Bernie's Bark
4.12.2022
Dear Parents-
 
As a faith-filled community, we have arrived at Holy Week, and during this solemn week, we pause and reflect on the enormity of the events that take place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. In this one week, we commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ, we are given the sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders, and we celebrate with great joy the resurrection of our Lord!
 
Students wear the spring uniform starting with our return from Easter break on Monday, April 25. With that comes a refocus on compliance with the uniform policies. During the course of the pandemic, there was less emphasis placed on what was perceived to be a “minor” thing, (the uniform), in the face of COVID. With COVID protocols behind us, we need to tighten up in the areas we let go under the pressure of those COVID restrictions.
 
Teachers are working with students this week before break to remind them of the dress code. Parents are asked to refresh their memories as well. There really should be no misunderstanding of the uniform policies, and your support is greatly appreciated!
 
Please pay particular attention to the top violations: non-uniform sweater/sweatshirt; make-up and nail polish; non-uniform socks; hair length, trendy cut or color; non-uniform approved footwear; excessive jewelry.
 
Wearing the uniform properly has the benefit of creating a mindset of “important purpose.” It is the same when adults dress for work, with a dress for success mindset. And, it has been proven that “dressed for work” increases abstract and creative thinking abilities. The uniform is an integral component of a Catholic education, and the cooperation of all is expected. Students who do not comply with the dress code will receive a uniform referral and parents will be notified.
 
Often confused are the terms self-respect and self-esteem. A quick read on the difference can be found at coaching-online.org, “Self Respect Vs Self Esteem – What’s The Difference?” The author points out that self-esteem is how you think and feel about your abilities. Self-respect “is about loving yourself wholeheartedly and having dignity and honor with your own behavior, decisions, and choices.” Research shows that individuals will treat others with the same respect they have for themselves. Self-respect, not self-esteem, is the key to making good decisions and behavior choices. It is what makes us feel good just because we did the right thing, no matter what anyone else thinks. Self-esteem is “me centered,” while self-respect is “others centered.” When you value yourself, it is easy to value others.
 
School will close Thursday, April 14, at 11:30 for Easter break, and we will see you back here on Monday, April 25 as we countdown the last 7 weeks of the school year! Remember the spring uniform and please help your children comply with the dress code.
 
On behalf of Mrs. Carson, myself and the entire faculty and staff of SJS, I wish all of our St. Joseph families a very blessed Holy Week, and a joyous Easter. Take comfort in the fact that God is in charge.
 
Alleluia! He is Risen!
 
As always, if I can be of assistance, or you have any questions, 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
Spring Uniform
Spring uniform will go into effect on Monday, April 25. Please refer to the Parent/Student handbook for the spring uniform requirements.
Art Show - Online Thursday!
Mark your calendar!!
The year's show is hybrid. It will go "Live" online on Thursday, April 14. and it will also be In Person on Thursday, April 28 in Hall A. All sales will be online through the Artome website. Only parents will be able to buy originals, but family members can order copies with frames! The price for originals and reproductions and siblings are all $30.00.

**Raffle** Tickets will be sold (in person only) for a basket full of awesome art supplies!

  • ALL payments must be done online! No payments will be accepted at the in-person Art Show!
  • How do I get my artwork? Print your receipt or show your receipt from your phone when picking up the artwork from Hall A.

  • Cash or Check ONLY (“St. Joseph Catholic School”) for Raffle tickets.
  • No credit or debit or online for raffle tickets. 
  • No in person cash, check, credit card for frames.
  • If you purchase during the online show, you must bring a receipt with you (you can show your phone receipt). We’ll check for it at the door as you leave.
Raffle item: Portfolio, 8 poster markers, 48 oil pastels, 36 chalk pastels, 2.5 lb. air dry clay, 36 pan watercolors, 16 prang watercolors, 12 watercolor pencils, drawing kit, 8.5x11 sketchpad, 7x10 field watercolor book, 24 sheet watercolor pad.
Forks, Corks, and Kegs!
Forks, Corks, and Kegs on Friday, May 13
7:00-9:30pm
at St. Joseph Catholic School!

Kindly let us know if you will be attending the Forks, Corks, and Kegs adult only event. Hors d'oeuvres, wine, and beer will be in full swing along with music! Tickets are $45 and will be charged to your FACTS account once you RSVP. Tickets will not be sold at the door! 

PTO will hold elections and a limited number of "Friends of Bernie" reserved parking spaces will be available to purchase.

We look forward to seeing all of our wonderful parents at this fun and casual event! 
RSVP by May 6, 2022

Important Dates
Easter Break:
April 14 = 11:30am Dismissal

April 15 thru April 24 = NO SCHOOL

April 25 = School Resumes (Wear Spring uniform)

Last Week of School:
June 6 to 10 = 11:30am Dismissal all week (Monday-Friday)

June 10 = Last Day of School

2022-2023 First Day of School:
Wednesday, August 24
Military Child Appreciation - Purple Up!
Let us celebrate the amazing children for their selflessness and sacrifice as they serve our country as part of a military family. 

