Locker/Personal Item Collection, Book Return & Yearbooks
Q: How will students retrieve their personal items from their lockers as well as return textbooks? How will they receive their yearbooks?
A: We are working with the Town of Trumbull and CDC representatives to determine the best procedures for locker clean out, text book collection and year book distribution. Once a procedure is determined, we will be in touch to begin the process.
Q: My child left important items in his locker that we need to retrieve. May we make arrangements to collect these items?
A: Yes, Mr Dzurenda and the security team can work with your family to schedule a time to pick up your items if there is an urgent need to retrieve them. Please contact him at jdzurenda@sjcadets.org to make arrangements.
 
Seniors/Senior Events
Q: How will Last Bell take place? Can we host a Last Bell Parade?
A: We continue to plan for the safety and health of our community. With social distancing limitations still in place on May 20, we will not plan to hold a Last Bell Parade. Instead we will celebrate at a distance and plan to add a parade element to our July Senior Week events.
Q: Is there a backup date for July graduation/prom if social distancing limitations are not lifted?
A: Yes, our leadership team has outlined contingency plans for our senior class celebration and graduation should social distancing directives limit large events. We will continue to communicate regularly as we all learn more from the CDC and Governor’s office. We are committed to celebrating the Class of 2020.
Can we plan a zoom meeting with Mrs Piatak (and team) to hear about the senior celebration plans at some point soon?
A: Yes! Please check the TWSJ on Monday for a special message from Mrs Piatak and her committee as well as a date for a senior class meeting.
Q: How can seniors pick up their lawn signs?
A: We will be working with Mr Dzurenda to prepare a pick up plan for senior lawn signs. We will be in touch soon to share our next steps.
 
Calendar/Fall Planning
When will school start next year?
A: The 2020-2021 Calendar will be will be available online in late spring. However, please mark your calendars for our start dates:
  • September 3, 2020 - Freshman and Sophomore Orientation (7:55am-12:00pm)
  • September 4, 2020 - Junior and Senior Orientation (7:55am-12:00pm) Freshman and sophomores do not attend school.
  • September 8, 2020 - First Full Day of School (7:55am-2:15pm)
Q: Is there going to be a mock schedule day?
A: On September 3 and 4 students will have the opportunity to practice their new schedule and meet with faculty members to prepare for their first official day of school on September 8.
Q: Will there be an opportunity for the rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to get together this summer?
A: Yes! Our leadership team is working to develop dates and activities to allow students to get together this summer before school starts again. We will share dates and activities via TWSJ and direct email once these plans are ready.
Q: Will anything be different, when school goes back in session in September... in terms of class size, cleanliness and precautions to take to avoid future health issues?
A: Our facilities team and professional sanitation company will be in charge of implementing procedures to ensure our building is clean for all students. We will adhere to the CDC guidelines proposed when schools are given permission to reopen.
Q: Is Dr Fitz's last day still the end of June?
A: Dr Fitzgerald will retire at the end of this school year, but will be an active consultant for our new President, Mr David Klein.
 
Engagement/Activities/Clubs
Q: When will list of clubs be available and will that information be emailed to everyone?
A: A list of clubs and activities will be available online (remote learning site) as well as weekly in the TWSJ.
Q: When will juniors find out about acceptance into NHS?
A: Juniors will be emailed about their acceptance to NHS by mid-May.
 
Grading/Academics
Q: Some of the districts are considering a Pass/Fail grade...will St Joe's be considering this?
A: We will be providing grades as usual as we are continuing our education, completing curriculum standards and assessing. Students are working hard and it is only fair they receive a grade for their work and dedication to studies.
Q: Also, how will grade weighting work throughout the 2019-2020 school year without having finals?
A: T he final breakdown of grading will be posted to our distance learning page next week.
Q: Are tutors available virtually? What should I do if my child needs academic support?
A: Please contact your teacher for extra help, or contact your College and School Counselor to develop an academic support plan. Tutoring will be available virtually, but your teacher and counselor can assist with coordination.
 
Junior College Planning/SAT
Q: What advice do you have for a junior to being making a college list? How will the SAT and ACT exam rescheduling impact the college application process in the Fall?
A: All aspects of the college process have been disrupted by the pandemic. Colleges are adjusting procedures in sensitivity to student needs and the College Board is working to plan contingencies for SAT and ACT exams. The Counseling team is keenly aware of these contingency plans and recommends you reach out to them personally for a meeting to plan your college search next steps. You can also join their Coffee and Conversation event especially for the Junior Class on April 22!
Q: How do you sign up for the coffee conversation on April 22?
A: Please visit the remote learning site (sjcadets.org) and click on College & School Counseling. A drop down menu will appear. You will find information and articles posted by the counseling team as well as upcoming events and registration.
 
Follow Up Ideas
Q: Will you be doing something during the school day for the students?
A: Yes! Grade-level virtual assemblies and forums are in the works. Please check TWSJ and your email for more information coming soon.