Dear Parents-
Today is the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The cross is a sign of Christ’s love and also a sign of victory. We see the cross as a way of uniting our lives with the life of Christ. The entrance antiphon for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is: "We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection: through him we are saved and made free." A beautiful reminder of the way to our salvation.
Sadly, last week I announced the passing of Mrs. Leah Morosini, a much loved and respected member of our SJS/SJC community. Final arrangements for Mrs. Morosini have been made with Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., East Pittsburgh, PA. However, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated here at our Church, on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 1:00 pm.
On Friday, September 17 we will induct 8th grade students who have been selected to the National Junior Honor Society. These students were selected based on their commitment to scholarship, service, leadership and character. Please join me in congratulating our 31 new members. The Induction Ceremony will take place immediately following the school Mass and will be live-streamed for parents.
The SCANTRON testing window opens this week for students grades 3-7. SCANTRON is a web-based, adaptive tool that measures student performance and growth. It is given three times per school year, and measures student growth in math, reading and language arts. This week, students will work on Math. Please have your children in school and on time. If you have scheduling concerns, please contact your child’s teacher.
In this week’s COVID update VDH reports that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has a total case rate of 111.1 cases per 100,000, and NAAT (PCR) test positivity at 4.8%. The rate of transmission is considered at the highest level. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate of 119.7 per 100,000 and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is 5.6%. The Fairfax County adult vaccination rate for fully vaccinated individuals has reached 72%. Mask up, Vax up and Please stay vigilant!
I am excited to announce that Miss Sarah Shelton joins our instructional staff as the assistant for 3rd grade. Miss Shelton is a graduate of St. Theresa in Ashburn, and she graduated from American University (Washington, D.C) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Miss Shelton is experienced as a writer and an editor, in addition to serving as an instructional assistant at St. Mark (Vienna) and Loudoun County Public Schools.
I also introduce Mr. Stephen Paquette our new youth minister. Mr. Paquette will also teach 7th and 8th grade counseling classes, collaborating with Mrs. Henry.
Please join me in welcoming both Miss Shelton and Mr. Paquette and keep them in your prayer as they take on their new ministries.
Parents of our current 8th grade students, please note that the high school placement test, (HSPT), is scheduled for Thursday, December 2. This test is required for all students who plan to attend a Diocesan high school, (PVI, DJO, BI or JPG). Parents of 8th grade students taking geometry or algebra, and 7th grade students taking algebra are asked to mark calendars for Saturday, June 4. Students in these classes are required to take the mandatory exemption exams, scheduled at each of our four diocesan high schools. Please mark your calendars and COMMIT NOW, to keeping these important dates.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, 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
