SJRS Monthly Newsletter -January 2024

Saint Jerome Regional School

"Living Fearlessly Through Faith..."

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Message From the Principal


Dear St. Jerome Regional School Family,



May God bless you with peace and joy as we celebrate Jesus' birth. May the spirit of Christmas be with you throughout the new year. The faculty and staff of SJRS extend wishes to you and your families for a holy, healthy and Happy New Year and we pray for God’s blessings in 2024.


As a reminder, Christmas Break is December 22nd at 12:00 to January 2nd. There is no school on December 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and January 1st and 2nd. School reopens January 3rd. 


We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and that you enjoy the extra time with your families!


God bless you and your families, 

Mrs. Amy M. Hannis-Miskar, Principal


Just some of the highlights during the month of December are listed below: (Be sure to check our Facebook page more pictures and videos!)


  • 4th-8th Grade had fun at the Hawaiian Christmas Dance.
  • Deacon Joe Cannon visited us for our Advent Wreath Lighting Service. Our 7th and 8th grade students AJ Reaman, Nicholas Polakovic, Ella Bones, AJ Mummey did a great job with the readings and the lighting as we came together as a school family.
  • Our K-8th Grade students performed in three Christmas Performances for all of our families and friends. They did a wonderful job! Thanks to all of our families that attended. All of the students in grades K-8 participated in the Christmas Program. It was a beautiful show (all three days)! Thank you to Mr. Cressley for organizing the entire show! Thank you to all of our staff for helping to make this a success! 
  • Our Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade classes celebrated St. Nicholas Day and received sweets and treats in their shoes!
  • The school halls were decorated beautifully for the Christmas season!
  • We celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
  • We all enjoyed Ugly Sweater Day and Christmas Pajama Day while also shopping at Santa's Secret Shop!
  • The students enjoyed shopping for their families at the Santa's Secret Shop. Thank you to the HSA for coordinating this! Thank you also to all of the volunteers who helped make this event special! 
  • Members of the Marian Catholic Evangelization Team visited Kindergarten and 1st Grade and did a Christmas Craft!
  • Our Preschool Christmas show was fantastic. Thank you to all of our preschool families who were able to come watch the show and Thank you to Mrs. Mohammed and Mrs. Schmerfeld for organizing this!
  • Thank you so much to everyone for their generous donations during the month of December! May God bless you for your generosity during this Christmas Season.




Looking ahead:



  • There is a dress down day on January 23rd to support SJR CYO Programs. Please consider donating $1 or more for the CYO.


  • 12:00 Dismissal on January 12th and No School for students on January 15th.
  • Catholic Schools Week is January 28th-February 2nd. Please see the CSW Flyer below for more details.


  • Financial Aid for 2024-2025 School Year opens on January 3rd. It closes May 3rd. Be sure to apply before it closes.


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 Applebee's certificate. The students will be recognized in the monthly newsletter.

The Preschool Christian of the Month is Grady Navratil. Grady is very deserving of this award for his outstanding performance in class. He is always willing to help others, and keeps a close eye on his friends. He is the youngest in his family and really enjoys playing games with his brother. During his spare time, he likes to play baseball and soccer. In addition, He loves being with his family and going to church with his Nini. Congratulations, Grady!


Henry Pinkey is Kindergarten Blue's December Christian of the Month. Henry is a diligent and determined student. He takes his time to make sure that his work is done neatly and that his answers always make sense. Henry participates eagerly in all parts of our school day. He always uses good manners to raise his hand and share his thoughts. Henry is respectful to everyone around him. He is a great friend and makes both his classmates and teachers laugh every day with his happy personality. Outside of school, Henry participates in Boy Scouts for Tamaqua Pack #777. He plays soccer and T-ball. He is also part of the swim team. In his free time, Henry loves to spend time with his family. He especially loves his big brother, George, and his grandmothers. Henry loves school and loves to make new friends. Way to go, Henry! 


The Christian of the month for Kindergarten Gold is Yadiel Solis. Yadiel is a very happy and cheerful student. He is very kind and helpful. He is also a very conscientious student and loves to color and draw. At home Yadiel is a part of the Zion's Lutheran Church Kid's Club, where he enjoys doing lots of fun activities, such as arts and crafts and other recreational activities. Congratulations, Yadiel!



The Christian of the Month for First Grade Blue is Brenna Slane. Brenna is always prepared and eager to learn. She is kind and helpful to her classmates and teacher. Brenna always strives to be her best. Brenna plays soccer with Tamaqua Youth Soccer Association and studies both ballet and hip hop at The Dance Factory. Brenna also recently performed in the musical Frozen Jr, and she loves being on stage! Brenna enjoys helping her family at the Tuscarora Fire Company and playing with her older brother. She loves reading and going to the library for STEM activities. Congratulations, Brenna! Keep up the great work!


