Bernie's Bark
08.17.2021
Dear Parents-
 
On Sunday, August 15, we celebrated the Solemnity of THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Solemnity describes a celebration of the highest degree and is reserved for the most important mysteries of our faith. We accept as truth that Mary, the Mother of God, was taken bodily to heaven at the end of her life on earth. The death of our Blessed Mother is not described, but theologians, and Pope John Paul II in particular, confirm that while Mary was born without Original Sin, that event did not confer on her immortality, and she would have died a natural death on earth, “not as a penalty for sin, but as a way to conform to her Son.”
 
The St. Joseph Catholic School reopening plan was shared with all families last week. No plan can eliminate all risk, and while administration, faculty and staff of St. Joseph Catholic School will exercise all reasonable precautions, parents assume the risk of sending their children to school. All parents are required to sign a waiver indicating an acceptance of the risks of sending children to school this fall. Access the waiver here, print it and bring it with you on the first day of school. By completing the waiver, you agree to assume the risks associated with sending your child to school during the pandemic. Additionally you agree to complete the daily health screening found on the CDC website.
 
Current data on the Coronavirus shows that the virus continues its uptick in our community. Over the last 7days, Fairfax County has a total case rate of 82.44 cases per 100,000, and NAAT (PCR) test positivity at 5%. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate of 93.83 per 100,000 and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is 5.02%.

Reminder that students will eat in the cafeteria on alternating days, and otherwise in the classroom. The SJS Allergy Action plan requires all lunches to be nut-free. For the safety of all our students, please adhere to this requirement. Students are also asked to limit the amount of trash they will generate during lunch, and this can be done by packing sandwiches and snacks in reusable containers. Many reusable containers are made of environmentally friendly materials and support our obligation to take care of the planet. Students should have their own water bottles, and it is comforting to know that water bottle filling stations in the school are touchless. And to reiterate, there is no milk or other food service available until further notice.

As we look ahead to the arrival of students, parents should review carpool arrival and dismissal procedures. Please pay specific attention to the arrival procedure that students will enter the school through one of three entrances, the door by the flagpole, the main student entrance or the gym entrance. Please check the pictures included at this link for a clear understanding of where students can exit cars. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE. During the morning dropoff please DO NOT allow your child to exit your car before you reach the white line at the corner by the flagpole door. This plan will help prevent bottlenecks at each door. Please bring your patience as we settle in. Your cooperation is appreciated.
 
As we start to open up the school year, I pray for the health and safety of all our students and families and our teachers and staff. I ask that we all exercise patience, remember that we share a common goal, and let us rely on the Holy Spirit to give us the fortitude to do what we need to do to keep everyone safe.

Please also be mindful that some members of our community, both children and adults, are vulnerable to serious illness should they catch the COVID. It is our responsibility as a Catholic, faith-filled community to care for each other. Remember our commitment some years ago to F.A.M.I.L.Y...so when you are feeling restricted by our COVID protocols, say to yourself, Forget About Me, I Love You.

I look forward to seeing everyone in a few days!!
As always, if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
 
Pray to St. Joseph for all your needs!   (St. Teresa of Avila)
 
Denise Rutledge
Principal

 Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
COVID-19 Mask Update
The State Health Commissioner issued an order requiring all individuals aged two and older to wear masks when indoors at public and private K-12 schools in Virginia, effective Thursday, August 12.

Under the direction of the SJS school administration, the Office of Catholic Schools and the Chancery of the Arlington Diocese, all students, faculty and staff must wear a mask while indoors regardless of vaccination status, and until further notice.

The SJS Reopen Plan is amended and updated to reflect the current health emergency.
Attendance
For any planned absence, absence due to illness or family emergency, late arrivals, or early dismissals, please email the attendance office and the classroom/homeroom teacher.  

