Dear Parents-
At the school Mass last Friday, Father Matt delivered an amazing homily. He asked the students what it means to be free, and I was filled with pride as students told Father that freedom does not mean that you get to do whatever you want, or that you get to say whatever you want, or post whatever you want on social media. The students understood that being free gives them the choice to do the right thing. Father Matt explained that if someone is following the crowd, or is afraid to do the right thing, then they are not free. There is no freedom in being unkind, and saying unkind things; however there is great freedom in doing the right thing! Father used examples of joining someone sitting alone at lunch or recess, and the message resonated with students. The homily was a great reminder and I encourage parents to talk with their students about the homily and how doing the right thing is an important message..and for adults as well!
Each year, St. Joseph Catholic School provides an asbestos update to parents and staff. Please use this link to access this year’s letter regarding asbestos management. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Danny Rucker.
In this week’s COVID update VDH reports that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has a total case rate of 70.9 cases per 100,000, and NAAT (PCR) test positivity down to 2.8%. The rate of transmission has dropped to the level of substantial transmission. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate of 82.9 per 100,000 and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is down to 3.7%. The Fairfax County adult vaccination rate for fully vaccinated individuals has reached 75.7%. Mask up, Vax up and Please stay vigilant!
Each year we are required to present a lesson, provided by the Diocese, devoted to the topic of "Formation in Christian Chastity.” This program is mandated by the Office of Child Protection and provides teachers and parents with resources to help inform our students about safety from the perspective of human dignity.
Please note that this program does not contain any objectionable content and represents our Catholic faith in tradition and practice. Teachers in grades 1 through 8 will present the lesson no later than January 24. Parents are encouraged to access the lesson material at this link. There you will find the exact lesson plans and script for the lessons. The site can also answer any questions you may have regarding the justification for and reasoning behind the selection and mandating of this program.
As primary educators of your children, parents have the right to “opt-out” their children from these lessons. If, after reviewing the materials, you believe it is best to opt-out, please download and complete the form found at this link. Please return the form to your child’s teacher no later than November 5. After this date, it will be assumed that you want to have your child take advantage of this opportunity to hear the diocesan approved lesson on the topic of chastity, safety, truth and human dignity. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Facebook was created to afford users a platform to share thoughts and ideas, all under the guise of bringing people closer together. Today, Facebook is under Congressional scrutiny as whistleblowers detail the negative impact Facebook has on children, and the division it creates among users who post negative comments and half-truths without accountability. Whether you are active on Facebook or are just a by-stander, please consider “social media free” days or other ways to eliminate social media from the lives of your children...and even yourselves!
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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8th Grade Confirmation - Important Dates |
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8th Grade Confirmation is scheduled for April 2, 2022
Here are a few reminders:
- November 17 - In school Confirmation retreat
- November 19 - Submit the Robe Order form with check or notify teacher via email that a robe is not needed.
- January 10 - Sponsor certificate. Parents must assist with this important requirement.
- March 8 - Saint project done through Computer class
- April 1 - Rehearsal (tentative) COVID protocols permitting - with Confirmand and Sponsor (or proxy). Time TBA.
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Night of Hope
Save the Date!
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Night of Hope
Saturday, December 4, 2021
5pm-10pm
Let's join together as a parent community to celebrate the 2nd Sunday in Advent with attending 5pm Mass as a community, followed by an evening of hope, food, drink, and dancing! We will be lighting up the Parish Hall walkway and hall with lite trees for each grade level and Encore classes filled with "Angel Ornaments" with the teachers and schools hopes and material needs. Our goal is to fill the halls with HOPE and fill our PTO operating budget to meet the needs of the school.
More details and ticket prices to follow.
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Parent/Teacher Conferences |
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Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for November 11 and November 12. Teachers for grades K-6 will provide the sign up links for parents via email. Contact your child's teacher if you have any questions.
Jr. High and Encore - Parent/Teacher Sign Up Links:
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Amazing SJS Families- thank you to all who have registered for Trunk or Treat. There will be an epic turnout this year. We are so excited that over 175 families have registered for this event, with approximately 400 trick or treaters. Thanks to your generosity we have collected close to $2000 dollars to donate to Catholic Charities.
A few things to remember….The parking lot opens at 5 pm. If you arrive prior to that, and you are not a volunteer, you will not be able to enter the Trunk or Treat area. We have to ensure the safety of our aftercare students. Trunk set up and decorations begin at 5 pm. All cars must be parked by 6 pm. During this time, pick up your pizza and visit with your neighbor. Walk around and enjoy all the creativity!. Trick or Treating will begin when the bell rings at 6:15 pm so make sure you are back to your trunk at that time to hand out candy. Please be patient as we park close to 200 cars. If you want to park with a friend, you must arrive together. We park the lot by sections for safety reasons. When Trick or Treating is over, we will ring the bell and the children must find their way back to their car. Please follow directions when exiting slowly and carefully.
