Dear St. Joseph’s School Families,
Spring Break! We made it! We did it! We have reached another important point in the school year with our in person and remote learning. This is a wonderful accomplishment that has been achieved due to the commitment and support of our faculty, students, and families. Now it is time for a well deserved break for all of us! Please rest, relax, and enjoy a change of pace and time away from the school routines. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, April 6 as we return to school for the remainder of the year.
Today, we continued our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving by praying the Stations of the Cross and delivering a “mountain” of packages of diapers to Wakota Center in West St. Paul. We thank Church of St. Joseph’s Deacon Gregg Sroder for presiding and leading us in praying the stations. We thank our families and faculty for being so generous when participating in our Lenten service project.
In some calendar years, our Spring Break occurs during Holy Week. At our school Mass this week, Fr. Creagan reminded our students of the importance and beauty of the Easter season, the Resurrection of Jesus. Al_____ - oh that right it is not time to say that special word yet! Please see a schedule of Masses and services during Holy Week and the Easter Triduum at the Church of St. Joseph by clicking on the links.
Finally, Happy Easter from St. Joseph’s School! “Jesus is risen, he is risen indeed! We hope you and your family have a blessed Easter experiencing joy in the Resurrection.
No School - Spring Break
Spring Break 2021 is here! Everyone is looking forward to a break from the routines of school. St. Joseph’s School will be on Spring Break from Monday, March 29 through Monday, April 5. School will resume on Tuesday, April 6.
Travel Guidelines
School families and faculty are to observe the guidelines published by the Minnesota Department of Health(MDH) and take extra precautions while traveling and returning to home and school. While St. Joseph’s School does not have a quarantine requirement for travelers, we do ask families and faculty to monitor potential exposures and possible symptoms as they return to in person learning.
Uniform Policy
According to our uniform policy, students may begin wearing shorts on April 1 (April 6 this year due to Spring Break). Please use good judgment when deciding to wear shorts as we can still get some cold days in April. Remember that belts are to be worn with pants and shorts and socks must be visible above the top of shoes.
Back to School Re-Opening Plan- 3rd Trimester Review
St. Joseph’s School is committed to the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. As we begin Trimester 3 and approach the months of Spring, based on science and our school experiences, it is time to make some moderate adjustments to our school plan, protocols, and daily practices at our school. Please click here to review these daily practices.
COVID Testing
When any member of a household is being tested for COVID-19 due to an exposure, potential exposure, or with COVID symptoms, all family members at home should remain home from school until test results have been received. This simple mitigation greatly decreases any “close contact” exposure that could happen if a positive asymptomatic family member remains at school until those test results are known.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our school Nurse Amy Milosch ammilosch@stjosephwsp.org or Lisa Wrobel liwrobel@stjosephwsp.org.
Lenten Service Project - Diaper Drive for Wakota - WOW! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!Our Lenten service project - Diaper Drive titled; “No Child Wet Behind” for Wakota Center in West St.
Paul was a HUGE success! Thank you so very much for your generosity in supporting this wonderful organization. Wakota provides women, mothers and families compassionate, life affirming care and support.
Relevant Radio’s Fr. Rocky visits Fifth Grade Classes
During this Lenten season, St. Joseph’s School students and faculty have been daily viewing “40 Lenten Lessons on the Mass” from Fr. Francis Hoffman (aka Fr. Rocky), Executive Director of Relevant Radio. Fr. Rocky’s audio and video daily reflections focus on specific aspects of the Mass.
On Wednesday, March 24, in a unique opportunity, Fr. Rocky joined our fifth grade classes “live” via Zoom to meet and visit with our students and teachers. Fr. Rocky introduced himself sharing information about when he attended Catholic school. Our students asked him questions about some of the topics he covered in the Lenten Lessons on the Mass. Fr. Rocky also learned about many of the exciting learning activities (Seder Meal) and special projects (Diaper Drive for Wakota) happening at our school. Our students were so excited to meet and talk with him after viewing his Lenten Lessons.
Important Dates for the 2021-2022 School Year
As we are planning and preparing for the 2021-2022 School Year, we would like to share with you a some important dates to place in your phone or on your calendar. Additional calendar dates and a full calendar will be shared at a later date.
Monday, August 30: First day of school: Grades 1-6 (Kindergarten Assessments by appointment)
Tuesday, August 31: First day of school: Grades 7 & 8 (Kindergarten Assessments by appointment)
Wednesday, September 1: First day of school: Kindergarten
Friday, September 3: No school for students and faculty
Monday, September 6: Labor Day - No school for students and faculty
Monday, March 28 - Friday April 1: Spring Break
Friday, June 3: Last day of school for students (early dismissal)
CAA Scholarship Opportunity
John Hajlo was one of the founders of the CAA and became the CAA's first Athletic Director in 1948. Each year, the CAA awards six $500 scholarships, in his name, to current 6th or 7th graders to be used for tuition, at their grade school, for the following academic year. Please click here for the application. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, April 19, 2021. Award winners will be announced in early May. Completed application forms can be emailed to info@stpaulcaa.org or mailed to: Catholic Athletic Association - 2136 Ford Parkway #239 - St Paul, MN 55116
Middle School Journal
St. Joseph’s School has a very robust and enriching Middle School program. Each Trimester our Middle School Faculty publishes a copy of The Jaguar Journal that shares information about current events and curriculum. Please click here to read the latest version of the Jaguar Journal.
Thank you Home & School Team!
A Very Special THANK YOU to Betsy Joyce, Shannon Kroon, Hilary Lamusga, Anna Beery and our wonderful Home and School Team for the fun treats that you provided to our Faculty and Staff this week. We will keep popping!!! We appreciate your kind words and generosity.
Used Uniform Sale - Sunday March 21
Thank you to our wonderful Home and School Team for hosting the used uniform sale last Sunday. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide this service to our school families.
Restaurant Nights - Thank you!
Thank you to the many families who have participated in our Restaurant nights this school year, most recently Raising Canes! This has been a nice way to earn funds for our school during this unique school year. Thank you so much to Bri DeLeon and our Home and School Association for coordinating all of the great events!
School Masses - Friday, April 9
Upon returning to school, we will be in the Easter season. Our next school Masses will be on Friday, April 9, in the Church. Masses will be held; 9:00 a.m. for grades 4-8 and 10:00 a.m. for grades K-3.
Our remote learners and school families are invited to continue to watch the Mass live streamed on the Church of St. Joseph website; www.churchofstjoseph.
School Lunch Menus
April Lunch Menu
Mission
“St. Joseph’s Catholic School educates students through faith formation, academic excellence, and the development of virtue to be disciples of Christ.”
Thank you for your support
Upon returning from Spring Break and through the end of the school year, please continue to support your child’s efforts with their academics and school responsibilities. The faculty and I look forward to seeing our students use the gifts and talents that God has given them to do their best at school and at home. Thank you again for your continued support of St. Joseph’s School. We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner with you in providing for the faith formation and education of your children St. Joseph, pray for us! Go Jaguars!!
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.
First Communion Information and Update
No Rehearsal on April 6: Canceled - Please update your calendar.
Saturday, April 10 10:00am First Communion (Church)
8th Grade Confirmation Information
Tuesday, April 13 7:00-8:30pm Church: Confirmation Night of Reflection (Candidate, Parents, Sponsor)
Saturday, April 24 1:30-3:00pm St. Joseph’s Church: Confirmation
Sunday, April 25 11:00am Mass Church: Blessing/Send Forth for our confirmation students
Middle School Youth Group
Middle School Youth Group upcoming opportunities:
March/April Look Ahead: