An Easter Prayer

May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year,

bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear.

And may Christ, Our Risen Savior, always be there by your side

to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide.

AMEN.

Some of the highlights during the month of March are listed below:

Looking Ahead:  

Introducing our New Music Teacher

We are happy to announce that we have hired a K-8 Music Teacher, Mr. Brad Cressley . Music class will now be on Fridays. Mr. Cressley started playing the clarinet while in 4th grade and his love of music continued to grow ever since then. He studied clarinet and saxophone with Melvin Hill, Ken Leffler, Paul R, Smith, Jack Reichard and Robert Balliett. He played with Lehighton School District bands and was also active in choruses while in school. Outside of school, he was a member of the Lehighton Boys and Girls band as well as the Lehighton Band for many years.

Cressley is a graduate of Lehighton Area High School and graduated from Penn State University in 1988 with a bachelor of science degree in Biology with an emphasis on human physiology.

He is currently the owner of Carbon County Music and More in Lehighton where he teaches instrumental lessons on clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion. He is also the director of music at Zion UCC in Lehighton and teaches general music at Saint John Neumann Regional School in Palmerton and Slatington. He is the current director of the Lehighton Band and Director of Zion Opera Workshop (Carbon County’s oldest running theater group).

Each year he directs a large ecumenical Christmas cantata with nearly 100 members. He plays with the Palmerton Band and in the pit band of Lehighton High School productions.  

His philosophy on teaching is keeping music fun while presenting a "big picture" education of music not just limited to the instrument or song being taught. 

Brad is married to Beth (Smith) Cressley, a 4th grade teacher in the Lehighton School District and has two children, Laura and Brandon.     

Join us as we welcome Mr. Cressley to the SJRS Family!

Christian of the Month 

The Christian of the Month Award recognizes students who display good character on a consistent basis and serve as student role models throughout the month. Students are nominated by their teachers based on the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Students chosen to receive this award will be acknowledged for their accomplishment in the monthly newsletter. Students will receive a dress down pass, Christian of the Month Certificate and a Burger King Certificate. Listed below are the students that have been chosen as

Christian of the Month for March in each homeroom. CONGRATULATIONS!

Luke Walser has been chosen Christian of the Month for Kindergarten Blue. Luke is a very friendly, outgoing child. He always comes into school with a smile and a cheerful attitude. He is respectful to his teachers and enjoys playing with the other children in the class. Luke is a hard worker and participates in all class activities. At home, Luke enjoys golfing with Poppy, fishing and time spent outdoors. He likes being with his friends and family, always displaying an enthusiastic outlook. Congratulations, Luke!

The Christian of the Month for Kindergarten Gold, is Arianna LoDuca . Arianna is a very kind and quite student. She is very helpful and is a hard worker. Arianna loves to color and is a big help to her mom at home. She likes to help her mom cook and clean. Congratulations, Arianna!

Levi McCullion , Grade 1, has earned the Christian of the Month Award. Levi actively participates in class and always puts forth effort. Levi is always respectful. He is always ready to help everyone. At home, Levi loves his new puppy, Dutchess, enjoys crafting, going to the beach, putting together Legos and Disney World with his family and loves to collect nutcrackers. Levi loves being outdoors, helping with yard work, riding his 4-wheeler, doing stunts on his trampoline, nature walks in the woods and roller blading. He is also an avid train collector, as he has a Lionel Train display, and loves showing it to all his family and friends when they visit. He enjoys going to train meets to see what kind of trains/display he can find to add to his collection. He also loves playing soccer. He is looking forward to becoming an altar server at church. Levi is very kind and caring to all his family and friends. He comes across very shy, until he knows you.

Grady Shellhamer is second grade's Christian of the Month. Grady is a respectful and responsible student. He likes math and has beautiful cursive handwriting. He is also willing to help others when they are in need.  He is a member of Tamaqua Troop #0777, and, for the last year, has been playing in the Tamaqua Biddy Basketball League. He is also a member of the Lansford Little League for the past three years. Grady plays the drums and is a member of the St. Joseph's Children Choir for the past two years. Grady loves the outdoors. He especially likes going for hikes and riding his bike. Grady is a great big brother and role model to his younger siblings Nina and Neri. He also is a huge Pokémon collector. Grady likes to learn new things, especially history, about our earth, and how to solve problems. He is loving and compassionate and is always making his mom proud.

