Dear Saint Joseph School Community,
It is my great joy to welcome the students of Saint Joseph School for the new academic year, 2018-2019. I especially welcome the new students and hope they will find a friendly environment where they will expand their knowledge and learn the wisdom of life. The faculty will be meeting for several days to prepare themselves to be effective teachers and spiritual and cultural leaders.
School personnel have been working hard to make sure that all the classrooms are refreshed and ready for the students. Beyond that, this will be an extraordinary year because the gymnasium and cafeteria (excluding the kitchen) are now ready. As a result, all athletic games and physical education classes will finally be hosted here in this beautiful and enormous new facility. The completion of these spaces is a source of much excitement, especially for students who will use them on the daily basis.
May God bless the parents, the students, and entire school staff this year for a journey to rediscover a new depth of knowledge and spiritual values.
May God Bless You All,
Msgr. Tony
Headmaster
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From the Principal's Desk...
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Welcome Back!
With anticipation there is excitement. The anticipation brings many facets: the beginning of a new school year, increasing enrollment, and awaiting the use of the new Parish and Performing Arts Center and Gymnasium. Hopefully, we will have an Occupancy Permit some time in September; however, the kitchen will not be completed until around December. We are excited with the purchase of new math (Sadlier - grades 2-6) and reading (Wonders - grades K-5) programs. This year we will also be implementing the new Diocesan Testing program MAP (Measured Academic Progress) in grades 3-7. Testing will be done once in the fall, once in the winter and finish in the spring. This should give us and idea of growth throughout the year for grades 3-7 students. There are opportunities for future testing in other grades as well. With our increased enrollment, we are now providing 2 days of art, physical education, music, and technology to provide these specials to all students. We have split grades 5 and 7 to continue to provide small sizes to help all students be successful. All of this is exciting! With that said, I wish all students a successful school year at St. Joseph School.
Welcome back!
Principal
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Back-to-School Dates & Orientation Times
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Back-to-School Dates
- Wednesday, August 29th: Grades 1-8
- Thursday, August 30th: Kindergarten
- Thursday, August 30th: PreK 5-Day Program (4 Year-olds, Ms. Dodge)
- Tuesday, September 4th: PreK 2-Day (3 Year-old) Program AND students in Mrs. Maurer's class who will be attending 5 days a week.
- Wednesday, September 5th: Pre K 3-Day Program (3 year-olds, Mrs. Maurer)
Parent Orientations
- Wednesday, August 29th, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Grades 1-8
- Thursday, August 30th, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Kindergarten & Pre K
Please note: It's extremely important for all parents and guardians of St. Joseph School students to attend the parent orientations. We will be discussing new policies and procedures for the 2018-2019 School Year, including school uniforms and our dress code, attendance policies pertaining to participation in school activities, and other important topics. In addition, teachers will be meeting with parents to communicate the expectations they have for the coming year. Even if you may have had a teacher in the past, they are always updating their curriculums and requirements. Therefore, please make the time to meet with them during our break-out session.
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Home and School Association News
PLEASE READ!
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Thank you to all of the parents who attended the August Committee Meeting. It was a very productive meeting and the committee put together a great program of events for St. Joseph School students and parents for the 2018-2019 school year. Remember, membership in the Home and School Association (H.S.A.) consists of fathers, mothers, and guardians of students of St. Joseph School and members of the faculty. All are welcome at our monthly meetings that take place on the first Tuesday of each month.
Most
of the Classroom Representative positions have been filled. Classroom Reps. are an integral part of the St. Joseph School Community and your Classroom Rep. will be reaching out to you very soon However, there are still two vacancy:
FIRST GRADE and FIFTH GRADE (Mrs. Favata)
.
Responsibilities include:
- Regularly attend the monthly meetings at 6:30 PM on the First Tuesday of each month, as well as H.S.A. General Meetings.
- Participate in planning/implementing school events and fundraisers.
- Communicate with the parents using a school assigned email.
- Regularly check-in with your teacher to determine needs and coordinate parent volunteers if necessary. (This is especially important for the younger grades at Halloween due to the need for assistance with parties and costumes, as well as during Christmas. In addition, some teachers may ask for assistance during Catholic Schools Week and other class or school events.)
