St. John's Parish Day School Newsletter for January 11, 2018

Getting Locked on for Middle School and More!

In continuing to strengthen our students and prepare them for the future, Mrs. Richardson lead another Life Prep session, this time about middle school. Erin (Mrs. Richardson's daughter) , and Tyler, who are both St. John's alums, came to assist in answering questions and giving advice. Students were asked to write down any questions, thoughts, or concerns they had about middle school, and were reminded that every question is worth asking. Some questions that were asked were about class size, quality of food, what kinds of extracurricular activities there were, who you could talk to when you're feeling overwhelmed, and whether sixth grade was hard. Both Erin and Tyler answered that they both felt they had been prepared academically, especially writing, but missed the close connection that they had with their teachers, staff, and classmates when they were at St. John's. Tyler said, "You'll realize how well you knew everyone at St. John's. Everyone was like my brothers and sisters, not just people I went to school with." Mrs. Richardson provided each student with a combination lock to take home, and she, Mrs. Grosso, Erin, and Tyler helped the students practice opening their locks. This session was geared toward alleviating any stress or worry our fifth graders might have so they can go into middle school strong and confident in their abilities, but they also learned that their time at St. John's and the friends and memories they've made here, grade after grade, are both irreplaceable and priceless.

In other news, Fourth Grade has a new class pet: a mouse named Poppy! Students learn to care for her, what her needs are, and make connections to the book they read by the same name. Poppy can even "sleep over" on the weekends--with parents' permission, of course!

From the Office of Admissions

The New Year is here, and it's time to be thinking about re-enrollment for next school year. By now, all EC Families should have received a re-enrollment form and all Lower School Families will receive a re-enrollment contract this week.

EC Families

Please complete your re-enrollment form and indicate your program preference for next year. With this information, we will generate a re-enrollment contract for your child. Your re-enrollment form is due back to St. John's by Tuesday, January 16th. Adhering to this deadline allows us to meet our goal of giving priority consideration to our current families prior to offering enrollment to new families. If you have misplaced your re-enrollment form, extra copies are available in the school building's Main Office.

LS Families

Your re-enrollment contract will arrive in the mail this week. Please review your contract and submit it to St. John's, along with the contract deposit, by Thursday, February 1st. Please feel free to contact Nadine Marks in the Admissions Office with any questions regarding re-enrollment.

Our Administrative Team is actively planning for next year and we look forward to having your children with us again. Thank you for choosing St. John's!

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.

You can still also make a memorial gift to Andrew’s education fund in honor of Pepper. Donations can be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church, attn. Andrew’s Education Fund, 9120 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 20142. ( Please note this form of donation is not tax deductible.) Checks should be made payable to “Maryland College Investment Plan”.

Donations can also be put into the Sunday offering plate, and should be designated for Andrew's education fund. Due to the tax law changes the 529 funds can be used by Chaplain Jenni to continue Andrew’s enrollment in private schools throughout his life.

If you would like to send a card or note to Chaplain Jenni and/or Andrew, please send it to SJPDS: 9130 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Cards and other well wishes will be gathered and delivered to their home. At this time Chaplain Jenni is accepting emails, text messages, and calls and she will respond as she is able.



Your prayers and support are bringing her much comfort. Please continue to keep Chaplain Jenni and her family in your prayers.

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.

Thank You From Houston

A lovely card was sent to the school from the Title 1 School in Houston that our third, fourth, and fifth graders sponsored.

A Message from Rev. Barnabas Lee

The Korean-language Sunday service at St. John's Episcopal Church begins at a new time in January and has a new campus location for Lent.

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.

  Sign Up Info Presto Pay Brand Lists

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!