MAP Testing

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Testing continues this week, through Friday. Teachers will let you know when your student is scheduled to test. Please make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep and eats a hearty breakfast to prepare.

Back-To-School Night

Back-T0-School Night is Wednesday 9/21 (PS-Grade 3) and Thursday 9/22 (Grades 4-8) from 6:00-7:00pm. Come meet your student’s teacher and see their classroom.

Pizza Friday

Pizza Friday began this past Friday, 9/16, and was a hit!  We have opened the Pizza Friday sign-up forms again, if you missed sign-ups, click below.  Sign-ups are due Tuesday 9/20 at 12pm noon.

Thank you to all our volunteers who helped distribute pizza (& nuggets), if you would like to volunteer on a Pizza Friday, click below.

Lunch Box Program

The Lunch Box Program begins tomorrow, Monday 9/19.  September Lunch Box orders have closed.  Please make your October Lunch Box selections by Friday, September 30 at 12pm noon.  More information about the Lunch Box Program can be found below.

We always need and welcome volunteers during Lunch for Grades 1-8, especially as we begin the Lunch Box Program.  Please see the lunch schedule below and feel free to stop by school to volunteer this week.

Grade 1: 11:55-12:15 lunch

Grade 4: 12:15-12:35 lunch

Grade 2: 12:40-1:00 lunch

Grade 3: 1:00-1:20 lunch

Grade 6: 11:40-12:05 lunch (middle school dining hall)

Grade 7-8: 12:25-12:50 lunch (middle school dining hall)

Grade 5: 1:00-1:20 lunch (middle school dining hall)

CORI Forms

Anyone volunteering at SJS must have a CORI form submitted each year. CORI forms can be filled out at any time by visiting the main office at either the Early Childhood Building (ECB) or at 90 Pickering Street.  CORI forms can also be filled out and submitted at both Back-To-School nights.

Library News

The Library is planning our first Grade 4 Lunch Bunch on Thursday, October 13 (during lunch) from 12:15-12:35pm.  We will be reading the book “Save Me A Seat” by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan.  The story will be introduced during Grade 4 Library classes this week.  Students may borrow the book and join us for the discussion.

School Pictures

Save the date for school pictures: Tuesday-Thursday, September 27-29. More details to come.

Fun Run

What is the Hammerhead Fun Run?

The Hammerhead Fun Run is one of Saint Joseph School's primary fundraisers where each student will participate in completing 30-35 laps. 

When is the Hammerhead Fun Run?

Thursday, October 13, 2022, for grades Preschool & PreK

Friday, October 14, 2022 for grades K - 8

How will my student learn more about the Hammerhead Fun Run?

All students will participate in a Kickoff Pep Rally on Friday, September 30th in the Middle School Gym. Students will go home that day with a Fun Run Guide.

How do families get donations?

Families will register their student(s) on mybooster.com. Families can share their student(s) fundraising page with other relatives, neighbors, and friends, by email and social media. Friends and family can enter donations online at mybooster.com

What are the two types of donations?

Pledge: A dollar amount multiplied by the 30-35 laps.

Flat Donation: A donation that is not based on a student completing laps. 

What is our school goal?

Our goal this year is to raise $70,000.

When should I register my student(s)?

Registration will open on Sunday, September 25th and continue thru October 14th.

Will there be student and school incentives?

Yes! The Student and School Incentives will be Announced at the Pep Rally on Friday, September 30th.

What will my child wear on the day of the Hammerhead Fun Run?

Students will wear their gym uniform on the day of the Hammerhead Fun Run.

After School Activities

We are pleased to offer many after school activities to help each student find and develop his or her own talents and skills at all grade levels, including:

• Competitive athletics
• Intramural athletics
• Clubs (art, service, public speaking and debate)
• Performing arts

To learn more about our offerings and to sign-up, click the link below.

Parent School Association (PSA)

Mystery Dinner

Saturday, October 15th - Save the Date! 

New this year, PSA presents the Saint Joseph School Mystery Dinner, an adult-only event designed to bring together the SJS community.



We are asking for dinner host volunteers who live in Needham or Dedham. Hosts will serve dinner to 6-12 other Saint Joe's parents. Dinner need NOT be homemade and co-hosting with another family is an option. This is a great chance to spend time with old friends as well as get to know a broader group of the school community

Cub Scout Pack 23

Calling all scouts!  Saint Joseph's cub scout pack is set to begin another adventure-packed year at 6pm on Sunday, September 25th in the Saint Joe's elementary school cafeteria.  All boys and girls in Kindergarten through Grade 5 are welcome!  The year will involve camping, the pinewood derby, rocket day and many other events and activities. 

Pack 23 is also looking for corporate sponsors this year to offset the cost of the Pack's official charter. If you know of any local businesses that might be interested, or for more information on the year, please contact Mark Fennell at cubscoutpack23needham@gmail.com,  

Sharkbites: This Week's Events

9/19/22 - 9/23/22 - MAP Testing

9/19/22 Monday – Lunch Box Program begins

9/20/22 Tuesday – Half Day, Early Dismissal (12:05 ECB, 12:15 Grades 1-8)

9/21/22 Wednesday – Back-To-School Night, Grades PS-3, 6-7pm

9/15/22 Thursday – Back-To-School Night, Grades 4-8, 6-7pm

9/16/22 Friday – Grade 7 Mass, 9am

9/16/22 Friday – Street Hockey Tournament (PSA event), SJS Parking Lot, 4:30-8:15pm