Third grade Christian of the Month is Steven Richardson . Steven is a caring and responsible student who likes to help out a lot in the classroom. He is an altar server for St. John XIII Parish. He has been a Boy Scout for the past 5 years. He plays baseball for Tamaqua Little League. He has played the positions of pitcher, third base and outfield. In his free time he enjoys building things with his Legos, bowling and reading.

The 4th grade Christian of the Month for March is Brieanna Hernandez . Brieanna is a good worker and tries her best. She is always willing to help others whenever they need it. She is kind and respectful to both her classmates and teachers. Brieanna is always polite and speaks kindly to and about her classmates. She even got recognition on the bus for being sweet. Brieanna also loves to sing and loves animals.

Connor Rehnert is fifth grade's Christian of the Month. Connor is a hardworking student and is always kind and considerate to others. Connor often asks if he can help in the classroom. Outside of school Connor is busy with many activities. He is in Boy Scouts Weblos II rank and recently took 4th place in the Pinewood Derby. Connor is active with St. Joseph of the Panther Valley parish community; he is an altar server and attends COAL Youth Ministry. Connor enjoys participating on sports teams. He swims for the Tamaqua Blue Waves and qualified to swim at league championships in 5 events. He played basketball for St. John XXIII and will play for Marian Lil Colts Arena team. Connor is a wonderful brother to his sister Cara, who is in second grade, Colin a sophomore and Corey a freshman, both at Marian. Congratulations, Connor!

Alex Porambo has been selected as the 6th Grade Christian of the Month. Alex is kind and respectful to his teachers, friends, and peers. He is a good student and has maintained First Honors at SJRS. Alex has been a scout since first grade. He is currently working on his First Aid Merit Badge and looks forward to camp in the summer at Hawk Mountain. He is an altar server for Saint John XXXIII Parish. Alex won first place for the McAdoo Lions Club Peace Poster Contest and has placed first in CYO Bowling the past 2 years. In his free time, he enjoys robotics and drawing. Congratulations, Alex!

Hailey Watkins has been selected as 7th Grade Christian of the Month. Hailey is a conscientious, hardworking student who has attained First Honors in the first two trimesters of this school year. She is kind and respectful to her teachers, friends and peers. As a member of Student Council, Hailey serves as the Seventh Grade Representative, and she is also a Student Ambassador. Outside of school, Hailey likes to play the piano and has been a member of the Faberge Follies for nine years. Congratulations, Hailey!



Daniel Stein has been chosen as the eighth grade Christian of the Month. Daniel is a very kind, respectful, and helpful student with a great sense of humor. He resides in Tamaqua and is a member of Zion Evangelical Church. Daniel is involved in community service in Tamaqua. He is a junior firefighter with the South Ward Fire Company and enjoys attending weekly trainings. He also volunteers at the Tamaqua Historical Society , working at the desk and giving tours of the museum. Daniel is looking forward to attending Marian High School next year. Congratulations, Daniel! 

2nd Trimester Honor Roll 2017-2018

First Honors-5 ^th Grade

Alexandra Feller

Connor Rehnert

Second Honors-5 ^th Grade

Nina Day

Nora Snyder

Distinguished Honors-6 ^th Grade

Brady Bobrowski 

Abigail Kluck

Julia Meiss

 

First Honors-6 ^th Grade

Isabella Boyer

Jakob Mummey

Anthony Odorizzi

Albin Petschauer

Alex Porambo

Luke Sterns

Second Honors-6 ^th Grade

MacKenna Jacobs

Aleck Jewells

Madison Miller

First Honors-7 ^th Grade                

Alexander Homyack            

Blaise Mullen                

Hailey Watkins

 

Second Honors-7 ^th Grade         

Hunter Gallagher

John Mauna

Matthew Zakrewsky

        

Second Honors-8 ^th Grade                 

Bryan Cervasio

Matthew Holloman

IHM Math Contest 

Grade 7 and 8 students participated in the Preliminary Testing of the IHM Math Contest on February 21. This online test is taken by thousands of students across the United States. The top 100 students in each grade then compete in the finals of the contest. Our school winners are:

Grade 8:

1st place Matthew Holloman and Paris Sevinsky

2nd place Daniel Stein

3rd place Jay Burton and Chloe Hiles

Grade 7: 1st place John Mauna

2nd place Hunter Gallagher

3rd place Hailey Watkins

Congratulation to all our students!

