Parent Letter 9/20/19

Dear Parents,   
                                                                                                                        
Awesome beginning to school – Thank you!
The St. Joseph’s School students and faculty have had another awesome week at school.  Thank you for supporting your children as they continue through the school year.  We know of the time you take to get them prepared each day to come to school.  We thank you for taking time to assist them with the studies and stressing the importance of using their talents and doing their best while at school.  Please let your child’s teacher or the school office know if you have any questions or need additional information about school as we continue through the year.
 
Did you hear, did you hear?  On Thursday, this week our soccer goals were set up for our students on the new greenspace.  Beginning with the first recess and continuing through the year, the soccer balls will be rolling and flying as our students enjoy this addition to our playground.  It has been wonderful watching our students play on the new structure, swings, and greenspace.  Nurse Amy even says there have been fewer “skinned knees” so far this year!  Our sincere thanks to everyone who supported this special addition to our school.  Stay tuned for the date and information about a blessing of the playground.
 
Important Announcement – Marathon for Nonpublic Education
Traditionally, St. Joseph School has participated in the Marathon for Nonpublic Education as our all-school annual student fundraiser.  Last year, we successfully raised over $70,000 through this event.  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 are in the process of securing a brand-new donated vehicle that will be raffled off - in addition to a couple other significant prizes.  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.
 
Mr. Rod Cina Update
As you are aware, Mr. Cina, fifth grade teacher was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer in June.  After much consideration, prayer, and conversation with his family and doctors, he has made the decision to not return to school until after he has completed his surgery and treatment plan.  As of right now, his surgery is scheduled for October 10.  Mr. Cina hopes to return to school sometime in November.  This has been a difficult decision for him as he is very dedicated to our school, his students, and their families.  Mr. Cina’s love for our school community and his vocation as a Catholic school educator are admirable. 
 
We ask for prayers of strength and healing for Mr. Cina and his family as they go through this process.  Please consider offering prayers for Mr. Cina by going to his Spiritual Bouquet page.
 
Our school has been blessed to have Mrs. Suzie Kocourek working with Mr. Cina and their students.  She has been present since the beginning of the school year.  Mrs. Kocourek will now be the lead teacher in Mr. Cina’s absence.
 
Thank you for your continued support of Mr. Cina and our entire St. Joseph’s School faculty. 
 
NWEA MAP Assessments
Students in grades 2-8 will continue the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments next week.  The students have completed the mathematics assessments.  Now, they will complete the reading assessments.  Please help your student by reminding them to get a good night sleep and to eat a healthy breakfast.  Families of students in grades 2-8 received a letter last week with information about the assessments.  We thank Mrs. Budge for coordinating and facilitating the assessments for our students.

Catholic High School Preview Night – Save the Date. . .Tuesday, September 24
St. Joseph’s School families with seventh and eighth grade students are invited to attend a Catholic High School Preview Night on Tuesday, September 24 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Monsignor Foran Great Room at the Church of St. Joseph.  Area Catholic High Schools will be present to share information about their high school in a “fair-style setting”.  Additional information has been sent to families of seventh and eighth grade students about this event.
 
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”.
 
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.
 
Uniform Dress Code
St. Joseph’s students are expected to come to school well groomed. All students are expected to follow the school’s uniform dress code.
 
Families are reminded that all students are expected to be compliant with our school’s uniform 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 flyer with more information.
 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd sessions began this week for all students in Kindergarten - 5 ^th grade.  We thank Director of Catechesis & Formation Christina Stokman, and Catechists Katy Lasure, Teri Jackson, Jennifer Thompson, and Laurie Garcia for instructing our students while they visit the Atrium.  Please take a moment to visit the link under the Faith Formation tab on the St. Joseph’s School webpage to learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.  You will find pictures and other information about this beautiful program that we are able to offer to our students.
 
School Masses
Parents, grandparents, and family members are always welcome to attend our school Masses and prayer devotions during the school year. We do ask that for the month of September, all students sit with their teachers and class to establish specific etiquette and routines for Mass.  Fr. Creagan and Fr. Wratkowski will be sharing information on parts of the Mass during their homilies.  Thank you!
 
2019-20 St. Joseph’s School Band Program (Grades 4-8)
Our school band program this year is being facilitated by Hill-Murray High School’s Pioneer Pathways Program.  Our school band program will be under the direction of Mr. Gideon Matchey.  Band lessons and instruction will occur during the school day.  Mr. Matchey met with his band students this week.  Both he and the students are very excited for this year in band.  Students may still sign up for the program.  Please email Mr. Matchey at gmatchey@hill-murray.org for more information or with any questions you may have about the band program.
 
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.
 
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
A Blessed Brunch: Saturday, September 21   8:30 - 10:30am
All women are invited to join us for a beautiful potluck brunch.  See our parish website to register.
 
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
Cherokee Meat Raffle Sunday
September Lunch Menu
Art Academy Flyer
 
September/October Look Ahead:
      
       °  Friday, Sept. 20 – 9:00 am Mass
       °  Friday, Sept. 27 – 9:00 am Mass
       °  Friday, Oct. 4 – 9:00 am Mass
       °  Monday, Oct. 7 - 9:00am Rosary Church
       °  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. MEA
       °  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 Parent Teacher Conferences, - 9:00am-3:00pm
       °  Friday, Oct. 25 – No School for Middle School Students Only (conferences)
       °  Friday, Oct. 25 – 9:00 am Mass