SJPDS Newsletter May 24, 2018
ALL SCHOOL Noon Dismissal TOMORROW, NO EXT Day, NO After Care
How Will You Make a Change?
" The development of confident, independent thinkers, people of character, and respectful citizens connected to our local and global communities," is one of our Five Gifts at St. John's. We asked our Fifth Graders how they will make a positive change in the world, and each week leading up to graduation we will feature some of their answers.

" I want every country to be as free as ours is . " –Cecelia

"By being a leader." –Maxwell
Head of School
Mr. Dylan Walther was our "Acting Head of School" this week. He declared a "Free Dress Day" for all Lower School students, "Jeans Day" for staff, extra recess for all classes, and today he handed out popsicles. A truly fair and benevolent leader!
We're Finalists!
St. John's Parish Day School has moved on to the Finalist Level in the Baltimore's Child Reader's Choice Awards for Best Preschool and Best Independent School. Vote for us today! Remember we're on "Step 5" of the choices. Here is a screen capture of the correct page.
Memorial TK Scholarship Fund
We have established the Angie Pontier Memorial Transitional Kindergarten Scholarship Fund. If you would like to contribute, you can drop off checks at the Main Office or mail to the school's address. Contribution checks should be made out to SJPDS with "Angie’s Scholarship" in the memo line. Thank you.
EC Spring Sings
Thank you to Mrs. Enokian for two wonderful Spring Sing Concerts. The shows were planned around the Eric Carle book: Today is Monday. Mrs. Enokian even debuted her own song "Ice Cream Cones", which is quite catchy. Thank you also to Mrs. Funk, Mrs. Rice, and Ms. Baldwin for their incredible artwork which decorated the walls of ASH.
Zoo Visit!
Today we got to meet Elwood the Red-Footed Tortoise, Thumper the Flemish Giant Rabbit, and Kayla the Kinkajou.  Check them out!
Library Books
As the school year comes to a close, all library books need to be returned. The students have done a good job returning books this week. All books should be returned by tomorrow Friday, May 25th.
Medication Pick-Up
It is that time of the year again: all medications need to be picked up. We ask that a parent come to pick-up any medication(s) here at school, because we cannot send them home with your child. For your convenience, the Health Office hours are 8:30 AM3:30 PM. All medications not picked up by June 8th will be destroyed.
PA Used Uniform Collection
The PA is collecting donations of used uniform items in preparation for the next sale over the summer. Please look for the green bin in the school lobby, and deposit any uniforms that are no longer needed. You may also drop off items during school business hours from now until July 14th.

PLEASE NOTE:
All uniform donations must be in good condition. Donations should include clean and unstained clothing from Lands' End. Items with holes, tears, missing buttons, or marker/grease stains will not be accepted. All donated items must conform to the SJPDS uniform guidelines.  
SJEC VBS
Ahoy! Get ready for a fun-filled, uncharted adventure where you come to realize Jesus' love. He rescues and remains with you through the storms of life. A five-day, evening event for all ages June 25–29 ! Everyone discovers how Jesus is always present in their lives. $50 for one child/teen or for two or more children/teens it is $100 for the family.

Three years to 8th Grade 4:30 PM to 7:15 PM Register Today.

Adults 5:00 PM to 7:15 PM, Adult VBS with Rev. Ann Ritonia is free! Register Today.

VBS is a volunteer supported offering to the community. St. John’s welcomes high school and college students and parents and grandparents to be involved as volunteers to deliver this faith, fun fellowship program.

High School Counselors & Parent Volunteers Register Today.
Summer Camp
St. John's Parish Day School Summer Camp is specifically 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 different theme that's sure to spark curiosity, a love of learning, and more! Learn more about the themes on our website .

Week 1: 1 Spot Left
Week 2: 3 Spots Left
Week 3: Full
Week 4: 2 Spots Left
Week 5: 7 Spots Left
Week 6: 5 Spots Left
Week 7: 2 Spots Left
Week 8: 1 Spot Left
EVENTS
EC Field Day
Tomorrow, Friday, May 25th
9:15 AM 11:35 AM

Field Day activities will take place in the morning. Please be prepared for outside activities, weather permitting. We have lots of activities planned. If you cannot find a spot to sign up and would still like to volunteer, please check in with Mrs. Cramer in the Lower Commons tomorrow morning. Wear sneakers—it will be a fun filled day. Apply sunscreen before leaving home and wear a hat.
Tea with Headmaster
Wednesday, May 30th
2:30 PM–3:30 PM

Parents are invited to join our final casual chat session for the year, in Clark House, to meet with our Headmaster and discuss Our Mission. For more information, please contact Ms. Ashton
Family Chapels to Honor Ms. Pontier
Thursday, May 31st
Early Childhood Chapel 9:10 AM
Lower School Chapel 3:00 PM

These chapels will be special gatherings in the Historic Church to celebrate the life of our beloved teacher and friend, Ms. Pontier. Songs, prayers, a story, and birthday celebrations will all be part of our worship together in her honor. Families are invited to join us.
LS Field Day
Wednesday, June 6th
8:30 AM–12:00 PM

This year, we are going to cheer for each other as a St. John's Family. Students' teams, within their classrooms, will change with each event. Field Day activities will take place in the morning, beginning at 9:00 AM.  Consider volunteering. To do so click here . We can't do it without your help, and it's so much fun!! After a picnic lunch, the students will view a G-Rated movie.  

