Parent 9/27/19

Dear Parents, 
                                                                                                                           
Beginning of school year
It has been a terrific month with many special activities taking place that have provided the opportunity for our students to grow in their faith and knowledge.  It has been great to see everyone get back into the school routine. 
 
Our school community has done an excellent job of welcoming our new students and their families to our school.  Our teachers have diligently prepared a variety of learning experiences for their students.  Prayer is happening throughout the day in our classrooms, the school, and at our Masses.  Musical notes from student voices and band instruments fill the hallway.  The joyful voices of children are heard daily coming from our playground.  Students are arriving to and leaving school with smiles on their faces.  Parents are sharing their time through volunteering at the school.  Wow!  Thank you for getting off to a great beginning to the new school year!
 
In our Catholic Church, October is recognized as the Month of the Rosary.  The rosary is one of the most loved devotions in the Catholic Church and dates back to the Middle Ages when a practice developed of praying the Hail Mary on a set of beads.  The rosary honors Mary, who praised God for looking upon her, his servant.  During the next month, we will be sharing information about the Rosary with our students and praying the Rosary at school.  We encourage you and your family to consider taking the time to pray the Rosary as a family.  Mary, Queen of the Rosary, pray for us!
 
Friday, October 4 – No District Transportation
St. Joseph’s School is in session on Friday, October 4th.  ISD 197 is not in session on October 4, so there will not be district transportation.  Please plan accordingly to provide transportation for your child(ren) to and from school if they are bus riders.  District food service is available on this day and hot lunches will be served.
 
Important Announcement – Major Fundraiser . . .All School Raffle
Traditionally, St. Joseph School has participated in the Marathon for Nonpublic Education as our all-school annual student fundraiser.  Over the years, the Marathon has transitioned from a large regional event with many of the other Catholic grade schools, to simply a local event onsite.  Many schools have even moved away from the 'Marathon' and embraced other fundraising opportunities.
 
Thanks to the generosity of a few generous donors, and the input of school parents and leadership, we have decided to take on a new all-school fundraiser this year instead of the Marathon.  We have secured the donation of a brand-new vehicle, two tickets for a pilgrimage, and a holiday lights/dinner adventure that will be raffled.  Similar to the Marathon, we will have incentives and contests for our students as they help sell tickets and support our school.  In addition, a celebration will be planned for when we reach our school goals.  In the coming days, we will be announcing details of this new all-school fundraising opportunity.  I am grateful for your understanding and support of St. Joseph’s School.
 
NWEA MAP Assessments
Students in grades 2-8 are completing the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments next week.  The students are completing mathematics and reading assessments.  Your child’s results will be sent to families in October.  We thank Mrs. Budge for coordinating and facilitating the assessments for our students.
 
Volunteers Needed for Recess Duty 
We need help for recess duty for the remaining months of school.  Whether our students are outside or inside because of the weather, volunteers offer tremendous assistance in providing supervision of students. 
Please click here to volunteer in September
Please click here to volunteer in October

St. Joe’s Gala Buy it Now!  Out of Uniform Passes are now available.  These are available for a limited time so please get your orders in!  Flyers were sent home in your child’s Friday Folder last week as well as being attached to this letter.
 
St. Joe’s Gala Buy it Now!  Back by popular demand ~ Mr. Wesely’s Morning Announcement Helper!   We have only a few spaces available!  These are available for a limited time so please get your orders in!  Flyers were sent home in your child’s Friday Folder last week as well as attached to this letter.

Helping Hands – Assistance in our Lunchroom
We are looking for some adult “Helping Hands” volunteers (parents, grandparents) to help during our Kindergarten, first, and second grade lunch period each day (11:30 a.m.-12:00 noon).  “Helping Hands” volunteers help our youngest students (also our largest group of students) come into the lunchroom, open items as they begin eating their lunch, assist with dismissing the students, and complete light cleaning after the students leave the lunchroom for recess.  Mr. Wesely will even provide volunteers with a “Helping Hands” apron!  “Helping Hands” volunteers need to complete the Virtus Essential 3’s.  Please contact the school office (651-457-8550) or email Lisa Wrobel ( liwrobel@stjosephwsp.org) if you are interested and able to be a “Helping Hand”.
 
Uniform Dress Code
Families are reminded that all students are expected to be follow our school’s uniform dress code policy.  This includes:

• Uniforms should fit properly and be in good repair.
• Socks should be white or dark (navy or black).  A small logo in white or black is permitted.  No-show socks are not allowed.
• Belts need to be worn by any student wearing shorts or pants.  Belts can be leather, cloth, or braided but should be dark in color.
• Skirt length should be no more than four inches above the back of the knee.
• Sweatshirts, vests, and pullovers labeled with St. Joseph’s School may be worn during the school day.  Spirit wear clothing and community sweatshirts may be worn to and from school and at recess only.

