Dear Parents-

We look forward to Friday, March 17 and the Feast of St. Patrick! “Bishop Burbidge has granted to the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington, as well as to any visitors or travelers who may be physically present within the territory of this diocese, a dispensation from the obligation of abstinence from meat on March 17, 2023. Those taking advantage of this dispensation, however, are exhorted to undertake a work of charity, an exercise of piety, or an act of comparable penance on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent.” (Saint Patricks Day Dispensation - Catholic Diocese of Arlington)

We are very excited to be joined Friday by Ms. Shannon Foley, owner and director of the Foley Academy of Irish Dance. SJS students who also attend the Foley Academy will perform a short Irish Dance program during outdoor recess times for all grade levels! I know the dancers are excited and the long-range weather forecast looks great for this event. Parents who want to attend are welcome to join us on the blacktop.

We will no sooner wrap up our St. Patrick’s celebrations when we will find it is time to celebrate the feast of our great patron! The feast of St. Joseph is Sunday, March 19. Our PTO is partnering with the Knights of Columbus to offer a pancake breakfast after the 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 Masses so that we can celebrate, together, this great feast. See below for more information.

Please consider joining us for Stations of the Cross, Wednesdays during Lent, at 2:30 in the Church. Students from our 8th grade will lead the community in our meditation on the Stations, reminding each of us of God’s enormous love for us, and His infinite mercy. Please also remember that it is not possible to dismiss students from the church for early release. I ask that you plan accordingly if you need your child released from school early.

The last trimester of the school year began Monday, March 13. T2 report cards will be available through PowerSchool on Friday, March 17 after 4:00PM. Just a reminder that the parent portal closed on Thursday, March 9 at 8:00AM, and will reopen Monday, March 20. If you have any questions about the parent portal, please contact Mrs. Pearce.

So that you are able to volunteer at SJS, all parents are encouraged to complete the two requirements of the Child Protection Program. Part 1 involves completion of a background check, and Part 2 requires attendance of a Virtus seminar. For additional information please access the quick guide info, or feel free to contact Mrs. Beth Covert at bcovert@sjcherndon.org.

As always, if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.

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

Denise Rutledge

Principal

 Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God

St. Joseph Catholic School's annual tuition payments are scheduled for your convenience through FACTS, over ten monthly installments. Starting in 2024-2025, the first payment will be due in July and the final payment due April.

Additionally, the enrollment fee will be $350

Don’t rescue your children from their poor decisions. Overcome the temptation to rescue your child from the consequences of a mistake. Help them to realize the

consequences of their actions. (Such as children not wanting to play with them, people being cross, punishments at school etc.). https://www.parent4success.com

**Refer to the dress out guidelines found in the Student/Parent Handbook.

• Alamo Draft House "Date Night" package
• Whitetail Ski lift passes
• Kendra Scott jewelry
• Lots of brewery and winery goodies!

• Trump National Golf Club
• Encore Stage tickets
• Bobby Mckey's Dueling Piano Bar
• Washington Nationals Tickets

.........and so much more!!!

Tickets on Sale through April 7!!

Visit the Shaken Not Stirred auction fundraising website for forms and information!

Click HERE for more information on the Child Protection Program. Contact Beth Covert at 703.880.4357 for any questions!

Every Friday in Lent at 7:00 pm here at St. Joseph Catholic Church, our faith community gathers together in devotion to The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross. Each week a different Parish Ministry/Organization leads us in prayer. We will meditate on Christ’s sacrifice for us. The Stations of the Cross began on Friday, February 24th . The Stations of the Cross are prayed in Spanish at 8:00 pm.

Middle School Friday Night Gathering!

The next Middle School Friday Night Gathering will be on March 24th from 7-8:15pm in the school gym. Come experience your faith in a new way with friends and Gaga ball! For more information and to register, visit this link: https://stjosephym.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1396828

ART, DRAMA, MUSICAL THEATRE CAMPS for K-12 in Catholic setting



Returning July 10-21, Broadway Spotlight and Drama Bootcamp trains campers in Acting, Improv, Song & Dance and concludes their week with a show for families!  Art Camps incorporate many special projects in different mediums that all go on display in an end of week Art Show. Most of the professional instructors teach in our Diocesan Schools and bring a myriad of experience in their specialties.

Camps are designed to be both fun and challenging with a goal to aid campers in their growth in the arts within a safe environment.

Through April 15th, all camps are $25 off plus everyone gets a free t-shirt. Learn more and register at www.SpotlightSummerCamps.com

St. Joseph Catholic School

750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170

Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320