquez, EmmanuelJay Villarreal, Elijah 3A Madelyn Carmona Nayeli Del Fierro Aaron Garcia Zoe Hughes Alexandria Medina Noah Sarabia Allison Vargas Joshua Reyes David Toscano Allison Vargas Josiah Eguia Jorge Farias 3B DeLeon, Emma Espinoza, Toby Flores, Daniel Garcia, Alejandra Garcia, Marina Glen, Miranda Martinez, Analisa Morales, Andres Ortiz, Michael Perez, Scarlett Rico, James Rios, Paris Ruiz, Alyxandra Villareal, Evan Zepeda, Vincent

4A Roselyn Arsate Christian Avila Elianna Gonzalez Mia Martinez Carlos Mata Ruben Medina Vivienne Mendez Matteo Perez Gabriela Rodela Ethan Winegeart 4B Selene Cedillo Ethan Felan Zayd Flores Jenna Gonzales Andrew Hernandez Joaquin Lazo Arielle Mascorro Caleb Medellin Savien Medellin Preston Ortega Christian Reyna Arianna Robles Andrew San Miguel 5A Aguirre, Natasha Duque, Kylah Duran, Isabel Flores, Alexiana (Lexi) Hewitt, Brian Montalvo, Ivan Montoya, Joe Noriega, Roger Perez, Ramiro Rodriguez, Ella San Miguel, Devin Vela, Nadia 5B Josiah Cantu Gabriella Davila Parker Everman Kaylee Fernandez Dylan Gallardo Analeigh Gatica Luke Orsborn Carissa Reyna Allina Solis 6 Cash Avila John-David Carmona Brianna Flores Evelynnn Garcia Jocelyn Garcia

Ariel Hernández Liliana Hernández Jacob Ibarra Mikaela Martinez Jordana Ortiz Sara Pruski, Diamond Rodríguez Noah Trevino Lydia Vela 7A Natalya Aguirre Olivia Bermea Madison DeLeon Christopher Flores Julianna Gonzales Ricardo Gonzales Patrick Mata Landon Ortega Edgar Rodriguez Justice Ruiz Isabella Viagran Derik Winegeart 7B Zenen Romero Olivia Trinidad Gabriella Viagran Abigail Gutierrez Jocelyn Arizpe Isabella Hewitt David Gonzalez Julian De Luna Sophia Ybarra Kirra Patro 8 Daniel Cerna Natalie Deleon Daniel De Tovar Jonathan Espinoza Gianna Felan Cristian Garcia Dominic Hernandez Matthew Martinez Joshua Medel Angelina Mermella Vittoria Morales Isabella Munoz Bella Orsborn Christian Otero Dayveon Taylor Elijah Villarreal

AR AWARDS

1st Grade Mariella Azocar Lucian Borrego Isaiah Jaosidy Abigail Puente Joziah Rios Adelysa Rodriguez Eli Tello Samuel Vasquez

2 Grade Camden Armijo Yesenia Avila Lily Curiel Richard De La Rosa Esme Espinoza Ernest Garcia Natalee Ibarra Victoria Mendez Rodolfo Salas Elijah Schmitt Aaron Solis

Emmauel Jay Vasquez Elijah Villarreal 3 Grade Madelyn Carmona Emma De Leon Nayeli Del Fierro Toby Espinoza Daniel Flores Aaron Garcia Alejandra Garcia

Marina Garcia Miranda Glen Zoe Hughes Alexandria Medina Andres Morales Marina Muniz Scarlett Perez Alyxandra Ruiz Noah Sarabia Allison Vargas

4th Quarter Honor Roll Honor Roll: 85-100 in all subjects S or above in conduct and elective classes for all subjects

4th Grade

Roselyn Arsate

Christian Avila

Selene Cedillo

Andrew Flores

Salvador Garcia

Elianna Gonzalez

Andrew

Hernandez

Mia Martinez

Carlos Mata

Preston Ortega

Arianna Robles

Andrew San

Miguel

Isaiah Villarreal

Ethan Winegeart

5th

Grade

Natasha Aguirre

Kylah Duque

Isabel Duran

Parker Everman

Kaylee Fernandez

Analeigh Gatica

Xavier González

Joe Montoya

Roger Noriega

Luke Orsborn

Ramiro Perez

Ella Rodriguez

Devin San Miguel

Allina Solis

Nadia Vela

6th

John-David

Carmona

Brianna Flores

Evelyn Garcia

Liliana Hernandez

Mikaela Martinez

Lydia Vela

7th

Grade

Jocelyn Arizpe

Christopher Flores

Kristen Garcia

Ricardo Gonzales

Isabella Hewitt

Landon Ortega

Zenen Romero

8th Grade

Daniel Cerna

Jonathan Espinoza

Cristian Garcia

Angelina

Mermella

Vittoria Morales

Bella Orsborn

Christian Otero

Dayveon Taylor

4th Quarter HIGH Honor Roll

94-100 in all subjects or 90-100 in an Honors class S or above in conduct and elective classes

4th Grade

Ethan Felan

Zayd Flores

Jenna Gonzales

Arielle Mascorro

Caleb Medellin

Savien Medellin

Vivienne Mendez

Matteo Perez

Christian Reyna

5th

Grade

Carissa Reyna

6th

Grade

Jocelyn Garcia

7th

Grade

Natalya Aguirre

Madison De Leon

Julian De Luna

Julianna Gonzales

Abigail Gutierrez

Gabriella Viagran

Isabella Viagran

8th

Grade

Natalie Deleon

Gianna Felan

Matthew Martinez

Joshua Medel

8th Grade Graduation Awards

Valedictorian: Joshua Medel

Co-Salutatorians: Gianna Felan & Matthew Martinez

Fidelity Award

9 yrs. since Kinder: Daniel Ray Cerna, Natalie De Leon 10 yrs. since PreK-4: Dominic Hernandez, Matthew Martinez, Isabella Munoz, Juan Posada, Dayveon Taylor, Christian Valdez 11 yrs. since PreK-3: Joshua Medel, Angelina Mermella, Bella Osborn, Miles Procknow

