SJRS Monthly Newsletter -November 2023

Saint Jerome Regional School

"Living Fearlessly Through Faith..."

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Message From the Principal



Dear St. Jerome Regional School Family,

October was once again a very busy month at our school. The weather was cooperative, and the kids were able to go outside most days! Thank you for being part of the SJRS Family and thank you for all the sacrifices you make to send your child to Saint Jerome Regional School! Some of the highlights during the last month are listed below:


  • Our SJRS 8th grade homecoming court was recognized at halftime of the Marian Catholic Homecoming Game.


  • The SJRS Lion visited our Little Lions in Preschool!


  • The Hometown Volunteer Fire Department conducted a Fire Prevention Program for all students on October 10th. Thank you to the Hometown Fire Company for visiting SJRS and for organizing such a great fire prevention week program for our students.


  • We continued conducting emergency drills in all grades. (Fire, Lockdown and Weather) Our school also participated in The Great NorthEast ShakeOut Weather Drill this month.


  • On October 12th we celebrated the Confirmation of our 8th Grade students who are parishioners at Divine Mercy, Saint Richard and Saint Teresa of Calcutta. On October 26th we also celebrated our 8th grade student who received Confirmation and is a parishioner at Assumption BVM, Slatington at Sacred Heart Parish in Palmerton. Congratulations to all the students who received the sacrament!


  • Thank you to everyone who participated in our October mission project!

 

  • Progress Reports were issued on October 11th and Parent-Teacher Conferences were held by telephone and in-person on October 12th and 13th.


  • We started re-registration for 2024-2025 school year on October 9th! Thank you to all the families who have already registered!


  • We participated in Red Ribbon Week the week of October 23rd. Informative posters are displayed to help spread the news of the danger of drugs. The theme was "Be Kind to Your Mind Live Drug Free"


  • We recently mailed out our 2022-2023 Annual Fund Report to all of our donors. Thank you to everyone for supporting Saint Jerome Regional School. The annual fund report is also located on our website at THIS LINK. If you would like to make a donation to the 23-24 SJRS Annual Fund you can visit our DONATE page. Every contribution, regardless of the amount, has a profound impact on our students and their future. Thank you for supporting SJRS.


  • The CYO District 5 Spelling Bee was October 19th at St. John Neumann. Our SJRS students did a great job.

6th Grade

1st place- Addison Engleman

2nd Place- Luke Young

7th Grade

2nd Place- Andrew Mummey

8th Grade

1st Place- John LeClair

2nd Place- Noah McGinley

The top three in each grade will move on to the Diocesan spelling bee on November 12th. 

Congratulations and good luck to everyone!



  • Eighth grade went on a field trip on October 19th to the Stabin Museum in Jim Thorpe. Mr. Stabin showed the class his gallery and studio space. The students have been working with Mr. Stabin during Art class with Mrs. Odorizzi the past month on a project inspired by his Daedal Doodle Book. Thank you to Mr. Stabin for hosting us and thank you to Mrs. LeClair for providing lunch for the kids.



  • The Halloween Parade and Halloween Dance was a huge success! Be sure to check out our Facebook page for lots of pictures and a video of the parade!

Looking ahead:


  • Our Annual Basket Bonanza is quickly approaching. Thank you so much for your generous donations! We hope to see everyone there on November 17th and 18th. If you would like to help at the event, please let us know by emailing HSA at [email protected] or by signing up on the google link.  Click the google link below to sign up to volunteer/donate items. For every three hours you volunteer at any of our SJRS events, your name will be entered into a $250 tuition drawing in May. You must sign in and out at each event that you volunteer at. Thank you for supporting SJRS!


      SJRS Basket Bonanza Volunteer/Donation Form



  • Winter Uniform starts on November 1st and the Student Council Feather Wars begins on November 1st.  


  • Student Council is sponsoring Feather Wars this month. Feather Wars is a contest between classes. Each class will have a turkey and are competing for the most feathers. The feathers cost $0.50 cents per feather. The contest will run from November 1st -November 17th. The prize for the most feathers will be a class dress down day. The money collected will go to the Student Council Projects this year.


  • There is an early dismissal (12:00) on November 17th.


  • Basket Bonanza is November 17th and 18th.


  • Thanksgiving Break is November 22nd-November 27th. There is no school on November 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 27th. We hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the extra time with your families! School reopens on Tuesday, November 28th.


God bless you and your families, 

Mrs. Amy M. Hannis-Miskar, Principal

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.

Preschool's Christian of the Month is Arthur Vermillion. Arthur is a wonderful student who always does what is asked and follows class rules. He is a good listener and is very respectful and trustworthy. Arthur always tries to help his fellow peers any chance that he can. He is an exceptional student who consistently strives to do his best. During his spare time, Arthur enjoys playing with his friends and his older brother Nathan. He also enjoys baking and making pretend fires for s'mores. Arthur is very deserving of this award and is a pleasure to have in class. Congratulations Arthur!


