Bernie's Bark
10.2.2018
Dear Parents,

We have a lot going on this month, starting with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi , on Oct. 4th. Join us at Mass on Thursday to celebrate this happy and holy day with our beloved Friars. Mass is at 9:30 and all are welcome!

I would like to announce the hiring of Mrs. Kathleen McPherson . Mrs. McPherson joins the faculty as an aide in the resource department, working on Thursday and Friday supporting Mrs. Underwood’s schedule. Mrs. McPherson has 8 years experience, most recently as a school guidance counselor in the Nyack (NY) Union Free School District, as well as in the Greater Johnstown (NY) School District. Mrs. McPherson earned a bachelor's degree in political science/education from Siena College (NY), a master’s degree in school counseling from Russell Sage College (NY), and she holds New York State Teacher Certification in History/Social Studies and School Counseling.

At the start of the school year, teachers at all grade-levels introduced and explained the St. Joe’s Six to students. This character-developing program created by Mrs. Daughtrey and Mrs. Bilbo, moved into the next phase with the introduction of the “ Six Slips .” On October 1st, the SJS staff began encouraging student growth in the St. Joe’s Six character traits by actively seeking evidence of students who incorporate and model the SJS Six in their day to day interactions with others at school. When a student is seen demonstrating Reverence, Respect, Responsibility, Reliability, or Readiness in a way that is an outstanding example to others, they may be recognized for being a character model and given a “St. Joseph Six Slip” by an SJS faculty or staff member. The six slips will be sent home with students and parents should know that this is very high praise and a much valued piece of paper!

As we continue to address safety issues, it is important that volunteers are accounted for at all times. To accomplish this goal, all volunteers are asked to sign-in as usual, and please report immediately to the volunteer position. Once the volunteering is finished, please sign-out and exit the building. Your cooperation is appreciated as this helps us keep track of everyone. In addition, if you are volunteering, please don’t use the opportunity to have an impromptu conference with a teacher. If you need to speak with your child’s teacher, please schedule an appointment.
Additionally, all parents are reminded that, as stated in the SJS Parent Handbook, “Parents may never take photos of SJS students during school sponsored activities and post them on the internet/social media including Facebook and Shutterfly without prior permission of the parent and school administration.” This applies to "closed" social media groups as well. Please let me know if you have any questions about the use of your student pictures.

Please check the school calendar as October is a busy month!

Rejoice and Be Glad!

Denise Rutledge
Principal
Child Protection Program - Oct. 4th
The Virtus seminar at St. Joseph’s has been set for Thursday Oct 4 th  at 5:00 pm. Individuals who wish to attend should go to  virtus.org  to register. Please contact Beth Covert if you have any questions!


At St. Joseph School and Parish ALL VOLUNTEERS who interact with children at any Parish or School sponsored activity such as volunteering in school, Scouts or Religious Education, Youth Ministry, CYO, etc., must complete and be compliant with the


Child compliance paperwork can be turned in to Beth Covert in the school office as soon as it is completed. No need to wait until you attend your Virtus seminar!

For questions, please contact the Child Protection Liaison for St. Joseph Parish, Beth Covert, at bcovert@sjcherndon.org
or (703) 880-4357
Winter Uniform Begins October 9th
It's a good time to check hemlines on skirts, jumpers, and pants! Try on those sweaters, shirts, and P.E. uniforms to ensure the fit is right! Winter uniform goes into affect on October 9th! Refer to the Parent/Student Handbook or visit the School Uniform page on the SJS website for guidelines and more information. School uniforms must be purchased at Flynn and O'Hara. They are located in Fair City Mall at 9650 Main Street Fairfax, VA. 22031
Library News!
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Win the Pumpkin!

Guess the weight of the pumpkin and win! Each student may submit only ONE entry.
How will you estimate the weight if you are not allowed to pick up the pumpkin? 
What resources or methods will you use to figure out how much this beauty weighs?


Where: Library
When:  September 24 - October 12
Time:  Vote during library class!
Help Us Meet Our Goal!
Family Donation Plan

Thank you to all the families
that have sent in their donation!
There is still time! Please download the
Family Donation Plan form  and submit to the school office. Our goal is 100% participation by all SJS families! Help make that happen!
We appreciate your continued support!

As presented at Back to School Night by our PTO Board, we have taken a streamlined approach with fundraising. We have simplified fundraising to alleviate the amount of time and demand put on the busy schedules of our SJS families. In lieu of numerous fundraisers throughout the year,  we ask each family to make a donation of $65.00.  We have received a very positive response thus far, and we are grateful for the giving spirit of our families. Please download the  Family Donation Plan  form and submit to the school office.  
Chick-fil-A Night!
Plan a fun night out with the family and support the 8th grade! 
Join us on Oct. 10 at Chick-fil-A in Reston 
5-8pm ! See you there!
Register for the SJS 5k / 1 Mile Fun Run!
Register by October 6th to be entered in the
Exclusive SJS Spirit Wear Raffle!
Be in it to win it!

