“Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16
In this newsletter you can read about the final games and winners of Holy Hoops, Bike/Walk home forms, playground angels, wreath sales, ND high school update, Bright Futures Annual Appeal, Orange and Black Day, , Lost and Found, SPARK meeting, PTC meeting, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Trunk or Treat night, middle school academic help, mandatory Study Halls for Middle School, Krispy Kreme, PTC General Meeting Today, Mass on Friday & altar servers, Youth group news, saint question of the week, Charity is the virtue of October, and much more!
Thank you for reading!
PTC News!
FIRST GENERAL PTC MEETING IS TONIGHT!!!
AT 6:30PM IN THE GYM
MEET YOUR PARENT/TEACHER CLUB AND
OUR NEW PRINCIPAL, MR. RAMOS
Trunk or Treat Oct.25th
This has been a long tradition here at Assumption Parish and School involving parents, kids, neighbors and parishioners. Rain or Shine!
There are spots left to host candy and treats the night of the event. It will be in our traffic loop on Saturday and start at 6:15pm. Cars, trucks or tables are available on the sign up genius.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AA23A1FEC25-59112125-trunk
Holy Hoops 2025: 10 Years of Fun!
The 10th annual Holy Hoops was a slam dunk! From the opening whistle to the final buzzer, players, coaches, and families came together to make the week unforgettable.
Boys’ Division Champions
The boys’ competition was fierce, but St. James took home the championship title! Coached by the dynamic duo of Nico and Caleb, the team showed incredible teamwork and determination fighting their way through the bracket. The winning roster included James H (8th), Enrico (8th), Collin (7th), Oliver (7th), Caleb (6th), Will (6th), and Nick (5th). Congratulations to these talented young athletes!
Girls’ Division Champions
On the girls’ side, St. Kateri emerged victorious under the leadership of Coach Larusia and Coach Erick. The team’s impressive run to the top was a true show to their determination and skill. Players Sophia (8th), Ilse (8th), Fatih (7th), Sabreen (7th), Maddie (6th), and Emery (5th) played with heart and hustle, making their victory well-earned! Congratulations to Sophia Gage for winning 3 years in a row!
Competition Highlights
In addition to the main tournament, Holy Hoops 2025 featured individual competitions. Congratulations to all of our competition winners:
- Free Throw: Sophia (8th), and Collin (7th)
- Three-Point Contest: Lily (6th) and Graedon (8th)
- Lightning: Lily (6th) and Brendan (6th)
- Saint Poster Contest: Saint Kateri and Saint Raphael
Teachers and Alumni Game
One of the highlights of the week was the always-entertaining Teachers and Alumni Game, where both skill and laughter were on full display. Congratulations on the teacher’s victory! It was a great reminder of the bonds that make our community so special!
A Team Effort
A huge thank you to our Holy Hoops officials and scorekeepers: Jen Sheafer, Katie White, Anthony Petz, Drew Zender, Josh Claypool, Amy Claypool, David Gage and Michael Petz.
We also want to recognize the incredible coaches who gave their time and energy to guide the teams: Jack Viggers, Ava Patelli, William Anton, Bernardo Torres-Duque, Sam Williams, Stella Wolf, David Pozas, Lexie Peralta, Ethan Sheafer, George Streeter, Nico Pethick, Luz Lane, Erick Dennis, Pablo Ordonez, Mark Lockhart, Laurisa Diaz Vargas, and Caleb Vincent.
A Special Thank You
We are deeply grateful to the parents, families, and friends who filled the bleachers with their enthusiasm and support. You are the heart of this event, and we couldn’t have done it without you. And a final shout-out to our incredible sponsors, whose generosity makes Holy Hoops possible year after year!
As we wrap up another successful year, we look forward to what Holy Hoops 2026 will bring. Until then, let’s continue to carry the spirit of community, faith, and good sportsmanship into all we do. Don’t forget to come cheer on our girls’ and boys’ basketball team this season.
Invest in Bright Futures!
