Dear Parents-

Sunday we will celebrate the Solemnity of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE, more commonly known as the Feast of Christ the King, marking the last Sunday in the liturgical year. It is fitting to remind ourselves, particularly in the current political climate, that earthly governments, including presidents and kings, are temporary….they come and go. Only Christ is King, forever and ever.

Tuesday, November 22, we will celebrate the Scout Thanksgiving Mass. Students who are members of scout groups are invited to wear their uniforms and the readers, altar servers, and gift bearers represent various scout levels and age groups. Please consider joining us for this celebration.

Thank you to all parents, teachers and staff who worked to make the conference days so successful. Students are the beneficiaries when parents and teachers actively communicate, form lasting bonds, and set goals for the student. If you were unable to keep your conference, please reach out to your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Remember, the first trimester comes to a close Tuesday, November 22, and report cards will be available through PowerSchool on Friday, December 2 after 4:00PM.

It’s that time of year and we find ourselves in an active respiratory viral season. Schools from all districts have seen an uptick in cases of RSV, Flu, Covid and viral infection NOS among students and staff. Parents are strongly reminded that students should not come to school sick. And please do not be overly concerned about missed work. Per the SJS handbook, when a student falls ill and cannot attend school the main concern is for the comfort and recuperation of the student. Classwork and homework assignments missed during absence will be ready for your child upon the return to school, and students have the number of days absent to complete missed work.

As the cold weather starts to set in, parents are reminded that students will go outside everyday if air/wind chill is above 32℉ and it is not raining. This means students should have hats, coats, gloves and properly dress for the weather.

Afternoon dismissal continues to create some challenges in the parking lot. Parents are kindly reminded that upon entering the lot, all cars should turn to the left and join the carline that fills the parking area between church and school. No one should park in the teacher’s lot or in the spaces in front of the school main office. Please be respectful of this request.

Sunday, November 20 marks the start of Preparatory Year Two of the Diocesan Jubilee celebration, with the theme, My soul rejoices in the Lord. According to the Chancery, “We will focus on Mary, the Mediatrix of All Grace and the model disciple, who shows us how to receive the Word and bear the Word to the world.” Additionally, all are invited to join Bishop Burbidge for a Solemn Eucharistic Holy Hour with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary to inaugurate Preparation Year II of our diocesan Golden Jubilee. See information below.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Refreshed, revived and renewed by "faith, love and hope." (1Thess. 1:2-3)

Denise Rutledge

Principal

 Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God

Please consider donating Instant Mashed Potatoes and/or Stuffing for our November service project in support of Catholic Charities! Let's help others less fortunate have a bountiful Thanksgiving meal! Donations will be accepted until November 16.

New, Lower Prices From Yay Lunch!

The team at Yay Lunch is taking your feedback about pricing to heart and have been working with their food partners to offer new, lower prices on our menu. Take a look at a few of the new, lower prices now available on your Lunch Calendar

Raising Peaceful Children in an Anxious Age: How to De-stress Your Lives and Your Children

Even prior to COVID, stress, anxiety, and general mental health concerns were on the rise. While shut downs and isolation exacerbated mental health struggles, as society re-opens, many of us, particularly our children and teens, experience struggles to find a new sense of “normal” and are attempting to resolve the effects of the past two years. As a society we have many comforts and technologies that are supposed to make life easier but continue to experience chronically high levels of stress. Instead of treating sources of stress as obstacles and hurdles, using them as "stepping stones" in our spiritual life, and teaching our children to do the same, can actually bring us closer to God.

Learn how approaching stress or anxiety with curiosity and compassion and engaging in the spiritual life of the Church can help you and your children experience a greater sense of God’s peace.

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 (PE/recess). Additionally, a doctor’s note is required if your child is unable to participate in Physical Education classes. We also require a doctor's note clearing your child to resume normal activities without any restrictions once their doctor has determined that wearing an ortho device or restricted activity is no longer required. 

LADIES SOCIETY RAFFLE !

BETHLEHEM CARVING STATUE

                                     OLIVE WOOD

VALUE: $1,500

DRAWING: DECEMBER 8TH AFTER 7 PM MASS

TICKETS: $10 OR 3 FOR $20

Contact: Parish Office for more tickets! 703-880-4302

Statue on display at School Receptionist desk! Tickets can be purchased from office.

NEED NOT PRESENT TO WIN!

Proceeds benefit the Backpack Lunch Program - Feeds 100 children monthly.

St. Joseph Catholic School

750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170

Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320