Student General Appearance – Clarification on students’ hair expectations
Students’ hair and appearance should be neat and clean.  Hairstyle and color should not distract or draw undue attention to the student.  Shaggy hairstyles do not meet the school’s dress code.  Bangs should be above the eyebrows and boy’s lengths should not extend below the ears or over the collar.  Unusual hairstyles and colored hair are not permitted in our school’s dress code.
 
Student Drop Off Pick Up Procedures   NOTE: P.M. student pick up – ENTER on Butler, EXIT on Orme ONLY!
As we begin the new school year, we need to remind our parents and family members of the procedures for dropping off and picking up students at school.  The safety of our students is very important during these busy times of day.  School faculty will be present during drop off and pick up to assist our students.  Thank you for your cooperation with following the specific procedures.  Also, we love our school neighbors.  Please refrain from blocking our neighbors’ driveways when you park Seminole Ave. in front of the school.  Please refer to the attachment with specific information attached to this letter.  Thank you!
 
Announcing CSCOE (Catholic School Center of Excellence) Incredible Teacher Contest
The Catholic School Center of Excellence is holding an Incredible teacher Contest.  Parents and students are encouraged to nominate their incredible teacher or teachers.  One of our teachers could win an incredible prize.  Post why your teacher(s) deserves to be recognized using the hashtag #IncredibleTeacher on CSCOE’s Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter.  Videos may also be submitted for this contest.  The deadline to nominate is October 23, 2019.  The winner will be announced on October 25, 2019.  Please click here to view the information.
 
School Masses
Parents, grandparents, and family members are always welcome to attend our school Masses and prayer devotions during the school year.  We encourage students sit with their teachers and class to follow specific etiquette and routines for Mass.  Fr. Creagan and Fr. Wratkowski are sharing information on parts of the Mass during their homilies.  Thank you!
 
CAA 2019 Cross Country Meet October 12, 2019
The CAA will be hosting its annual Cross Country meet again this year on October 12th at Harvest Park beginning at 8:00am.  This is for students in grades 5-8.  If your child is interested, please contact Mrs. VanDiver at javandiver@stjosephwsp.org.

Parent Letters/Friday Folders/Attendance Communication
All non-emergency communications will come home on Fridays in the red Friday folder.  Parent letters will only be sent out by email every Friday (or the last day of the school week.)  Friday Letters may be found on the school website, www.stjosephwsp.org.  
 
Teachers may be reached via the school’s voice mail system at (651-457-8550) or their email account by using the first two letters of their first name followed, without a space, by their last name (e.g. grwesely@stjosephwsp.org).  When leaving a message, remember teachers may not be available to return calls/e-mails until the end of the day. 
 
Our Attendance Hotline is 651-457-3031.  If your child is going to be absent or late due to a morning appointment, please leave a message on the “Hotline”. 
 
Mission Statement
“St. Joseph’s Catholic School educates students through faith formation, academic excellence,
and the development of virtue to be disciples of Christ.”
 
For Your Information
St. Joseph’s School is an important ministry of the Church of St. Joseph.  Some of our school families are not members of the parish.  In our efforts to serve all school families, our Friday Letter may at times include information about activities and events that are taking place at the Church of St. Joseph.
 
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Marriage in Christ Seminar
Sunday, October 6 - November 3   I   6:00 - 8:00pm - Monsignor Foran Great Room
Couples are invited to this popular, 5-week seminar to enrich your marriage whatever stage of life you’re in!
Childcare is available. See the parish website for more information and to register or contact Amanda Carnes at: amanda.carnes@churchofstjoseph.org
 
Click here to link to the weekly St. Joseph’s Church Bulletin .
 
Important Links:
6 School Cycle Calendar
Pick up and Drop off Procedures
Out of Uniform Passes
Mr. Wesely Helper
 
October Look Ahead:
              °  Friday, Oct. 4 – 9:00 am Mass
              °  Monday, October 7 – Rosary in Church (Feast of the Lady of the Rosary)
              °  Friday, Oct. 11– 9:00 am Mass
              °  Tuesday, Oct.15 – 9:00 am Mass
              °  Wednesday, Oct.16 – No School, CSCOE Teacher Summit
              °  Thursday, Oct. 17 & Friday, Oct. 18 – No School. MN Education Conference
              °  Monday, Oct. 21 – School Picture Day, Out of Uniform
              °  Tuesday, Oct. 22 – Parent Teacher Conferences, Grades K-8- 4:30pm-8:00pm
              °  Wednesday, Oct. 23  - Vision and Hearing Screening
              °  Thursday, Oct. 24 – Parent Teacher Conferences, Grades K-8- 4:30pm-8:00pm
              °  Friday, Oct. 25 – Middle School (Grades 6-8 only) Parent Teacher Conferences, -
                  9:00am-3:00pm
              °  Friday, Oct. 25 – No School for Middle School Students (conferences)
              °  Friday, Oct. 25 – 9:00 am Mass