Gabriel Bonner is Kindergarten Blue's October Christian of the Month. Gabriel comes to school every day with a smile on his face. He is always willing to learn something new and tries his hardest at everything that we do in school. Gabriel is friendly and polite to his classmates. He uses good manners with both adults and children. Gabriel is trustworthy, respectful, and kind. He is a great role model in our classroom. In his free time Gabriel enjoys playing on the soccer team, building Lego sets, and watching football. He loves to play with his friends and his little sister, Sloane, and little brother, Jack. Gabriel is a great big brother! Gabriel also loves coming to school and learning new things every day. Way to go Gabriel! 


Fox Bachert is this month's Christian of the month for Kindergarten Gold. Fox is very attentive, and will go out of his way to comfort and help another student. Fox is super creative and imaginative. At home, Fox loves to sing and dance. Fox recently earned a yellow belt in karate. Fox also loves to swim and hopes to join the Blue Waves this winter. Fox is a very kind soul, he loves the outdoors, and always helps his mom around the house. He is full of empathy for others even at such a young age.


The Christian of the Month for First Grade Blue is Jace Stephens. Jace is always eager to learn and is prepared every day. He continues to give his best effort toward everything from sports, to school, to being an exceptional big brother. Jace demonstrates excitement and open-mindedness when it comes to school and learning opportunities. He is never afraid to ask questions and always willing to accept challenges. Jace's most recent interests include building with Legos, playing baseball, and learning new games. Jace also loves arts and crafts and puzzles. Congratulations, Jace!


Sterling Kopp is Christian of the Month for First Grade Gold. Sterling is caring, respectful and responsible. Sterling loves coming to school and learning new things everyday. In his free time he loves to read, draw, ride his bike, and play outside. Sterling has played soccer for the past three years for Tamaqua Youth Soccer. Great Job, Sterling!


The Christian of the Month for Grade 2 Blue is Sofia Firkal. She is quick to jump in and help anyone in need and lend a helping hand. Sofia is willing to share what she has with her classmates. She is very respectful of others. Sofia takes her school responsibilities very seriously. She is caring towards others. Outside of school, Sofia plays soccer for TAYSA, and plays CYO basketball. She takes dance lessons in ballet and jazz at ReMade by Dance. She also goes to gymnastics at Tumble With Denise. Sofia also does modeling through Kidcasting Talent Agency. Her hobbies include reading, crafting, and traveling. Sofia's beautiful smile is a reflection of her beautiful soul. She has a kind heart and likes to help others, both young and old. She has a love for life and a deep devotion to our Lord. 

Congratulations, Sofia!


The Second-Grade Gold Christian of the Month for October is Braxton Barrett. Braxton is a good student. He works hard and always does his best. Braxton never hesitates to add to class discussions and volunteer answers during lessons. He is kind and respectful to everyone with whom he interacts. Braxton is always willing to help anyone who may need it. Outside of school, Braxton takes part in Tamaqua Youth Soccer, Basketball, and Little League where his favorite position is catcher. While participating in Little League, he was a member of the eight-year-old all-star team. Braxton attends St. Richard’s Parish where he is an active church member. He enjoys helping his mom teach CCD. He loves to play with his friends, and his older brother, Aiden. Braxton is a fun loving, smart boy with a big heart.


The Christian of the Month for 3rd grade for the month of October is Bella Cruz. Bella was a member of the Golden Dragons, a soccer team, in Tennessee and also took theater classes at the Cottage Theatre there before relocating to our area. Last summer she was in the play Frozen Jr. at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. In the classroom, Bella is always kind, respectful and attentive. She always strives to do her very best, and always has a smile on her face! She brings so much joy to our classroom! Congratulations Bella!


Fourth Grade Gold's Christian of the Month for October is Racquel Kondertavage. In school, Racquel is kind, considerate, and helpful. She is a model student in the classroom, always having her attention on her teacher. She participates and is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone. At home, Racquel is a kind, compassionate, and charitable child. She is always concerned about people and animals in need. She loves to do good deeds to help others. She is also a great help at home with caring for her dog, Si, and cat, Schreechy. Racquel has been taking piano lessons for 3 years. She loves to play Disney songs for her classmates and family. Racquel recently started taking karate lessons and is working towards achieving her orange belt. In her spare time, Racquel loves to read, golf, play outside, and build Star Wars Lego sets. Congratulations, Racquel! We are so proud of you!


Amelia Wiscount is the Christian of the Month for Grade 4 Blue. In school, Amelia is a very kind and helpful student. She works very hard on her schoolwork and participates often. At home, Amelia attends Dalinda Dance Studio, where she participates in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop dance. In her free time, Amelia enjoys painting, reading, and drawing. She especially loves designing and painting in programs on Nintendo paint. She also enjoys playing Animal Crossing. Amelia is very helpful with her younger brother and sister, who both love her very much! Amelia’s family is so proud of her! Congratulations, Amelia! We are proud of you, too!


Aiden Barrett is fifth grade Christian of the Month for October. Aiden loves sports and plays Tamaqua Soccer, Basketball and Baseball. His favorite sport is baseball where he pitches but recently started learning to be a catcher. Aiden attends St. Richards Church in Barnesville where he serves as an altar server regularly. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his brother and neighbor. Over the summer they planned a rock painting and selling business, which was successful. Aiden is excited to serve as our homeroom representative this year. Congratulations Aiden!


