St. Joseph School FLASH!
Our mission is to create a faith-centered community that educates and inspires students to reach their God-given potential. 
CALENDAR SCHOOL

A Note from the Principal
Welcome back! It has been great to have our halls alive again with students, parents, and teachers. I hope that you've felt welcomed and that the transition from summer to school has been smooth.

This year our theme is 'People for Others.' Central to our identity as a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition is this notion that we are meant to be people for others. In fact, the theme is a direct reference to a speech Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, the 28th superior general of the Jesuit Order, gave to graduates of Jesuit high schools, stating that our schools are meant to form "men and women for others." We've tweaked that a bit, but the notion is the same. We are meant to be people for others.

Of course, we've already begun to talk to the students about concrete ways they can live out this theme. One way is by treating one another with respect. We've talked to the students about the different ways respect can be demonstrated in a school setting. One way is genuinely greeting one another; another is walking through the halls so we don't disturb other classes. 

Please take the time to join us for Back to School Night on Monday, September 19. The parish will host a reception on the lawn at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 7 p.m. in the church. This is a great opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the beginning of the year. I'm particularly excited to speak to you that night about the theme and our strategic plan.

I look forward to this year. Please know how happy we are to work with you to educate your sons and daughters. We look forward to focusing specifically this year on how we can all be people for others.

Patrick
A Note from the Director's
MAP Testing

This year St. Joseph School will be joining all the schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle in administering a different test than we have in previous years.  After much study and review the Archdiocese has adopted the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress).  The test allows for common assessment across the Archdiocese and involves students in grades 1 - 8 where previously St. Joseph gave the ITBS to students in grades 3 - 8.  Unlike the ITBS, which measures proficiency at each grade level, the MAP assessment focuses on what students are ready to learn as well as student growth.

MAP is a computer adaptive test for reading, language arts and math.  Each test will be administered in a different session. Classes will be tested over a period of three weeks.  Most grades will complete their three sessions in the same week. Since this is new to all of us and with guidance from the Archdiocese, during the year teachers and administrators will come to understand the scope of reports available to us to assist with each child's growth.  This assessment can assist teachers in informing instruction using valid, reliable and real-time data; it measures the growth of every student over time regardless of on, above or below grade level performance, it evaluates programs and can identity professional development needs.

Dear Primary School Families, 

The Primary School is off to a great start!  Students are excited to be back with their teachers and friends and into the routines of school.  Our theme, 'People for Others' is stressed each and every day as is the 'Virtue of the Week.'  Everyone is working on walking quietly in the halls, greeting people as appropriate and making eye contact.  I am so pleased to say that at my North Door Club in the morning, students have really taken this to heart!

A few reminders:
  • Review the uniform policy
  • Check out St. Joseph's new website with particular attention to the calendar. 
  • If your child is playing on the play structure after school, a parent or guardian must be there with them.  

I look forward to seeing everyone next Monday evening for our annual Back to School Night.  Many of you will be meeting teachers new to St. Joseph's and we are thrilled to have them as part of our community.  Next Tuesday will be our first half day for staff development which will focus on the growth and development of each child as a unique individual.  All students should be picked up at 12:00pm if they are not going to BASEP.  


God Bless,
Lil
Dear Middle School Families,
 
The teachers and I welcome you to the 2016 - 2017 school year. I hope that this is the best year ever for your children and that each of them finds St. Joseph School a safe and welcoming place to learn and grow. What do you hope for your students this year? Here is what the middle school teachers had to say:
  • I hope that they see themselves as people of possibility! Mrs. Hamblet
  • I hope my students feel emotionally safe and hope that they have no fear being their authentic selves! Mr. LaCasse
  • I hope my students understand that with mistakes can come great learning.  Mrs. McDonald
  • I hope that they develop a stronger understanding for who they are as learners and advocate for themselves. Ms. Mullin
  • I hope that my students have a year that is filled with joy and learning. Mrs. Tremel
  • I hope that my students feel confident to show their knowledge, comfortable to be themselves, and curious to learn new things. Mrs. Schultz
  • I hope my students gain confidence and advocate for themselves! Ms. Fetchko
  • I hope that the students enjoy life and all that comes with it. Ms. Marion
  • I hope that my students will become inspired to travel the world and learn multiple languages after being in my Spanish class! Ms. Weihe
  • I hope that the sixth grade students will have deeper understandings and appreciation of the natural world and greater tolerance and compassion for their brothers and sisters who co-inhabit it. Mr. Woletz
  • I hope my students listen to their God-given voice, the Holy Spirit, as they continue to learn to navigate this complex world. Mr. Sauvage
  • I hope my students find happiness. Mrs. Wolfe
  • I hope my students don't feel stressed. Mr. Hess
  • I hope my students experience growth, awareness and that each student gains confidence. Mr. McShane
  • I hope my students know and feel that they are loved just the way they are. Mr. LeTellier
  • I hope my students positively face obstacles with confidence and determination; to fully understand, embrace and use individual strengths and talents, through dedication and hard work - all things are possible! Mrs. Flies
  • I hope that my students will come away feeling that they genuinely love to sing with their friends, and that music becomes a very meaningful part of their lives. Mr. Whitfield
  • My hope is that all students put 100% effort and get the most out of learning. Mrs. Nguyen
  • I'd like my students to appreciate and enjoy learning about maps and history. Mr. Finn
Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to seeing you next Monday at Back to School night.
 
