Parent Letter 3/8/19

Dear Parents,
 
Today marks the end of the second trimester.  As we continue through the third trimester to the end of the school year, thank you for continuing 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.  We thank you for entrusting your children to us at school as we partner with you to help them grow in faith and knowledge.
 
Our second through eighth grade students and faculty continued their Lenten journey today by attending a Penance service and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We thank Fr. Wratkowski for leading our service as well as the visiting priests who were present to administer the sacrament.
 
Other Lenten activities for our students and faculty will include daily prayer, Stations of the Cross, Benediction and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Rosary, and attending Mass to celebrate the Eucharist.  In addition, special service learning activities will take place during these weeks leading up to Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.
 
Parents and families are welcome and encouraged to join our students and faculty in our preparation for Easter during the season of Lent.  A schedule of Lenten activities will be provided to our school families.  You are most welcome to come and pray with us!
 
I would like to share two quick stories with you in this letter which I could title: “Here’s what they are saying.”. 
 
First, on Wednesday (Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent) while outside of the school supervising and greeting students, I had the following conversation.  I greeted a student by saying, “Happy Lent!”  The student stopped, looked at me and replied in a rather sad tone of voice, “Happy Lent?  Lent is not happy, I have to give up sugar.”  In response to the student, I said, “O yes, but by giving up sugar, you are getting closer to Jesus.  To which the student replied, “Yes, that’s right, I am getting closer to Jesus!” and the student continued on his way to enter the school. 
 
Secondly, you may be aware that at this time of year, we have families calling and emailing to inquire about our preschool, elementary, and middle schools.  Christy Frost, our Marketing and Enrollment Coordinator, meets and talks with the families sharing information about our school.  Families do ask if their child can visit the school for a shadow day.  We are very happy to schedule opportunities for prospective students to visit our school.
 
Recently, a family had their child spend a day visiting our school.  Here is a message the family sent to Christy Frost following the visit.
 
“Dear Mrs. Frost,

We wanted to say thank you and express our sincere gratitude for your time earlier this morning. Thank you so much for the tour of your wonderful school. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with Principal Wesely. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Your school is something to be very proud of. Mr. Beaman is very special… you can tell he loves what he does. It appears that he so passionate and is in touch with each grade.

Our son enjoyed his day so much and could not stop talking about it the whole trip home. He liked Ms. Barry very much and had nothing but great things to say about the teachers and the students.

Once again, thank you for allowing him to have a wonderful day!”

I would like to personally invite you to attend the Middle School play, Annie Jr.  Our students, Mrs. Bowe, and many volunteers have been working extremely hard to get ready for the production.  Please come and support the dramatic talents of our students.
 
Trimesters / Report Cards
Today marked the end of 2 ^nd Trimester.  The beginning of the 3 ^rd Trimester is Monday, March 11.  Report cards for the 2 ^nd trimester will go home on Friday, March 15 ^th.   
 
Mass and Breakfast
On Wednesdays during Lent, St. Joseph’s School families are invited to attend the parish’s morning Mass at 7:30 a.m.  The dates are March 13, 20 & April 3, and 10.  After Mass, the students (parents may accompany their child/children) will go to the Great Room for supervision prior to school (8:05-8:30 a.m.).  For any family interested, a light breakfast will be available for students for a nominal charge ($2.00) payable each morning.  Students will be dismissed to their classrooms at 8:30 a.m. to begin their school day.  We look forward to praying together with members of the parish at morning Mass.
 
St. Joseph’s School Family Night – March 13 at Chipotle
Join us for our next school Family Night at Chipotle located at 1857 Robert Street in West St. Paul.  This special school event will be on March 13 between 4:00pm and 8:00pm.  Our school will receive 33% from the sales that evening.  We invite you to enjoy an evening out with your family and friends.  Yum!!!
We thank our Home and School Association for organizing this special event.
 
For Your Information
In follow up to the general information provided about the “Momo Challenge” in last week’s Friday Letter, we offer this information received from ISD 197.
 
A message from SCHOOL DISTRICT 197 - W. ST. PAUL-MENDOTA HTS-EAGAN
Dear District 197 Families,
As some of you may be aware, there has been media coverage regarding concerns about the "Momo Challenge." The challenge encourages children to contact a person named “Momo." When they do, "Momo" challenges them to complete a series of increasingly dangerous tasks.
 