Every year, our Bright Futures Annual Fund helps bridge the gap between what it actually costs to educate a student at Assumption and what we charge in tuition. We purposely build fundraising into our operations budget to keep tuition as low as possible for you, our families. For the 2025–26 school year, that difference is approximately $3,015 per student. That’s where we all come in!
Your gift to Bright Futures goes straight to work:
🏫 Covering essential operational costs
📊 Helping us balance the budget
🌱 Supporting the long-term sustainability of our school
And here’s a bonus: Unlike tuition, your donation is tax-deductible! 🎉
Reaching our $145,000 goal means we can meet our budget, and every dollar helps light the way for another Bright Future.
💫 Will you be part of the magic this year?
https://assumptionschool.ejoinme.org/annualfund
Wreaths&Poinsettias for Sale!
Christmas is just around the corner. The class of 2026 are selling these beautiful ponsettias and wreaths from our local Van Wingerden Greenhouse. Order now for yourself, family and friends! Don’t forget to collect orders from local businesses and your place of work. Supporting this fundraiser will help the class fund for our retreats and graduation celebrations. Hard copies are in your Wednesday envelopes today!
Or use the link here for ordering online. Thank you, 8th grade class and parents.
https://vwfundraiser.com/org/assumptioncatholic
Calling Playground Angels!
We continually need helpers on the playground.
Thank you for your help in keeping recess fun and safe!
Walkers and Bikers for 2025-2026
Please use the link below to give permission for any student in grades 4 to 8th grade to walk or bike home or to a lesson (like piano). Students in grades 3 or below must walk or bike with an older sibling. Also, when your child has permission to leave after school, the rule is to still “check in” with their “sign” teacher. Mr. Ramos wants to stress the importance of keeping our students safe in the downtown area where we are located. If you need a paper form, they are in the office.
This is a repeat from September because only 3 families filled this out. There are more families letting students walk or bike, but the school would like to have our form officially filled out. I would appreciate if families could do this quick form online.
DUE FRIDAY OCTOBER 24TH!
Thank you.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNWPHiHIsCzt-9h6ffv4KbcGJmboA7EGSqGbkY8v-lXF3jGw/viewform
Some Small House Keeping things:
- Large Connect Four game from the Harvest Fest is in the office.
Please pick up ASAP.
- Photos from Holy Hoops can be sent to the Yearbook committee chair, Emily Hoza at yearbook@assumption.school
- Krispy Kreme Donuts pick up by the gym Thursday morning at 7:40am.
We will have donuts for sale at $2 each or $22 for a dozen.
- November 21st, Grandparents Day has been changed to an EARLY RELEASE DAY! School will be dismissed after mass at 11:45am. We hope that families will be able to spend time with their grandparents and/or grandfriends.
Middle School Academic Support
Is your middle schooler struggling with understanding a certain concept or needing help catching up? More Tuesday Tutoring sessions have opened! Sessons start at 3:20 pm in Ms. Zech’s room (third floor) and pickup is at 4:00 pm by the office. NEW INFO: We are now asking parents, who are interested in signing up their middle schooler, to first register for EDP by the Monday prior to the Tuesday they wish their child to attend. This provides a safe space for their child to go to in the event that they cannot pick up their child by 4:00 pm. Extra EDP forms can be found in the office. With limited slots, take advantage of this FREE, small group support by signing up with this LINK!
After School Tutoring for Students in Grades 1-5th
Mrs. Williams is working with the student ambassadors to offer “Tuesday Tutoring” for students needing extra support on homework. Families, contact your child’s teacher and Mrs. King if you would like your child to attend. Sessions will run from 3:15-4:00 each Tuesday. Any questions can be directed to Mrs. Williams at bwilliams@assumption.school.
Mandatory Study Hall Tuesdays
Part of our mission at Assumption Catholic School is to help your child achieve academic excellence and put systems in place to help your child if falling behind.
This year, outside of class time, several staff have come together to provide ways to support your child in this effort. In addition to each teacher’s office hours and Tuesday Tutoring, we are adding one more component.
