A Message from the Principal |
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Hello,
Amazingly, it's already time for the first newsletter of the 2021-2022 school year! I hope this finds you well and you are enjoying your summer.
Over the next few weeks, St. Joseph School will be publishing a lot of information concerning the upcoming school year. This newsletter covers the following topics:
- Staff Announcements
- Back-to-School, COVID, and Health Records
- Important Dates: Revised Parent Orientation Sessions & School Calendar
- New Student Welcome & Orientation (Grades 2-8)
- AA Transportation for students from Webster ONLY
- After Care: Extended School Day
- Supply Lists & Uniforms
Future newsletters will highlight all the activity that has been taking place at St. Joseph School over the summer, technology updates, service hour opportunities, and other important back-to-school information.
Finally, I want to share how excited I am to be appointed principal at St. Joseph School. I have been at St. Joseph School for several years and love the opportunity to continue serving the students and their families in this new role. I am blessed to have dedicated faculty and committed staff passionate about working together to foster our students' academic and spiritual development. I am very grateful for the confidence that our Pastor and Headmaster Fr. Grzegorz Chodkowski has in me. I pray that the St. Joseph School community will remain united in faith and grow as one family.
Beth Boudreau
Principal
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Dean of Students: After many years serving the students of St. Joseph School, Mr. Skrocki has decided to retire. Therefore, we're excited to announce that Jeffrey Grupposo has been appointed our new Dean of Students. In addition to teaching Grade 6, 7, and 8 Math, Mr. Grupposo will provide leadership in the general activities of the school and assist in student discipline, staff productivity, and curriculum/course development. He will also help with technical support, building teacher schedules, assigning duties, ordering textbooks and supplies, and reporting standardized test scores.
Science - Grades 6, 7, and 8: David Johnson joins our St. Joseph School family after teaching for three years at St. Mary's High School in Worcester. He taught grades 9 through 12 in Honors Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Honors Algebra 2 and Honors Pre-Calculus. Prior to St. Mary's, Mr. Johnson worked in the Worcester Public School system for 17 years. He studied Physics at the University of New Hampshire. Welcome, Mr. Johnson!
School Counselor: Graduate student Scarlett Acheampong will also be joining our staff. Mrs. Acheampong will develop and implement a social skills curriculum. In addition, she will coordinate high school tours and information sessions for our 8th-grade students as well as assist them with the high school application process. She will also counsel individuals and small groups of children toward social and emotional growth, prepare various counseling and intervention strategies for students, implement the Diocese's new Circle of Grace curriculum (a Catholic Safe Environment Training Program), and consult with teachers, parents, and staff regarding students’ needs. Welcome, Mrs. Acheampong!
Teaching Assistants: We'd like to welcome Karolina Kicilinski to our Pre-K 3-year-old classroom. Mrs. Kicilinski has her Bachelor in Education in Early-School and Preschool Education and is bilingual in Polish and English. We'd also like to welcome Emily Cutler to our Pre-K 4-year-old classroom. Miss Cutler joined us late last year. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Welcome, Mrs. Kicilinski and Miss. Cutler!
Nurse: Leah Belanger, R.N., will provide nursing support for St. Joseph School this year. Welcome, Nurse Belanger!
Associate Pastor: Please welcome Fr. Anthony Kazarnowicz to St. Joseph Basilica. Fr. Kazarnowicz has been serving as Catholic Chaplain in the U.S. Army for 19 years. His last assignment being in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This is his second assignment at St. Joseph Parish. He was first here at St. Joseph from 1981 - 1985. Fr. Tony is very excited to get to know all of our students and be part of our school community. Welcome, Fr. Tony!
NEW & EXPANDED ROLES
We're also excited to announce that we've created two new support roles and expanded an existing role.
Floor Coordinators: Donna Recko and Kelly Bailey will act as Floor Coordinators and serve as liaisons between teachers and administrators. They will communicate (floor) needs in accordance with the goals and objectives of the school, identify professional development and curriculum needs/opportunities, as well as offer direction in areas such as course planning and overall improvement plans.
Administrative Assistant and Enrollment Manager: Aleksandra (Ola) Gronek will be expanding her role at St. Joseph School. Mrs. Gronek has her Associate Degree in Business Administration, Accounting Certificate, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Accounting at Nichols College. In addition to managing the school office, Mrs. Gronek will oversee all aspects of enrollment including the admissions process and tuition management. Please direct questions regarding enrollment to secretary@sjs-webster.com.
GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK
We'd like to welcome Justine Anthony, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, and Sharon Durando, Art Instructor, back to St. Joseph School!
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Back-to-School, COVID, & Health Records |
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Last year, St. Joseph School operated a very successful in-person learning model during the pandemic due to our parents' vigilance. YOU did an incredible job checking your children for symptoms and working with the SJS administration and nurse to maintain a healthy school environment. We are so thankful for your diligence and support.
