Dear Parents-

As we celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord last Sunday, we brought to a close the glorious Christmas Season! With the Epiphany, Christ reveals himself as Savior of the world. Many countries throughout the world celebrate the Epiphany with an exchange of gifts in the same way the magi presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. Yesterday, we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord which reminds us to keep Christ alive with us during the whole year and emulate His good works. We emulate Jesus Christ when we adhere to His truths, and do so with compassion and love for all.

For your planning purposes, the Office of Catholic Schools announced the first day of school for the 2023-2024 school year, and students return Wednesday, August 23.

The second MAP Test window opened Monday and students grades 3-7 are testing this week in Math. Please make sure your children are in school during this time to ensure adequate opportunity to complete the tests. If you have specific scheduling questions or conflicts, please contact your child’s teacher.

Discussions about children’s mental health are particularly important as we deal with socialization issues caused partly by the pandemic, as well as other mental health issues that manifest themselves in situations like the tragedy in Newport News on Friday. Children have to have boundaries– set primarily by their parents, but also by teachers and other important adults who care about the child. Setting boundaries supports the development of children so they grow into healthy, caring and responsible adults. The importance of these boundaries is addressed in this quick read 4 Reasons It's Important For Parents To Set Healthy Boundaries With Kids.

Our school environment should set high expectations for academic achievement as well as student behavior. At school, students thrive when classroom policies and rules are clear, consistent and constant. An orderly school environment supports not only academic development, but also the social and emotional health of our students. Working together, home and school create a partnership of expectations for students built on a common understanding of and support for the mission of SJS.

Teachers have the right to teach; students have the right to learn. Working together we can prevent any disruption that may affect those rights.

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

With our 93% retention rate, our streamlined re-enrollment process has proven to be successful. The process is structured so that current students will be automatically re-enrolled for the 2023-2024 school year.  Enrollment fees of $300 per student will be charged on February 1, 2023 from the FACTS account on file. Families in need of an extension payment plan must also contact the Business Office by January 13, 2023. Re-enrollment fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If, for some reason, your student will not be returning to St. Joseph Catholic School, notification in writing is needed by January 13, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Tisha Hilliard (thilliard@sjcherndon.org or 703-880-4355) 

Is the date on your calendar? Make sure to secure a babysitter because you don't want to miss this year's dinner and auction fundraiser! Doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets go on sale February 7!

Do you own a beach house or business? Are you creative and want to donate a themed basket full of goodies? Love to entertain? You (or a few families) can host a BBQ, Italian dinner, or seafood boil! Consider donating an item, service, experience, or basket to be up for bid at the auction! Donation suggestions include: gift cards, vacation home stays, concert tickets, sports tickets, tours of local landmarks, golf rounds, hotel night stays, the possibilities are endless!

How about giving a 'shout out' to your graduating 8th grader or an ad of encouraging words for your child(ren)? Check out the Program Ad form for details.

Be sure to check out the Sponsor and Underwriter opportunities - lots of great perks at all giving levels!

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

Email Jessie Ingham at events@sjschoolva.org to join the planning committee or to become an auction sponsor!

Stay tuned for more information!

95210 Health Initiative for December, is to “Get at least 1 hour of physical activity each day” 

Children are spending more time watching TV and playing games on their electronic devices, parents are encouraged to limit their child’s TV, video game and computer time. Parents can set a good example by being active themselves. “Physical Activity is one of the best things people can do to improve their health. It is vital for healthy aging and can reduce the burden of chronic diseases and prevent early death” (CDC). Click HERE to read more!

All boys and girls ages 9 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2023 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship on Monday, January 16th (Martin Luther King Day) at the St. Joseph School gym located at 750 Peachtree Street in Herndon. Registration and practice shots will be from 11:00 to 11:30. A parent or guardian of each participant must sign a registration form, which will be available at the gym. We anticipate the competition will take about one hour, depending on the number of contestants. Winners will receive basketballs. If you need additional information, please contact Len Grus at (703) 300-7297 or lengrus@verizon.net Good Samaritan Council #6175

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually, with winners progressing through local, district and state competitions. All boys and girls 9 to 14 years old are eligible and will compete in their respective age and gender divisions. Winners in each group are invited to compete in the District Championship on February 20th with contestants from four area councils. Winners from the District will advance to the State Finals in Richmond to be held on March 25th .

Wednesday, January 11

7:00pm

Every few years, the Knights of Columbus selects an icon of a saint whose patronage is

particularly inspiring to Knights and their communities. Each jurisdiction receives one or

several of these icons which travel from council to council and serve as the centerpieces

for prayer services in parishes throughout the Order. Since the first traveling pilgrim icon

of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1979, more than 174,800 council and parish prayer services

with some 22 million participants have been held. (https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-

do/faith-in-action-programs/faith/pilgrim-icon.html)

As a faith community, we are honored to host the St. Joseph Pilgrim Icon and celebrate an evening of prayer. St. Joseph, pray for us!

New, Lower Prices From Yay Lunch!

The team at Yay Lunch is taking your feedback about pricing to heart and have been working with their food partners to offer new, lower prices on our menu. Take a look at a few of the new, lower prices now available on your Lunch Calendar

St. Joseph Catholic School

750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170

Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320