9/21/2018 Newsletter

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From the Principal's Desk...

Parents and guardians,

Students in grades 3 through 7 will now take a Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth test from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). We are administering the MAP Growth test to determine our students' instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year (and from year to year) in Reading and Math.

MAP Growth tests are unique in that they adapt to your child's level of learning. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. The results in a detailed picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn - whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.

Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child's learning, it's easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.

MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject, and have the same starting performance level. Each school year, students in grades 3 through 7 take the tests in September/October. Following each testing period, you will receive a report showing your child's growth, which you can review with your child's teacher for more insight.

The window to begin MAP Growth testing opens September 24th.

We are truly excited to focus on your child's individual growth and achievement. For more information about the MAP ?Growth test, visit: NWEA.org/Parent-Toolkit.

Sincerely,

Michael Hackenson M.Ed.

Principal

Athletic Program Update

Soccer Practices

Soccer practices kicked-off this week! Practices will continue to be held at the George Street Fields from 3:00 to 4:30 for JV players and 3:00 to 5:00 for Varsity. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Remember, all players should bring two bottles filled with water, shin guards, soccer cleats, and a soccer ball. Please remember to arrive on time. In addition, JV parents are asked to come inside the gate to pick-up their child. Coach Yolanda WILL NOT allow players in the parking area without an adult.

A complete practice and game schedule may be found HERE .

Golfers are still needed!

Saturday, Sept. 29, at Noon

The 19th Annual SJS Golf Tournament supporting our Athletic Program will take place on Saturday, September 29th at Dudley Hill Golf Club, 80 Airport Road, Dudley, MA. The cost is $125 per person. This includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, dinner, and gifts. $25 for dinner only. We need teams of golfers, sponsors, and donations for raffles. Please click HERE to register for the tournament or to become a sponsor. Raffle donations may be dropped-off in the school office . Hard Copies of Registration forms were also distributed to students in their Thursday packet.

Soccer Uniform Distribution - September 21st & 24th

The JV and Varsity (5th - 8th grade) players will need uniforms for games. The uniform includes a numbered SJS soccer shirt, which must be returned at the end of the soccer season. (You will be billed $25 if the uniform jersey is not returned.)

We will be distributing the uniforms today, September 21st and Monday, September 24th at dismissal from 2:30-3:30PM in the first floor Teachers lounge in the school. A soccer player fee of $30 will be required at uniform pickup. You will be required to supply red soccer socks, black soccer shorts, shin-guards and cleats. If your child needs soccer socks or shorts, there is a very limited supply that can be purchased first come first serve, for $10 & $12 respectively. Cash or check can be made out to St. Joseph School Athletics. Please click HERE for a Uniform Agreement Form.

After discussion with the coaching staff, it has been decided that the 4th Grade Intramural players may attend the JV games and possibly get some limited playing time. This is up to the discretion of the parents, whether they would like to participate. If parents wish to have their child(ren) attend games, please attend the uniform distribution as well.

SJS Clubs

REMINDER: Friday Choir rehearsals begin today!

Choir is open to all students in Grades 3 through 8. So that students may participate in Choir and Soccer, rehearsals will take place on Fridays from 2:30PM to 3:30PM until November 1st. All choir members are expected to perform at Family Masses, special Masses during Advent & Lent, and the October 14th Celebration of the Anniversary of the Basilica at 3:00PM. Please click HERE for a registration form. There is a $5 participation fee for Choir.

REMINDER: Get the School Calendar

on Your Phone!

You may now subscribe to our school calendars on your phone, tablet or computer/laptop. We will have separate calendars for general school events, clubs, and sports . So, subscribe to one or all! Visit our WEBSITE for directions!

Home and School Association News

Gift Card Calendar Fundraiser Kicks-off!

This year’s fall fundraiser will be the popular gift card calendar. We raised over $20,000 through gift card calendar sales last year and we are hoping to run a successful campaign this year. Proceeds of this fundraiser will be used to purchase Chromebooks for Grades 5 through 8 Grades and iPads for the elementary students.

Calendars were sent home with students in their Thursday packet. We will pull our first winner on Oct 1st. Students and families are asked to sell gift card calendars for $10 dollars each. Checks should be make payable to the St. Joseph School HSA. Cash and checks should be returned to the school along with raffle entries in an envelope clearly marked "Gift Card Calendar."

Please email HSA@sjs-webster.com with questions.

We plan to post videos of the drawings on Facebook again this year. The kids love picking the names!

Thank you for your continued support!

Before and After Care Program Reminder

UPDATE: Our new After Care rates are now in effect. Families who returned their registration form will be billed $4 per hour per child or monthly as requested. Families who did not register will be billed $5 per an hour per child . The Before and After Care Policy may be found HERE. Please contact Ewa Mamro with questions.

Dress Code and Uniform Inspections

Per the Parent/Student Handbook, p arents are responsible for making sure that students adhere to the proper dress code. Parents will be called to bring a change of clothes/footwear if the student is not dressed appropriately. Most common issues are:

Uniform pant vs. skinny jeans/jeggings
Khaki vs. stone colored skirts and pants
Length of skirts

In addition, parents have asked for guidance regarding our new sneaker policy. Please remember that black sneakers may be worn with school uniforms, however they MUST be ALL black leather or leather "like." Hiking shoes, tennis sneakers, or canvas or mesh shoes ARE NOT ALLOWED. Please click HERE for images of incorrect and correct footwear. We've elected to give the students the opportunity to wear black sneakers for comfort and safety. However, we wish to maintain a consistent and polished look. Therefore, we ask that you adhere to our dress code so we can continue to offer this privilege to the students.

These are just a few common mistakes, so please carefully review our entire Dress Code policy. You may also address dress code questions to the school office by emailing secretary@sjs-webster.com. We will be starting uniform inspections in the near future and uniform/dress code violations will be issues.

Thank you for your cooperation!

It's Easy to Support St. Joseph School

St. Joseph School will participate in Box Tops for Education again this year. This is a great way to earn “free” money simply by saving the little coupon found on products you are already purchasing. Each classroom will have a collection box for the children to deposit Box Tops in. We’ll be collecting them several times throughout the year. The first one is right around the corner! Which classroom will send in the most by Wednesday, October 25th? If your child would like to help you fill sheets, you may find them HERE . Please contact our Box Tops Coordinator, Lisa Villa , with questions.

Earn Points When You Shop!

With our Tools for Schools program, you can earn points to help your school get needed equipment such as school supplies, musical instruments, and playground equipment – FREE! The 2018 program runs Aug. 12 through Dec. 29, 2018. Sign up today! Check to see if you're enrolled or sign-up online HERE . Or, complete this FORM and return it to the school. You also received flyer in your Thursday family packet. Please contact our coordinator, Kathy Sirard , with questions.