As we begin a New Year, I had hoped to focus my message on the many exciting and positive things we have to look forward to in the months ahead. However, recent events have brought a different perspective. The sudden passing of Monsignor, along with unexpected losses experienced by some of our staff members this year, has reminded me of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love. These experiences have made me reflect deeply on how we live out our days and the connections we nurture within our community.

Father Patrick recently shared a powerful observation, noting that we often don’t fully appreciate someone or something until they are no longer with us. His words struck a chord, especially as we deal with the loss of beloved members of our school family. It is a reminder to not take anyone for granted and to express our gratitude and love while we have the chance. Similarly, a relative of Mrs. Marvin recently shared how easy it is to leave things unsaid or put off spending meaningful time with loved ones until it is too late. These reflections challenge us to live intentionally, making space in our busy lives for those who matter most.

As we move forward together, I encourage all of us to take time to nurture our relationships and share our appreciation openly. Let us not wait for the “right” moment but instead create those moments every day. Whether it’s a kind word, a heartfelt note, or simply being present with those we care about, these actions can bring light and healing to our lives and the lives of others. In the spirit of our school’s theme, “Let Your Light Shine,” let’s strive to be examples of love and connection for one another. Together, we can honor the memories of those we’ve lost by living with purpose and kindness.

Sincerely,

Lisa Ruth

Friday, January 17 NO SCHOOL - Msgr. Funk's Funeral

Monday, January 20 NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 21 Dress Down Day - **Please keep in mind it's Mass day.**

Tuesday, January 21 All School Mass

Tuesday, January 21 Coffee with the Counselor (1:40 - 2:10, Parish Center)

Tuesday, January 21 School Board (7:00, Library)

Wednesday, January 22 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest in Gym Class

Wednesday, January 22 Open House for Prospective Kindergarten Students

Thursday, January 23 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest in Gym Class

Thursday, January 23 Pizza with the Pastor (4-211)

Sunday, January 26 Catholic Schools Week Begins

**Show your spirit by wearing your uniform or SPX spirit wear to Mass.**

Monday, January 27 Yearbook Club Photo Day--ALL students should be in a SPX uniform, NO Dress Down Day passes today.

Monday, January 27 Yearbook Sale Begins

Monday, January 27 Speaker from Uganda K-5

Tuesday, January 28 All School Mass

Wednesday, January 29 Open House for Prospective Students

Wednesday, January 29 The Works (Newark) Presentation K-6

Friday, January 31 Staff vs. 8th Grade Volleyball Game

Friday, January 31 Donation Dress Down Day (Any Amount - See Catholic Schools Week Below)

Friday, January 31 Newsletter Published

Saturday, February 1 Father-Daughter Dance (6:30-8:30, Parish Center)

SAVE THE NEW DATES

Mother-Son Dance: Saturday, April 5

1st - 7th grade: May 29 - 1:00 Dismissal

The Rev. Msgr. David R. Funk passed away January 8, 2025, in Columbus.

The son of Richard and Thelma Funk, Msgr. Funk was born February 6, 1948, in Lancaster, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Msgr. Funk was a 1966 graduate of Fairfield Union High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Ohio Dominican College, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology Degree from Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology History Degree at Catholic University. He also studied at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Columbus.

Msgr. Funk was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1974 at St. Mary Church, Bremen, Ohio, by the Most Reverend Edward J. Herrmann, Bishop of Columbus. Msgr. Funk served as an Associate Pastor at St. Peter, Chillicothe; Corpus Christi, Columbus; and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Columbus. He served as pastor of Holy Redeemer, Portsmouth; St. Agatha, Columbus; and St. Pius X, Reynoldsburg. His service to the Diocese of Columbus also included being a Vicar Forane, a member of the Priests Personnel Board, a Judge at the Diocesan Tribunal, and a Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. Msgr. Funk was named a Chaplain to His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor, October 11, 1995. He retired from active ministry in 2018.

Msgr. Funk is survived by his brother Thomas E. (Elizabeth "Betty") Funk and their children Kevin (Kacie) and Brian (Jodi); his brother James L. (Leesa) Funk and their children Jason (Amy) and Travis (Emily); and great nieces and great nephews, Ellie and Landen, Lillie and Roman, Bennett and Rosemary, Hazel and Alexander. He is also survived by his uncle, Carl (Linda) Capron and numerous cousins.

Calling hours will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, 1051 Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus, at St. Pius X on Saturday January 18, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.; the Rev. Mark Ghiloni will preach the homily. Committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery

Before the break, we announced the formation of a Principal's Advisory for students. While parents and teachers already have channels to provide feedback—through the School Board, Home and School, and even a faculty Principal's Advisory—we wanted to create a platform for our students to share their ideas directly with administration.

In the past, some of our best ideas have come from our students, so we were excited to see such enthusiastic participation. Before the break, we received over 100 thoughtfully written applications. With so many outstanding submissions, it was just too difficult to select a small number of students from each grade level. The final members of the group were chosen randomly.

Last week, we held our first meeting, focusing on discussing positives and areas for improvement in regards to lunches, the playground, and bathrooms. The students will now take the lead in interviewing their peers about preferences for all-school assemblies and suggestions for free school-wide incentives, which they will present at next month’s meeting.

