Bernie's Bark
2.11.2020
Dear Parents-
 
Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes ! This day marks the appearance of our beautiful Holy Mother to Bernadette Soubirous, a poor and sickly child, and it is remarkable that our Blessed Mother chose this young girl as her messenger. Bernadette lacked material possessions, she was in poor health, and it is reported that Bernadette was not even a very committed Catholic! Interestingly, the meeting between the Blessed Mother and Bernadette has been described as a meeting between “humble individuals who treated each other with great dignity.” For me, on this feast day, I am reminded that in dealing with each other, it is not our material possessions that matter, nor our physical strength or beauty. What matters is our own humility, and the commitment to treat everyone with great dignity and respect.
 
Last Thursday, our 7th grade students participated in our science fair . The top 10 winners will participate at the Diocesan level, Saturday, April 25. Congratulations to Maddie E., Olivia G., Hailey G., Ryan G., Elizabeth J., Preston Mc., Kevin M., Benjamin M., Brendan O., and Natalie P. Additionally, congratulations to runners-up Anthony I., Maddie L., Shannon G., Brendan S., and Ryan T. The projects were amazing and showed a high level of preparedness. One judge took the time to write, and shared, “As a new judge and high school science teacher, I was so amazed with the students’ presentations at your school. On my break times, I went around to many other students and spoke with them and loved the types of topics they chose to study.” It sounds as if our students are ready for success at the next level!!
 
I can’t thank Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Morrow and Mr. Taylor enough for their hard work as co-chairs of the Science Fair, and many thanks to Mrs. Hurley and all the judges and parents who also worked hard to put the science fair together, and thanks to all the teachers who double checked score sheets! An extra big shout out to Mrs. Longuillo, a parent alum, who gave of her time to support the science fair, offering the “voice of experience.” It was a great night for the kids!
 
Scantron score reports went home last Friday, February 7. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher. The second trimester ends on Friday, March 13. Please log on to the PowerSchool parent portal and check your child’s current grades. With over four weeks to go, there is still time to make changes if improvement is needed. Again, please reach out to your child’s teachers if you have concerns about achievement.
 
Save the Date!!! Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Spring Fling on Saturday, April 25. Proceeds from this fabulous event will support upgrades to the lighting in the classrooms and halls, especially in the older part of the school building. Research has shown that lighting has a significant impact on the classroom experience for both students and teachers. Lighting affects mood, headaches, confidence, anxiety levels, and performance. From the generosity of parents last year, we were able to switch out the lighting in 3rd grade! Mrs. Karcz’s room is already finished, and Mrs. Zimney will be completed in the next few weeks. Stop in to see the amazing transformation, and please consider how you can help us reach our goals!
 
We have a DFE half-day, this Friday, February 14. And, as we planned in January, if the weather is inclement, and FCPS announces a two-hour delay for their students, St. Joseph Catholic School will close for students. Please make sure that you access official SJS announcements if there is a weather event affecting February 14. Official announcements are delivered by phone, email, text, App, official Facebook, Twitter and SJS website.
 
In the next few weeks, we will look ahead to the end of year calendar, as well as planning for 2020-2021 school year.
 
Don’t forget Monday, February 17 is Presidents’ Day holiday.

As always, if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
 
 Welcome one another....as Christ welcomed you!
                                                                                 (Rom 15:7)
 
Denise Rutledge
Principal

  Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
Early Dismissal and No School
Friday, February 14 is an
11:30am dismissal

Monday, February 17 there is NO SCHOOL
Kindness Month
February is Kindness Month

The Ambassadors of Peace (AOP), a group of 7th and 8th grade students who lead,
encourage, and promote a positive and caring environment for all students at SJS have designated the month of February as Kindness Month. Throughout the month the AOP will be encouraging students to think of others and perform acts of kindness. Next week we will celebrate National Kindness Week and each day an AOP member will be on the news encouraging kindness at home, in the classroom, at recess and lunch, and in the community. We will also be revisiting The Kindness Pledge students took in the fall. Students have the opportunity to record acts of kindness by filling out forms in his/her homeroom. Let us all do our part and continue to spread kindness!  
Picture Days!
February 12 = Club Picture Day - Students are to wear their club uniform over their school uniform.

February 13 = Sports Teams and Group Picture Day - Students are to wear their team uniform over their school uniform.
Yearbook Orders
Order your SJS 2020 yearbook today! Price for the yearbook is $22 and can be ordered online or via cash or check. To order online, click HERE . Enter your school name: Saint Joseph Catholic School. The order forms have gone home with the students.
Make sure to order before March 20, 2020!
Fun at Chuck E. Cheese's!
Knowing that many parents already visit Chuck E. Cheese after an early dismissal from school, the PTO has set up an easy fundraiser for our next early dismissal on
Friday, February 14th.
Please see the flyer below and mention St. Joseph Catholic School when you arrive!
Spring Fling Dinner and Auction
Tickets on sale NOW!
Tickets are on sale NOW!

Click HERE to purchase!


Sponsor opportunities are available!
Want to give a "shout out" to your child or teacher? Place an ad in the auction program or consider donating an item for the Live or Silent auction!

For more information on sponsorships, donations, and ads, visit the
Note from the Nurse
Dear Parents/Guardians: A FEW REMINDERS

It is currently the middle of flu season and VDH and SJS recommends that K-8 students and family including school staff take the following actions to prevent the further spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses, especially as flu symptoms could be confused with symptoms of 2019-nCoV infection.
  • Get a flu vaccine
  • Practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Take flu antivirals if prescribed by your healthcare provider if you have the flu.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Keep your children home when they are sick, if Temp >100 please keep them home
  • Your child may return to school after they are fever free for 24 hours without taking any OTC anti -fever medication
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Yearbook
The Yearbook Staff needs your help! If you have any candid pictures from school parties, field trips, community or other events, please send them to your Class Coordinator for submission. Please note, picture inclusion will be at the discretion of the yearbook staff. Thank you!
Any questions, please contact Mrs. Hatley ( c.hatley@sjschoolva.org )
Library News
Can you read aloud to someone for 10-20 minutes a day for a full 20 days???