Blessed Laura Vicuna Award: Natalie De Leon

St. Dominic Savio Award: Noah Villarreal

President’s Education Awards Outstanding Academic Excellence: Daniel Cerna, Natalie De Leon, Jonathan

Espinoza, Gianna Felan, Matthew Martinez, Joshua Medel, Vittoria Morales, Bella Orsborn, Dayveon Taylor, Elijah Villarreal

Outstanding Academic Achievement: Miles Procknow

UIL Award – 1st in Maps, Graphs and Charts: Natalie De Leon

Student Council Awards Ecology Commissioner: Daniel DeTover Religion Commissioner: Natalie DeLeon Treasurer: Christian Jake Otero Secretary: Dayveon Taylor Vice President: Gianna Felan President: Angelina Mermella

Service to St. James Church Awards

Natalie De Leon, Gianna Felan, Cristian Garcia, Matthew Martinez, Angelina Mermella, Joshua Medel, Isabella Munoz

St. James Cross Award: Isabella Munoz

Scholarships

$500.00 PTC Gianna Felan & Dominic Hernandez $250.00 PTC Natalie De Leon & Bella Orsborn $250.00 KofC Isabella Munoz $200.00 Athletics Vittoria Morales, Christian Otero, Angelina Mermella

Salesian Family Spirit Awards Jacob Otero PTC Board, Gala Committee Aurelia (Coach) Mermella Volleyball, Basketball, Track, etc. Blanca Munoz Snack Store, Office help, fun days

SJS Distance Learning Platform

2020-2021: Hopes & Dreams,

Prospects & Possibilities Our community is envisioning what next year may look like. In conjunction with the Archdiocese, we

are planning a school year that will enable our families to allow their children to physically attend school in the

fall. We plan to have a traditional calendar, beginning August 17, 2020. As the Archdiocese continues to guide

us, we are working at our level to create the best plan for any possibility. We are forming a taskforce of parents,

teachers, and administration looking at research, data, and surveys to ascertain the different needs that have

arisen as a result of COVID-19. This taskforce will work together to come up with a comprehensive plan to

meet needs that may arise next year, including, but not limited to, safety, distance learning, and financial needs.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Dr. Grenardo at dr.grenardo@stjamesschoolsa.org.

In conjunction with the Archdiocese, St. James will continue to train and plan to enhance the distance

learning experience for our students. We are currently looking at ways to allow more flexibility in learning,

avenues to have recorded lessons, and more face time with the teachers to allow assistance on assignments. We

are focused on how we can enhance the learning experience for our students, as well as, taking an active role in

daily learning, should the need arise. We are not daunted by the possibilities of distance learning for next year,

we are planning for an exceptional experience for all.

Nature Explore Grant St. James the Apostle Catholic School is a

recipient of the Nature Explore Grant through PreK4SA,

which will provide a renovated outdoor

classroom/playground area for our students.

Construction will begin June 1st with a completion date

of June 30, 2020. We are truly blessed!

Spring Raffle Winners were drawn on May 28

th @ 10 am

- Live Streamed on our SJS Facebook Page

Please call the school office within 10 business days to redeem your prize!

Prize Name 1st Prize

Dell 15.6 Touchscreen Laptop Mae Zapata

2nd Prize DJl Mini Quadcopter w/Remote

Jason & Bonnie Lemcke

3rd Prize 55” LED Smart 4K TV w/Roku

Sarah Guevara

4th Prize Nintendo Switch 32GB Console

Albert Salazar

5th Prize Samsung Galaxy 16GB Tablet

Diane Garcia

6th Prize lRobot-Roomba Vacuum

Graciela Ciccaneo

7th Prize Ninja Indoor Smokeless Grill

Roby Limon

8th Prize Bose – Wireless Headphones

Brittany Bueno

9th Prize Canon PowerShot Camera

Robert Solis

10th Prize Facebook Portal Smart Video

Amber

11th Prize Fitbit-Smartwatch

Margaret Alvarez

12th Prize Sphero Bolt Robot Ball

Benjamin Gomez

13th Prize Hover 1 – Self Balancing Scooter

Christina Medellin

14th Prize Lego-Star Wars Yoda

Bella Orsborn

15th Prize Aluratek – 7” Digital Photo Frame

Roger Rodriguez

16th Prize JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Dan Ortiz

17th Prize Insignia Mini Fridge

Juanita Cordero

18th Prize Hobby Lite – Remote Control Car

Amber Zapata

School Advisory Council Now Accepting Nominations for 2020-2021! Please submit completed nomination form and photo. Applications can be found at

https://stjamesschoolsa.org/advisory-board.

PTC News We are accepting new members! Please contact us at StJamesPTC@gmail.com if you would like to join.

PTC Scholarship Recipeints! The funds from our Cowboy Breakfast funded these scholarships.

Thank you for your support!

$500.00 Gianna Felan & Dominic Hernandez $250.00 Natalie De Leon & Bella Orsborn

Hope for the Future

Tuition Assistance

Still accepting applications!

https://www.archsa.org/hope/apply-now