Blessings and peace,
Mary Helen
Volunteer Opportunities
Sign-up today to volunteer or visit the website to learn more. We are in need of the following volunteers:
schoolSchool Announcements

St. Joseph Speech Team
September 22 from 5:30 - 6:45p

Attention all 6th, 7th and 8th graders!  The St. Joseph speech team will meet at the school on Thursdays from  5:30-6:45 .  The first meeting is scheduled to occur on Thursday, September 22nd.  Parents are required to attend the first two meetings with their children.  Participating in speech team is a great way to develop your child's confidence and skills as a public speaker.  We hope to see you there! 

Questions: Contact Jamie Flynn.


School & Parish Picnic
September 25 from 1-4 pm 
Parking Lot or Social Hall

Rides, Beer Garden, Shabby Road Beatles band and televised Seahawks game,  Hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy,  sno-cones and root beer provided. Everyone  Invited to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share!

We need Lots of help with set-up, staffing rides/concessions and clean-up.  Great way to get those Parent Volunteer Hours!  Sign-up today!

Question contact Joe Augustavo or Deacon Steve
  206-965-1646. 



Join Cub Scouts Pack 9
September 22 from 6:30 - 7:30p

All boys in grades 1-5 and their parents are invited to join.  Our first meeting of the year will be 9/22 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m in the auditorium. We will have an activity for kids and an information session for parents.   

For more information contact Rob Sumner or  206-280-1649


advancementAdvancement Announcements
Jog-a-thon
September 30  beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Join us in supporting our 600 students strong, ready, and willing to run in the annual Jog-a-thon!  Our first fundraiser of the school year!
 
This event happens rain or shine!  We will see to it that the runners have a great time. Please fill out your sponsor envelopes and have your child return it to their classroom ASAP!  View the  Jog-a-thon Day Schedule to see the runners schedule by grade.
 
All parents are welcome to come and help. If you need to leave after an hour or two, no problem. Sign-up to volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to connect with other parents and share stories!
 
NEW parents are especially welcome! Pray for SUN!  Come and join the festivities. 

For more information  visit the website or  contact Jaymie Mills.



School Spirit Gear

Show your school spirit!  St. Joseph School is offering exclusive gear to sport Jaguar pride.  From duffel bags and hats to umbrellas and scarves, we have it all! Stop by the Advancement Office to purchase your St. Joseph spirit gear today!

New - St. Joseph Spirit Sport Shorts
coming soon - $25

Get your blue and white St. Joe's sport shorts with our St. Joseph logo on the leg!  Order a pair or two for you and your child to wear during a school sporting event or on a free dress day!  These shorts go great with team jersey's!  The shorts are unisex, great quality, and come in six sizes (youth small, medium, large and x-large, adult small and medium). Sample sizes are in the advancement office. Please note - these shorts are not required for any school sport.  If you have any questions, please contact Emily Gomez


Auction Announcements




MADMEN Auction
November 11 & 12

This year's auction marks the 41st Annual Family Night Auction and Gala that benefits St. Joseph School.  This fundraiser provides a significant source of funding for the school's operations and programs, affordable financial aid for families in need, and St. Joseph student service outreach programs for the greater Seattle Community. 
 
We have less then two months until Friday's Family night and Saturday's elegant and exciting dinner auction catered by locally owned  eatdrink with Eric Bauer.  Friday November 11th is Veteran's Day.  Even though it is a holiday we encourage you to attend these two nights of this wonderful fundraiser.

Visit the website  for  up-to-date information or  contact Colleen Battaglia x 221 .



DONATE!
In order to make this the successful event we know it can be, we need everyone's help.  You can help in many ways; from donating and soliciting items to volunteering to work before, during and after the events.  The donation deadline is Friday, September 30 th .  Please get your  completed donor form  to the Advancement Office by 4:30 PM on that day.   You can also submit your donation form on-line. You don't have to submit the actual item at that time; the completed and signed form is acceptable. 