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- NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 29
- NO SCHOOL on Monday Nov. 22 (Bishop's holiday)
- Tuesday, Nov. 23 is asynchronous independent learning day (NO SCHOOL)
- NO SCHOOL Nov. 24-26 (Thanksgiving Break)
- School reopens Monday, Nov. 29
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Accepting Application for 2022-2023
Siblings
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For any siblings that anticipate attending
St. Joseph Catholic School in Fall of 2022,
don't forget to submit your application!
We want to make sure you secure your spot!
Applications have already started to roll in!
For application and other information,
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Save the date: November 10, 2021
Vision and hearing screening for grades K (only students missing a school entrance vision/hearing screening) 3 & 7.
If your child is not in the above grades and you want them screened please let Mrs. Ezenwa (a.ezenwa@sjschoolva.org) know so that the consent form will be sent to you. More details to follow.
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CYO Basketball and Cheerleading
Registration and Try Outs (New Dates)!
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Greetings 7th and 8th graders families. As Father Tom told the classes in school, Basketball & Cheer is alive and well at SJS and that means for the 7th and 8th grade classes as well as our CCD families!
So, please act quickly and register online so we can have an accurate headcount for the Diocese. It's important to get these names in so that we can get our Tryouts setup and rosters formed here before the end of the first week in November.
We are very glad to have the students being able to play this Fall/Winter and again thank Father Tom and Mrs. Rutledge for making this possible!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our St. Joseph's CYO Commissioner, Mac Cannon at cannonclan@gmail.com with any questions.
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A quick timeline:
Registration NOW OPEN!
- *Tryouts - 11/1-11/5*
- Practices Begin - 11/8
- Potential Tip Off Tourney (8th grade only) - 11/20-21
- Preseason Games - 12/4
- Regular Season Begins - 1/8
Season will be 5-8 games (The Diocese is still figuring this out)
-- Each team will practice twice per week on a full court. We need 10 or more to form a team.
Thanks for your attention to this important message and short timeframe!
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SJS Spirit Wear - Order Now! |
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Did you miss out on SJS spirit gear?
Want to get a few gifts for Christmas?
Now is your chance!
The SJS spirit wear store will be taking orders until November 21! Items will be available the week of December 13 - before Christmas break!
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Get Ready for Picture Day!!
Tuesday, November 2
Retake - November 16
Students may wear their school uniform or dress in clothes that are equal to or better than the school uniform. Please see the SJS Handbook for dress out guidelines.
Click HERE for more information and how to order!
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What: St. Joseph Catholic School Book Fair: the only fundraiser specifically for new library books!
When: Nov. 2-12
Why: All proceeds will go towards new books for the library!
How: All orders are placed online and shipped to the family directly. Free shipping on orders of $40 or more.
Order your books and games for Christmas and support the library!
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A lot of students have been coming to school without their water bottles. Please remind your child(ren) to bring their water bottles and to remember to hydrate during the day. In addition, remember to have your child(ren) pack an extra mask in their backpack.
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Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day
A healthy eating routine is important at every stage of life and can have positive effects that add up over time. It’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy or fortified soy alternatives, and
protein foods. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients. Make every bite count, Dietary guidelines 2020-2025. An article from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine
states that diets abundant in fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk for chronic disease. The current 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people needing 2,000 calories per day include 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables in their daily diets. This recommendation varies with age, sex, caloric needs etc. More information is available at MyPlate.gov.
Why should kids eat more fruits and vegetables?
- Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber
- Optimizes healthy growth and development
- Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals to help support growth and development and strengthen our immune system to help fight off infections; vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups: dark green; red and orange; beans, peas, and lentils; starchy; and other vegetables
- Prevents chronic disease
- Prevents tooth decay
- Displaces eating of less nutritious foods that contribute to unhealthy weight gain
Please click on the link above to read the flyer with information about 20 ways to enjoy fruits and vegetables.
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We would like to extend to interested families an invitation to our JP5K, which supports our Options Program. At this time they would have an opportunity to meet with Mrs. Sarah Gardner and the JP Admissions Team to learn about our Options Program, the JP’s admissions process, and the transition to high school. |
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JP5K Details:
When: Saturday, November 13th | starts at 8:00 AM
Where: JP Stadium, 17700 Dominican Dr., Potomac Shores, VA 22026
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JP Options Program Meet & Greet:
When: Saturday, November 13th from 8:30-9:30 AM
Where: Admissions Table, JP Stadium, 17700 Dominican Dr., Potomac Shores, VA 22026
Click HERE for more details
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Youth Day - October 30th at
Bishop O'Connell High School
We welcome K-8 grade families to come to our home
football game @ 12pm on Oct. 30.
Register in advance to receive a free ticket
and an O'Connell spirit gift!
Click HERE for more information!
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PVI Football Middle School Night
All 6th, 7th and 8th grade families are invited to join us for our 2021 Middle School Night on Friday, October 29. We will provide food, fun games and prizes at the Rally in the Valley at 6 p.m. and the football game will start at 7 p.m. with free admission for middle school students.
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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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