St Joseph High School - A Catholic College Prep School
Welcome Home, Cadets!
What An Incredible Homecoming Weekend!
St Joe's 2018 Homecoming celebration was held on Friday, October 19.

The program began with the procession of the Senior Homerooms (wearing their Sunday best), followed by the announcement of our Homecoming Court!

The event ended with the entire student body (and more than a few parents!) singing the St Joes Alma Mater!

Thank You to all the students, faculty/staff, parents, and alumni who came out to cheer on St Joes at Saturday's homecoming game!

We especially loved all of the enthusiasm during SJ's half-time parade, which kept everyone energized on a chilly fall afternoon!

Afterward, members of the '80s Decades kept the party going at an after-party at BADSONS Beer Company!

What a Reunion weekend!
On Friday, our '80s Deacde Alumni danced to the music of the band, Shameless! Click here to view photos!

Our 50th Reunion alumni enjoyed dinner and dancing at Tashua Knolls Country Club on Friday; received special recognition during football's half-time parade on Saturday; and enjoyed a special mass and reception on Sunday. Click here to view photos!
A huge thanks to 50th Reunion Co-Chairs: Barbara Gabianelli & Joe Pisani!
Congratulations to Our National Honor Society Inductees!
On Wednesday, October 17, we were proud to welcome seven new students from the Class of 2019 into the National Honor Society! Congratulations to the following students:

Kyle Burbank | Christina Chen | Manuel Garzon | Alexandra Leso | Robert Mihaly | Katharine Riffice | Rex Yu

Eligibility into the National Honor Society is open to any junior or senior student who has a career average of 90, and has been enrolled in the school for at least one semester. Other evaluated criteria for membership are leadership, service, and character.

Walk-a-Thon 2018: A Great Success, But It's Not Over Yet! Can You Meet the School's Challenge?
Last week’s Walk-a-Thon was a huge success! Thanks to all who supported this great event: our student fundraisers, Walk-a-Thon Committee members, parent volunteers, and faculty/staff who monitored the day.

Students enjoyed a crisp Fall morning, walked around the campus, rolled around in hamster balls, and devoured Rita’s Ice. They also raised $30,000!

During the day, Mr Pappa and Dr Keane offered the school a new challenge: does Thanksgiving Break feel a little too short? If students raise over $50,000, we’ll have the Monday after Thanksgiving off from school!

Mrs Arneson’s class ran the numbers – if each student raises just over another $20, we’ll meet our goal! We hope you'll do your part and continue to support at www.bidpal.net/walkathon . Each student who raises over $100 will receive a pair of SJ Slides and for every $50 a student raises they’ll receive one entry in our prize raffle. THANK YOU for all that you do, Cadets and friends!
Career Readiness Day is Friday, October 26!
On Friday, all juniors and seniors will participate in Career Readiness Day. Sophomores will have a retreat and Freshmen will attend classes as usual.

The purpose of Career Readiness Day is t o introduce our students to the vast professional network of St Joseph High School alums and friends who will help them explore various career options. We want our students to embrace this opportunity and use what they learn to plan thoughtful next steps at St Joes and in college.

Students should come to school dressed in business professional attire and leave their phones in their lockers. Several breakout sessions will take place throughout the day and there will also be a networking luncheon. 

Visit sjcadets.org/careerday to learn more about the event and our speakers!
Classroom Spotlight: Financial Literacy Students Begin the H&R Block Budget Challenge!
The Financial Literacy class has started the H&R Block Budget Simulation. They are currently in week three of the ten week simulation competing against 44,276 students and 1,929 school nationwide. 

The class is currently ranked number 110 and have 7 seniors ranked nationally; Tyler Higgins #429, Stephen Paolini #538, Kirsten Robinson #576, Matthew Weinstein #580. Meghan Shilling #829, and Alice Maldon & Madison Yardis are tied at #1017. The simulation allows students to pay bills, reconcile bank and credit card accounts. Each day the rankings change with a ranking after each Wednesday Quiz.
VOTE EVERY DAY! Junior Cadet, Cayden Porter, Nominated for 2018 Heart of a Giant Award!
We are thrilled to share that Cayden Porter '20 , has been selected as a nominee for the 2018 Heart of a Giant Award, which recognizes Tri-State area high school football players who demonstrate an unparalleled work ethic and passion for the game. 