Starting this Friday, October 24th, if your child is assessed at under 73% for any of their classes by 4pm Friday each week, they will need to attend a mandatory, in-school Study Hall the following Tuesday from 12-12:30. If your child is to attend, a confirmation email will be sent to you and your child by the office on Monday.
If your child manages to catch up over the weekend, they are still to attend this Study Hall to work on skill-building necessary to help prevent this occurrence again.
In addition to attending this mandatory Tuesday Study Hall, students will not be allowed to play in registered, after-school ACS sports for that entire week.
Each Friday, unless announced otherwise, the same process will follow.
As a reminder, if your child has any questions about their work or marking of particular assignments, they are encouraged to talk to their teacher first. Parents and guardians, along with their children, are encouraged to check their child’s FACTS account on a weekly basis. Thank you for your understanding of our commitment to support your child.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
On Wednesday October 29th we will have our annual pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkins must be dropped off no later than 8am. Please bring a $2 entry fee, which will be used to gift the grand prize-winning artist!
- Honorary prizes will be given for spooky, unique, or funny categories.
- Please drop off your creations in the gym between 7:40 – 8:00 am.
- Judging will take place at 8:00 sharp so our ambassadors can get to class!
Principal’s Coffee October 27th
Monday morning come and have a coffee and sweet treat with our Principal Mr. Ramos. He will be available 8:30am in the library to answer questions and just a chance to meet with him in a smaller setting.
Whatcom Catholic News 
For all the news around Whatcom County and the Catholic Church:
https://www.whatcomcatholic.org/
School Mass Friday 10.24.25
This Friday, October 24TH – 2ND grade class (Mrs. Town) will be leading Mass. All K-8 students should wear dress uniforms and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend each Mass or prayer service!
Servers at mass should arrive by 7:30am to help with Benediction and incense that begins at 7:45am. Your sacrifice to come early and help at Mass is greatly appreciated.
Altar Servers are Finley Twining, Morgan Veldman, and Valerie Millard.
** Trainings for new servers interested in this ministry will take place during lunch recess at noon on Tuesdays. Any new server needs attend at least one of these before being scheduled at a school mass. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Michele King in the office. Look for the schedule with a paper form by the front office.
- October 28th: 5th grade
Middle School Youth Ministry Update
Dear Middle School Families,
I hope you’re all doing well! Here are a few important updates for the coming weeks:
🕊️ Confirmation Reminder
If your 7th–12th grader wishes to be confirmed this year, they must attend the youth meeting on Wednesday, October 29th, from 6:15–7:45 PM at Sacred Heart Church.
This will be their final opportunity to join the Confirmation program this year.
There are still a few spots available to meet with me before the 29th — please schedule your family meeting as soon as possible using this link:
👉 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040549AAA92FA6FE3-59318306-confirmation
🔥 BLAST Night This Saturday!
If your child signed up for the Race to Midnight BLAST, don’t forget—it begins between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM in the gym at the Church of the Assumption and goes until midnight.
If you have not yet RSVP’d, please email me at daniel@assumption.org to check for availability. Please note: I do not work on Thursdays or Fridays, so emails sent after Wednesday evening will not be checked until Saturday afternoon.
✨ Saturday Small Groups Update
Due to scheduling conflicts, our Middle School Saturday Small Groups will now begin on Saturday, December 6th, starting as a special Advent Small Group series.
These sessions count toward Confirmation small group participation for those in the program.
If your child is interested in joining, please contact me at daniel@assumption.org so I can plan for group size (you do not need to be a part of the confirmation program to participate).
Thank you for your continued support and for helping your children grow in faith and community.
Blessings,
Daniel Prenosil
Middle School Youth Ministry Coordinator
The Church of The Assumption and Sacred Heart Parishes
Northern Deanery High School Info
Title: NDCHS September gathering in Mt. Vernon – highlights and video
Click Link here for the pdf and video
Peacemaker Virtue for October- Charity
This year ACS will be highlighting the monthly peacemaker virtue in our school newsletter so families can follow along in practicing the virtue theme at home. Our virtue for October is Charity with St. Teresa of Calcutta as our inspiration. In Catholicism, charity is defined as the theological virtue by which we love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves for love of God. It is the highest form of Christian love, expressed through selfless acts and rooted in divine grace.