CLASS PROJECTS - SIGN UP TO HELP!
Get to know your child's classmates and get your volunteer hours done in the first two months of school! Sign up today for your class' auction art project - you don't need to be artistic to be a successful class project volunteer!  2-3 volunteers needed per class. For more information please email: Kimrick Dolson, Kimrickdolson@me.com , Sara Alvarado, saraealvalrado@msn.com and Natalie Dearie, nataliedearie@gmail.com .
 
PICK-OF-THE-LIVE!
One hundred set of four Mad Men themed coasters are being sold for a $100 donation to the St. Joe's auction.  Each purchaser's name will be entered in this drawing; if your name is drawn at the beginning of the Live Auction, you will have your choice of any one of the Saturday Live Auction items listed in our catalog.  Some items may be excluded.
 
Come to the Advancement Office to purchase your set of four Mad Men themed coasters and be one of the few to get into this special drawing or look for the procurement team in the parking lot to purchase Pick of the Live Mad Men themed coasters and to ask any questions.
 
JEWERLY RAFFLE - $25 PER TICKET:
For just $25 per ticket, enter the raffle to win an awesome pair of 14k White Gold inside outside hinged Diamond Hoop Earrings.  Each earring is set with 39 round brilliant diamonds.

CANDID STUDENT PHOTOS:
We are looking for student photos for Saturday night's slide show.  If you have any sporting photos, or fun school activities, please email them to Lauren Clisham at  laurenleerb@yahoo.com .  Please include in the subject line "Auction Photos".

STUDENT ART:
Wanted!  Students to submit artwork for our upcoming auction.  The theme for the auction is "We're Going Mad Gala!".  The artwork will be used for various auction promotions, decorations, etc. Please turn the completed art to the Advancement Office no later than Monday, October 3rd. The forms are available outside the front office as well as downloadable from the  St. Joseph website

parishParish Announcements 

St. Joseph Reads
September 17 & 18
After Mass, Parish Plaza 

As Part of Our Continuing Adult Faith Formation,  St. Joseph Parish is hosting a book fair, c ome Browse the books, purchase your favorites and sign-up for facilitated discussion groups later in the year.  All books are under $20!

 
Fall Family Parish and PAB Pancake Breakfast has moved to Sunday, November 6 after the 9 a.m. Mass. 

Autumn Mass Time Change
Starting Sunday, September 11

Return to our regular schedule: Saturday at 5 pm
Sunday at 9am, 11am & 5:30pm


Registration Reminder for 
First Communion

*CFF1 is the first of a two year Sacramental Preparation for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist. Parish School parishioner families need to sign up and attend the following Special events: Family Breakfast  Sunday, November 6, 2016 after the  9am Mass and  Saturday, November 19, 2016 Parent and Child workshop.
 
*CFF2   is the second of a two year Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Parish School parishioner families who participated in CFF1 must register for CFF2. Check your 2nd grade class handbook for all the special event dates OR go to the parish website. 

Refreshments provided.
*New this year: CFF2 parents and guardians please attend both sessions.
 
For questions please contact Dottie Farewell

Register Now

Sacramental Preparation 101
Thursday, September 22 & 29
7:00 - 9:00 pm, Parish Center 

Parents, guardians, and young adults are invited to learn and explore the Sacraments of the Catholic Church with our Pastor, Fr. John Whitney, S.J.

The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation): Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 7-9pm in the Parish Center

The Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick) and Service (Marriage and Holy Orders): Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 7-9pm in the Parish Center

 
Come and See:  What the Catholic Faith has to offer
September 20 from  7pm - 8:30pm, Parish Center

If you are interested contact Deacon Steve Wodzanowski at 965-1646. All are welcome in this journey of faith. 



counselingCounselor's Corner
Here is my   September 2016 Newsletter .   Please read my newsletter containing parenting education and counselor program news.   There are also a few community parent educational opportunities in September.
 
Open Family Demonstration- Saturday, September 17th from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.  Mary Dalton will be working with a family at El Centro De La Raza (Global Visionaries room) in Beacon Hill.  This is a dynamic way to learn about handling parenting challenges while gaining support from other parents. Childcare provided, FREE. 
 
The Power and Gifts of ADHD  -Monday, October 17th from 7:00-9:00.  Lecture with Dr. Edward Hallowell at the Husky Union Building (HUB)-University of Washington. Tickets are $25 dollars or $30 at the door.  
 
Every Child Resource Fair  -   Monday, October 17th from 5:00-7:00 PM.   Learn from experts who focus on the many categories of atypical learners: ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, processing disorders, developmental delays, autism, Asperger's and other spectrum learning differences.  This will be held at the HUB at the University of Washington and is FREE. 
 
A wonderful resource for parents of children K-12th grade is www.parenttoolkit.com.   I highly recommend you check it out!
 
As always there is a wealth of information and resources for parents on my weebly page
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor