Parent Letter 4/26/19

Dear Parents,
 
Happy Easter from St. Joseph’s School!  “Jesus is risen, he is risen indeed!  Alleluia! Alleluia!”
 
We hope you and your family had a blessed Easter and experienced joy in the Resurrection.  Easter is not just one day, it is a whole season lasting for fifty days.  The Easter season will last until Pentecost.  During Easter time, we celebrate Jesus again with light.  The paschal candle, the giant candle that is lit during this season whenever we celebrate in the church, shows that Jesus lives.  His light was not put out with death be shines more brightly now because of his Resurrection.  Jesus, light of the world, thank you for loving us!
 
A number of special events took place at our school this week. We would like to thank all of the faculty, staff, and volunteers who were involved in the organization and “behind the scenes” of these events and celebrations.  Congratulations to all of our students on their accomplishments!
 
In case you missed them, here is a recap;
Our second through eighth grade students began completing the MAP (Monitoring Academic Progress) assessments.  The students will complete their assessments in Reading and Math over the next two weeks.  Information about the MAP assessments and your child’s progress will be provided to parents upon completion of the assessments.
 
On Tuesday, Christy Frost and Principal Wesely welcomed area realtors to our school for and Open House.  We thank the realtors who were able to attend and learn more about our school.  They were very impressed and expressed their interest in sharing our school’s story and information with their clients.
This is one of several strategies that we are using to promote our school and strive for continued enrollment growth.
 
Our annual Night of the Arts was held on April 25.   The night began with a “Picnic in the Park” (Great Room really).  Many families enjoyed a picnic meal prepared by several St. Joseph’s School dads.  Yum!  This event featured displays of projects incorporating art, music, and literacy created by our kindergarten- eighth grade students.  We had a tremendous evening celebrating learning and the arts. We thank Mr. Beaman for organizing this event and sharing his passion for art with our students.  We also thank our faculty for their assistance in preparing for the event.
 
In addition, our third, fourth, and fifth grade students, under the direction of Mrs. Bowe and with the assistance of Professora Tulia, did a wonderful job at their Spring Concert.  The program, “Positively Spring”, allowed our students to share their gifts of song and dance with everyone.  The concert included a number of songs incorporating the character strengths our students have been introduced to through the Positively Project.  It also included each grade level singing a song in Spanish.  Mucho Bueno!
 
We would like to thank you for attending the special events that make up Night of the Arts.  It is a privilege for us to provide these experiences for our students and school community.  These are just some of the events and celebrations that make St. Joe’s a very special school where children can learn, grow and experience success.  Thank you for your support!
 
First Holy Communion
Please keep our second grade students in your prayers as they will receive their First Holy Communion tomorrow at the 10:00am.  A special thank you is extended to Mrs. Taplin, Mrs. Fallon, Fr. Creagan, Fr. Wratkowski and the Church of St. Joseph Faith Formation Staff for assisting our students in preparing for this beautiful sacrament.  Our second grade students will be recognized for receiving their first communion at our school Mass on Thursday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m.
 
Progress Reports
Progress Reports for students in grades 4-8 were mailed home today.  Upon receipt of your child’s Progress Report, please contact your child’s teacher(s) if you have questions or need additional information.  Thank you for encouraging your child to continue to come to school ready to learn and use the gifts and talents God has given them to do their best work and make appropriate behavior choices.
 
Administrative Professionals Day
This past Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day.  We want to thank Lisa Wrobel and Jennifer Delmont for taking such good care of all of us each and every day.  Their professionalism, understanding, organization, and smile (to name a few) are greatly appreciated by all of us.  Thank you, Lisa and Jennifer for your service to our school community.
 
No School Friday, May 3
Just a reminder, there will be no school for our students on Friday, May 3.  This is an in-service day for our faculty.  Enjoy your long weekend.  School
 
Jaguar Playground and Greenspace
It has been very exciting to talk with our students about our plans to build a new play structure and enhance the green space on our school campus.  Information about this important project for our school is included on our school website.  Click here to view this exciting information!
 
Please prayerfully discern how you may be able to financially support this project allowing for work to begin in June and the project to be completed in August prior to the beginning of the new school year.  All gifts are important and will assist us in reaching our goal of $200,000 for the project.  Thank you for your generosity!  Please contact Mr. Wesely and/or Mrs. VanDiver if you have any questions or would like additional information on the project.
 
Standardized Testing
Students in grades 2-8 will be taking the NWEA’s MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) April 23-May 10.  Our students will be assessed in the areas of reading and mathematics in our technology lab.  We thank Mrs. Budge and our classroom teachers for facilitating these assessments for our students.
We ask that your children come to school well rested and having had a good breakfast so they are ready to do their best work on these assessments.  In addition, please have your children arrive at school on time to begin their day at 8:40 a.m.
 
Uniform Policy
As we continue through the remainder of the school year, please make note and remind your children of the following uniform expectations.  Belts are to be worn with pants and shorts.  Socks must be visible above the top of shoes.  Shirts are to be tucked into pants and skirts.  Girls’ skirt lengths should be no more than four inches above the crease(bend) behind the knee.  Students should also only be wearing St. Joseph’s sweaters, pull overs, and/or sweatshirts during school.  Thank you for complying with our school uniform policy.
 
School Mass – Thursday, May 2
Please join us for our school Mass on Thursday, May 2 at 9:00am in the church.  Our second grade students will wear their First Communion dresses and attire, be recognized, and receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time at a school Mass.  School families, friends, and members of the parish are always invited to pray with our students and faculty. 
 
St. Joseph’s Journal – Spring 2019
The Spring 2019 issue of the St. Joseph’s School Journal is coming home with students today.  Special thanks are extended to Christy Frost, Enrollment and Marketing Coordinator, for producing this issue of the Journal.  In addition, look for an opportunity to support carrying out our mission and make Catholic education at St. Joseph’s School affordable for all families by becoming a Guardian Angel.  Visit www.stjosephwsp.org/give today!
 
