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Parent Letter 10/15/19
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Dear Parents,
Hello from St. Joseph’s School! Two-day school weeks sure go by quickly! Please continue to read through this Friday Letter for important information about school pictures, our School Raffle, Parent Teacher Conferences, and Hospitality Weekend at the Church of St. Joseph. In addition, have you nominated any of our St. Joe’s incredible teachers in the Incredible teacher Contest sponsored by CSCOE. Please see the information in this letter on how to participate.
As you are aware, school will not be in session on Wednesday, October 16 due to faculty attending the CSCOE Summit of Excellence and Thursday, October 18, and Friday, October 19 because of Education MN (M.E.A.). Enjoy the break from school with your family and friends! We will see everyone back at school on Monday, October 21.
Please continue to review our Friday Letters, check your child’s Family Folder, our school website, and Facebook and Twitter to keep updated on all the happenings at St. Joseph’s School.
School Pictures
School pictures are scheduled for Monday, October 21. This will be an out-of-uniform day. Picture order forms have been sent home to families. The purchase of individual pictures/group composites is always optional. All students are to be photographed for the yearbook. Preschool-age children may be brought in to have their pictures taken between 8:20-8:50 am in the parish Great Room. No appointments necessary. St. Joseph’s Preschool classes will have their pictures taken later in the morning. Lifetouch is looking for parent volunteers to help line up the students and assist the photographers. For your convenience, you may also place your order online at mylifetouch.com and enter our Picture Day ID: EVTD9WXT7
All School Raffle – Major Fundraiser
The 2019 St. Joseph’s School All School Raffle is underway. This event is taking the place of our school’s Marathon and is our major school fundraising event involving our students and their families.
Our students are selling tickets that could have some lucky people win either a brand-new 2019 Ford Escape, two tickets for a pilgrimage through Mater Dei Tours, or a holiday lights/dinner adventure provided by TC Limo Co. The Raffle has special incentives and exciting contests for our students as they help sell the tickets. The proceeds from the Raffle will be used to support carrying out the mission of St. Joseph’s School. In addition, celebrations are planned for our students when we reach our school goals.
Last Friday, St. Joseph’s School students and families received tickets and information about this All School Raffle in their Friday Folders. Please read the information carefully and follow the directions provided. One of the goals for the raffle is to have 100% of our students and families participate in selling/purchasing tickets. Raffle ticket and money turn in days are scheduled for; October 14, 21, 28, and November 6. Thank you for your support of this important fund-raising event for St. Joseph’s School.
Mr. Cina Update
We would like to share with you an update we received on Mr. Cina. Mr. Cina shares that his 9+ hour surgery on Thursday, October 10 was very successful. Today (Friday, October 11), his immediate family was with him. He must get up and walk 4 - 6 times a day to aid in healing. He hoped to be home by Monday to watch the Packer vs. Lions football game (he is a HUGE Pacher fan). Mr. Cina says thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes. They got him over the big hill of his major surgery and continue to sustain him in his recovery.”
Parent Teacher Conferences – October 22, 24, and 25
Parent Teacher Conferences for students in grades K – 8 will be held on Tuesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 24 from 4:30 – 8:00pm.
Conferences for K – 5 students are scheduled by you through Sign Up Genius. Please click here to sign up for K-5 Conferences. The Sign Up Genius will close on Sunday, October 20th at 11:45pm.
Middle School Conferences are conducted arena style and will be held in the school gymnasium. All specials; Music, Spanish, PE, Band and Art will also be located in the gymnasium and available to meet with you. Please watch for more information on the scheduling of your conference with your child’s teacher.
Parent teacher conferences for Middle School Students will be held Friday, October 25th from 9:00am -3:00pm in the Great Room. Conferences will be conducted arena style. Parents of Middle School students are encouraged to attend conferences for their child(children). Specials will not be available on this date for conferences. Due to conferences, Middle School students will not have school on Friday, October 25th. School will be in session for students in grades PreK – 5.
Please note that Gideon Matchey our Band Director will be available for conferences on Thursday, October 24th in the school gymnasium. Please stop by for a visit if you would like to get more information on this great program.
Please note that Mrs. Kari Goeden, St. Joseph’s School Guidance Counselor, will be available to meet with any school parent on Tuesday, October 22 between 1:00-7:30 p.m. Please call (651-457-8550) or email kagoeden@stjosephwsp.org to set up an appointment.
Home & School - Fall Conference Dinner for Teachers
Thank you to our Home & School Association for providing dinner for our teachers during parent teacher conferences on October 22 nd & 24 th. They are asking for donations for these dinners. If you are interested in assisting, please click here. Thank you!