- Coordinate/communicate teachers' wish lists at Christmas.
- Attend family Masses.
- Support H.S.A. sponsored events.
If you are interested in volunteering for the
GRADE ONE
or
GRADE FIVE
(Mrs. Favata)
Classroom Representative position and being more involved at St. Joseph School, please email
hsa@sjs-webster.com
H.S.A. Representatives are awarded service hours for volunteering.
Our next H.S.A. meeting is at 6:30 on Tuesday, September 4th.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
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Following Family Mass on Sunday, Sept. 9th, the St. Joseph School Home and School Association will host its Annual
Back to School Picnic
at the 200 Sportsmen Club, 184 Sutton Ave., Webster, MA from noon to 4:00PM. The H.S.A. will provide lunch, games, and raffles for our families. We will also be drawing the winner of our
Free Tuition Raffle.
The H.S.A. asks that you
RSVP
for this event so the lunch can be planned accordingly. Please click
HERE
to
RSVP
.
Donations of side dishes or desserts are welcome!
The H.S.A. is also looking for volunteers to assist with the activities. Please click
HERE
to view service hours that are available and sign-up. Thank you in advance for helping to kick-off the school year with a fun event for all of our students and their families.
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Catholic Schools Appeal: Help Needed
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This year, the Catholic Schools Appeal is scheduled for the weekend of September 29-30. As we've done in years past, we are looking for parents or students to visit other local parishes and speak to their congregations about St. Joseph School. (A script will be provided.) Schedules are still TBD.
If you are a parishioner at one of the church's listed below or if you'd like to help spread the word about St. Joseph School, please contact bboudreau@sjs-webster.com. Service hours will be awarded.
St. Joseph Basilica in Webster
St. Andrew Bobola in Dudley
St. Ann Parish in North Oxford
St. Mark's in Sutton
St. Anthony's in Dudley
St. Denis in Douglas
St. Roch's in Oxford
St. Joseph Church in Charlton
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Wed., August 29th - Chicken Teriyaki, brown rice, broccoli, fruit, & milk
Thurs., August 30th - Hot dog on whole grain bun, baked beans, fruit, & milk
Fri, August 31st - Cheese pizza, dark green salad, lite dressing, & milk.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches are also available.
Please log into the Headmaster Portal for a full menu.
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Outstanding balances must be paid prior to students returning to school.
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Students may wear their warm weather uniforms until October 31st
Per the Parent/Student Handbook:
DURING WARM WEATHER, SWEATERS, SWEATSHIRTS, JACKETS, AND/OR FLEECE ARE NOT WORN IN THE CLASSROOM;
STUDENTS WILL BE ASKED TO REMOVE THEM.
Please refer to the uniform requirements below.
All students who are not in compliance with the dress code
will be asked to call home for appropriate clothing.
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Pre-K Uniform
The Gym Uniform is always worn by ALL Pre-K students.
The school gym uniform consists of gray t-shirt, wine gym shorts, wine sweatshirt and wine sweatpants. All items must be imprinted with the school logo. Any sneaker can be worn EXCEPT those that light-up or flash.
REMEMBER...
- All items should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Please mark the inside tag.
- The uniform should be clean and pressed with all buttons attached and hems intact.
- Shirttails are to be tucked in while a student is at school.
- STUDENTS MAY ONLY WEAR PLAIN WHITE T- SHIRTS under their blouses or shirts.
- STONE COLOR PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS, AND SKORTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AND UNIFORM VIOLATION WARNING NOTICES WILL BE ISSUED.
- PLEASE NOTE THAT UNIFORM LENGTH IS NO MORE THAN THREE INCHES ABOVE THE KNEE.
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All students in Grades Kindergarten through Grade 8 should wear their regular school uniform on Friday, August 31st. Physical education classes will begin next week.
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Back-to-School Reminders:
Hair, Makeup and Jewelry
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All students should have hair that is neat and clean with bangs above the eyebrows. Boys’ hair should be above and not touch the shirt collar and trimmed around the ears.
Extreme hair coloring (not the student’s natural color) and bleaching and hair extensions are not permitted.