The students’ engagement and ideas were truly impressive. These conversations also served as a wonderful reminder of a common theme among our students: they overwhelmingly attribute their joy at school to the incredible teachers and staff.

Congratulations to our Principal's Advisory members:

1st Grade: Mila Alvarez & Casen Meyer

2nd Grade: Lauren Skinner & Ethan Main

3rd Grade: Olaide Longe & Luca DeJohn

4th Grade: Emily Dominguez & Ethan Bauchmoyer

5th Grade: Ryan Barrera & Elias Mesfin

6th Grade: Lucy Schneider & Nolan Tabot

7th Grade: Hannah Amnah, Yumi-Rose Kozlowski, Tucker Beard, and Michael Hall

8th Grade: Amara Baranek, Maren Cervi, Justin Frase, and Sasmit Thapa

To prepare our 6th graders for their study of physical science, they participated in an engineering design challenge that incorporates concepts of linear measurement, force, motion, and energy. Their task: to build a polar bear defense system—a snowball (marshmallow) launcher!

Our 8th graders completed a Scavenger Hunt to learn about the many rhetorical techniques speakers use to persuade their audiences.

Our kindergarten students practiced reading their color words in Spanish.

On Tuesday, January 14, twenty-four students completed the Mathcounts School-Level Competition Test. The top 12 scoring students from the school-level competition will advance to the Franklin County Chapter Competition. Additionally, four alternates have been designated in case any of the top 12 students are unable to participate.

The following students qualified to compete as part of the team: Cristiano Mampieri, Graham Noll, Yumi-Rose Kozlowski, and Madison Caron.

The following students qualified to compete as individuals: Cavan Gibbs, Vinny Louiso, Sasmit Thapa, Ben Mathys, Brennen Noll, Onyeka Anigbogu, Elijah Beard, and Catherine Fagge.

The following students are designated as alternates: Max Ujczo, Rebecca Kamgang, Tucker Beard, and EJ Jackson.

The Franklin County Chapter Competition for Mathcounts will take place on Saturday, February 8, at Columbus State Community College.

We appreciate Austin, Logan, Sam, Maren, Kirsten, Olivia, Crysalynn, Faith, Madi, Carissa, Max, and Savannah for giving their time to make 260 sandwiches with the St. Vincent de Paul Society to feed the hungry.

We are incredibly thankful that Miss B is an example of Christ's light when she leads a reflective Adoration, so our students have the opportunity to spend time with Jesus at least once a month.

Don't miss your chance to register for the Father Daughter Dance!

Students in 4th - 8th grades will participate in the K of C Free Throw Contest during gym classes on Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24.

This year, we are excited to combine two beloved events—our SPX Art Show and Multicultural Night—into one spectacular celebration entitled Kaleidoscope: Art & Culture in Harmony.

In order to have a success Multicultural Night, we need our amazing families to sponsor tables to highlight their cultures! The superintendent is planning to attend this year, so we hope this year is better than ever!

THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the Emmaus Road Scholarship! Because of your generosity, we raised over $110,000 for tuition assistance for the 25-26 school year. For meeting our 3rd SGO goal, our students were treated to donuts from Jolly Pirate.

Our annual Gala of Giving is just around the corner, and we're so excited for another fantastic evening of fun and fundraising! A vital part of our Gala's success is the silent auction, and the class baskets are always a huge hit, raising thousands of dollars each year for our school.

To make this year's baskets even more irresistible, we're asking for your help! The easiest way to contribute is by making a monetary donation. This allows our committee to purchase items that perfectly complement each basket's theme and create truly spectacular offerings.

Making a monetary donation is quick and easy! Simply click HERE.

Want to see what amazing themes we have planned? You can also click HERE to view the themes and contribute items directly through our Amazon wish lists!

We encourage you to donate by February 14th so our committee members can begin assembling these wonderful baskets.

Finally, we want to extend a huge THANK YOU to all the families who have already generously donated items or made monetary contributions. Your support is deeply appreciated and makes a real difference!

We are also seeking sponsorships for this year's Gala. More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found HERE.

Thank you for your continued support of our school!

Kristen Vollmar and Katie Dominguez
SPX Gala of Giving Auction Co-Chairs

Please join us for Coffee with the Counselor on Tuesday, January 21st at 1:40 in the Monsignor Funk Center. We will be discussing how to manage your child's big emotions and review essential information for supporting your child's experiences during larger emotional outbursts. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP here.

*If you are picking up your child, please feel free to park in the pick up line and walk over!

Families must apply for FACTS Grant and Aid to be considered for SGO funds or any type of diocesan or SPX financial aid.

We are excited to announce that the HSA has contracted with a new spirit wear company with several new perks!

**For the 24-25 school year, dry-fit uniform shirts will be acceptable on gym days. The shirts are on sale now.**

• Orders may be placed at any time
• Orders shipped directly to your home
• Faster turnaround times
• More color options

Follow us on social media for a peek into your child's school day!

Click on these links and follow us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPXSchoolReynoldsburg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spxreynoldsburg/?hl=en

Email: stpiusx@cdeducation.org
Website: https://www.spxelementary.com/

Location: 1061 Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg, OH, USA
Phone: 614-866-6050