Cayden is now in the race to be one of the six finalists who will receive $1,500 worth for their high school football program. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 worth of equipment as well as on-field recognition during a New York Giant’s home game in December.

In order to be selected as a finalist, Cayden will need to earn the most votes - this is where we need your help! You can vote once a day until November 4 th  and can be cast at http://www.usafootball.com/hoagvote .
Halloween is Next Week!
Yes, You Can Dress in Costume!
Yes, o n Wednesday, October 31, students will be allowed to dress in costume! We love seeing all of our Cadets in their unique and usually hilarious get-ups!

But first, the rules...

  • No props
  • No "inappropriate slogans"
  • No costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype of someone’s culture, gender, heritage, or religion
  • Costumes should not have full face masks or paint; staff members must be able to identify students.
  • No SHORT anything - "modest is hottest"! Costumes that are provocative or revealing, are not permitted
  • No costumes that depict violence, alcohol, or drugs.

All costumes are subject to the judgement of the teachers and staff at St Joseph High School. Students wearing questionable costumes will be asked to change into normal school attire and issued school consequences.
It's That Time of Year - We're Looking for Your Nominations into SJ's Hall of Fame!
SJ's Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is now accepting nominations for 2019 Inductees!

Nominations can be submitted online or printed and mailed to St Joseph High School's Athletic Office.

Both the online form and printable form can be found at sjcadets.org/halloffame . The submission deadline is December 7.
Stream SJHS Games Online!
St Joes is proud to announce that we have partnered with the NFHS Network and plan to broadcast some of our athletic events LIVE online. If you or family members can’t make it to the game, the live action can be watched on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV.

As part of the partnership, the NFHS Network will return a part of each subscription sold back to St Joes! Joining the NFHS Network is easy - just follow these simple steps!

  1. Go to NFHSnetwork.com
  2. Enter St Joseph High School in the search box
  3. Click “Follow” so you can stay up to date on all upcoming SJ broadcasted events
  4. Click “Subscribe” for all subscription options for our school

Thank you for you continued support of SJ Athletics.
The Proof is in the People: Faculty/Staff Spotlights!
Michael Pappa, Theology Teacher
Mr Pappa has been teaching Theology at St Joe’s since 2014. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director of the Faith Formation and Youth Ministry program at St Philip Church in Norwalk where he still volunteers. Outside of school he finds joy and excitement in playing guitar and rugby. He was President of the Fairfield Yankees from 2012-2017 and won a national championship in 2016. Mr Pappa received his MA in English Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English in 2017 where he was president of his class. He uses the skills he learned there to help students encounter sacred texts more deeply and personally.

At St Joe’s, Mr Pappa moderates the Philosophy Club, assists with the Multicultural Club, and advises the Sophomore Class. He has also coordinated the Walk-a-Thon since 2015. When asked why he continues to run the Walk-a-Thon, Mr Pappa said,

“In my first few weeks at St Joe’s one of favorite times of the day was monitoring study hall – not just for the chance to take a break from teaching but mostly to enjoy the cool air in the cold food cafeteria. I soon learned the reason for why I had access to such a space – the Walk-a-Thon! My time at St Joes has seen such wonderful and transformative changes to our campus. It is hard to even imagine what the school looked like just a few years ago. New turfed sports fields, the Health & Wellness Center, and the Student Commons have been made possible through the hard work that students put into this annual fundraiser. I really enjoy working with the students to create a successful, fun day for all and to channeling their efforts to improvements they want to see at the school.”
"Cross the threshold and you are part of the family."
~ Dr Fitzgerald 
On Sunday, October 14, St Joseph High School welcomed nearly 1,000 guests at our Fall Open House. The day was a great success and we are incredibly thankful for those who chose to attend and learn what St Joes is all about.