- No beads or scarves should be worn in the hair. Girls may wear simple barrettes, the uniform plaid headband or scrunchie, or plain headbands that are no more than 2” wide. (no oversized bands, flowers, bows or beading).
- No cosmetics, lip gloss, colored Chapstick, nail polish, or artificial nails may be worn.
- No visible tattoos of any kind;
- No Hologram contact lenses;
- No body piercing except pierced ears. Girls may wear one pair of stud earrings not larger than a dime. Hoops and Dangling Earrings ARE NOT permitted as they present a safety hazard. Boys may not wear earrings of any type.
- Jewelry should be limited to one watch, one ring, one bracelet and simple crosses or holy medals on a narrow silver or gold chain. Smartwatches and Fitbits are not jewelry and are not to be worn in school.
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Additional Back-to-School Reminders:
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
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The arrival and dismissal of students presents a potentially dangerous situation. We take every precaution to safeguard your child(ren). However, there is considerable traffic during pick-up and drop-off times. Our safeguards are dependent to a significant extent upon your cooperation with the rules below.
THERE IS
NO PARKING
IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT or in the emergency lane next to the side door BETWEEN 7:30 A.M. AND 3:00 P.M. except for the Employees of the School and Parish.
CARS IDLING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY ARE NOT PERMITTED BY LAW.
If you see anyone not adhering to these rules, please notify the office so that the school personnel could address the situation.
Arrival Procedure
The following arrival procedure is
in effect from
7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
daily.
Morning Care services are offered from 7:00 A.M. to 7:45 A.M. Monday through Friday. Students arriving before 7:45 A.M. must go directly to Morning Care located across from the gym.
Students
in Grades K-8
and/or Parents/Guardians ARE NOT to go directly to a classroom unless directed to do so by a teacher.
Parents who drive children to school must
DROP OFF STUDENTS AT THE SIDE DOOR OF THE SCHOOL. PLEASE ENTER THROUGH THE LINCOLN STREET GATE AND PROCEED TO THE SIDE ENTRANCE.
In the interest of students’ safety,
ALL STUDENTS MUST EXIT ON THE PASSENGER’S SIDE
of the vehicle. Parents/Drivers may not leave their car.
STUDENTS SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE
SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR IS REACHED
One member of the Morning Duty team will greet you at
the side entrance
to the school. The Morning Attendant will assist your child(ren) when he/she exits your vehicle. All students, including Pre-K, will enter the building through
the side entrance
and report to the school cafeteria.
If you have business in the school office, you may park your car on the right hand side of Robinson Street, the right hand side of Whitcomb Street, on Ray Street near the ball field, or in the Maynard Street parking lot.
Students are not permitted to leave the property once they have entered the schoolyard. Loitering on school property is prohibited.
Dismissal Procedure
The following procedure is in effect from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily.
Parents/guardians must meet children outside the school building to allow for orderly dismissal of students
.
K - Grade 8 students are dismissed through the side door on the Whitcomb Street side of the school.
Pre-K students are dismissed through the back door on the Lincoln Street side of the school.
FOR THE SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS, NO VEHICLES MAY ENTER THE SCHOOL LOT FROM EITHER LINCOLN STREET OR WHITCOMB STREET AFTER 2:00 P.M.
You may park your car on the right hand side of Whitcomb Street, on Ray Street near the ball field, or in the Maynard Street lot.
For the safety of the students, pets are not allowed in the parking lot at any time.
For the safety of the students, there is ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF ROBINSON STREET AND WHITCOMB STREET. This area needs to be kept clear so as not to interfere with bus pickup and non-school traffic.
ALL ADULTS PICKING UP STUDENTS MUST RESPECT THE PRECEDING MANDATORY REGULATION
:
Students may not make their own arrangements to go to someone’s home.
B
us Students
Bus transportation is provided by AA Transportation for students who live in the town of Webster. Students must register with the bus company (508-943-0482) in order to ride the bus to and from school. The bus company discourages students from riding the bus who would not normally do so (Example – going to a friend’s house after school). If it is absolutely necessary for a student to ride the bus, the parent/guardian must write a note explaining the circumstances which will be given to the bus driver.
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St. Joseph School is looking to fill several paid and volunteer positions. Please see the list below for details. Please click on the item for a job description.