While there are reports that the threat of the Momo Challenge may be overstated, we felt it important to make you aware of it. We encourage parents who are concerned to have intentional conversations with their children about what they encounter online.
 
We hope this information has been helpful to you as we partner and support each other in making sure our students are safe and well informed.
Sincerely,
District 197
 
Spring Sport’s Registration - Extended
Registration for spring sports (grades 5-8 – baseball, softball), (grade 5-8 – track) has been extended to March 15.  Spring sports include track, girls’ softball and boy’s baseball.  Again, this year is the addition of our 5 ^th graders to our Softball and Baseball teams.  We are excited and think this will be a great addition!
 
A spring sport’s registration form was sent home last week.  You may also find one on the website and attached to this letter.  If your child has played a fall or winter sport, we will only need the registration form.  Please do not send payment in with your Registration. All Spring Sports fees will be billed through TADS the month of April.  If this is the first sport being played this school year, please check the box on the registration form and the rest of the forms will be sent home. 
 
Spring Sports Registration has been extended to Friday March 15^th.  Sport’s participation fees are non-refundable. 
 
If you are interested in coaching a spring sport, please contact Mrs. VanDiver, Athletic Director, at 651-457-8550. 
 
Middle School Play – “Annie Jr.”
The Middle School musical “Annie Jr.” will be performed on Friday, March 15 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 16 at 1:00 pm in the school gym.  Middle school students and Mrs. Bowe are completing their final preparations for their performances.  Parent Volunteers are needed to help with this production.  Please CLICK HERE to volunteer! 
 
All students will have the opportunity to see the play during the week.  Ticket order forms are attached below or may be picked up in the school office.  Guests attending the performances may also pay at the door.  If you are not able to attend the play performances, we encourage you to consider purchasing a DVD of the performance, photographs, and “behind the scenes” interviews with the cast and crew.
 
We thank Mrs. Bowe, our middle school faculty, Karen Kilduff, Sally McNamara, school office staff and administration, and many parent volunteers for providing this special experience for our middle school students.
 
Donuts with Dads - Feast of St. Joseph Celebration – Tuesday, March 19 – Save the Date
The Feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of our parish and school, is Tuesday, March 19.  Dads and grandfathers are invited with their children and grandchildren to attend a “Donuts with Dads” celebration on Tuesday, March 19 between 7:45-8:25 a.m. in the Monsignor Foran Great Room.  Donuts, coffee, and juice will be served before school as we celebrate dads and grandfathers.  Dads and grandfathers are invited to remain for fellowship prior to attending the celebration of Mass at 9:00 a.m. in Church.  Please CLICK HERE to RSVP for this wonderful event!  We look for to seeing you!
 
Volunteers Needed for Donuts with Dads Event
St. Joseph School Moms - we need your help to serve donuts and coffee as well as do a little clean-up for our annual Donuts with Dad's event on Tuesday, March 19 ^th, 7:00am-9:00am.  This wonderful event is held in the Parish Great Room.  Please CLICK HERE to Volunteer!  Thank you for your help!
 
Grade 6 – Biography Fair
The 6 ^th graders will be hosting their annual Biography Fair on Friday, March 22 ^rd from 1:00-3:00 pm in the parish Great Room.  Sixth grade students have been working hard on their biography presentations. All parents are welcome to attend this special event. 
 
Spring Break -  No District Transportation or Food Service Friday March 22^th
St. Joseph’s School will have spring break March 25 ^th – March 29 ^th.  Students will return to school on Monday, April 1 ^st.  Please be advised due to a difference in calendar, St. Joe’s will be IN SESSION on Friday March 22 ^rd.  Please note there will be NO District Transportation or Food Service on this day.
 
St. Joe's STEM Fair – April 4, 2019
St. Joseph’s School is holding a STEM Fair on Thursday, April 4, 2019.  Students participating in the STEM Fair are working hard on their projects.  Winners of the St. Joe's STEM Fair will be able to compete in the CSCOE Big Bang STEM Fair on April 6, 2019.  Students, family, and friends are invited to visit the Fair.  Please watch for details coming soon.
 
