Parent Letter 6/11/21

Dear St. Joseph’s School Families,             

The 2020-2021 school year at St. Joseph’s School has been very, very, very, hmmm you fill in the blank __________. Some words that come to my mind . . . Unique.  Unprecedented.  Challenging.  Successful.  When we began this school year, we planned for the expected and the unexpected.  

And today, looking back, we in our own ways, but even more so together, persevered!  We persevered!  At times throughout this school year, it was not easy, it was not predictable, it was not perfect .  However, throughout this school year, we were faithful in our desire to provide a safe learning environment for our students, families, and staff.  In this regard, we were successful!

I want to sincerely thank our school families and our faculty for every BIG and little thing you did to allow our school to provide quality faith formation and excellent academics in person and remotely.  The support you provided to the students in this “pandemic” school year was tremendous.  Thanks!

On Tuesday, June 1, our school celebrated our final Mass of the school year.  At this Mass, we were blessed to have our parents and family members attend and pray with us.  That was beautiful!  We are so happy you could attend.  In addition, Father Nate Wills, a St. Joseph’s School alum, who is a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross currently serving as the Director of ACE's Blended Learning Initiatives and is on the faculty of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program.  Welcome home Fr. Wills!  Thanks for celebrating the Mass with our students, faculty and school community.

In addition, at the end of Mass we recognized and thanked Fr. Wratkowski.  As you are aware, Father Wratkowski is leaving St. Joseph’s for a new priestly assignment in Medina at Holy Name of Jesus Church.  We thank Father for helping us grow in our Catholic faith through his ministry at the parish and our school.  Thank you for helping us know and love Jesus through prayer, scripture, the sacraments, visiting our classrooms, and playing soccer and four square with the students.

As you and your family begin a break from the school routines, I hope and pray that you have a wonderful summer.  We look forward to seeing you in the fall as we begin the 2021-2022 school year.

Finally, I want to thank you for persevering through a school year like no other!  By the grace of God, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and our willingness to trust and use the gifts and talents we were given, we were able to navigate this school year.  Four words; bless you, thank you!

Please click here for an important message from Bishop Cozzens and Dr. Jason Slattery.

Mission of St. Joseph’s School
“St. Joseph’s Catholic School educates students through faith formation, academic excellence, and the development of virtue to be disciples of Christ.”  

Parents, thank you for supporting the mission of our school and entrusting your children to our care each day.  St. Joseph, pray for us!

Congratulations St. Joseph’s Class of 2021
On June 2, we had the honor of recognizing our amazing eighth grade students as they graduated from our school.  A commencement Mass and Ceremony was held for St. Joseph’s Class of 2021.  Fr. Creagan and Fr. Wratkowski were the celebrants at the Mass and Fr. Wratkowski provided the homily.  

At the Commencement, Mr. Wesely welcomed everyone and provided a Principal Reflection for the students.  Fr. Creagan presented each student with their diploma as the students had completed their course of study for eighth grade.  Raul was the class speaker and did an amazing job of recalling several of the special moments (and adventures) of this class.

Congratulations to our eighth students on all of their accomplishments during their years at St. Joseph’s School.  We wish you well in high school!  Be awesome!  Forever Jaguars!!

Math Placement by eight grade students . . . 

Academic excellence is at the core of our work at St. Joseph’s.   We are thrilled to announce that 60% of our graduating eighth grade class has been placed into advanced math classes at their respective high schools.  Four of our students placed into Algebra II, which is the class generally taken by high school juniors.  Congratulations to those students and their hard work! 

Report Cards
Third trimester report cards have been mailed to our school families.  In addition, for grade 2-8 students, the NWEA MAP assessment Student Reports are included with the report card.  Upon receipt of this information, please contact the school office if you have any questions.  We congratulate and thank our students for doing their best and using the gifts and talents God has given while at school this year. 

Thank you Home & School Association and School Families!
We want to extend a very sincere thank you to our Home & School Association, Lead by Betsy Joyce and Hilary Lamusga.  This wonderful team made up of all of you created such heartfelt and fun videos for our teachers!  I can’t say thank you enough for this most thoughtful act of great kindness.  What a tremendous way to end the school year!  Go Jaguars!

St. Joseph’s School Summer Office Hours
As the summer months begin, please note that our school office hours may vary based upon any events and the schedules of the office staff and administration.  If you need anything, it is advised that you call the school office; 651-457-8550 or email Lisa; liwrobel@stjosephwsp.org.

Field Day - Go Jaguars!!
On the final day of school, our students in grades K-7 enjoyed participating in various field day activities.  During one activity, the students could continuously be heard saying, “We need more water please!”  Our specialist teachers did a tremendous job organizing and facilitating the games and engaging the students.  The return of the Ice Cream Truck was also a hit!  We thank the generous families who purchased the truck for our students during the St. Joseph’s Gala.  Field Day was a great way to end our school year!

