Dear Parents-
On January 22, 2022 we acknowledged the 49th anniversary of the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision. From the Prayer to St. Joseph to end abortion, we pray: St. Joseph, Guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus…As you cared for Mother and Child, care for all women who bear the gift of life in their womb. May no harm ever endanger them and may no choice ever threaten the blessing of human life that God has created…St. Joseph, spouse of Mary and foster father of the Lord, help us build a culture of life that yields a civilization of love among us.
The COVID pandemic continues. Currently, VDH reports that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has seen an increase in total case rate, down substantially to 858 cases per 100,000, (week ending 01/22/2022), and NAAT (PCR) test positivity in notable decline, now 23.1%. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate, down significantly to 818 per 100,000, (week ending 01/22/2022), and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is well down, now 25.7%.
SJS COVID count this week has 7 student cases of COVID-19 and 0 staff members. All cases were contracted between 01/17/2022 and 01/23/2022. Close contacts were notified, and cases shared with FCHD. The student vaccination rate remains low with approximately 33% of all students fully vaccinated. With the significantly relaxed quarantine and isolation protocols that SJS now follows as recommended by VDH, please be attentive to symptoms in your children and please keep them home when in doubt.
VDH issued updated COVID-19 guidance as a result of Governor Youngkin’s mask plan. A 14-page memo was released on Saturday with interim guidance for Prevention of COVID-19 in K-12 Schools.
Updated guidance recommends the following prevention strategies for parents:
● Keeping children home when sick and seeking care and testing as appropriate
● Vaccination
● Masks
In addition, in light of EO 2, parents are asked to have clear discussions with their children regarding parent expectations for mask wearing.
We are in week 3 of Scantron testing. Students in grades 3-7 will test in the areas of Math, Reading and Language Arts. Please make sure your children are in school during this time to ensure adequate opportunity to complete the tests. If you have specific scheduling questions or conflicts, please contact your child’s teacher.
Friday, January 28 marks the halfway point of T2 and the school year as well! Parents are strongly encouraged to access the parent portal on PowerSchool and check on student grades. Please reach out to teachers if you have concerns. There is plenty of time left in T2 to make improvements!
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
