St. John's Parish Day School Newsletter for January 18, 2018
Measuring Success

Around this time of year, our Pre-K students do a unit on "Measuring" as part of their Science Special. Rulers, thermometers, scales, and a range of other tools are used to demonstrate how all kinds of things can be measured. Today, in keeping with the Snow Day spirit, they ventured outside to find a deep pile of snow to measure. Each student was equipped with a long, wooden rule marked with a snowflake. They took to the snow to figure out how many inches deep the pile needed to be to reach the snowflakes. The faces of our Transitional Kindergarten students were bright with discovery, as they plunged their rulers into the snow and called out their measurements. The students observed that different piles—and even different parts of the same pile—were all different depths. On the way back inside, they discussed how sunlight makes the snow melt, and shared their thoughts on why there were only piles left. What a fun way to get hands-on and make connections between measuring something tangible and visible like snow and measuring something we can't see—you rule , Mrs. Bentivenga!
Calling All Kindergarten Applicants

Are you thinking about enrolling your child in Kindergarten at St. John's next year?

St. John's offers an outstanding Kindergarten program with intentionally small classrooms, a challenging curriculum, flexible learning group model to meet the needs of each child, a culture that celebrates the preservation of childhood, and teachers who KNOW your child. Best of all, your child will continue to grow and flourish in a comfortable and familiar environment.

St. John's Kindergarten applicants participate in a readiness assessment taking place on January 22nd and 23rd. This assessment is available for St. John's Kindergarten applicants only. To ensure a smooth transition from the 4's or TK program into Kindergarten, simply complete your re-enrollment form and indicate "Kindergarten". We will notify you of your child's assessment date and begin connecting you with resources and contacts in Lower School.
Caring Thoughts

The SignUp Genius for meals for Chaplain Jenni has been created, and can be found HERE . ( As always too, SignUp Genius links that are available can be found on the school website “Quicklinks”,“SignUp Genius”, and at the bottom of every newsletter under Spirit Bear's Reminders and Resources. ) St John’s school will be making meals on Tuesdays and St. John's Church will take care of Thursdays. The sign-up sheet for the church is separate from the school’s. Please find more information and details on the meal giving on the SignUp Genius site.
Updated Winter Weather Information

Our students love to spend time outside during recess, so please remember to send a coat or jacket in with your child each day.

Please download and review the UPDATED winter weather information flyer for information on our policies and procedures.

Remember, St. John's will determine weather-related delays and cancellations independent of the Howard County Public School System's decisions.
SJPDS Summer Camp

St. John's Summer Camp is especially designed for children 3 1/2 years old up to children entering Kindergarten in Fall 2018. Campers will have tons of fun while learning. Each week explores a theme that's sure to spark curiosity, a love of learning and more! Read about our themes and more information on our website HERE .

Register Online TODAY!
If you register before March 29th, you can enjoy 10% off .
Message from the Nurses

CDC is expecting this year’s flu season to be the worst season since the 2009 H1N1 flu season.  One of the 4 strains in the vaccine, H3N2, has mutated and the vaccine is only 32% effective against this strain. This is the strain that is making people ill.  Flu is rampant in the community now and this is early for Maryland. We have approximately 11 weeks left of flu season.  If your child has any flu like symptoms, please keep them home from school If your child has a confirmed case of the flu, please let the Nurse’s Office know. Remind your children to practice good hand-washing and sneezing into their elbows.  Our nurses recommend getting the flu shot and if you have any questions or concerns to contact them.
Signs and Symptoms of the flu include:
  • Fever, or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Events
Notes and Changes

The following are event dates that have changed since the summer mailing:

  • The PA Event in February is now TBD
  • Night of the Arts is now March 22nd

Hot lunch missed due to the Snow Day on 1/17 will be made up on 2/7, there's no need to do anything extra.
Walk for Wamunyu
Wednesday, January 24th
9:00 AM 12:00 PM

Every year the students at SJPDS participate in the Walk for Wamunyu, a walk-a-thon on campus to help raise money for our pen pals in Kenya.

Family and Friends are encouraged and welcome to watch, cheer, and especially to VOLUNTEER! Sign up today HERE.

T-Shirts will be on sale for $10.00 up until the event at EC and LS Pick-Up and Drop-Off times. If you would like to help with sales, please contact Mrs. Cramer.