Congratulations

Blaise Mullen , Grade 7, won third place in the Pottsville Republican Newspaper in Education Week writing contest. The topic for the contest was Profile in Courage. This essay was to be about an individual who exemplifies the quality of courage. Blaise wrote about Sergeant Noah Galloway who was severely injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

6th Grade student, Alex Pormabo's , entry in the Organ Donor Awareness Poster Contest has been selected as one of three finalists. Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded at a ceremony to be held at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem on Thursday, April 19th. Good Luck, Alex!

Four of our students have been selected for the Bishop’s Scholar Society 8 ^th grade scholarships. Letters have been sent to all recipients, and they were also invited to the Awards Ceremony on April 28th at Bethlehem Catholic High School, where they will be honored. Congratulations!

Bryan Cervasio

Chloe Hiles

Matthew Holloman

Anthony Soberick

2017-2018 Read-a-Thon Results

There were 126 participants in this year’s Read-a-Thon, which raised a total of $2,906.00.

FIRST GRADE raised the most money with total of $700.00. Their class will receive a pizza party and a dress down pass. 

Below is the list of student winners in each grade and the prize they received.

2018 Incentives/Prizes for the top reader in each grade:

The top reader in each class won: a dress down pass, SJRS water bottle and a $10 Scholastic Book Fair Gift Certificate to be used at the Scholastic Book Fair in April 2018.

KBLUE- TANNER ZUKOVICH

KGOLD- AVION GRAHAM-CRUZ

1 ^ST - CONNOR MONTGOMERY

2 ^ND - NICK POLAKOVIC

3 ^RD - GABBY OSENBACH

4 ^TH - MAKAYLA WHITTAKER

5 ^TH - NINA DAY

6 ^TH - JULIA MEISS

7 ^TH - ALEX HOMYACK

8 ^TH - MATTHEW HOLLOMAN

There was also a special drawing for the top readers in each class. The prize awarded is a Kindle Fire 8HD (Alexa access included).

ALEX HOMYACK , GRADE 7 is the winner

 

2018 Incentives/Prizes for the most money raised:

1 ^st Prize (an Ipad) – NORA NOTHSTEIN , GRADE 1

2 ^nd Prize (Kindle Fire 8HD -Alexa access included) – JAMES GELATKO , GRADE 3

3 ^rd Prize ($25 Scholastic Book Fair Gift Cert. to be used at the Book Fair)- AMELIA DEGLER , GRADE 2

                                                                                                                        

All Read a Thon prizes were donated through the generosity of SJRS friends and family

Thank you to the following families for donating all of the prizes for the winners this year:

Calabrese Family

Gelatko Family

Jones Family

Krajcirik Family

McConnon Family

Meiss Family

Polakovic Family

Strauss Family

Upanavage Family

Zeiler Family

Thank you to the Home and School Association for helping with the Read-a-Thon.

April Missions Project - Our mission project for April will benefit two of our SJRS families who are battling illnesses. On April 12th we will have a Dress Down Day for a donation of $1.00 or more. The money collected will help the families with travel expenses and some medical needs. Thank you for your generosity!

G ift Certificates and Scrip Certificates

These are great ways to help with tuition costs. If you have any questions please call the office. Many people are saving hundreds of dollars in tuition by purchasing certificates. Certificates are sold from the school office daily during school hours and scrip orders are taken on Tuesdays. On-hand certificates: Boyer's and Redner's, $100 and $25 denominations. 

 

Tuition            

Monthly tuition payments are essential to pay the operating costs of SJRS. The school has monthly bills that must be paid and overdue tuition payments create a hardship on the school budget. Please keep up-to-date with tuition payments using the FACTS tuition management system. Thank you for understanding the importance of your tuition commitment and up-to-date payments.

EITC and OSTC Family Income Information for 2018-2019 School Year

The income limits for both EITC and OSTC are set. Both EITC & OSTC eligibility requirements are based upon the number of dependents within a household and NOT household size.  

Household Income = $77,648

Additional Income Allowance = $15,530 

·        Family of 2 (1 working parent + 1 child) is eligible with a household income of $93,178

·        Family of 3 (2 working parents + 1 child) is eligible with a household income of $93,178

·        Family of 4 (2 working parents + 2 children) is eligible with a household income of $108,708 

 

Financial Aid Applications must be submitted through FACTS by May 31st. 

