Dear Parents-
On Thursday we will celebrate the feast of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church. Interestingly, it is said that Pope St. Gregory made changes to the structure of the Mass, and many of those changes remain to this day, as he is credited with the current position of the Our Father in the Mass. Among other things, St. Gregory is the patron saint of teachers, and on his feast day, we ask Saint Gregory to intercede on behalf of the intentions of our teachers and staff.
Last Saturday we celebrated First Holy Communion with our 3rd grade students. The ceremony was beautiful in its simplicity as our young communicants received this Sacrament for the first time, accompanied by their parents, which added a level of meaningfulness!
The school year got off to a smooth start last week and I thank everyone for their cooperation! We continue to work on the daily routine so that we are as efficient as possible during arrival and dismissal. We also continue to monitor the technology that supports the live stream for distance learning, and make daily improvements!
Our Coronavirus update takes note of the slight uptick in cases and positivity rate in Virginia as a whole. This week the infection rate in Virginia is 0.96 with a test positivity rate of 6.4%. However in Fairfax County the infection rate this week was down slightly at 1.02. Websites that track the virus indicate COVID in Fairfax County continues to spread in a slow and controlled fashion. As always, I remind our families to wear masks, wash hands, keep distance and avoid crowds.
The SCANTRON testing window is open for in-person learners. In-person students will complete the tests over a three week period. Results will be provided to parents as soon as practicable. Back to School Nights are underway for both in-person and distance learners. Links to the various virtual meetings are provided directly to parents from the classroom teachers. Back to School Nights run from Monday, Aug. 31 through Thursday, Sept. 3. ….all virtual events.
The school calendar remains a work in progress and the most up-to-date version is found here, and is updated on the school website and in the Bark. As you are aware, at this time we are not scheduling specific events. Should there be a change to Virginia Phase Reopening and in CDC guidance for schools, activities may be added.
Students will have the opportunity to attend school Mass starting Friday, Sept. 4, with simultaneous Masses in the Church and in the gym so that social distance is maintained. Please read Father Tom's letter regarding reintegration of the SJS Mass. The school Mass will be available on live-stream from the SJC Facebook page for Distance Learners and their families, as well as for the families of in-person students. Distance Learners are required to attend the school Mass.
Each day remains a new adventure, and your feedback and partnership continues to be invaluable. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Go to Joseph
(Gen 41:55)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
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Due to Virginia state guidelines, we cannot accommodate drop-ins for afternoon care. Extended Day is offering afternoon care for those families needing only afternoon care 5 days a week until we reach our capacity. However, we can accept drop-ins for morning care. Please email extended_day@sjschoolva.org |
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- Please remember that while waiting in the school parking lot for students to be dismissed, parents should be reminded of the 6 foot social distance and that masks must be worn. We appreciate your cooperation!
- Be mindful that we are in a pandemic and only finished the 2nd day of school with all students. We ask for your patience as we navigate through this new way of teaching. Who knew we would be in the situation where we teach students at home and in multiple classrooms on campus - at the same time? May we pray for patience and kindness towards each other.
- We are blessed to have our students back at school - whether it be in person or distance learning. While some schools are struggling with virtual learning, we are thankful that our fantastic teachers are able to educate our students all day! Our staff is working on the few hiccups we've experienced to make things better -- we are only in the first week of school.
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REMINDER: As you prepare for school lunches and snacks to send in for your child, please refer to the Allergy Plan. Our classrooms are nut free zones. No nuts of any kind nor any item that has been produced or processed in a facility where nuts are processed are allowed. We appreciate your attention and cooperation at this time. This is a temporary measure in effect for the safety of our children with severe allergies while our children are required to eat in the classroom.
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Grades 2-6 Back to School Night
Parents of Distance Learners
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Grade 7 Back to School Night |
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Wednesday, September 2 Virtual Back to School Night Grade 7 All parents of distance and in-person learners. 7:00pm Encore teachers, Resource teachers, Counselor, and Distance Support available 8:00-8:30pm. Link to be provided. |
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Grade 8 Back to School Night |
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Thursday, September 3 Virtual Back to School Night Grade 8 All parents of distance and in-person learners. 7:00pm Encore teachers, Resource teachers, Counselor, and Distance Support available 8:00-8:30pm Link to be provided.
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SIGN-UP NIGHT! – Virtual ZOOM Session Sept 9th 7PM
For boys in grades K-5: learn about the adventure of Cub Scouts and be part of our St. Joseph Pack 913! Cub Scouts is a year-round family program with siblings very welcomed. Our Pack has exciting events with activities that are fun for kids and the entire family. Our Cubs learn about important life skills, personal safety, and environmental stewardship. They take part in fun outdoor activities, get involved in their community, and learn to be part of a team. Safe social distancing guidelines are observed at all times.
Date: Wednesday, September 9th Time: 7:00pm
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September
August 31-Setember 4: SCANTRON Week 1
September 1: Virtual Back to School Night Grades 2-6 Parents of Distance Learners 7:00pm Presentation repeated at 7:30pm. Encore Teachers, Resource Teachers, Counselor and Distance Support available 8:00-8:30pm Link to be provided
September 2: Virtual Back to School Night Grade 7 All Parents - Distance and In-person. 7:00pm. Encore Teachers, Resource Teachers, Counselor and Distance Support available 8:00-8:30pm Link to be provided
September 3: Virtual Back to School Night Grade 8 All Parents - Distance and In-person. 7:00pm. Encore Teachers, Resource Teachers, Counselor and Distance Support available 8:00-8:30pm Link to be provided
September 4: 11:30am Dismissal for In-person and Distance Learners
September 7: NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)
September 8-11: SCANTRON Week 2 (In-person Learners only)
September 14-18: SCANTRON Week 3 (In-person Learners only)
September 25: 11:30am Dismissal (In-person and Distance Learners) (DFE)
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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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