All pledge money and record sheets are due on or before Monday, January 22, 2018 to the school's Main Office.

Click here for more detailed information and history about this special event!
Gala Interest Meeting
Friday, January 26th
8:30 AM –9 :30 AM and 2:30 PM –3:30 PM

Come to the Clark House Conference Room to learn how you can help with the Gala. Many volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, please contact Lisa Hermodsson to learn more or to let her know you're coming. Drop-ins are welcome.
Open House
Tuesday, January 30th
10:00 AM 11:30 AM

Spread the St. John's Fire! Tell your friends about our upcoming Open House. They can register HERE .
Used Uniform Sale
Wednesday, January 31st
11:30 AM 12:30 PM

The PA will be collecting donations of used uniform items up until the day before the sale. Please look for a bin in the lobby in the coming days to deposit any uniforms that are no longer needed. 

PLEASE NOTE:
All uniform donations must be in good condition. Donations should include clean, unstained, non-misshapened clothing from Land’s End. Items with holes, tears, missing buttons, or marker/grease stains will not be accepted. Only Land’s End clothing will be accepted, and items must conform to the SJPDS uniform guidelines.  
Parents' Association Dine-Out
Wednesday, January 31st

Going to a Dine-Out is a fun and easy way to volunteer with the PA, spend time with family and friends, and raise money. We will be heading to Peace a Pizza in Catonsville on Wednesday, January 31st . Please bring the flyer below to dinner.
Flashback to the 80's
Saturday, April 21st
7:00 PM–11:00 PM

Make plans now to attend this spring's adult only event- Flashback to the 80's here at St. John's. Instead of a formal Gala, we will be throwing a fun 80's dance party featuring live music by Misspent Youth and food by SteelFire Kitchen & Bar . Besides a silent and live auction there will be plenty of fun and entertainment including a costume contest so be sure to wear your favorite 80's gear.

Tickets are $60 before 2/28, $75 after and can be purchased HERE starting next week.

Many volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, please contact Lisa Hermodsson at to learn more.
Saturday, May 19th
11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Can't wait for Mistletoe Village to return in the fall? Now you don't have to! This year we are adding a vendor shopping event to our spring calendar! Old favorites, as well as new faces, will be on hand with a wide variety of items for your shopping pleasure including items for kids, home decor, art, gourmet food, women's clothing & accessories and much more. This event will have proceeds to benefit our school.

Interested in being a vendor?  School and Parish families receive priority registration from now until January 30th , then spaces will be open to previous and new vendors.

Contact Lisa Hermodsson for more information/application.

January 22 or 23

Kindergarten Readiness Assessments ( for SJPDS Kindergarten applicants only )

January 22

Walk for Wamunyu Record Sheets and Money Due

January 24

Walk for Wamunyu

January 26

Gala Interest Meetings

January 30

SJPDS Open House

January 31

Spirit Day - Wear RED

Used Uniform Sale

Noon Dismissal

Walk for Wamunyu SNOW DATE

PA Dine-Out

February 1

LS Re-enrollment Contracts Due

February 7

Hot Lunch Snow Day Make Up

February 8

PA Social at the Cellar

February 14

ASH Wednesday

Valentine's Day

LS Valentine Parties

February 19

School Closed

Possible Snow Make Up Day

President's Day
Special Offers for St. John's Families
The PA has restarted the Scrips Program. You order gift cards, (physical or e-cards), pay for them, then use them. The donation percentage from each card is then sent to the school’s business office for our account. Friends and family can participate too. If a loved one wants to participate, that person will need to provide information to confirm their association with a student.
Happy New Year! We are continuing our collection of Box Tops and we need your help! We are almost half way to meeting our goal of $1,000 for this school year. Please turn in your Box Tops by Thursday January 25th to be entered to win a great prize! Remember to put your child’s name and teacher’s name on the sheet or baggie. Thanks for all your cutting and collecting! Continue to watch for more chances to win!
Do you shop at Giant or Harris Teeter ?
Do you have a loyalty card at either of these local grocery stores?
If so, you can help St. Johns earn FREE money by registering your card(s) today.
For the month of January, we can earn double points for the purchase of any Harris Teeter brand yogurt or frozen fruit. Shop away!