Dear Parents-
The Mass is an important part of our faith. Mass is an opportunity to spend time with God and to receive special graces. We are so blessed to be able to, once again, go to Mass as a school community, and recognize that at the Mass, Christ is sacrificing Himself for us...He is truly present to all of us, renewing His sacrifice on the Cross. We go to Mass to show our love for God, to worship and adore Him and to receive His graces. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible for parents to join us at the school Mass, but I invite you to discuss the Mass with your children and join in a spiritual fellowship.
We will run a test of the SJS emergency broadcast system Thursday morning at 10:00AM. The system will attempt to reach you by email, phone and text message. It is important that you contact Mrs. Pearce (l.pearce@sjschoolva.org) after the test if there are issues with your contact information. Please remember this is only a test.
The carpool, both morning and afternoon, takes a week or two to “settle down.” We have new families to welcome, bags and bags of school supplies to carry in, and many students trying to find their way. Please comply with all carpool procedures, as they are specifically designed to help the carpool run efficiently. Parents of afternoon walkers are reminded that walkers can not be picked up by car in the SJS parking lot. All walkers must actually walk off the campus. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
In our COVID update this week, VDH reports that the virus continues its uptick in our community. Over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has a total case rate of 109.5 cases per 100,000, and NAAT (PCR) test positivity at 6.1%. The rate of transmission is considered at the highest level. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate of 118.7 per 100,000 and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is 6.1% as well. The Fairfax County adult vaccination rate for fully vaccinated individuals has reached 71%. Interestingly, this time last year the COVID positivity rate in Virginia was 5.4%. Currently, the statewide positivity rate is 10.1%, and FCHD sadly reported the first COVID-related death of a child under the age of 10. Please stay vigilant!
Mrs. Pearce would like all parents, grades 3-8, to know that the PowerSchool parent portal opened Monday, August 30, 2021. A letter was sent to all new students via the classroom teacher describing how to create a new account for PowerSchool. Parents who did not receive this letter OR parents who require a password reset should contact Lisa M. Pearce at l.pearce@sjschoolva.org for assistance. Thank you for your patience while we were setting up the portal for the new school year.
We are fortunate this year to add an additional reading specialist to support our students. Ms. Rita Figueiredo joins our staff through our access to Title 1 services. Ms. Figueiredo is a master reading teacher and coach who has worked for many years in our Diocesan schools through the Title 1 program. The Title 1 program provides additional learning support so that all students can meet rigorous achievement standards. SJS students are able to enjoy the benefits of the Title 1 program due to the Title 1 designation of our surrounding public elementary schools.
Parents of 7th grade students are reminded that Back to School Night is tonight, Tuesday, August 31, at 7:00PM, and parents of 8th grade students are reminded that your Back to School Night is tomorrow, Wednesday, September 1. Links will be provided by the homeroom teacher. Academic subject teachers will meet with you on one link. Encore teachers will be available on a separate link.
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
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Early Dismissal and No School
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September 3 - 11:30am Dismissal
NO Afternoon Extended Day
September 6 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
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- Parent access codes for kindergarten and all new families will be available by Tuesday, September 7.
- Returning families who did not access Schoology last year will also receive an access code by September 7.
- If you forgot your password, click on "forgot password" and reset.
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Back to School Nights
*TONIGHT* Grade 7 (Virtual): August 31 @ 7:00PM. Encore Teachers and Counselor available 8:00-8:20PM Link to be provided
Grade 8 (Virtual): September 1 @ 7:00PM. Encore Teachers and Counselor available 8:00-8:20PM Link to be provided
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boys and girls haircuts.
Boys: Hair must be neatly trimmed, cut above the collar, eyebrows, and top of ears. Boys may not wear ponytails, hair bands, or other hair ties. Trendy haircuts of any kind (which includes lines or shapes of any kind), including dyed hair and any color extensions, are not permitted for either boys or girls. Final decisions regarding haircuts rest with the principal/administration.
Girls: Hair must be neat and trimmed. Trendy haircuts of any kind (which includes lines or shapes of any kind), including dyed hair and any color extensions are not permitted for either girls or boys. Final decisions regarding haircuts rests with the principal/administration.
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Virtual Coffee with the Principal
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The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Arlington (OCS) and any of its schools and/or the Arlington Catholic Herald may produce or participate in video tape, audio recording, website or still photographic productions that may involve the use of students’ names, likenesses, or voices. Such productions may be used for educational and/or official school marketing purposes and may be copied or copyrighted with the school retaining any and all rights to such productions.