Wesleigh Sunday is Christian of the Month for 1st Grade Gold. Wesleigh is new to SJRS this year. She has been excited to come to school every day. She is a caring friend to everyone in the classroom. She stands up for what is right and will always be kind to those who need a friend. Wesleigh loves her family, especially her little sister Hannah. Outside of school, Wesleigh participates in Girl Scouts, Panther Valley Knee Hi Cheerleading and gymnastics at Tumble with Denise. Congratulations, Wesleigh


The Second Grade Gold Christian of the Month for December is Benjamin Zawisza. Benjamin is a good student. He always works hard and tries his best. Benjamin enjoys participating in class discussions and livens things up with his funny comments and stories. He is quick to help a classmate or to lend a hand with one of the classroom jobs. When Benjamin is not in school, he is a member of the Cub Scouts where he earned a Wolf badge. He plays on soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. Benjamin also has been playing the piano for three years. He is always quick to chime in with something funny and always keeps his family laughing! Benjamin is a hard worker with a good heart. Congratulations, Benjamin!


The Christian of the Month for Grade 2 Blue is Julia Dilisio. She demonstrates qualities of a good Christian everyday. She is quick to jump in to help others in need. If Julia notices that someone is sad, she will go over to them and help them in whatever they need. She always works hard in school. She is kind and respectful to others. Julia is a good role model. Outside of school, Julia has been taking piano lessons for the past four years. She also takes dance and performs at competitions outside the area. Julia has such a big heart and wants to be everyone's friend. She loves helping out around the house. Julia is also a great big sister. Congratulations, Julia!


The Christian of the Month for 3rd grade for the month of December is Aiden Roman. Aiden is a member of the CYO Cross Country team and is an orange belt in karate! He also loves to swim. Aiden has a very kind and generous heart and loves to help out those less fortunate than him, and that includes helping homeless cats. Aiden is new to SJRS and is a wonderful addition to our family here! In the classroom, he follows all the rules and is very meticulous and hard-working in his efforts. He is also helpful, responsible, and kind to everyone. Congratulations Aiden!  


Fourth Grade Gold's Christian of the Month for November is Brielle Hannis-Miskar. In school, Brielle is kind, helpful, and studious. She always goes out of her way to make any new students or visitors feel welcome. Brielle is an active participant in all her classes and asks great questions if she needs clarification. Outside of school, Brielle enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping, going to parks, watching the Flyers, and cheering on her sister, Brooke, who plays basketball for Marian Catholic. Brielle is a member of the SJR CYO Cross Country Team, Volleyball Team, and Basketball Team. She has attended the Marian Catholic Running Camp the past three years. She is an amazing sister to Brynn (3rd grade) and Brooke (Freshman at Marian Catholic). Brielle is a member of Divine Mercy Parish in Shenandoah. Congratulations, Brielle! We are so proud of you!


Kameron Kohler is the Christian of the Month for Grade 4 Blue. In school, Kameron is a

responsible, organized, and conscientious student, who participates in every lesson. He is very caring and helpful and is always willing to assist other students and the teacher. He is a hard worker, who always does his best with each assignment. Outside of school, Kameron is a member of the Hazle Township Raiders football team, playing running back and quarterback. He also plays point guard for the Conyngham Valley Civic Organization Shooting Stars. In addition to his participation in sports, Kameron is also a first-year saxophone player. In both school and sports, he is dedicated to doing his best and working hard. Kameron also loves animals and enjoys music. Congratulations, Kameron!


Hunter Gerhard is Fifth Grade's Christian of the Month for December. Hunter works very hard in fifth grade, always trying his best on his work. He studies when he has extra time in class, never wasting time. He is always very polite to his teachers and classmates and will offer to help someone in need. Outside of school, Hunter belongs to St. Peter the Fisherman parish. He also participates in CYO Cross Country where he improves each year. Hunter also volunteers with the Valor Clinic Foundation delivering holiday meals. Hunter belongs to the Keystone State Quarter Midget Racing Club and loves to travel, most recently he went to Alaska over the summer. Hunter has two dogs, Otto and Gunnar, whom he enjoys spending time with. Congratulations Hunter!


Lillian Porambo has been chosen as the Christian of the Month for Grade 6. Lillian's enthusiasm, cooperation, and trustworthiness are displayed daily through her interactions with students and faculty. She is full of energy and is always willing to help classmates. Lilly is an honor roll student who completes her work neatly and in a timely manner. Outside of school, she is a member of the Dance Factory. Lilly also participates in the Greater Hazleton Youth Soccer Program and the USGL summer golf league. Lilly enjoys singing and performs annually at the St. Luke's Veteran's Day breakfast. She enjoys spending time with her family. Congratulations, Lilly!