Here are some ideas for families to live out charity in daily life:
- Pray together – Ask God to grow love and compassion in your hearts. Seek to find a local faith community. Local Parish info- Whatcom Catholic
- Practice Charity in Relationships – Promote forgiveness and reconciliation, speak kindly, share generously, be present with one another, and include those who may feel left out.
- Serve others as a family – Volunteer, visit the sick, or help a neighbor in need.
Participate in a parish service project or connect with local outreach partners:
Hope House- Bellingham Hope House – Church of the Assumption | Bellingham, WA
Catholic Community Services- Volunteer | Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
Prepares-Volunteer with PREPARES | Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
Living fruitful Charity begins with encountering Christ, is nurtured though faith-filled family life, and then overflows into the world.
1 Corinthians 13:13: “So faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
SPARK
Ready to create a SPARK? Calling all ACS 3rd-8th grade girls to make a difference now and beyond!
Let’s gather together and learn ways to spread kindness and grow confidence.
Snacks, special guest speakers and fun activities at every meeting!
Join us every 3rd Friday after school at 3:45-5:45pm in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall.
Our October meeting is Friday, Oct. 24 and our topic is “Know and Love Your Body” with guest speakers from PeaceHealth Pediatrics and Dr. Liz Vennos from Bellingham Dermatology.
RSVP HERE! and if you can help, Sign Up Here!
Questions: ACS.Spark.Club@gmail.com
NEW SAINT QUESTION OF THE WEEK 10.22.25
Double Saint Feast Day!
Guess either Saint to win. These Saints were two of the twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. They were part of the group that followed Him closely and helped spread His teachings.
The first Saint was called “the Zealot” to show he had great passion for his faith. He may have been part of a group called the Zealots, who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. After Jesus’ resurrection, he traveled to different places to preach about Jesus.
The second Saint is often called “Thaddeus” to make it clear he is not the same person as Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus. He is known for his letter in the New Testament, where he encourages Christians to stay strong in their faith. People also pray to him when they are in hopeless situations.
These two saints are remembered together because they are believed to have worked together in their missionary efforts. Tradition says they both preached in Persia and were martyred for their faith. Their feast day is celebrated on October 28.
Put your answer in the jar by the Discipleship Board.
Last Week: St. Luke
Winner is: No one had a correct guess
Lost and Found….Come find your items!!!
Upcoming calendar items:
Oct. 23rd – Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser-Pick up DONUTS in the am!
Oct. 25th – Trunk or Treat Night begins at 6:15pm
Oct. 27th – Pizza Lunch
Oct. 29th – Orange and Black Dress Up Day/Pumpkin Carving Contest 8am
Oct.31st– Halloween Day/ Dress Uniform for Mass @8:15am
Nov. 1/2nd – Spirit Weekend – (wearing your uniform to Mass) and Hosting Coffee and Donuts at the 8am and 10am Masses!
Nov. 3rd – All Saints Costume Day or Free Dress from Spirit Weekend
Nov. 6th – School Mass at 8:15am (Thursday)
Nov. 7th – NO SCHOOL- Teacher Accreditation Work
Nov. 9th – Fall Open House Kindergarten and Preschool 11:30-1:30pm
Nov. 10th – Veteran’s Day Prayer Service Honoring Veterans in our Community 8:15
Nov. 11th – NO SCHOOL DAY!
Nov. 21st – Early Release at 11:45am/GRANDPARENTS DAY
***Items for the newsletter need to be turned in to Mrs. King and Mr. Ramos by Monday at 2pm for the Wednesday Digital and/or Wednesday Envelopes. The office needs time for review and printing if needed.
OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY FOR CATHOLICS! EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO PRAY AND ASK FOR HER INTERCESSION.