  • Wear a St. John's t-shirt to show your school spiritThis can include a PE t-shirt, any spirit wear, or even your Walk for Wamunyu t-shirt! Please wear PE uniform shorts.
  • Bring a snack, bring a lunch, unless you normally get pizza on Friday, and a water bottle.
  • Wear sneakersit will be an active day.
  • Apply sunscreen before leaving home and wear a hat.
  • Bring a beach towel for our picnic lunch and movie.  

Hope to see you there!!
EC Closing Exercises
Thursday, June 7th
9:30 AM–10:30 AM

Parents are invited to join us for our Closing Exercises in the Historic Church after drop off. The children will process to the church and be seated as a class. At the conclusion of the service, parents are asked to exit the church and form two lines leading from the Historic Church along the sidewalk to the school building. The children will walk through the lines of parents to the classroom for dismissal. Families and friends are invited for light refreshments under the tent on the front lawn, hosted by the Parents' Association. This is the last day of school for EC.
LS Last Day of School
Friday, June 8th

Moving Up
10:30 AM
Historic Church 

Parents are invited to join us for our Annual Moving Up Ceremony. Awards, presentations, and gifts are distributed during this meaningful service. The ceremony culminates with a ritual moving up when students receive a pencil stating their new grade and move up into the pews they will be seated in next year. It is not to be missed! Parents are welcome to find a seat in the pews behind the children as the children will sit with their class in the front pews. 

Joyful Dance
11:30 AM
All Saints Hall

Join us for this St. John's tradition as the children and staff process parade style through the halls ending in All Saints Hall. Upon arrival at school, please report directly to ASH and stand around the border of the room. Fifth grade parents will go to the Main Lobby to make a bridge for the students. The students will be singing and dancing in the middle of ASH. Children will return to their classrooms where they will be released to parents beginning at 11:45 AM.  

Launch into the Summer...and Beyond!
11:45 AM
Big Playground

The PA will host a Launch Party on the big playground on Friday, June 8th immediately following dismissal. Before kicking off summer break, head over to the big playground for the final time this school year! All of Lower School is invited to enjoy light refreshments and snacks while playing and bidding farewell to our friends for the summer. See you there!

Fifth Grade Graduation
3:30 PM 6:30 PM
Historic Church

3:30 PM
Graduates arrive for Graduation at the Historic Church. Attire for the ceremony is "Sunday Best". Boys should wear ties (jackets are optional) and everyone should wear shoes they can comfortably walk in.

4:00 PM Ceremony Begins

5:00 PM - 6:30PM
Hors d'oeuvres Reception & Memories Slideshow in All Saints Hall.
El Hogar Comes to St. John’s
Saturday, June 9th & Sunday, June 10th

El Hogar has been providing a home and education for children and young adults in Honduras since 1979 with the aim of lifting them out of extreme poverty. Currently El Hogar educates on four campuses up to the 9th grade, in the Episcopal tradition. By February 2021, El Hogar will open a new high-school campus with a self-sustaining, entrepreneurial curriculum, as well as a path to university for all girls and boys. Want to hear more? The Reverend Matt Engleby, Executive Director in Honduras, is coming to St. John’s on June 9 from 6:00 PM9:00 PM for a reception and to present the 2021 expansion plan to a Mid-Atlantic donor base. On June 10, Rev. Engleby will assist during services and speak at the 10:30 AM Adult Forum. You are invited and encouraged to attend to learn more. Contact: Mr. Gill Gawthrop
Blessing of the Graduates
Sunday, June 10th
9:00 AM
ASH

Blessing of the Graduates, St. John's Parish Day School: Class of 2018. All are invited to Sunday Service in All Saints Hall for the graduates to receive a blessing from the Church in the class's honor.
Alumni Picnic
Sunday, June 10th
11:15 AM–12:30 PM
Under the White Tent

Graduates and their families are invited to the Alumni Picnic, for the first time, as our beloved Alumni Club Members, and we hope you'll all continue to attend each and every year along with other past graduates over the years. We will meet under the white tent and can't wait to see you there! RSVP and see others who will be attending as well.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 25
EC Field Day
ALL SCHOOL Noon Dismissal
No After Care
No EXT Day
LS Optional Conferences
Conference Care
May 28
School Closed
Memorial Day
May 29
3's Field Trip
TK Field Trip
May 30
3's Field Trip
Tea With Headmaster
May 31
5th Grade Graduation Rehearsal
Chapels to Honor Ms. Pontier
June 6
LS Field Day
Pizza Wednesday
June 7
EC Closing Exercises
EC Last Day
5th Grade Graduation Rehearsal
June 8
LS Last Day
Noon Dismissal
Moving Up
Joyful Dance
Launch into Summer Party
5th Grade Graduation
June 9
El Hogar Reception
June 10
Blessing of the Class of 2018
El Hogar Adult Forum
Alumni Picnic
Special Offers
None at this time.
St. John's Episcopal Church
Support SJPDS
Spirit Bear's Resources
Stay Connected