Grandparents and Special Friends Day Thursday, May 2
Invitations are being sent out for our Grandparent Day on Thursday, May 2nd.  If you haven't already provided us with the contact information for your grandparent(s) or special friends, please do so by following this link:  https://www.stjosephwsp.org/grandparents-day.  We look forward to welcoming our Grandparents and Special Friends to Mass, a visit to their grandchildren’s classrooms, and for fellowship and refreshments in the parish’s Great Room.
 
2019-2020 Important School Calendar Dates
As we work to complete the 2019-2020 School Calendar, we would like to share a few of the important dates with you.  The final calendar will be sent out shortly.

• September 3:1^st Day of School Grades 1 – 6
• September 4:1^st Day of School Grades 7 – 8
• September 5:1^st Day of School Kindergarten
• December 23 - January 1:Christmas Break
• October 16-18:MEA No School
• March 30- April 3:Spring Break
• April 10-13:Easter Break
• June 4:Last Day of School

Yearbook Presale Flyers
Yearbook order forms are due back by May 2.  We base our yearbook order on presale numbers.  You may use the payment envelope with checks made out to St. Joseph’s School.  
 
Cub Scout Spring Recruitment and Pancake Breakfast
Cub Scout Pack 198 is accepting new Scouts to enjoy our Summertime activities.  Activities will include Summer Camp, hiking, model rocket build and launch, kite building and flying.  Boys and girls (K thru 4 grade) are eligible to join.  For more information please stop by the Cub Scout Pancake Breakfast on April 28.  Or email Paul Elskamp at pelskamp@msn.com.
 
Muffins with Mom (and Grandmas) – Celebrate Moms!
Moms and grandmas are invited with their children and grandchildren to attend a “Muffins with Moms” event.  This special event and recognition will be held on Friday, May 10 from 7:45-8:30 a.m. in the Great Room.  Muffins, coffee, and juice will be served before school as we celebrate moms and grandmothers.
 
At 8:30 a.m., when our students leave for their classrooms, moms and grandmas are invited to remain in the Great Room for fellowship.  Mass, including a May Crowning Ceremony, will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.  Please CLICK HERE to RSVP.  We look forward to celebrating and praying with the moms and grandmothers.
 
Dads, we request your assistance in helping with this special event.  We need dads to help between 7:15 – 9:15 a.m. for set up and clean up for the event.  Please contact the school office or email Lisa Wrobel; liwrobel@stjosephwsp.org if you are available to volunteer.
 
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 April Recess Duty:  CLICK HERE
Volunteer for May/June Recess Duty:  CLICK HERE
 
Swim Team Party
St. Joseph’s swim and dive team will be having their end of the year party on April 29 from 3:40-4:30 in the Great Room. 
 
Teachable Safety Skills – Jacob Wetterling Resource Center
St. Joseph’s School has teamed up with the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center to host a free class for parents on Teachable Safety Skills.  This event will be on May 7 from 6:30-8:00pm in the Great Room.  A flyer with information about this class is in your child’s Friday Folder.
 
Library Volunteer Opportunities
Our St. Joseph’s School Library is looking for parent volunteers for the upcoming school year.  If you would like more information about volunteering in the library please send an email to library@stjosephwsp.org.  Thank you!

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 and Information Include:                                                      
Please click on the link to the bulletin below for additional information and activities at the Church of St. Joseph.
 
Divine Mercy Sunday
A special observance in honor of the Feast of Divine Mercy will be held at the Church of St. Peter in Mendota, Sunday, April 28.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.
 
Archdiocesan Family Rosary Procession – Sunday May 5th
Archbishop Hebda will lead our families down John Ireland Blvd in the 72 ^nd Annual Family Rosary Procession from the State Capital to our Cathedral.  Gather at the State Capital at 1:30pm, the Procession Begins at 2:00pm. 

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:
Divine Mercy Sunday
Cub Scout Pancake Breakfast
CDH Soccer Camp
 
April/May Calendar Look Ahead:
Please consider joining us for some of the special events at our school.

• Saturday, April 27 – 1^st Eucharist 10:00am Church
• Sunday, April 28 – Divine Mercy Sunday, Church of St. Peter, Mendota Heights
• Thursday, May 2 – Mass 9am, Grandparents Day, First Communicants recognized at 9am Mass
• Friday, May 3 – No School, Professional Development
• Sunday, May 5 – 8^th Grade Confirmation Interviews 3:30pm-6:00pm Great Room
• Monday, May 6 – 8^th Grade Confirmation Night of Reflection 7-8:30pm Great Room
• Friday, May 10 – Muffins with Moms 7:45am Great Room Mass 9am, 1st Grade Mothers Day Program 2-3:30pm Great Room
• Thursday, May 16 – Spring Band and Choir Concert 7pm Gymnasium
• Monday, May 20 – 8^th Grade Confirmation 7:00pm St. Paul Cathedral
• Wednesday, May 22- 8^th Grade Confirmation Celebration 7-8:30pm Great Room
• Thursday, May 23 – Preschool Spring Program 3’s 10am; 4/5’s 2pm Great Room
• Friday, May 24 – Mass 9am,  Preschool Spring Program 4’s 10am Great Room
• Monday, May 27 – No School Memorial Day
• Tuesday, May 28 – School Resumes
• Tuesday, June 4 – 8^th Grade Commencement 6:30pm Church – Reception to follow
• Wednesday, June 5 – Fitness Fun Day
• Thursday, June 6- Mass 9am, Last Day of School – 12:45 Dismissal – NO District Transportation or Lunch Service