What do YOU need to do? Complete the Media Release Waiver if you do not wish to have your child's name, voice, photo, or video published! If we do not receive the waiver by September 7, 2021, we assume your child's photograph, voice, video, and identity can be used for all marketing purposes.
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Quarantine requirement:
SJS is in Fairfax county, as a result, we have been informed that the Fairfax county quarantine requirement supersedes the quarantine requirement of the county where you reside. From Fairfax County Health Department: “If the school is in Fairfax County, they must follow the 14 day quarantine”.
Please reach out to Robin Wallin at the Fairfax County Health Department for any quarantine related questions that you may have regarding the statement above:
Robin Wallin, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, NCSN
Direct: 703-246-8658
Travel: “The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) provides guidance about testing and quarantine for individuals who are planning travel or have recently traveled. Guidance varies based on where you have traveled, whether you are vaccinated and the levels of community transmission. This guidance is updated regularly and can be found HERE
VDH strongly recommends that travelers who are not fully vaccinated quarantine (stay home) after domestic or international travel. There are not currently any Virginia laws addressing travel restrictions, just strong recommendations”. Contact Robin Wallin for any questions regarding travel quarantine requirement for Fairfax county.
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Illness and siblings: If your child is sick or just not feeling well, please keep them home and monitor them. If your child continues not to feel well or is not fever free after 24 hours without taking any over the counter medication, please have them evaluated by their healthcare provider and provide a medical clearance note prior to returning to school. Click HERE for a copy of the clearance note. You can also find this clearance note on the nurses’ page. If your child has a sibling in the school, we ask that you keep everyone home until the sick child has a diagnosis for their symptoms OR has been medically cleared. Household contact is considered continuous transmission; this is an extra layer in place to help prevent the spread of illness to other students while waiting for a diagnosis for your sick child.
Orthopedic devices: If your child requires crutches, casts, splints, or any other orthopedic device, you must send in a doctor’s note that includes a summary of the treatment plan, required accommodations and your child’s limitations for physical activities. Additionally, a doctor’s note is required if your child is unable to participate in Physical Education classes.
Medication drop off: Please drop off any medication for your child at the front desk with the appropriate medication authorization form. All medication must be in their original packet, placed in a zip lock bag labelled with your child’s full name, DOB, grade & teacher. Your child should not be bringing in their medication in their backpacks.
Nut free lunch and snacks: All snacks and lunches should be nut free; please pay attention to the labelling, foods that are labeled as processed on the same lines as peanut products, nut products are not allowed in the school. Due to the pandemic and the adjusted schedule in the cafeteria, the cafeteria will also be nut free at this time. Please read the SJS Allergy Plan. You can also find it on the nurse's page.
Extra masks and water bottle: Even though we provide extra masks for your child if they forget their mask or if their masks are soiled, we ask that you still send your child to school with extra masks in their back packs. Hydration is essential especially with the warm weather, please remind your child to take their water bottle to school.
Email reason for absence: When you email the attendance office (attendance@sjschoolva.org), please state the reason for your child absence especially if it is due to illness.
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Get your spirit wear! We have several spirit wear dress out days
throughout the year - you don't want to miss out!
The store closes on September 13 and all orders will be
delivered to SJS on October 8th. Also, the black 1/4 zip pullover is an approved uniform piece and can be worn in place of the uniform sweater.
All other items below are considered spirit gear and can be
worn at school on designated days!
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Or use the QR code below to order!
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Coffee and Conversation at PVI
St. Paul VI Catholic High School invites prospective families with 7th and 8th grade students to join us for coffee and conversation at our new Chantilly campus throughout the month of September. Learn more and sign up: www.paulvi.net/coffee.
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SIGN-UP NIGHT! – Virtual ZOOM Session Monday, Sept 13th 7PM
For boys in grades K-5: learn about the adventure of Cub Scouts and be part of our St. Joseph Pack 913!
Cub Scouts is a year-round family program with siblings very welcomed. Our Pack has exciting events with activities that are fun for kids and the entire family. Our Cubs learn about important life skills, personal safety, and environmental stewardship. They take part in fun outdoor activities, get involved in their community, and learn to be part of a team. Safe social distancing guidelines are always observed. Join to attend Water Bottle Rocket launches and a scout s'more campfire @ Lake Fairfax Sept 25th.
Date: Monday, September 13th Time: 7:00pm
Virtual Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84575638905
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Stay Connected!
SJS Mobile App, Twitter and Facebook
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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)
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750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320
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