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St. Joseph Elementary School
Weekly Newsletter
February 28, 2020
Student Learning Expectation (SLE) of the Week: Saint Joseph students are academically confident.
They demonstrate knowledge in all areas of the curriculum.
Principal Newsletter
Dear St. Joseph Elementary School Families,

This week, we have entered the liturgical season of Lent. In preparation for the coming of Lent,
our students were invited to come to school and feast during our traditional Mardi Gras Pancake
Breakfast. On Ash Wednesday, which marked the beginning of Lent, we gathered as a school
family for a joint liturgy led by Fr. Mario for St. Joseph Elementary School and St. Joseph Notre
Dame high school. I would like to share with all of you the reflection that I shared with the
students of our two schools at this liturgy:

Pray, fast, and give.

Today is the beginning of the holy season of Lent. For the next 40 days, we all will spend time
praying and reflecting. We will reflect on our own personal relationship with God, with others,
and even with ourselves
.
As we pray and reflect, we will also make sacrifices, always remembering the sacrifices that
Jesus made for us and the love he has showed us through these sacrifices.

I hope that during the next 40 days you will also actively consider how you will give back to
others. All of us in this room are blessed in so many ways – we belong to a strong community, we
have our faith, and we teach and learn in a place that values the importance of a quality
Catholic education. With all of these blessings, let us consider how we can give back to others.
Some days, it may be as simple as a smile and word of encouragement given to someone in a
time of need. Other days, you may do something larger like bringing food for someone who is
sick or elderly, or volunteering your time and talents to support a cause that is near to your
heart. Whatever you feel called to do as your service during Lent, know that by giving back to
others, you are helping someone else and you are also feeding your own soul.

If each of us does our part during Lent to pray, make sacrifices, and give to others, our St.
Joseph community will thrive during the Lenten season. In these next 40 days, let us grow
together as a community in faith and in love.

Peace and Blessings
Ms. Francisco

Upcoming Events

Sat. Feb 29 - 6th grade boys basketball CYO Championship Game
Sun. March 1 - First Sunday of Lent
Mon. March 2- 2:15pm Stations of the Cross, 3:15pm STEM club
Fri. March 6- 8:00am Town Hall, Trimester 2 Honor Roll, 8:45 am Liturgy, 7:00pm Drama Production- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Sat. March 7 - 7:00pm Drama Production- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Log into the SJES Parent Porta l to view the SCHOOL CALENDAR!!!
SUPER KIDS
Congratulations to our Super Kids!

1st Grade- Elliot Marr
1st Grade- Joanna Rodriguez
2nd Grade- Kyle Nguyen
3rd Grade- Mazen Jaber
4th Grade- Mary Jaber
5th Grade- Cordy Finney
6th Grade- Paige VanDerveer
7th Grade- Lily Perez
7th Grade- Jack Vo
8th Grade- Anthony Garcia
Rockin' Around the Clock Auction
Become an Auction Sponsor
Want to Sponsor the SJES Auction? A sponsor can be a business, a family, a classroom, an anonymous donor. We appreciate any and all sponsorships! If you have any questions please reach out to someone on the auction team:
 
-Sierra Dominguez,  Sierradomingoo@gmail.com  
-Olivia Cortez,  Ocortez24@gmail.com
-Andrew Engebreston,  engebre@gmail.com  
Prize Preview! You could win a trip to St. John!
What's Happening Around the School?
Burning of the Palms
This past Tuesday the school gathered with Father Mario to burn the palms we received from Palm Sunday.

Fr. Mario and students discussed why we use palms and the meaning of the ashes that would be used the following day during our Ash Wednesday co-liturgy with SJND.
Mardi Gras Pancakes
Faculty and Staff arrived at school at dawn to prepare the traditional Mardi Gras pancake breakfast for students.

SJES Royals arrived and were given their Mardi Gras beads before they headed to the kitchen for pancakes, oranges and milk or juice.

Mardi Gras pancakes are an annual traditional as the SJES community begins the season of Lent.
MUSE Band
Students in our school M.U.S.E. Band Program participated at the annual Winter Band Concert on Sunday, February 9th at Bishop O'Dowd High School. Over 150 students from 10 schools participated. All Intermediate and Advanced Band students are looking forward to marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown San Francisco on March 14th. 

If you think your child would like to learn an instrument and be a part of the band next fall, be on the lookout for information that will be sent out this spring. You can visit the M.U.S.E. website at  www.museband.com  for more information". Email Mr. Allard, the director, if you have any questions at  bryant@museband.com
Safety Reminder for Parents During Pick Up/Drop Off
Please remember that safety is our top priority at SJES, and we know it is your top priority as parents also! A few gentle reminders of how we can all work together during pick-up time to keep our kids safe:
  • Please drive around the block instead of making U-turns in the middle of the intersection
  • Please only park legally, and avoid parking in resident driveways or blocking driveways. We want to be good neighbors
  • Please wait your turn in the pick-up line, and refrain from cutting by picking up in the crosswalk
  • Please be mindful of our children who are walking in the crosswalk, and our staff who are holding up stop signs to help our children cross safely
Thank you for helping us keep all members of our community safe!
Service Learning in Action
The Fifth Grade class is focusing on homeless for their class service learning topic this year. The students have read several articles and books regarding homelessness. They have learned about the working poor and the need for services and compassion towards this cause.

The students made blankets these past couple of weeks which they are donating to the Alameda Midway Shelter. This shelter provides safety for women and children who are suffering from homelessness and domestic violence.
Royals Athletics
Schedule for the Week of 2/28-3/6

Congratulations to the boys 6th grade basketball team. They won their playoff game and will be playing in the CYO Basketball Championships.

Come cheer them on as they play St. Lawrence O'Toole at St. Elizabeth on Saturday, February 29 at 4:30 pm.
GO ROYALS!
Sand Volleyball is for grades 5 - 8 only. Anyone interested in coaching or participating can contact Jeanne Witherspoon at jeannegustke@rjwproinsurance.com.
Our Family on the Block
SJND Weekly Newsletter
  • Take the Practice High School Placement Test (HSPT) to prepare for the test in the fall.

  • Enjoy lunch and explore our beautiful campus

  • Experience our student life and academic programs, including athletics, science, and more with SJND faculty and staff!

The cost to register for the HSPT Practice Test is $50.00.
St. Joseph Basilica
Newsletter
Parent To Do List:
  • Order your Scrip Gift Cards
  • Collect and turn in BoxTops
Frequently Used Links:
St. Joseph Elementary School
510 522 4456