Families will need to pledge to read before the February 10. How? Sign the pledge and send it in to the library!


Financial Aid Reminder

Financial Aid Applications are due for Elementary Schools by March 18, 2020. Please remember that 2019 W-2s and tax returns are required for verification!
For more information, visit Tuition and Financial Aid Information
Volunteer Opportunities
Library Helpers!


Consider volunteering your time to help in the library!

Volunteers are needed to help in the cafeteria and during recess! Get in on the action! Please remember that all volunteers must have completed the Child Protection program. If you have any questions about volunteering for recess/lunch, please contact Laura Stump at lstump@sjcherndon.org .
We appreciate your help!

CYO Coaches Game
Herndon/Reston Youth
Lacrosse and Baseball
Last Call!  Only a few days left to register for Herndon - Reston Youth Lacrosse!

What: Lacrosse - Fastest game on two feet.
Who: Boys & Girls – Ages 5 – 15 / Grades K – 8 / No Experience Required!
Where: Practices at Herndon High School or Herndon Middle School / Games throughout NoVA.
When: Practices are underway! Practices 2 days a week. 1 game on Saturday (Boys) or Sunday (Girls)
               
Games start the weekend of March 21/22 nd and run through June 6/7 th.

Register online at www.hrylax.org

Questions? Please contact Ann Duffey, aoduff@msn.com

Herndon Reston Youth Baseball (HRYB) is still open for registration and we want you to join us on the fields! Registration is ongoing at www.herndonbaseball.com . We will be having evaluations for players ages 8-12 on February 23rd, and first practices starting the week of March 16th. Games will start on March 28th. Come sign up and play with all of your friends.

We offer community based teams at the lower levels and offer drafted leagues at the upper levels. We are the only league in the area to offer a 50-70 house league that allows for our players to play like the pros and take leads and have pick offs. We offer a free introductory league for 3 and 4 year olds and have our Buddy Ball league for our players with special needs. We truly have a league for any player at any level.

We are a completely volunteer league and always looking for volunteers as well!

Scouts Pinewood Derby and Bake-Off Winners!
Congratulations to Our Cub Scout Pack
2020 Pinewood Derby and Bake-Off Winners!
 
St Joseph Cub Scout Pack 913 had over 80 participants at our annual Pinewood Derby Race, Design, and Bake-Off competition. Congratulations to the following Scout winners:
 
AOLs (5 th Grade) Race 1 st Aiden W, 2 nd Nic P, 3 rd Gabriel K; Design Seth T; Bake-Off 1 st Nic P

Webelos (4 th Grade) - Race 1 st Chase K, 2 nd Lucas S, 3 rd Elliott C ; Design 1 st Elliot C

Bears (3 rd Grade) Race 1 st Tommy B, 2 nd Gavin W, 3 rd Derek P; Design Henry A; Bake-Off Derek P

Wolves (2 nd Grade) Race 1 st John S, 2 nd Ian H, 3 rd Liam L; Design Nathan D; Bake-Off Charly G

Tigers (1 st Grade) Race 1 st Scott K, 2 nd Jasper B, 3 rd Xavier S; Design Noah L

Lions (Kindergarten) Race 1 st Declan W, 2 nd Ben W, 3 rd Scott A; Design 1 st Declan W

Top Pack 913 Overall Race Champion - Tommy B
Prayer Leaders
pray_lettering.jpg
February 17: NO SCHOOL (Masten scheduled for 2/24)
February 18: Matos, C.
February 19: Matson, S. and P.
February 20: Mcarthy, T. and P.
February 21: McCallister, E.

February 24: Masten, K. and P.
February 25: McFarlane, C. and L.
February 26: McGill, J.
February 27: McGowan, C.
February 28: McGowan, G. and D.

Prayer leaders are to report to the library no later than 7:50 AM in order to appear on the morning news show. Parents are welcome to watch the live show.
Upcoming Events
February
February 12: Club Picture Day
February 13: Sports Team and Group Picture Day
February 14: Mass
February 14: 11:30am Dismissal
February 17: NO SCHOOL
February 18: Spirit and Service Day
February 21: Mass
February 26: Mass
February 26: Ash Wednesday
February 28: 11:30am Dismissal
March
March 2: Read Across America
March 4: Stations of the Cross
March 6: Coffee with the Principal
March 6: Mass
March 11: Stations of the Cross
March 13: 11:30am Dismissal
March 13: Mass
March 13: End of 2nd Trimester
March 16: NO SCHOOL
March 17: Spirit and Service
March 18: Stations of the Cross
March 19: 11:30am Dismissal
March 19: Mass - Feast of St. Joseph
March 20: Report Cards Issued
March 24: 8th Grade Confirmation Breakfast
March 24: 8th Grade Love Mass
March 25: 8th Grade Confessions
March 25: Stations of the Cross
March 27: Mass
March 27: Confirmation Rehearsal
March 28: Confirmation
Stay Connected - Twitter and Facebook
Don't forget to follow SJS
on Twitter and Facebook!
A lot is happening at SJS and you don't want to miss out!

Twitter: @sjschoolva
Facebook: sjschoolva
Weekly Saints Quote
750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320