CAA Scholarship Opportunity
Each year, the CAA awards six $500 scholarships to current 6th or 7th graders to be awarded at their grade school for the following academic year.   The deadline to submit applications is Saturday, April 20, 2019.  Award winners will be announced in early May.  The link to the application can be found on the CAA website, stpaulcaa.org.
 
Thank you St. Joe’s Moms!
As many of you know, your children’s school supplies start to run low this time of year.  Well, the teachers supply, also starts to run low.  A group of St. Joe’s moms redistributed the teacher wish list from the beginning of the year prior to an event they were hosting, asking their guests to bring a few of these items.  What a wonderful surprise to our teaching staff to receive a few fresh supplies in their mailboxes!  Thank you so much for thinking of our teachers! 
 
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. 
Volunteer for March Recess Duty:  CLICK HERE
Volunteer for April Recess Duty:  CLICK HERE
Volunteer for May/June Recess Duty:  CLICK HERE

School Mass – Friday, March 15
Please join us for our school Mass on Friday, March 15 at 9:00am in the church.  School families, friends, and members of the parish are always invited to pray with our students and faculty. 

Just a Reminder 
Please continue to review our Friday Letters, check your child’s Family Folder, our school website, Facebook, Twitter, and the St. Joseph parish bulletin to keep updated on all the exciting happenings at St. Joseph’s School. 
  
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. 
  
Upcoming Parish Events Include: 

All in God’s Plan 
St. Joseph’s will be hosting an All in God’s Plan Level 1 event for 10-12 years old girls and their mothers or significant adult female on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 2-4:30pm.   Space will be limited.  Please see the parish website for registration details. 
 
NET Night
All youth in grades 6 through 8 are invited to attend the next evening with the local NET Team!  The next NET Night will be Tuesday, March 12.  The topic will be “Lent”.  NET nights include pizza, games, small groups, and prayer. (As well as a gluten free pizza for those who need it).  Youth do not have to pay to attend these evenings, however families are asked to prayerfully consider donations of $5 or $10 to help cover the cost of the NET Team and food.  NET Nights run from 4 to 7:30 p.m., in the Great Room. Youth may come right after school; no registration necessary.
 
Catholic Watchmen Night – Tuesday, March 19
All men of the school and parish are invited to an evening of fellowship, spiritual reflection, and a great meal (Irish Beef and Guinness Stew) on the Feast of St. Joseph, Tuesday, March 19 beginning at 6:15 p.m. in the Great room of the Church.  Fr. Creagan will speak on “Words of Wisdom from St. Joseph the Silent.  Questions?  Contact Jeff Lentsch@aol.com
 
Extreme Faith Camp
Extreme Faith Camp is for all youth currently in grades 6-8,  July 8-12.  This will be held at Camp
Courage in Maple Lake MN.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.
 
SJY Summer Boston Mission Trip
All teens currently in grades 8-12 are invited to join us as we travel to Boston Catholic Heart Work Camp July 12-21.  Please see the attached flyer for more information. 
 
Please click on the link to the bulletin below for additional information and activities at the Church of St. Joseph.

Mission Statement 
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 supporting our mission and entrusting your children to our care each day.
 
Click here to link to the weekly St. Joseph’s Church Bulletin .
 
Important Links:
Annie Jr. Ticket Order Form
Annie Jr. DVD Order Form
Spring Sports Registration
Chipotle Family Fun Night
Northern Heat/CDH Volleyball Camp
SJY Extreme Faith Camp
SJY Boston Mission Trip
 
March Calendar Look Ahead:
Please consider joining us for some of the special events at our school.
 

• Monday, March 11- Trimester 3 Begins
• Tuesday, March 12 – MS NET Night, 4:00-7:30pm, Great Room
• Wednesday, March 13 – Chipotle Family Fun Night 4:00-8:00pm
• Friday, March 15 – Report cards sent home with students
• Friday, March 15 - MS Musical Annie Jr. 7:00pm, Gym
• Saturday, March 16 – MS Musical Annie Jr. 1:00pm, Gym
• Tuesday, March 19 – Donuts with Dads 7:45am, Mass 9am – Feast of St. Joseph
• Friday, March 22- School in Session No District Transportation or Food Service
• Friday, March 22- 6^th Grade Biography Fair, 1:00-3:00pm Great Room
• Monday, March 25 – Friday, March 29 – Spring Break, No School
• Monday, April 1 – Welcome Back – School in Session