While in school, we balanced the use of masks with frequent mask breaks and at this time we plan to continue to utilize the same procedures for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. Per the recommendation of the Webster Board of Health, ALL St. Joseph School students, faculty, and staff will be required to wear masks while in the school building. Unfortunately, COVID cases in Webster have surged. As of August 12th, there have been 61 new cases in just under three weeks and 22 of those cases are children ages 11 and under. Therefore, we are proceeding with caution.
However, masks WILL NOT be worn outside and classes will be held on the school and Basilica grounds when possible. Our goal is to continue to provide in-person learning, while keeping our students healthy. Last year, in addition to protecting our students from COVID-19, the use of masks, social distancing, and proper hygiene also reduced the spread of other contagious illnesses that prevent our students from coming to school. Like last year, exposures will be addressed on a case by case basis.
We will maintain a 3 ft. distance between students. They will also be required to sit 3 ft. apart and face one direction while eating and their masks are removed.
Finally, these procedures will be reviewed frequently because this is a fluid situation. Please address any health related questions to our new school nurse, Leah Belanger, at nurse@sjs-webster.com.
Health Records
Please remember to forward updated health records to the school. Students who plan to participate in sports must have an up-to-date physical on file.
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Virtual Parent Orientations
Pre-K: Thursday, August 26th at 6:00 pm
Grades Kindergarten - Grade 2: Thursday, August 26th at 6:30 pm
Grades 3 & 4: Monday, August 30th at 6:00 pm
Grades 5, 6, 7, & 8: Monday, August 30th at 6:30 pm
Please note that links to the virtual orientations will be distributed in a separate email.
Return to School Dates
Grades 5-8: Monday, August 30th
Grades K-4: Tuesday, August 31st
Pre-K 3-year-old (3 day & 5 day) Students: Wednesday, September 1st
Pre-K 4-year-old Students: Wednesday, September 1st
Pre-K 3-year-old (2-day) students: Thursday, September 2nd
*Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures will be reviewed in a later email.
Student Welcome & Orientation for Newly Enrolled Students Grades 2-8
On Thursday, August 26th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm newly enrolled students in Grades 2-8 are invited to visit the school for a new student welcome and orientation. During this time, new students and their families will have the opportunity to visit their homerooms, receive their Chromebooks and login information, and familiarize themselves with the school. Members of our Junior National Honor Society will be on hand to assist and answer questions. Lunch will be served in our cafeteria to end the program. The event will be hosted by our new Dean of Students, Mr. Jeffrey Grupposo. Please watch for your official invitation in the mail.
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Attention Students from Webster!
ACTION REQUIRED for Bus Transportation
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Bus transportation is provided by AA Transportation for students who live in the town of Webster. Students must register with the bus company in order to ride the bus to and from school. Please contact AA Transportation ASAP at (508-943-0482).
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After Care: Extended School Program |
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This year, St. Joseph School is working to partner with Our Bright Future for our After Care - Extended School Program needs.
Our Bright Future is a 501(c)3 organization that was established in 2016. Its mission is to empower youth and develop bright leaders by providing instruction in robotics, 3D printing, arts & crafts, sports training, and guidance in academics. Their programs provide an opportunity to integrate cross-curricular activities such as science and mathematics. Finally, Our Bright Future incorporates core values such as education, empowerment, discipline, leadership, diversity, and respect into their daily programs to help students shape their futures into bright ones.
Key Features:
- Monday through Friday: 2:30 pm -5:30 pm
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$7/hour per student with NO DROP-INS - Pre-registration is required.
- A snack and drink will be provided.
- 10:1 staff ratio
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All staff are CORI/SORI/fingerprinted and adhere to our Policy for the Protection of Children and Young People
- Staff members are CPR, First Aid, and AED certified
- Mrs. Recko will continue to provide homework assistance for students in Grades 3 through 8 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
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Click HERE for an example schedule for students in Grades Pre-K through 2.
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Click HERE for an example schedule for students in Grades 3 through 8.
- We are working to coordinate the Extended School Program with Athletics and other extracurricular activities.
***VERY IMPORTANT***
If you plan on sending your child(ren) to the After Care - Extended School Program, please click HERE to provide feedback as well as help us determine staffing requirements.
Watch for an official registration form after program details are finalized. In the meantime, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY.
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What You Need for Back-to-School |
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Please click HERE to be re-directed to the school website so you may download a supply list for your student(s).
In addition, please purchase a box of masks for your child(ren).
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Click HERE to be re-directed to the school website so you may review the school dress code and purchase uniforms items.
Please note that Global Schoolwear is beginning to experience delays due to supply chain issues. Contact the school office if you're having issues with your order.
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Don't forget to follow us! |
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SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL
47 Whitcomb Street
Webster, MA 01570
Phone: 508-943-0378
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