2018-2019 Payment Plans

Thank you to everyone who has already re-registered for next year! Updated tuition information packets were sent home in the previous communication envelopes and has also been uploaded to our website here . Please be sure to read over the packet as there were some changes from last year. For 2018-2019 we will be offering the following payment plans for K-8th grade: 

Full Payment (4% Discount)

Bi-yearly Payment (2% Discount)

12 Month Payment Plan

10 Month Payment Plan



***PLEASE NOTE*** :  Your current plan will be reselected for next year unless otherwise specified. If you wish to change your payment plan for the 2017-2018 school please contact Ms. Smarr via email ( [email protected] ) by April 30th . Thank you! 

        

Tuition Chance

This year we will again sell tuition chances to help you win money toward your tuition bill. The chances are $1 each and paper slips are in the family envelope. If you want to purchase the chance, fill out the slip and enclose money in an envelope marked tuition chance. This is not a fundraiser. All money collected will be awarded to the winning student’s tuition account. If your tuition is fully paid, credit will be applied to next year’s bill. 

The winner for February is  Larry Ader in 4th grade.   The amount of tuition credit is $76. Thank you to all who took chances. Next month’s drawing will be on April 23rd.  

Annual Appeal

We are only $8,400 away from our goal!   

-Thank you to everyone who has donated this year: we are grateful for all your support!

 -To learn more about our annual fund or to donate, please visit our website: 

 

http://www.sjrschool.com/support.html

HSA Message

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 6:30 p.m. is our last meeting of the year. Please join us! We would like to thank our supporting Pastors (Father Hoffa, Father Frink, Father Whalen and Monsignor Baker), our Principal, Mrs. Miskar, all of the Parents, Teachers, and Staff for all the hard work and dedication throughout the school year. Together we have made our fundraisers a great success. The children enjoyed the many activities we were able to provide.

Have a great summer! We are looking forward to a great new 2018-2019 school year.

Volunteer Requirements

Please see the updated safe environment Checklist for Volunteers as of February 2018 .  Parents wishing to join their children on field trips will need to get their clearances as soon as possible.  If we don't have it on file in the school office , we cannot include it in your list of completed clearances. Thank you.

SJRS SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATE

***Please note the changes in the School Calendar due to snow days ***

The UPDATED SJRS 2017-2018 Yearly Calendar is located on the website  here



Notifications were also sent out via, text, voice, & email using OptionC. Notification was also posted to the SJRS Facebook Page and distributed in the communication folders.   If you have any questions regarding your Option C account, please call the school office.

The 2018-2019 SJRS Yearly Calendar is located on the website here . 

Little Lions Preschool Update:

April

Religion: We will continue to talk about the Resurrection and New Life. We will talk about ways we can experience God’s Love through our Senses.

Letters: 4s: J & E are the last 2 letters that need to be introduced. We will continue to work on identifying the letters and the sounds they make.  

Letters 3s: We will present W, X Y & Z

The theme will be the “World around Us”  

We will differentiate between living and nonliving things.

We will talk about weather, animals & insects.

We will introduce Geography.

REMINDERS: 

Know that we thank God for you and your continued cooperation and support of Catholic education. The faculty, staff and administration ask for your continued prayers, support, cooperation and dedication to Catholic education.  We are so blessed by your support that allows for the faith formation and academic growth of our students.    If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the school office at 570-668-2757. We will be happy to help you! Thank you for being part of the SJRS Family! Thank you for all the sacrifices you make to send your child to this school! In order to save time and money, we will continue to use email to communicate with you. If you have an email address, please check it and look for our messages. If you are not receiving our e-newsletters, please send a note to the office to be added to the email list. 

God bless you and your families,

Mrs. Amy M. Hannis-Miskar, Principal

Let Us Pray

Let us place our lives in the hands of our God who loves us unconditionally and who calls us to life.

May his peace live in our hearts and shine through our actions so that others may come to know him

and turn their hearts toward him.

Lord, give us the grace to live every day of this Lenten season

guided by your great commandment of love ~

love for you, love for others and love for ourselves.

AMEN  

Let us pray for:

Your continued prayers, support, cooperation and dedication to Catholic education.

Your continued kind words toward each other. 

     A special intention.

Someone who is battling an illness.

A SJRS family who needs your prayers.

Email your prayer requests to [email protected] or send a note to the office.

We will list the names that you would like us to pray for in our monthly newsletters.