Oct 7
Professional Day
(no school)

Oct 10
Fall Break
(no school)

Oct. 16
Men’s Club Golf Tournament

Oct 23
Trunk or Treat 2pm
(SLS Parking Lot)

Oct 25
Home & School Meeting 6:30pm
(Clunan Center)

in education. Most recently I was a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at Desoto Central Middle School for 6 years. My husband, Chris and I have 2 children, Wade and Cooper. I enjoy spending time with my family (several of whom are also educators) and reading a good book at every available opportunity. As a graduate of the Memphis Catholic Diocese school system, I am thrilled to be joining the St. Louis Faculty and look forward to the upcoming school year!

Erin Van Epps, Learning Lab K-4
Hello all! My name is Erin Van Epps and I'm very much looking forward to joining the Learning Lab team for K-4 at SLS. I graduated from Rhodes College with a degree in history and from the University of Memphis with a Juris Doctorate and a Master's of Arts in Teaching -- with a concentration in Special Education. I also taught Special Ed in public schools in Indiana and Shelby County and worked for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis at St. Anne Highland and St. Patrick's. My husband, Michael, and I have two children, Casey and Drew, who are in second and third grade, respectively, at SLS. Michael and I also both attended SLS as kids. My hobbies include reading, sewing, and all things Disney. I'm so excited about joining the SLS family!

Paul Nickl, IT
Hi! I’m Paul Nickl. I was born and raised here in Memphis. I Graduated from SLS many, many moons ago then went to CBHS and Memphis State. I’ve spent over 20 years of my professional career in corporate IT at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, Regions Financial Corp, Morgan Keegan & Co., Raymond James Financial, etc. I’m an outdoors kind of guy- camping, hunting, backpacking, whitewater kayaking, snow skiing, etc. Being a Jeep owner kind of defines my character. I’m not married, but I’m dating a one-in-a-million girl that’s an IT Project Manager at Raymond James. I’ve been a Reserve Firefighter with Germantown Fire Dept. since 1996. I have a black lab named Mal that’s almost entirely made of slobber and wagging tail. I’m looking forward to working here at my alma mater!

Yesenia Ragghianti, School Counselor 5-8
¡Hola! My name is Yesenia Ragghianti. I am blessed to be joining the St. Louis School Family as the 5th-8th grade School Counselor. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Educational Psychology and a Master’s of Science in Counseling. I have approximately 11 years of experience helping children in schools, the last five years as an Elementary School Counselor and the previous six years as a Special Education Teacher. I recently married and moved to Memphis with my husband, Kevin. We enjoy traveling, nature, and spending time with our family and Madison, our sweet Boxer dog. I am ready and excited to meet my entire school family and have an incredible school year together.

Each year, fifth grade students participate in JA Biztown. The experience includes job interviews for each student, elections for Biztown Mayor and D.J., and a full day of working in a fully interactive simulated town facility. JA BizTown helps students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world. Through the experiential learning process, students are actively engaged in posing questions, investigating, expressing curiosity, solving problems, and assuming responsibility. Special thanks to the teachers and all of the parent volunteers who made this field trip possible!

The SLS Auction was a great success this year! Co-chairs, Benolyn Craig, Stacey Brown, and Victoria Disalvo worked with a team of volunteers to raise over $100,000 for our school. The theme, Boas and Bowties, was fun for all who attended. Guests entered from a side door in true speakeasy style. Inside, a band played jazz music while attendees bid on class items in the silent auction. Later, dinner was served as bidders got into some pretty good bidding wars during the Live auction. Thanks to all who attended, sponsored, and volunteered for this amazing event!

Our girls’ track team was named the Shelby League 7/8 champions in the small schools division and runners up overall! Under the leadership of Coach Kelley Grusin, our team performed at an impressive level this year. Both the boys’ and girls’ track teams were dedicated to working hard all season. We know our 8th grade graduates will shine in high school if they continue to participate in track! For the first time, cross country will be open to 3rd and 4th grade students for the 2016-17 school year. Send a registration form to the school office if your child would like to be a part of this growing program!!

The SLS Drama Club, directed by Ray Mullins, performed for parents and students on March 17 and 18. The play was a delightful comedy for viewers and a great opportunity for drama club members. The cast and crew learned about building sets, memorizing lines, comedic timing, costumes, and all that is involved in a theatre production. We are so proud of these talented students!

The Cardinal 5K, benefitting SLS Home & School and Madonna Learning Center was a great event again this year! Co-chairs, Tammy Evangelisti, Kristi Pesce, and Julie Kate Webster did an amazing job. Thanks to all who participated, volunteered, and sponsored this year!!

Jump Rope for Heart & Hoops for Heart Winners: McKinley Kee, Johnny Drouillard, & Andrew Denegri

Outgoing Home & School President, Wesley Wade, introduces President Kristie Lyons and Vice President Benolyn Craig!

7th grade No Demerit Party in the Dining Hall Courtyard

We are happy to welcome several new students into our SLS family! Please encourage your children to help these new students feel at home. If you are interested in getting involved with the Home & School Cardinal Connect committee, please email Carol Sweeney or Kim Pesce at kpesce@stlouismemphis.org. All are invited to pack a lunch and stay for a family picnic on the first half day of school (Wednesday, August 10.) We hope you will join us under the new picnic pavilion to welcome our new families!