Paid Positions
Volunteer Positions
Nurses - Especially during the hours of 11 AM and 1 PM
THE SJS ATHLETICS PROGRAM IS STILL LOOKING FOR A
JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER COACH
If you are interested in any of the non-sports related positions, please contact principal@sjs-webster.com or call 508-943-0378.
If you're interested in coaching the Junior Varsity Soccer Team,
**Returning coaches and new candidates must complete this
form
.***
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Get the School Calendar on Your Phone!
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You may now subscribe to our school calendars on your phone, tablet or computer/laptop. We will have separate calendars for general school events, clubs, and sports. So, subscribe to one or all! Visit our
WEBSITE
for directions!
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New School Policy: Sneakers
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ALL
students will be required to have a
separate pair of sneakers for physical education classes with non-marking soles
. The sneakers will be stored at school and used during physical education classes that are held in our new gymnasium. For younger students that are unable to tie their own shoes, we recommend velcro sneakers to expedite the changing process.
No street shoes will be allowed on the new gymnasium floor.
________________________________________________________
In addition to brown or black dress shoes, students are now allowed to wear
solid black leather/synthetic leather uniform sneakers
. Please note that the
ENTIRE
sneaker must be black. This includes any logos on the sneaker as well as its sole. They also must have non-marking outsoles.
The following is not allowed:
- High-top sneakers
- Tennis sneakers
- Sneakers that convert to roller blades
- Sneakers that light-up
- Canvas or mesh sneakers
- Hiking shoes
Click
HERE
to view an example of a boy's uniform sneaker.
Click
HERE
to view an example of a girl's uniform sneaker.
Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a
Warning Notice being issued for uniform or dress code violations.
3 Warning Notices = 1 hour Detention
Please note that if your child has black sneakers for their regular school shoe, they still need a separate sneaker for use in the gymnasium. (See above)
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Supply Lists and Summer Work
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Has your child misplaced his/her supply list? Maybe they haven't started their summer work? No problem! You can find all of this information on the school website. Click
HERE
.
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We are currently scheduling the shipment of our prepackaged school supplies. Please remember that the PreK packages do not include the required sleep mat. The mats may be purchased separately in the school office.
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Festival Service Hours Update
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Festival Service hours have been posted to accounts and the balances were emailed to all families last Friday with the August tuition statement. If you have not received this email please check your "spam" folder. If you are a returning family and you did not fulfill your Festival service commitment, you will be billed on your September invoice. Any discrepancies must be reported before August 24th. New families who registered
AFTER
the Festival are required must work their 20 hours of service during the school year.
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Help! I'm Not Receiving Emails
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So that our emails are not rejected, please add the following emails and domains to your safe sender and contact lists:
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September 3rd
No School: Labor Day
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Sunday, September 9th at 9:30AM
Family Mass
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Saturday, Sept. 29, at Noon
The 19th Annual SJS Golf Tournament supporting our Athletic Program will take place on Saturday, September 29th at Dudley Hill Golf Club, 80 Airport Road, Dudley, MA. The cost is $125 per person. This includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, dinner, and gifts. $25 for dinner only. We need teams of golfers, sponsors, and donations for raffles. Please click
HERE
to register for the tournament or to become a sponsor. Raffle donations may be dropped-off in the school office
.
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Would you like to have your child's tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year at St. Joseph School paid for - up to $4,740? Here's your chance! The winner may use it for the tuition of a family member or split it among more than one. Watch for your raffle tickets in the mail or visit our website
HERE
to view the official rules and purchase your tickets. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends are invited to buy a ticket, too.
Even people who don't have a student at SJS are encouraged to purchase a ticket because they can donate the prize to the school as a scholarship to be awarded according to their wishes. It's a wonderful way to provide a Catholic education to someone who might not afford it otherwise!
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SJS Sports Registration - Closing Soon!
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If your child is interested in playing on an athletic team (soccer, basketball, cheering, or volleyball) at SJS during the 2018-2019 school year, please click
HERE
to register. All registrations are due by August 31st so we can plan our teams accordingly.
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Don't forget to follow us!
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SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL
47 Whitcomb Street
Webster, MA 01570
Phone: 508-943-0378
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