Don't forget when registering to enter your child's grade as the Team Name so credit is given for the Grade Level Competition!
Winning grade receives a free dress out day!
Interested in becoming a race sponsor?
Click for Race Sponsorship information or visit the
WE NEED YOU!
Consider helping the day of the race. We are thankful for the many volunteers that help make the race successful!  Click to VOLUNTEER
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
St. Joseph Catholic Church Craft Fair
Save the date!
Sat Oct 27, 2018

We are looking for business sponsors! Applications for vendor booths are now open to the public. Filling up fast! Contact Jacki Esguerra 571-331-6274 or stjpcraftfair@gmail.com
Morning Prayers
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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.




October 1: Sippel
October 2: Skelton
October 3: Smiley
October 4: Smythers
October 5: Spear

October 8: NO SCHOOL
October 9: Spizuoco
October 10: Steinman
October 11: Stephenson
October 12: Sullivan
Herndon Children's Literary Festival featuring Kwame Alexander
In collaboration with local author, Kwame Alexander, Arts Herndon presents the first Herndon Children’s Literary Festival. Kwame Alexander, founded the Capital BookFest in 2005, and it has brought thousands of people year after year to the various locations that it takes place in. 

  • Panels and author conversations, featuring adult and teen authors.
  • Outdoor Festival in Historic Herndon, Virginia
  • Featuring food, live entertainment, authors and Artisans.
  • Participants can purchase books, illustrations, specialty artwork, and gifts
  • Free Admission to the public. All day strolling entertainment.

When: Sunday, October 7, 2018
Time: 11:00am until 4:00pm
Where: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St.
Cost: FREE


For more information, visit ArtSpace Herndon
Box Top Fun
Last year St. Joseph School received $661.20 from submitting Box Tops. 

For the 2018/2019 school year, we have already earned $152.00

Let’s see if we can earn $1,000 this year!

Simply clip Box Tops and send in envelopes/bags of 50 or use the
to collect 25 at a time!
Look for these Box Tops on hundreds of products. They come in all shapes and sizes and each one is worth $$ for our school:
Drop at the office, in the hallway box where the children enter, or via backpack mail to: Steven F. 8th Grade – Mrs. Bilbo
Contact Natalie F. for more information at: nfehervari@gmail.c om

8th grade Spirit Wear is available for purchase!
All checks made payable to:
SJS with "8th grade spirit wear" in the memo.
Please turn in order forms to the front office.
High School News
Bishop Ireton
High School
The BI Coding Club is hosting Hack BI,
a 24-hour hackathon, open to
8th - 12th graders.

This FREE event will take place at Bishop Ireton on November 3-4. For more information and registration, see  hackbi.org . Space is limited so register early. The grand prize is a paid internship. and there are many other prizes as well.
No experience necessary -- workshops are provided for beginners, intermediate, and advanced programmers! 
Paul VI High School

All are invited to join the VI Man cheering on our Panther varsity football team. Free to all and no reservations are needed. 
with questions.
Bishop O'Connell High School

Open House: October 14, 1:00-4:00. Presentation begins at 1:00. Families are invited to see a presentation, meet our faculty and coaches, and tour through our building. 

Upcoming Events
October
October 9 - L iving Rosary
October 12 - Interim Grades
October 12 - Mass
October 12 - Coffee with the Principal
October 17 - Book Fair
October 18 - Book Fair
October 19 - B ook Fair
October 19 - Mass
October 20 - Book Fair (9:00am - 12:00pm)
October 21 - Book Fair (9:00am - 1:00pm)
October 22 - Book Fair (Last day of Book Fair. Limited hours.)
October 25 - 5th Grade STREAM Lab
October 25 - Trunk or Treat
October 27 - 3rd Annual 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run
October 27 - St. Joseph Church Annual Craft Fair
October 31 - 8th Grade Field Trip
November
November 1 - 4th grade All Saints Mass
November 2 - Coffee with the Principal
November 4 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7 - 11:30am Early Dismissal Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 8 - 11:30am Early Dismissal Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 9 - 11:30am Early Dismissal Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 9 - Mass
November 11 - Veteran's Day
November 12 - 3rd Grade Veteran's Day Mass
November 12 - Veteran's Day Breakfast
November 13 - 9:30am SJS Open House
November 14 - Band Practice - Beginner and Adv anced
November 15 - Make Up Day for Individual Pictures
Weekly Saints Quote
750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320