Bernie's Bark
5.26.2020
Dear Parents-
 
In our diocese, the Ascension of Our Lord was celebrated last Sunday, and we entered into the last week of the Easter Season. The Ascension recognizes Jesus’ humanity entering heaven, where He sits at the right hand of His Father, and where he has gone to prepare a place for each of us. Our job on earth is to continue His work! As we reflect on the meaning of the Ascension, it is a good time to reflect on our personal commitment to “doing His work.”
 
It is with sadness that I announce that Mrs. Lisa Tijerina will leave us at the end of the school year. Mrs. Tijerina served as our 1R teacher for this past year, and while she will miss “her kids” and the strong relationships she has built within the community, Mrs. Tijerina has made the difficult decision to resign. I know everyone joins in wishing Mrs. Tijerina well!
 
This unusual school year is starting to wind down, with the last day of school June 10 . Students are encouraged to check PowerSchool and complete missing assignments, now, as the last day to submit an assignment for credit is May 29. After this date, however, teachers will still hold classes and be available to students. Additionally, the week of June 1 is the Encore Extravaganza and Spirit Week! Encore teachers are planning school-wide activities to encourage creativity, social connections and fun! View the below video for Spirit Week activities announced by our SCA officers!
We had no control over the pandemic. It was not my decision to close school and move to distance learning. This isn’t something we planned for, or practiced, nor were procedures in place. And as we come to the end of the school year, and reflect on what we were able to accomplish, it is remarkable. Many thanks to all the parents who supported our efforts. Whatever the fall brings, we are better prepared to take care of the learning needs of all the students.

Summer assignments will be available at the end of the school year, and include reading and math activities to help prevent loss of learning. This summer, in addition to reading assignments, students will complete math activities on IXL. Summer assignments will be posted on the SJS website.

As we look forward to the opening of churches and the celebration of Mass, we are grateful that access to churches in the Arlington Diocese, including SJC, was never denied. Nevertheless, we are reminded that, except for visiting the church or the parish office, the SJC/SJS property is closed, respecting the mandates of Bishop Burbidge and Governor Northam.

Dates are not yet set for textbook drop-off/mediaction pick up. Nor have dates been set for any other event you may be wondering about! We look forward to additional guidance from Governor Northam this week, regarding the move to Phase One.

Please consider attending Mass on Friday, May 29 at 8:00 as our school Mass. Mass is live-streamed on Facebook.   https://www.facebook.com/stjosephherndon

Stay well, and please let me know if you have any questions.


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
Reminders

Friday, May 29 - NO SCHOOL (Professional Development Day)


Friday, June 5 - NO SCHOOL (Professional Development Day)
Spirt Week!
June 1st - 4th
Church and School Grounds
We thank our parishioners and visitors to the SJC/SJS property for their understanding that the Church parking lot and property is closed with the exception of visits to the Church and parish office. We know that some individuals have been upset with us, however, this security and safety issue is important to us for many reasons. Here are a few reasons:
 
  • For us as a faith community to be respectful to the directives of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Fairfax County, and Town of Herndon. Bishop Burbidge has asked us to be respectful of the directives of our governmental leaders;
  • For the safety and security of our property and the property of our neighbors;
  • For safety of individuals on the property. With most parks and recreational spaces closed during the days of the pandemic, the Church property and parking lot was becoming the new “alternative park” for many. The property was becoming the bike riding park for some; the picnic gathering space for some; the unleashed dog park for some; and the new student driving course for many.
  • For the fact that the Church parking lot has moving vehicles on the property. We are not suited to be a park or recreational gathering space for the public.
 
We thank you for your respect of our property and our neighborhood.
School Supply Kit Orders
I know it's hard to think about school supply shopping, especially right now. However, we are happy to work with our continued partner, 1st Day School Supplies, to provide you with the convenience of ordering supplies online! You can make your purchase right now by clicking the button below! Deadline to order supplies is June 15, 2020.
PowerSchool Parent Portal



PowerSchool Parent Portal closes
Friday May 29 at 3:00PM.
Nurse's Corner
Child Compliance
All Adult Volunteers for St. Joseph Catholic School should have received an email from Beth Covert regarding acknowledging the new Child Compliance Policy from the Arlington Diocese. If you haven’t received this email, please check your spam/junk file for email from bcovert@sjcherndon.org . If it is not there, please email Beth and she will forward the form to you to complete and acknowledge.
 
The Diocese has also scheduled Zoom Virtus seminars for those that still need to complete the seminar portion of the Child Compliance Program. You must register for the sessions as spaces are limited. Please go to virtus.org to find these seminars and to register.
Stay Connected!
SJS Mobile App, Twitter and Facebook


Don't forget to follow the official St. Joseph Catholic School Facebook page (sjschoolva), Twitter account (@sjschoolva), and download the mobile app from the App Store (St. Joseph Catholic School, VA)
Weekly Saints Quote
750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320