All students may dress out in purple on April 26 to celebrate. The color purple combines all colors of each miliary branch!

Jeans are permitted - no rips, no holes
No pajama pants!
Chick-fil-A Spirit Night
Landscape Work in Progress
Peace and good! On Monday, April 4th, the landscaping company began replacing diseased trees, shrubs, and plants. The work is taking place in front of the Church and on the sides of the Church. This work was necessary to address the diseased plants, trees, etc… It is our hope that the work will be completed by the end of the week. We thank you for your understanding and patience.
Welcome Saints Volunteers Needed!
Starting at a new school can be overwhelming, not just for the students but for the entire family. To ease the transition, we have created the Welcome Saints program. This resource pairs each new family with a veteran SJS family - YOU.

We need YOU! Please consider volunteering as a Family Ambassador as part of the Welcome Saints program. You will act as a resource and a point of contact for a new family. New families often have many questions - about the uniform, carpool, the dining hall, the extended day program, recess, textbooks, supplies, etc. These are everyday questions! You will act as a resource in helping them find the answers to their questions. More importantly, you provide a huge warm welcome! Introduce your children to the new student so that they know someone prior to the first day of school!

Don't think you know enough to become a Family Ambassador? No worries! We will have a 'training' session to get everyone up to speed on what to cover and how to be the best ambassador for your family!

If interested, please contact JoEllen Mountcastle at welcomesaints@sjschoolva.org
PTO Committee


Are you interested in becoming more involved with St. Joseph Catholic School through the PTO? Consider submitting your name and a short bio for the 2022-2023 PTO Committee to pto@sjschoolva.org by April 25.
Teacher of the Year
NOMINATIONS FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Northern Virginia magazine has established an award to recognize the very best educators in our region. They reached out to us to ask our community to share nominations for their first annual Northern Virginia Teacher of the Year award. 
 
Anyone can nominate a teacher, including parents and students. Nominees must have at least three years of experience and be full-time teachers. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please complete their form.

All nominations must be submitted by Sunday, April 24, 2022.
Want to Volunteer?


We are so excited to welcome our volunteers back for lunch and recess!

Click HERE to register!
Nurses Corner
Middle School BASH 2022
Middle School BASH 2022

April 30th All middle school youth (6th-8th grade) are invited to the diocesan BASH 2022! BASH is the largest gathering of Catholic middle school students (6th-8th graders) in the Arlington diocese every year! This event is a celebration of our Catholic faith and love of the Lord. Join hundreds of middle school students for an evening of faith, fellowship, and fun! For more information and to register, click HERE.
WHEN: Saturday, April 30, 2022. 3:30pm-8:30pm  
WHERE: Bishop O'Connell High School, Arlington, VA   
COST: $15.00 per participant (youth and adults) 
7 Churches Pilgrimage
Experience Holy Thursday in a new way this year! This Holy Thursday, April 14, people throughout our Diocese will enter this pilgrimage of remaining with Jesus in the garden. The 7 Churches Pilgrimage is an opportunity to connect with a venerated tradition of the Church in a new way! Created by the Diocese of Arlington Young Adult Ministry, this pilgrimage weaves together passages from all four Gospels to take you through the narrative of Jesus' time in the garden of Gethsemane. Following the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening, participate in an ancient tradition of visiting seven churches to adore Christ and meditate on his love for you. Find suggested routes and a prayer guide on our website.
SJC Ladies Society
SJC Ladies Society 50/50 Raffle

Winning Ticket to be drawn SUNDAY MAY 15TH 2022
after the 5 PM Mass
You do not need to be present to win.
 
Buy 50/50 Raffle Tickets for a chance to win 50% of all ticket sales and the other 50% will support the Ladies’ Society Backpack Lunch program. *During the school year the Ladies Society of St Joseph Church provides over 5400 weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to local students at a cost of $4500. Thank you for your support!

1 Ticket for $10 3 Tickets for $20

Mail in sales open March 6 and close May 13th. Tickets will also be sold in person after all Masses April 30th and May 1st. 


1. Online: Click HERE for the SJC Faith Direct Website to purchase tickets. You will receive an email confirmation with your ticket numbers.
2. In Person: Tickets will be sold after all Masses the weekend of April 30 and May 1.
3. By Mail: Complete THIS FORM. Make check payable to St Joseph Church and mail with form to: St Joseph Church 750 Peachtree St Herndon VA 20170 or forget the stamp and drop in the green mailbox by the church office. You will receive an email confirmation with your ticket numbers.
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