The attendance office's new email:  attendance@sjschoolva.org

Also, please keep in mind that per the parent/student handbook, the latest early dismissal time is 2:15 for a full day and 11:00 for a half-day.  
School Start Dates
Welcome Back!!
August 23 First Day of School:
Grades 1, 3, 5, 7 ONLY
8:00-11:30AM
No Extended Day 

August 24 First Day of School:
Grades K, 2, 4, 6, and 8 ONLY
8:00-11:30AM
No Extended Day

August 25-27 First Full Days of School: ALL GRADES
8:00AM-3:15PM
Extended Day available until 6:00PM
Student Orientation
Student Orientation

Kindergarten Orientation for students: August 18 @ 10:00am

New Student Orientation (Grades 1-8): August 18 @ 2:00pm
Back to School Nights
Back to School Nights

Kindergarten & 1st Grade (Virtual): August 18 from 7:00-8:00pm (parents) Zoom link will be provided

Grades 2-6 (Virtual): August 25 @ 7:00PM presentation repeated at 7:30PM. Encore Teachers, Resource Teachers and Counselor available 8:00-8:20PM Links to be provided.

Grade 7 (Virtual): August 31 @ 7:00PM. Encore Teachers, Resource Teachers, Counselor available 8:00-8:20PM Link to be provided

Grade 8 (Virtual): September 1 @ 7:00PM. Encore Teachers, Resource Teachers, Counselor available 8:00-8:20PM Link to be provided
Recess Volunteers Needed!
Please consider volunteering for recess! We ask that recess volunteers are fully COVID-19 vaccinated and masks are required. Volunteers should also be compliant with the child protection program.

Interested?
Please contact Ms. Karen Settelmaier at k.settelmaier@sjschoolva.org

Thank you!
SJS Spirit Wear
Get your spirit wear! We have several spirit wear dress out days
throughout the year - you don't want to miss out!
Or use the QR code below to order!
PTO Corner
PTO Board Positions

The PTO board is currently seeking candidates for the 2021-2022 school year to fill two Vice President roles and a Secretary position.

Please email pto@sjschoolva.org if you are interested. Thank you for your willingness to volunteer and serve our school community.

Position Descriptions:
Vice President (1st and 2nd):
1st Vice President shall perform all presidential duties in the absence of the President and coordinates all fundraising activity. 2nd Vice President coordinates all school/community building activities sponsored by the PTO and facilitates activities that provide services within the school.

Secretary:
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all General PTO and PTO Executive Board Meetings, give general information concerning PTO business, keep a list of all committee chairpersons and their responsibilities with a copy given to the Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School. The Secretary shall keep the master copy of the Constitution and By-Laws of the St. Joseph Catholic School Parent Teacher Organization.
Reserved parking spots (6)
for sale!
Only a few spots left!!!

Imagine the time you will save! You will no longer need to allow 30 minutes to get to carpool before the bell rings. Now you can drive up just minutes before the children are dismissed! Your children will be released with walkers and exit on the same side as the office entrance. The VIP Carpool Lane is the last row of faculty parking in front of the school/parish office closest to Peachtree. As soon as your children are buckled in, you are off! So if time is critical to your afternoon, you need to bid on these spots! (SJS administration reserves the right to make changes for the safety of the children)

$1,500 per spot and available on a first come - first serve basis!

Interested?
Email: pto@sjschoolva.org






PTO Sponsored
Drinks & Lite Bites

We look forward to seeing you on
August 20 from 5-7pm for a
school community adult event!
Pack 913 Kick Off Meeting
St. Joseph Parish Pack 913 Kick-Off Pack Meeting – Water Boats and more!
 
Welcome to the first Pack meeting of our 2021-22 Cub Scout school year! Our St Joseph Parish Cub Scouts will be meeting on Saturday, August 28th, 4-6:30pm @ our St. Joseph Parish track and athletic field. Scouts will be building and launching WATER BOATS with their Dens. Scout should wear their Class “B” scouting activity shirt or any other scouting, school spirit, or patriotic t-shirt. Lawn chairs recommended. Pack Social Distancing guidelines will be observed.
 
New potential Cub Scouts in Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to join. Students in any of these grades may join the pack any time throughout the school year. Also, look for a future announcement for our virtual Join Scouts Night to be held on September 13th 7:00-8:00pm. New families wishing to attend either event should contact Steve Bailey at chairperson@pack913.com if interested.  
Stay Connected!
SJS Mobile App, Twitter and Facebook


Don't forget to follow the official St. Joseph Catholic School Facebook page (sjschoolva), Twitter account (@sjschoolva), and download the mobile app from the App Store (St. Joseph Catholic School, VA)
Weekly Saints Quote
750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320