During the opening presentation, Head of School, Dr Fitzgerald, and Principal, Dr Keane, both spoke to our guests and shared one of the greatest aspects of St Joes: the people: the students, the faculty, the parents. As Dr Fitzgerald states, "we learn best when we learn together."

For those who were unable to attend, we wanted to share Dr Fitzgerald's and Dr Keane's remarks with you. Click here to read their remarks on our news section of the website.
NEW! Parents & Alumni: Register for our Fitness Bootcamp Class!
Beginning November 3rd, we are thrilled to offer a Fitness Bootcamp Class for our SJ Parents (past and present) and Alumni!

To register, visit sjcadets.org/bootcamp !

About the Class:
Fitness Bootcamp is a 55-minute full body workout that incorporates strength training with mixed cardio drills. Expect something different and exciting each week; develop speed, agility, strength and endurance using a variety of equipment, like dumbbells, kettlebells, boxes and more!

Sessions/Cost:
Classes take place at SJ’s Health & Wellness Center. Classes will be held every Saturday beginning Nov 3, but need not be taken in a row. Cost is $85 for 10 classes or $10 per class to drop in. Payment can be made online at sjcadets.org/bootcamp , or at the start of each class. All experience levels welcome! 

Questions? Contact Alisha Thresher, athresher@sjcadets.org . 
Donate To Two Worthy Fundraisers!
Costumes & Books Needed!
The National Honor Society is collecting new or gently-used Halloween costumes or accessories for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission! 

Feel free to donate costumes of all sizes, clothing that can be used as a costume
(like dance or sports uniforms), or any costume accessories.

Items should be brought to the lobby of St Joseph High School before October 24 . Thank you for your support! 
Campus Ministry is looking for members of our community to donate new or used books and magazines (appropriate for middle through high school students).

The Book Drive will benefit underprivileged students in the Philippines.

All donations should be brought to Mr Smith in the Student Commons by October 24 .

Thank you for your support!
Travel to China with St Joes!
Student-Parent Meeting on Wednesday, October 24
There will be a parent-student meeting on October 24 at 6:30pm in the O'Keefe Media Center for all students interested in attending the China Immersion Trip.

From February 15-23, 2019, join St Joes as we tour Beijing (The Great Wall), Xi'an (Terracotta Soldiers), Wuxi (Grand Buddha), and Shanghai (The Jade Buddha Temple)!

Tickets for St Joseph High School's annual Tuition Raffle are now on sale!

Tickets are available in the Advancement Office and at all fall events! Tickets are $100 each and the $15,000 prize can be used toward tuition for any accredited K-12 School, college or university or to pay off student loans. Only 500 tickets will be sold!
Contact dhandwerker@sjcadets.org for more information.
St Joes' yearbook is an award winning publication that is staffed primarily by SJ students. P arents: this is the perfect time for you to purchase an Ad for your Grad!

To place an Ad,  click here.  Or call 1-800-358-0800 (for questions or assistance).

To order a yearbook,  click here . Or call 1-877-767-5217 to order by phone. Seniors do not have to purchase a yearbook.
Events & Registrations

Early Dismissal
  • October 23, 12:00pm
  • Professional Development for Faculty
Career Readiness Day
  • October 26
  • Grades 11 & 12
Sophomore Retreat
  • October 26
Freshman Trip
  • October 27-28
ACT National Test Date
  • October 27
Entrance Exam
Halloween
  • October 31
All Saints Day Mass
  • November 1
First Quarter Ends
  • November 1

Calendar Change:
Please note that the Kairos Retreat (previously scheduled for November 2-4, will now be held from November 30-December 2.
SJ Junior Cadet, Noelle Corello-Soares created a highlight reel of the Girls Swim & Dive Team! Click the image to view the video on YouTube!
  In Next Week's Issue:
November is for Juniors
Career Readiness Day Recap
SJ's Fall Play
and more!
Thank You To Our Fall Community Partners


Interested in becoming a Community Partner?
Contact Michele Krasznai at  mkrasznai@sjcadets.org
St Joseph High School | P: 203-378-9378 | F: 203-378-7306 | communications@sjcadets.org 
Follow Us on Social Media @SJCadets!