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.
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.
In this week’s COVID update VDH reports that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has dropped further in total case rate, now 41.8 cases per 100,000, and NAAT (PCR) test positivity ticking down slightly to 2.6%. The transmission rate is now considered to be moderate transmission. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate, up slightly to 68.2 per 100,000 and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is up to 3.5%. The Fairfax County adult vaccination rate for fully vaccinated individuals has reached 76.8%. Mask up, Vax up and Please stay vigilant!
At the end of October, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has met the safety and efficacy standards for use in children ages 5 through 11 years old. Vaccinating your child against COVID-19 is strictly a parent decision. SJS offers no opinion or recommendation on this issue. However, if you decide to vaccinate your child, I invite you to share that information with Mrs. Ezenwa, by sending her a copy of the vaccination card after your child is fully vaccinated. All information will be kept confidential, and it will help us determine next steps in the event of COVID exposure in our school. Please read the letter from Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of FCHD regarding COVID vaccine for children.
All stakeholders were given a voice regarding the change in the school calendar to accommodate the holiday given to SJS by Bishop Burbidge, and I announced a few weeks ago that school now will be closed Monday, November 22; Tuesday November 23 is an asynchronous independent student learning day (remote), and teachers will provide assignments for students to complete. No school Wednesday, November 25-Friday, November 27.
There is no data to support any other change to the school calendar regarding the Thanksgiving holiday. All COVID metrics are trending in a favorable direction and school will reopen, on time, and in-person after the holiday, on Monday, November 29. For advice and guidance on staying safe during the holiday, read best practices from Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiology researcher and professor at UTHealth School of Public Health in Dallas.
We look forward to the Night of Hope sponsored by our amazing PTO (and especially Mrs. Fitzpatrick, and our marketing director, Mrs. Tuttle!). We are fortunate that such a high percentage of our adult community is vaccinated, and that we can gather safely. Can’t join us for Mass? Please consider joining us for dinner and an evening of hope, food, drink, and dancing---joyful fellowship in the Season of Advent!
I remain thankful for the many blessings God has shared with me, including our amazing students and families, and our entire staff who work to teach our kids, and keep our school open and safe….they are selfless, tireless, fearless, and all-giving! It is an honor and a privilege to work alongside them.
I pray that this Thanksgiving brings all our families happiness and many of God’s blessings, and on behalf of the entire SJS faculty and staff, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
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
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Discover Catholic Schools |
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Share your love for SJS with friends, neighbors, and relatives!
Invite them to apply for the 2022-2023 school year and join our Saints family! We are grateful for our wonderful families who share their positive experiences! Continue to spread the word!
- Did you know that 89% of our applicants hear about St. Joseph Catholic School from word of mouth?
- Did you know we currently have 24 staff members who have or had children attend SJS and are now working for the school?
- Did you know that Ms. Bambino, our Music teacher, is an alum of SJS?
- Did you know we have several parents who attended SJS and now have their own children attending our school?
- Did you know we have a 93% retention rate - one of the highest in the diocese!
YOU made the right choice for your child!
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Night of Hope
3 Days Left to Purchase Tickets!
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Don't Miss this Event!
Limited tickets available!!
Purchase tickets by November 19!
Night of Hope
Saturday, December 4, 2021
5pm-10pm
Let's join together as a parent community to celebrate the 2nd Sunday in Advent with attending 5pm Mass as a community, followed by an evening of hope, food, drink, and dancing! We will be lighting up the Parish Hall walkway and hall with lite trees for each grade level and Encore classes filled with "Angel Ornaments" with the teachers and schools hopes and material needs. Our goal is to fill the halls with HOPE and fill our PTO operating budget to meet the needs of the school.
The Night of Hope is a great way to bring our community together and meet new families!
The D.J. is ready and the meal will not disappoint! Come fill the halls with good times and dance the night away!
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Tickets are selling fast! Don't miss out!
Tickets will not be sold at the door!
Tickets are $100 per couple or $50 for a single ticket.
Want the opportunity to thank our teachers and staff, for all the hard work and commitment it takes to guide our children? Help send your child’s teacher/faculty to the Night of Hope by purchasing a ticket for him/her!
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SJS Spirit Night
TONIGHT!
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Take the night off from cooking dinner!
Stop by the Chick-fil-A at
12160 Sunset Hills Road, Reston VA (across from Target)
from 4-8 pm!!
Let's show your SJS spirit, Saints!
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Spirit Wear Dress Out - Tomorrow! |
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Spirit Wear Dress Out Day is on Wednesday, November 17
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8th Grade Confirmation is scheduled for
April 2, 2022
Here are a few reminders:
- November 17 - In school Confirmation retreat
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November 19 - Submit the Robe Order form with check or notify teacher via email that a robe is not needed.
- January 10 - Sponsor certificate. Parents must assist with this important requirement.
- March 8 - Saint project done through Computer class
- April 1 - Rehearsal (tentative) COVID protocols permitting - with Confirmand and Sponsor (or proxy). Time TBA.
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SJS Spirit Wear
Don't forget to order!
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Did you miss out on SJS spirit gear?
Want to get a few gifts for Christmas?
Now is your chance!
The SJS spirit wear store will be taking orders until November 21! Items will be available the week of December 13 - before Christmas break!
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School Directory
Action Item
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If you DO NOT want your contact information published and shared in the SJS school directory, kindly contact Ms. Lisa Pearce at l.pearce@sjschoolva.org
by November 19, 2021
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No School and Early Dismissal |
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- NO SCHOOL on Monday Nov. 22 (Bishop's holiday)
- Tuesday, Nov. 23 is asynchronous independent learning day (NO SCHOOL)
- NO SCHOOL Nov. 24-26 (Thanksgiving Break)
- School reopens Monday, Nov. 29
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November is
Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. To learn how diabetes is diagnosed and to take a risk test, click on these links:
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95210 initiatives:
Limit screen time to 2 hours a day
Some research data: According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids ages 8-18 now spend, on average, a whopping 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, 4.5 of which are spent watching TV.
For more information on the effects of too much screen time and tips for limiting screen time, click HERE.
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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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