Dear Parents-
I know that the past two years of pandemic life have been trying, worrisome and at times, divisive. Through all of this turmoil, SJS has followed guidance and directives from state, federal and diocesen authorities. The goal was to keep everyone as safe as possible. Not everyone has agreed with the protocols we have followed, and at times, some have voiced their displeasure with the administration and staff. Certainly, such frustration is foreseeable.
In moments of frustration we should be thankful that our school remains open, and the children continue to grow and thrive. I have enormous admiration for our wonderful teachers, who have put aside their own worries, fears, concerns, needs and wants to show up each day to teach the kids. They have truly earned the respect they deserve.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that we are Together in Christ responding to COVID-19. The website offers this advice when feelings of frustration begin to surface- make an act of spiritual communion; pray the rosary; participate in a televised or live-streamed Mass if you cannot attend in person; take time for family prayer; and practice Lectio Divina. Each option provides much needed spiritual food…and may ease frustration.
The COVID pandemic continues. Currently, VDH reports that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has seen a change in total case rate, down substantially to 502 cases per 100,000, (week ending 01/29/2022), and NAAT (PCR) test positivity in notable decline, now 15.3%. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate, down significantly to 496 per 100,000, (week ending 01/29/2022), and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is well down, now 18%.
SJS COVID count this week has 3 student cases of COVID-19 and 0 staff members. The cases were contracted between 01/24/2022 and 01/30/2022. Close contacts were notified as appropriate. 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.
As a reminder, 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.
The 2022 Catholic Schools Week is underway and I thank the faculty on our CSW committee and the members of our Student Council for planning a great week.
I look forward to talking with you Friday morning at our virtual Coffee with the Principal. See details and link below.
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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For each day, the guidelines are as follows: Jeans with no rips, holes or tears, PE sweatpants or track pants are acceptable, no suggestive messages, leggings are now permitted to be worn for dress-out days, as long as they are worn with a long shirt, blouse, or sweatshirt. |
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(Virtual) Coffee with the Principal |
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Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 991 1558 3299
Passcode: 17gHf2
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VDH/FCHD is no longer requiring or recommending contact tracing to identify close contacts of a COVID positive case.
Along with that, VDH/FCHD no longer recommends quarantine for individuals exposed to COVID-19.
Rationale for this can be found HERE
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FRIENDLY REMINDER
Students are not permitted to possess the following items on school property or at school functions: Chewing Gum, Walkman, CD players, iPods, radios, tape recorders, remote control devices, video games, skateboards, roller-skates/rollerblades, sharp objects, beepers, laser pointers, cell phones, iPads, calculator or Apple watches (or any smart watch). This list should not be considered exclusive.
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Missing sweatshirts, shorts, pants, gloves, hats, water bottles, etc.? SJS has a lost and found -- we ask that you encourage your child to check the lost and found any time they are missing items! Many of the items do not have names on them.....please write names on everything!
The lost and found bins are overflowing! We will place these items on tables in the school lobby on February 3, 2022 from 1:00-3:00pm. Please stop by the lobby during this time to find any of your missing pieces.
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CSW Herndon Closet Collection
* Gloves, Hats, Scarves & Blankets*
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**Due to limited storage space, we ask that families please donate only these items: hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, and blankets. All other donations may be taken directly to The Closet (845 Station Street, Herndon, VA 20170).
Friday's theme for Catholic Schools Week is "Celebrating Our Community". Throughout the week, we will hold a clothing drive for The Herndon Closet. Please donate gently used scarves, gloves, hats, blankets to help those in our community with greater needs. Items will be collected in the classroom until pick up on Friday.
Herndon Closet Collection Competition - Students are to bring in gently used clothes to help out those in our community. This collection will run from Monday-Friday, and grades are competing for a prize. The winners for this competition will be announced on Friday. Grades will compete for a dress out day (date TBD). The challenge is to bring in as many old clothes as possible for the Herndon Closet. Each garment = 1 point. Donations will be collected in the morning and brought to the office or cafeteria. The Student Council will be counting the garments and tallying the numbers each day. Winners will be announced on Friday afternoon during announcements.
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Catholic Schools Week
Family Road Rally!
One theme during CSW is FAMILY - celebrated on Saturday. Parents, grandparents, family members, and guardians play a major role in instilling values and help build your child's Catholic faith foundation. We acknowledge the importance of our families and thank you for your support!
We invite you to participate in the CSW Family Road Rally!
What is the CSW Family Road Rally? Think Scavenger Hunt!
It's a great way to spend time as a family.....and you may even see other SJS families solving the clues!
Join the fun, now!! Click HERE for more information and to get started!!
Great fun and great prizes!
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St. Joseph Cub Scout’s Again Earn Gold x2!
Our St. Joseph Church Pack 913 Cub Scouts have again earned the National Catholic Unit Excellence Gold Award as well at the Boy Scouts of America Journey to Excellence Gold for 2021 for unit planning and performance.
The Pope Paul VI National Catholic Unit Excellence Award (Gold) recognizes Catholic BSA units for achievement in adult training and leadership, service by the unit, promotion of religious emblems, religious activities, vocation awareness, and growth in membership.
Scouting’s Journey to Excellence Award (Gold) is the BSA aspirational planning, performance and recognition program designed to encourage and reward success of our units. It is meant to encourage excellence and continuous improvement in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.
We wish to thank all the parent and parent unit volunteers for their many hours of dedication in service leading and guiding our wonderful Cub Scout youth ministry.
Our next event is our 31st annual
Cub Scout Pinewood Derby February 19th!
Families wishing more information may contact chairperson@pack913.com.
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Herndon-Reston Youth Lacrosse |
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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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