Bernie's Bark
4.30.2019
Dear Parents-
 
Welcome back to all our wonderful families! I hope the Easter Season brings you great joy. I recently read a reflection where Easter was described as the birthday of eternal hope, the day that reminds us of our trust in the risen Lord and the promise of salvation! We are so truly blessed to be loved as deeply as we are by our saving Lord!

It was with great sadness that we watched events unfold in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, and unsuccessful the attempt made at St. Patrick Cathedral, as well as the awful event that occured at the Poway Synagogue. We are always concerned with student safety, and after much reflection and prayer, Father Tom and I agree that in light of recent attacks on houses of worship, we will lock the church doors during student Mass, and other student events that take place in the church. If you are able to attend student Mass, please be aware that the church doors will be locked at 9:30am .   
 
As we start the last 31 days of school, it’s a good time to give a few updates regarding logistics for the 2019-2020 school year. First, as was announced at the PTO meeting in January, next school year the school day will start at 8:00am , thus the school day is 8:00-3:15. This additional 15 minutes will allow us to not only meet the instructional minutes required by the Office of Catholic Schools, but will also alleviate some of the stress caused by the tight schedule currently in place.
 
Secondly, the 2019-2020 school year is our “DFE year.”  DFE stands for Design for Excellence, and it is the tool created by the Virginia Catholic Education Association, and used by the Arlington Diocese to measure school quality and provide accreditation to member schools. Specifically, we are required to provide evidence of: Compliance with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s and the Virginia Council for Private Education’s expectations; Implementation of the Office of Catholic School’s curriculum requirements; The quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning; and Those components of the school’s program that include Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality. Needless to say, this requires a significant amount of work on the part of the administration, teachers and staff, and to accommodate that, there will be an additional 10 half-days of school added to the school calendar. A tentative school calendar will be available in early June. I can tell you that the first day of school for students is Monday, August 26, 2019. School starts at 8:00am.
 
Coffee with the Principal, scheduled for Friday, May 3, at 8:30 is a planning session for next year. Please join me and Mrs. Farrell as we brainstorm topics of interest for next year’s coffees. If you are unable to join us, feel free to email me or Mrs. Farrell if you would like to offer suggestions as to how we can make the coffees more meaningful.
 
As a reminder... Elections for a new PTO Executive Board will be held May 8. The PTO board is an integral part of the school community, and helps to create a welcoming atmosphere, involving families in volunteerism and service. Fund-raising is also a critical component. Every PTO has unique goals, but they are all grounded in creating the best environment for the students! We are blessed to have several parents who have volunteered to serve on the board, if elected. Use this link to access the bios of our candidates. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Melissa Arnold at melissa.arnold5@gmail.com .
 
The Office of Catholic Schools has released updated information on Tdap vaccination requirements for middle school students. Please use this link to access this important information. If you have any questions, please contact your healthcare provider.

The calendar is packed with all sorts of activities to close out the year. Please check the SJS website for accurate information.
 
Please note that the hot lunch program is now closed and no more orders will be accepted. Students who ordered hot lunch by the April 28 deadline will receive those lunches in May. No hot lunches will be served in June . Check back during the summer months for start of 2019-2020 school year lunch ordering updates.
 
As always, if you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please let me know.
 
Rejoice and Be Glad!   

Denise Rutledge
Principal
PTO Board Candidates

We look forward to seeing you at our last PTO General Meeting of the school year on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30pm. We will hold elections for our new
PTO Executive Board.
Our uniform provider, Flynn O'Hara will be onsite prior to the PTO meeting from 3:00pm-6:00pm on May 8th for your convenience. They will assist in measuring students and taking uniform orders for next year! Please use the link below for the order form.
Paving Around SJS


Please be aware that Virginia Paving will mill and pave Vine Street as well as the small section of Ferndale, Main and Peach Tree Street, starting the week of May 6 . Please expect delays and exercise caution in the area.
High School Placement Tests:
Algebra and World Language
Eighth grade students who took Algebra 1 with Mrs. Jones, and  who also plan to attend a diocesan high school, must take and pass the Algebra Exemption Exam. The test is scheduled for June 1, and more information will be made available at a future date. Click here for the study guide.

All eighth grade students will take the World Language Placement test on May 7. The test will be given here at SJS and all students will take the test, irrespective of high school choice. Click here for the study guide .
Lunch Bunch
Spring Lunch Bunches with Mrs. Farrell

Mrs. Farrell continues to have lunch with students and will be trying something new with her lunch groups after vacation. She will be selecting the groups with the goal to assist with and ease the transition to the next grade level. Students and parents will be able to sign up for the Lunch Bunches via email and/or sign up sheet in the student's respective classroom. Mrs. Farrell's goal is for students to reconnect with classmates and expand social circles. Please email Mrs. Farrell at p.farrell@sjschoolva.org if you would like for your child to participate.
Coffee with the Principal - May 3

Please join Mrs. Rutledge and Mrs. Farrell as we brainstorm topics of interest for next year’s coffees. If you are unable to join us, feel free to email Mrs. Rutledge or Mrs. Farrell if you would like to offer suggestions as to how we can make the coffees more meaningful.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday, May 3 at 8:30am Room 214 - located upstairs the school office!
Sports Camp
The Religious Goods Stand
SJC Vacation Bible School
St. Joseph Catholic Church Vacation Bible School
June 24th - June 28th
9:00am-12:00 Noon

WHO : Children 4 years old (as of June 2017) through rising 5th graders (Fall 2017)

WHAT : Come join us for St. Joseph Parish’s fun filled Vacation Bible School (VBS)! This five (5) day summer “day camp” will be held on the parish grounds and includes such activities as games, snacks, songs, and crafts. This year's theme will be "Maker Fun Factory: Created by God Built for a Purpose."