The Christian of the Month for the Sixth Grade is Shawna Hildebrand. Shawna volunteers to help classmates and assists the teacher as needed. She demonstrates responsibility and displays a positive attitude daily. Outside of school, Shawna loves to ride her quad , play video games, care for her dog, and go fishing. She is a member of the Junior Girl Scouts and has earned her Cookie Collaborator and Social Butterfly Badges. She played CYO basketball last year. Congratulations, Shawna!


Adam Zawisza is the 7th Grade Christian of the Month. Adam is an excellent student who always has his work done neatly and completely. He leads the class in daily prayers and assists at school Mass as an altar server. Adam is part of the team responsible for displaying the American flag outside of our school. He has played trumpet for two years in our school band. Adam is a member of St. Ambrose Parish where he is an altar server. Outside of school, he is a 1 st Class Boy Scout, plays outfield in baseball, and has played piano for 8 years. Adam is very responsible and mature and helps out a lot at home. He is a good leader! Congratulations, Adam!


Kasey Evert has consistently displayed dedication to her schoolwork, always giving 100% effort. She has exceptional interaction skills, fostering positive relationships with her peers. Kasey's eagerness to help others shines through in her willingness to provide a helping hand whenever needed. Aside from her academic pursuits, she actively contributes to her church as an acolyte and lay reader. Additionally, Kasey's love for outdoor activities is evident in her enjoyment of camping and her passion for swimming. Through her hard work and involvement in various areas, Kasey has truly distinguished herself. Her achievements are deserving of being chosen as Christian of the Month for Eighth Grade.

Please Help Saint Jerome Regional School Keep Tuition Cost Affordable

Throughout the year you will be receiving information about the various fundraisers through the school and the Home and School Association. The reason we have fundraisers is to keep tuition costs down. The actual cost of education of each child in our school is over $6500.00. As you know, tuition is much less than this. The fundraisers help us make Catholic Education available to more children. 

We do not have mandatory fundraising at Saint Jerome Regional School because it is our hope that every family will do everything possible to support our efforts, not because they must, but because they want to participate and because they care about the future of this school. Thanks for joining the effort for the sake of our children!  


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. No Scrip orders on Tuesday, November 21st.


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 Skylar Nicholls in Kindergarten Gold. The amount of tuition credit is $188. Thank you to all who took chances. Slips are enclosed for next month’s drawing which will be on November 28th.


School Spirit Dress Down Days

Students are permitted to wear school colors (navy blue, cardinal or gold) on days that are designated as School Spirit Dress Down Days. Other items that are permitted are: school spirit wear, gym clothing or CYO spirit wear. 


Dress Down Days

Students are permitted to wear clothing of their choice that is considered appropriate. They do not have to be school colors. Dress Down Day Passes are not permitted to be used on Mass days.


Absences

Please call us if your child is going to be absent/tardy from school. This will ensure that we know where he/she is and that nothing has happened to him/her on the way to school. If your child is going to be absent or arrive late at school, you are required to call the school by 8:00 AM. Please leave a message if necessary. The number to call to report absences or lateness is 570-668-2757. Your call to let us know your child is not going to be in school does not take the place of an excuse note.  PA State requirements and those of the Diocese of Allentown require that for the student’s return to school, the student must be accompanied by a written note stating the particular reason for the absence and the specific date(s) of the absence(s). This note must be signed by the parent/guardian which will become an official document to be placed into the attendance files. A written excuse must be returned within three days to the student’s homeroom teacher when the child returns to school. If your child’s name appears on an attendance report from the homeroom teacher and you have not phoned to inform the school, please expect a call from the school personnel to verify the absence or check on your child’s whereabouts. Your child’s safety and welfare are of prime importance to us.  



Monthly Mission Focus: The focus this month is CHRISTMAS TIME. We are collecting food for local food banks. Some examples are pancake mix, syrup, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, turkey gravy, canned vegetables, salt & pepper, coffee, tea, dessert mixes (like brownies and cakes), small plastic bottles of vegetable oil, canned icing, etc. The class with the highest donation percentage will win Dress Down Passes. (As always, all food items are welcome, regardless of the theme.) Thank you!


         



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]

    

Supplies Needed  


Every year we receive donations of items such as Clorox wipes, hand soap, paper towels, Band-Aids and trash bags. If you can donate any of these products or know of a company who would donate these products, it would be greatly appreciated. 

 

 


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


Almighty God,


We give you our school.


We give you all the teachers and staff who work here.


We give you all the children who study here.


We pray our school would be a place of great discovery, adventure and creativity.


May it be a place where we love to learn and where we learn to love.


A place where everyone is respected and all are deeply valued.


We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord


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.

 

 

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.


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.  

Christmas Show Save the Date


The Christmas Program is the same program for each date.

If you have children in multiple grades, you can choose one of the dates to attend.

Children should dress in (dress-up or holiday clothes or dress uniform) for the program that their parents are attending. They can dress up for each program or choose to wear the regular or dress school uniform for the other two shows.