Bernie's Bark
3.09.2021
Dear Parents-

During his homily last Friday at the school Mass, Bishop Burbidge asked the 6th grade to name the three pillars of lent, and the answer, prayer, fasting and almsgiving was quickly provided. Bishop Burbidge went on to connect these three pillars with the joy they bring during Lent, reminding us that prayer, fasting and almsgiving should not make us feel gloomy, but bring us joy through grace. While Lent is a solemn season, it is a season that can bring us closer to God by doing works of penance, and reminding ourselves that all our words and actions should always glorify God.

Our COVID-19 update this week begins with a reminder that SJS continues to follow all mitigation strategies, including 6 feet distance in the Church and classrooms, masks are required at all times, frequent hand-washing and sanitizing is encouraged, and students are asked to quarantine after known exposure and after travel. Your cooperation is the reason SJS is outbreak free! Thank you!!

This week, Fairfax County reports a 7-day average of 172 new cases of COVID-19 per day, and an average of 12 new deaths per day in the County related to COVID-19. Current data points for the pandemic indicate Fairfax County has a 7-day average positivity rate of 6.14%. Neighboring Loudoun County has a positivity rate of 6.39%, and in Prince William County the 7.79% positivity rate is significantly lower than last week. Notably, though, there are 20 known cases of the UK B.1.1.7 COVID variant in the Commonwealth, and four cases of the South Africa B.1.351variant, as of March 4. No other variants have been detected at this time. VDH asks all Virginians to recommit to following ALL mitigation strategies!
 
We look ahead to the end of Trimester 2 on Friday, and the welcoming back of additional in-person learners for Trimester 3, on Monday March 15. T2 report cards will be available Friday, March 19 on the parent portal, and January SCANTRON results will be sent home by the end of this week.. Easter break begins with 11:30 dismissal on Holy Thursday, April 1. Classes resume on Monday, April 12.

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

Go to Joseph
                              (Gen 41:55)

Denise Rutledge
Principal
 
 Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
No School


March 19 = NO SCHOOL

Professional Development Day
and
St. Joseph Feast Day
Book Club
Mrs. Rutledge and Mrs. Carson invite you to read along and discuss the key elements detailed in
The Power of Showing Up.

Next meeting planned for Tuesday, March 16, at 7:00PM.

Topic: Book Club
Time: March 16, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 984 3437 1204
Passcode: ZX99BY



Topic: Chapter 6- Putting All the S’s Together, Helping Your Children Feel Secure
A secure model of attachment is created when a child feels safe, seen and soothed. It ensures that the right intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are integrated into the mindset of a child.
And

Topic: Conclusion- From the Playground to the Dorm Room, A Look into the Future

The goal of the book club is building community and helping each other through a pandemic. It is not intended to be therapy or family counseling. Please seek the assistance of licensed practitioners if needed.
Reservations for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday Masses
Mass Reservation Required
Reservations for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday Masses - Required
Making a Mass Reservation

Step One:
Review Directives – It is important that you review the list of Directives for Phase III Reintegration Plan prior to making your reservation.

Step Two:
Make your Reservation – No one will be admitted to the church for Mass without a reservation.
If you have Internet access, use the following email, rsvp@sjcherndon.org to make your reservation for Mass. Note, if you do not have Internet access, you may call the parish office (703-880-4355 or 703-880-4304) and a member of the staff will make a reservation for you.

You will receive an email confirming that you have a reservation at a particular Mass with the number of people attending. Please bring this email with you to the Mass for entry to the Church. The entire number of people attending with you must be present to enter into the Church as a family.          
Financial Aid
Deadline Next Wednesday

Financial Aid Applications are due for Elementary Schools by March 17, 2021. Please remember that 2020 W-2s and tax returns are required for verification!

For more information, visit Tuition and Financial Aid Information
Job Fair

The Diocesan Job Fair scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 13, 2021 (9:00 a.m. – 12 noon) will be a virtual event this year. 

Click HERE to register and for more details!
Yearbooks
Yearbooks will be available to purchase from Feb 10 - March 26 ONLINE only. There will be no extra copies to purchase after yearbook sale. 

Jostens has created an online portal for yearbook sales, click the link to purchase: http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A08861400

Cost for the yearbook is $20
Yearbook Picture Submissions

Looking for Candid Photos for the yearbook.

 If you have pictures that you would like to submit for possible use in the 2021 yearbook, Please submit to this site: https://images.schoolannualonline.com/416174421

Submissions will be accepted until March 12, 2021
Stay Connected!
SJS Mobile App, Twitter and Facebook


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)
Weekly Saints Quote
750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320