Andrew Mummey is the 7th Grade Christian of the Month. Andrew is an excellent student who always completes his work neatly and in a timely manner. He volunteers readily in class. Andrew is part of the team responsible for displaying the American Flag outside of our school. Andrew has played the drums and the piano for three years. He is part of Marian Catholic High School’s Marching Band. Outside of school, AJ enjoys archery, loves playing chess, and doing Legos. Congratulations, Andrew!


Congratulations to Sean Stoves on being chosen as Christian of the Month for Eighth Grade! Sean's exemplary dedication to his schoolwork, highlighted by his consistent performance on the honor roll and the Principal's Awards for the past three years, is admirable. His helpful nature and team spirit in the Anthracite Little League and CYO Basketball League further demonstrate his commendable character. On top of his academic and extracurricular activities, Sean also enjoys playing video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and other hobbies. His hard work and commitment to his various pursuits make him a worthy candidate for this honor.  

2023-2024 SJRS 1st Trimester Honor Roll List


Distinguished Honors


7th Grade

Ella Bones

Gia DeCosmo

Conner Giannelli

Emma Gilbert

Kylie Kisenwether

Andrew Mummey


8th Grade

Andrew Reaman



First Honors


5th Grade

Aiden Barrett

Brianna Heater

Rebecca Wippel

Nicholas Zawisza


6th Grade

Evrett Angelo

Addison Engleman

Lilly Gallagher

Bella Sanfilippo

Gavin Woodring

Luke Young


7th Grade

Madison Antolick

JoElle Currie

Gabrielle Feller

Carly Green

Levi McCullion

Nora Nothstein

Grace Shamany

Abby Upanavage

Maiya Vavro


8th Grade

Camden Gilbert

Noah McGinley

Cara Rehnert


Second Honors


5th Grade

Davide Basile

Vitaliy Chepelskyy


6th Grade

Aiden Gilbert

Kellan Krajcirik

Alex Lin

Peyton O'Brien

Gianna Osenbach

Lilly Porambo

Charlie Price

Cody Salko


7th Grade

Viktoriya Chepelska

Michael Lee

Skylare McConnon

Joshua McGinley

Riley Miller

Abby Whittaker

Adam Zawisza


8th Grade

John LeClair

Nicholas Polakovic

Sean Stoves

It's not too late!  Click here to DONATE to #SpreadTheSpirit 2023 or to make a donation to the SJRS annual fund 

We couldn't be more thankful for the generosity of our donors! For over a century, SJRS has provided this community with a quality Catholic education and thanks to your support, we are looking forward to many more!

#SpreadtheSpirit

Because of the kindness of our donors, we raised $10,000 in just 24 hours! (We had another donation after we announced the total that helped us reach our goal).

Thank you!

Gift 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.


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 October is Radley Ahearn 1-Gold. The amount of tuition credit is $147. Thank you to all who took chances. Slips are enclosed for next month’s drawing which will be on January 29th.



Home and School News


We encourage all parents to get involved with Home and School. We will need much help, especially this year with our fundraising efforts. We encourage everyone to share ideas with HSA.


2023-2024 Home and School Officers 


President- Kathy Reaman

Vice-President- Kelly Kisenwether

Secretary- Megan DeAngelo

Treasurer- Billie Jo Wetterau

Coordinator of Fundraising Activities- Karen Weicker

Coordinator of Outreach- Maria McGinley


Email: [email protected]


Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more pictures and happenings in our school!

Facebook  Instagram

Your Tax Dollars can help SJRS 


Everyone has to pay taxes and typically your tax dollar’s fall into four main buckets; Welfare, Infrastructure (roads), Prison Systems, or Public Schools. The great thing about joining our program is it allows you to direct your tax dollars to St. Jerome Regional School. Donors are able to make a direct impact to their community through their tax dollars; they can come into your school any day and see the people they are impacting.

For additional help, please contact your school principal- Amy Hannis-Miskar, who will be able to put you in touch with the Program Manager for Scholarships in the Diocese of Allentown.  

The faculty, staff and administration ask for your continued prayers, support, cooperation and dedication to Catholic education. 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. 




Let Us Pray


Catholic Schools Week Prayer

Almighty Father, You sent forth your Son, Jesus, as a beacon of hope for all people.

As Teacher, he has given us the prime example of the importance of education.

As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength.

Thank you for the many men and women who have dedicated their lives in service to our Catholic schools.

Thank you for the teachers and administrators who lead our schools today.

Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives.

Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.

Bless our school and all the schools in the Diocese of Allentown.

Bless the many people who advance the mission of Catholic Education.

May our schools be homes for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others.

May our faith communities always support one another and show a warm welcome to new members.

Loving God, fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom.

May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation for it.

Fill our hearts with gladness.

May we always turn to you in times of need.

Fill our hands with the tools we need to serve others.

May we show them your unceasing love through our actions.

We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus, Who is Lord forever and ever.

AMEN.



Let us pray for:

 

Our school family


a Special Intention


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


Your continued kind words toward each other.


Our community and neighbors.

 

 

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.