St. Joseph’s School Faculty - Update
Mrs. Megan Nordgren, our school’s Technology Coordinator, has announced that she will not be returning to St. Joseph’s School next year.  She and her family have made the decision to move to Winona to be closer to and assist in providing care for her parents.  We thank Mrs. Nordgren for her tremendous efforts supporting our extensive growth in technology during the past two years.  It is a tremendous success story!  Thank you Mrs. Nordgren and best wishes!

CSCOE Middle School Task Force
The Catholic School Center of Excellence (CSCOE) is bringing Middle School teachers and principals together this summer as a Task Force to meet to discuss re-imagining middle schools in our Catholic Schools.  Mrs. Bruce, Ms. Roettger, Ms. Wratkowski(new middle school Science/STEM teacher) are members of the teacher Task Force.  Mr. Wesely is a member of the Principal Task Force.  The Task Force meetings will take place during June.  We look forward to collaborating with other teachers and principals from the Archdiocese discussing programs to meet the needs of middle school students.

School Endowment
Recently, it was announced that Fr. Peter Wittman left a significant gift for the St. Joseph’s School Endowment.   Inspired by this generosity and the value of Catholic education, somebody else within our community quietly stepped forward and offered a challenge gift, where they will match the first $100,000 of additional gifts made to the endowment!  This is a tremendous gift and opportunity for our school that will benefit students for generations to come.

Please prayerfully consider how you might be called to support this important initiative and the Endowment.  Online giving for this initiative is available on the school's website.  Thank you!

2021-2022 School Registration - Help us make our mission happen and grOW our school!
The enrollment of new families and students continues during the summer.  Please assist us in growing our school enrollment by sharing information about our school with neighbors, parish families, business colleagues, at the park, baseball or soccer fields, at the swimming pool, or while in your favorite store.  You are also encouraged to invite families to visit our school website to view information about our school programs or read our Friday Letters posted under the Parent Tab.   

Just a reminder, for the 2021-2022 school year, a $250 Referral Credit is available to current school families for each new family they refer who registers for and attends our school next year.  Thank you for your assistance!  Prospective families can contact our school office; 651-457-8550 or email Lindsay Mayernik, Enrollment Coordinator at limayernik@stjosephwsp.org for information.

Summer Parish Maintenance Projects
The summer of 2021 will be a very busy one at the Church of St. Joseph and St. Joseph’s School.  Several projects have been scheduled to be completed during the summer months.  The current projects include;

+ the City of West St. Paul completed some modest asphalt repair on Seminole.

+ the St. Paul Regional Water Services will be replacing the water main along Seminole from Orme to Butler. 

+ replace some walkways and boulevards along Seminole Ave. and leading up to the school and the west parking lot.

This work is significant and is scheduled to be completed by July 16. 

2021-2022 Fall Athletics at St. Joe’s
We have received confirmation that the Catholic Athletic Association (CAA) will be having a full sports season for next school year.  We look forward to the opportunity for our students in grades 5-8 to participate in athletics beginning next fall.  Please watch for more information early this summer from our school office with opportunities to participate and register for sports.  In addition, parents, we request your assistance - please watch for coaching opportunities. 

St. Joseph’s Gala - Save the Date!
St. Joseph’s Gala returns in person on Saturday, December 4th, 2021!  Please watch for more information coming out later this summer on how you can be part of this amazing event! 
View our Save the Date!

Thank you!
A huge thank you to our local green thumb, Mrs. Cheryl Weimer!  She has been working hard to make our garden area out front around our St. Joseph Statue ready for summer.  It looks beautiful!

Home and School Association Information for 2021-2022
We would like to thank our wonderful Home and School Association, leadership, grade reps and the wonderful parents who make up this dedicated group!  We very much look forward to welcoming parent volunteers back into our school in the upcoming school year!  

As we prepare for the next school year, there are a few grade rep positions still available. If you are interested in learning more please contact Betsy Joyce at betsybjoyce@gmail.com.

Openings: 

• President or Vice President
• 6th grade -  1 rep
• 7th grade - 2 reps
• 8th grade - 1 rep

2021-2022 St. Joseph’s School Calendar 
As we plan and prepare for the 2021-2022 school year, please make note of some important calendar dates to place in your phone or on your calendar.  Additional calendar dates and a full calendar will be shared at a later date.

Important Dates for K- 8
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)

Important Dates for Preschool
Tuesday, August 31:  Preschool Welcome and Orientation – Terrific 3s  A.M. 
Wednesday, September 1:   Preschool Welcome and Orientation – PK4s  A.M.
Thursday, September 2: .  Preschool Welcome and Orientation PK4/5s  P.M.
Friday, September 3:  No school for students and faculty
Monday, September 6:  Labor Day - No school for students and faculty
Tuesday, September 7:  Terrific 3s First Day of School - A.M. &  PK 4/5s First Day of School - P.M.                                      
Wednesday, September 8: PK 4s First Day of School - A.M.
Monday, March 28 - Friday April 1:  Spring Break
Thursday, May 19 - Terrific 3s Last Day of School
Thursday, May 19 - PreK 4/5s Last Day of School
Friday, May 20 - PreK 4s Last Day of 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.

St. Joseph Church Bulletin