Giving Tuesday 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we approach Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025—extending our campaign from November 17 through December 2—St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School invites you to invest in the hearts and minds of our young students. Your generosity will empower two transformative initiatives that nurture holistic growth: a safer, more engaging playground and a refreshed STEM curriculum rooted in wonder and discovery. Together, we can foster environments where faith, play, and learning inspire our students to live as joyful disciples of Christ.

Revitalizing Our Playground: Safe Spaces for Joyful Play

Our school playground is like a time capsule, filled with memories of childhood. But sadly, some of the playground equipment is old and broken, making it unsafe for kids to play. We're committed to creating a space where students can explore God's creation through active, imaginative play—essential for their physical, social, and spiritual development.

• Project Details: We'll replace outdated equipment with modern, durable alternatives designed for all ages.
• Timeline: Demolition begins this winter, with construction completing in spring 2026.
• Total Cost: $95,000. We've already secured $50,000 through prior efforts—now we need your help to raise the remaining $45,000 to bring this vision to life.

Imagine our kids’ joyful laughter echoing on the playground, all thanks to the state-of-the-art equipment we’ve provided. Your generous gift ensures that every student has the chance to experience the magic of friendship and play, a divine gift indeed!

Updating Our STEM Curriculum: Igniting Wonder in God's World

In line with our mission to form faithful innovators, we're updating our STEM program to equip students with tools for scientific inquiry and mathematical reasoning—skills that reveal the beauty and order of creation. This renewal focuses on hands-on learning that aligns with Catholic values of wonder, collaboration, and ethical problem-solving.

• Key Components:
  • FOSS Next Generation Science Curriculum (Grades K-5): Developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley, this research-based program engages students in authentic scientific practices. It leverages natural wonder for observable phenomena, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students won't just learn about science—they'll do science: observing, testing ideas, and applying knowledge to real-world problems. As the FOSS philosophy states, "Science is a discovery activity, a process for producing new knowledge," making it accessible and equitable for every child. Lessons use local, relevant phenomena to build deeper understanding of the natural and designed worlds, bridging content knowledge with active participation.
  • Updated Mathematics Curriculum and Professional Development: 
    We're adopting a new math framework paired with training from The Number Lab, an organization dedicated to ending "impoverished math experiences" through innovative, practice-based learning. This includes a three-day [Co]Lab seminar at Long-View Micro School, where teachers will:
    • Strengthen mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
    • Build a math-rich classroom culture through collaboration.
    • Explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support diverse learners.
    • Foster critical thinking, communication, and creativity—embracing math as a "generative perspective" that promotes growth mindsets.
    • This empowers teachers to create positive math experiences, helping students see numbers as a reflection of divine order.
• Timeline: Professional development and curriculum introduction in early summer 2026, with full classroom implementation starting fall 2026.
• Funding Goal: $25,000 to jumpstart this 18-month renewal in mathematics and natural science.

By supporting STEM at St. Anthony, you're helping students come to know and reverence the Creator through His creation, preparing them to be stewards of innovation in a world that needs faithful, free, and joyful leaders.