WHEN & WHERE: Monday, June 26 th – 30th (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon). Participants will gather and be dismissed for Opening and Closing Assembly at Parish Hall “C” (the cafeteria).
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITY WHO & WHAT:
We’re looking for 7th and 8th graders to help decorate and set-up the classrooms and Parish Hall “C” (the cafeteria). This would especially be a good opportunity for those needing Confirmation Service Hours for St. Joseph School (SJS) and Religious Education (RE) students.

WHEN & HOW: Monday, * June 17th – June 21st There are two volunteer shifts: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:00pm-5:00pm each day. Volunteers must commit to a least one shift a day. Each shift is four (4) hours long.
( * Please note the new dates and time shifts for set up)


Questions? They can contact Mrs. Murphy or Mr. Ruiz in Religious Education.   Roz – religioused@sjcherndon.org .  Reyes – rruiz@sjcherndon.org .
Volunteer Pianist Needed
We are in need of a volunteer to play the piano for weekly choir rehearsals. Choir rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30pm. If interested, please contact Mr. Pena-Ariet at c.pena-ariet@sjschoolva.org
See the Music site for more information.
Thank you for your support!!
Volunteer Opportunities
Please consider giving the gift of your time to help out in the library! See SignUp Genius link below for more information! Sign up times and dates will be sent out monthly.
Thank you for your support!



Want to volunteer? Help make lunch and recess fun and safe for our children. Click the link below to learn more and sign up.


Youth Ministry
**Please note there is no Middle School Ministry on May 10 due to the
"Rejoice at Bash" on May 11.
All 6th-8th graders are welcome to attend the Catholic Diocese of Arlington sponsored
"Rejoice at Bash!" on May 11th!

Please submit completed permission forms to the front office by May 6th. Questions? Email Kelly Power at singerpie@aol.com

Morning Prayers
pray_lettering.jpg
Each week the SJS News crew have helpers lead the school in morning prayers. Parents are welcome to watch the morning news show after carpool on days that their child is our prayerful leader. Siblings say prayers together on their designated day. The following are students for the upcoming weeks:

April 29: Davis, K
April 30: deClerck, M
May 1: DeAngelis, E
May 2: Dechant, S
May 3: Degnan, L, T

May 6: DeHaan, R
May 7: Del Toro, A
May 8: Dell'Orto, J
May 9: Dennis, J
May 10: Dhillon, A, A
Stay Connected - Twitter and Facebook
Don't forget to follow SJS
on Twitter and Facebook!
A lot is happening at SJS and you don't want to miss out!

Twitter: @sjschoolva
Facebook: sjschoolva
Upcoming Events
May
May 1 - Morning Rehearsal for Advanced Band
May 1 - Band Practice - Beginner and Advanced
May 3 - Interim Grades
May 3 - Mass
May 3 - School Assembly
May 3 - Coffee with the Principal
May 5 - Donut Sunday hosted by the KoC
May 7 - 8th grade World Language Exam
May 8 - Morning Rehearsal for Advanced Band
May 8 - Band Practice - Beginner and Advanced
May 8 - PTO General Meeting 6:30pm
May 10 - Mass
May 10 - 11:30am Early Dismissal
May 11 - 2nd Grade First Holy Communion
May 14 - Battle of the Books Competition
May 14 - 8th Grade Individual Portraits
May 15 - Morning Rehearsal for Advanced Band
May 15 - Band Practice - Beginner and Advanced
May 15 - Spring Band Concert
May 17 - Mass May Crowning
May 17 - Advanced Band Field Trip
May 20 - Mass
May 21 - 4th Grade Colonial Day
May 22 - Band Practice - Beginner and Advanced
May 22 - K - 7th Classroom Group Pictures
May 23 - 8th Grade Challenge
May 23 - 6th Grade Brass Rubbing Workshop
May 24 - Field Day
May 24 - 11:30am Dismissal NO EXTENDED DAY (No Afternoon Care)
May 27 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
May 28 - Start of Spirit Week
May 29 - 5th Grade International Day
May 30 - Pep Rally
May 31 - Mass
May 31 - Faculty vs. 8th Grade Volleyball game

June
June 4 - School Assembly
June 4 - 7th Grade Field Trip *Tentative*
June 5 - 7th Grade Field Trip *Tentative*
June 6 - 8th Grade Farewell
June 6 - 8th Grade Graduation
June 6 - 8th Grade and Faculty Pictures
June 6 - 11:30am Early Dismissal
June 7 - Mass
June 7 - Full Day of School
June 11 - Kindergarten Graduation
June 11 - Last Day of School
June 11 - 11:30am Early Dismissal
Weekly Saints Quote
750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320