District 197 Child Nutrition
ISD 197 provides our school with the hot lunch program each school year. It is important that school families stay current on lunch account balances. You may deposit money directly into your child(s) lunch account by visiting www.MyPaymentsPlus.com . If you do not know your child(s) lunch ID, please email Lisa Wrobel liwrobel@stjosephwsp.org and she would be happy to help you. You may also send a check made payable to ISD 197 Child Nutrition to the St. Joseph’s School Office. Thank you!
Dress Code / General Appearance Information
We want to thank our St. Joseph’s School parents for helping your child(ren) come to school each and every day dressed in their school uniforms. We are working hard to help our students remember the school uniform and appearance policies and procedures. Teachers will begin sending reminders home next week for uniform/appearance infractions. This is not meant to be a negative reflection on your child(s) appearance, but rather a reminder that we must work hard to follow the school dress code. Attached you will find a copy of our Uniform Policy for your reference. Thank you for your continued support!
Respect Life Month
October is Respect Life Month. St. Joseph’s School will recognize the sanctity of life by participating in a special service project. Our school is having a Layette (baby item) Collection during this month. The collection will be Monday, October 21-Friday, October 25. Please consider donating Diapers- Newborn and Size One, Wipes, Baby wash and Shampoo, Socks-any size, Pacifiers, and Bottles to benefit and support the work of Wakota-a Guiding Star Center in West St. Paul.
St. Joseph’s School Open House – Friday, November 15
Our school will be hosting an Open House on Friday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for families to visit our school, learn about our mission, meet with faculty, hear about our school’s programs, and take a tour of our school. We encourage you to invite family friends, members of the parish, and anyone else who may be interested in learning more about our school. Our day will begin with Mass at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.
Pick up Procedures
When picking up students early from school due to appointments or athletics, for safety reasons students are to be picked in the front of the building. We do require that all students check out in the school office if they are leaving before regular dismissal (3:40pm). Thank you for your help in following this procedure.
The Weather is Changing
As fall weather is fast approaching, it is a good time to start sending your children to school with sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets. It can be very cool at the bus stops and on the playground. Please remember to label all of your child’s clothing so that it can be returned to them in the event that it is misplaced or lost while at school. The last day to wear shorts is October 31 st.
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 October.
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. “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”.
Are you or family members interested in sharing your time and talent with St. Joseph’s School? Please watch for opportunities to volunteer at our school in the Friday letter, through email blasts, and with Sign Up Genius.
Vision & Hearing Screenings
Vision and Hearing Screenings are scheduled for Wednesday, October 23 for students in grades 1, 3 and 5.
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.
The Weather is Changing
As fall weather is fast approaching, it is a good time to start sending your children to school with sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets. It can be very cool at the bus stops and on the playground. Please remember to label all of your child’s clothing so that it can be returned to them in the event that it is misplaced or lost while at school. The last day to wear shorts is October 31 st.
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.
St. Joseph’s School – Hospitality Weekend November 9th & 10th at St. Joseph’s Church
St. Joseph’s School will be hosting Hospitality Weekend on November 9 th & 10 th in the Great Room. We would love to have our school parents volunteer for this wonderful event at our Parish. Please click here to volunteer!
School Masses
School families, friends, and members of the parish are invited to join us in prayer by attending our next school Mass on Tuesday, October at 9:00 a.m. in the Church. Parents, grandparents, family members, and members of the parish are always welcome to attend our school Masses and prayer devotions during the school year.
Library Fundraising Opportunity
Trick-or Treat for our school library. Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth is having a contest for the school that brings in the most pounds of candy, she will donate $1,000 to our school library. Dr. Jennifer is then donating all of the candy to our troops. Please see the attached flyer for more details.
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.
Middle School Youth Nights
Middle School Youth Nights will be held every other week throughout the year! These nights will be held on the 1st and 3rd week of each month and will include fun, snacks, fellowship, and different types of prayer such as bible study, Adoration, and small groups. Please see the attachment for a full list of dates and times. If you have any questions, please contact Jake Debolt at jake.debolt@churchofstjoseph.org
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
Men’s Basketball
Attention all School Dads! Men’s basketball is resuming on Saturday, November 2. Basketball will be “every” Saturday morning from 7:30 – 9:00am in the School Gymnasium. This is open to men 16 years and older. If you would like more information please contact Tony Carnes at bigjetz@gmail.com. Supportive shoes encouraged and no commitment required!
Click here to link to the weekly St. Joseph’s Church Bulletin .
Important Links:
2019-2020 Raffle Information
Uniform Policy
Middle School Youth Nights
Out of Uniform Passes
October Look Ahead:
° 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
° Thursday, Oct. 31 – Halloween, Orange and Black Day
SAVE the Date . . .St. Joseph’s School Gala December 7, 2019
Everyone is invited to come celebrate and support the mission of St. Joseph’s School at this special evening of fellowship, food, fundraising, and entertainment. Please watch for more information!