Dear Families,

Twas two days before school starts and all through the school teachers are busy preparing classrooms and trying to stay cool. Sunday's Meet the Teacher event was well attended. It was great to see everyone. Faculty and staff are very excited to welcome everyone back and look forward to meeting our K families and new families on Wednesday at orientation.  

Policy reminder about hair for all students. Students must have their natural hair color. No frosted tips, highlights, or bleach. For the boys hair should be above the ears, off the collar, and above their eyebrows. Please make sure students are ready to start school.

The handbook will be shared no later than Wednesday morning. Grades 3-8 please make sure you pay particular attention to the new Diocesan grading policy. An F has now been changed to 60 or below and moved from an F being below a 70. This change brings us in line with the high schools which are on a 10 point grading scale instead of a 7 point grading scale which the elementary schools have always followed. This will be discussed at back to school night.

I am looking forward to a great year and partnering with all the parents to continue the wonderful traditions and education at St. Joseph Catholic School.

"Make me an instrument of your peace." St. Joseph, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

​Peace, 

Mrs. Stich

Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God

Please review the morning and afternoon carpool procedures. While we know the carpool will challenge our patience, it will settle down once everyone is acclimated to and comfortable with procedures.

Click HERE for a visual of Morning and Afternoon Carpool.

Click HERE for important Carpool Safety Reminders.

Boys: Hair must be neatly trimmed, cut above the collar, eyebrows, and top of ears. Boys may not wear ponytails, hair bands, or other hair ties. Trendy haircuts of any kind (which includes lines or shapes of any kind), including dyed hair and any color extensions, are not permitted for either boys or girls. Final decisions regarding haircuts rest with the principal/administration.

Girls: Hair must be neat and trimmed. Trendy haircuts of any kind (which includes lines or shapes of any kind), including dyed hair and any color extensions are not permitted for either girls or boys. Final decisions regarding haircuts rests with the principal/administration.

*First Day of School is Thursday, August 20*

August 20 = 11:30am Dismissal (NO Morning and NO Afternoon Extended Day)

August 21 = 11:30am Dismissal (NO Afternoon Extended Day)

September 4 = 11:30am Dismissal (NO Afternoon Extended Day)

September 7 = No School (Labor Day)

Please check the school calendar for more school related dates!

Kindergarten Orientation = August 19 @ 9:00am

NEW Student Orientation = August 19 @ 10:30am

Parents, please make sure to submit this year's new walker form if your student will be a walker/biker this school year. Parents of afternoon walkers are reminded that walkers can not be picked up by car in the SJS parking lot. All walkers must actually walk off the campus. Click HERE for the Walker form.

Regular attendance is essential for achieving the goals and objectives of our curriculum. Barring illness, we kindly ask that parents ensure their children attend school consistently. Frequent absences can disrupt learning and make it difficult for students to stay on track. Let's work together to support our students' education and success!

It is critically important to send all notifications of absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals (with a reason) to attendance@sjschoolva.org 



For the same day occurrences, please try to email before 8:00 AM. Parents may also send notifications in advance of the absence, late arrival, or early dismissal.  

Please provide a time of arrival for late arrivals (if known) and for early dismissals. Please note that the latest early dismissal time is 2:15 PM.  

If the attendance office does not receive notification of an absence, parents will be emailed with a request for a reason for the absence.  

The attendance forwards all emails to the appropriate teacher, so please email attendance@sjschoolva.org first. 

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Back to School Night: August 19 @ 7:00pm

Grades 2 - 5 Back to School Night:

August 25 @ 6pm-8:00pm Doors open at 6:00pm for parents to explore the various ministries and sport programs. Meeting will begin at 6:30pm. There will be 2 sessions to allow for those families with multiple children.

Grades 6 - 8 Back to School Night = August 26 @ 6:00pm-8:30pm. Doors open at 6:00pm for parents to explore the various ministries and sport programs. Meeting will begin at 6:30pm. Parents will follow their child's schedule after the meeting.

Please note an update to our student water bottle guidelines. Students may now bring water bottles up to 12 ounces in size. This replaces the previously communicated 10 ounce limit. The adjustment was made to better align with commonly available water bottle sizes.

This is an elective program offered to all students grade 2 and up. Students will be pulled from their classes for approximately 45minutes once per week to participate. Classes will be built based on enrollment and ability levels of students. Pre-enroll to lock in a substantial discount - tuition is $500 or 10 installments of $55.

Students may choose to study any standard band or orchestra instrument:

Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone,

Baritone, Euphonium, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Students will have a demonstration during the school day to learn more about the program.

**Parent Meeting is September 1 at 6:30pm

Click HERE to sign up!

St. Joseph Catholic School loves to have volunteers for many activities. From classroom projects, parties, field trips, Field Day, etc., there are lots of areas to help out. But in order to be able to volunteer, all adults must be compliant in the Child Protection Program that the Arlington Diocese requires of all adults over the age of 18 to complete. The program is two parts, an online background application and attendance at a Virtus Seminar. Once you are compliant, you are done!

Click HERE for more information on the Child Protection Program. Click HERE for instructions.

We encourage all parents to complete this program. If you have volunteered in another parish/school in the Arlington Diocese and have completed this program, please notify Beth Covert, Child Protection Liaison for St. Joseph Church/School. You can be added to St. Joseph School’s listing. Her contact information is bcovert@sjcherndon.org, or (703)880-4357.

Extended Day registration is open!

Click HERE to be directed to the Extended Day page with forms to complete. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Nancy Lisk at extended_day@sjschoolva.org

Deadline to submit Extended Day forms is August 19, 2026.

School Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, September 30. All students will have their photo taken in their formal St. Joseph Catholic School uniform.



A second Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, November 4 for students who need a makeup photo or who wish to have their picture taken in dress-out attire that complies with the Student/Parent Handbook guidelines.

All recess and lunch volunteers must be compliant with the Child Protection Program. Please see the school website for more information. A great way to fulfill the 12 hour family service/volunteer requirement!

Recess: Please arrive at the front office at 11:10am for 11:15-1:15 recess.

Lunch: Please arrive at the front office at 11:25am for 11:30-1:30 lunch.

Please sign up only if you can volunteer the whole two hours. 



Questions or last minute cancellation? Please call the school office at 703-880-4350.

Show your SJS pride while supporting our 8th grade class! Spirit Wear is now on sale! Throughout the school year we'll have Spirit Wear Dress Out Days where students can wear their SJS spirit gear or dress in green, black, and white.

Please note the following:

• Pajama pants are not approved for Spirit Wear Days or any school dress-out days.
• The black ¼-zip is uniform approved; the gray ¼-zip is not.
• All skorts must comply with the handbook's dress code standards for modest length.
• The trucker hat may be worn to school but must be removed upon entering the building.

Thank you for supporting our 8th grade class!

St. Joseph Golf Program is Back! – Fall 2026 Session for 4^th-8^th Graders!

· When: Starts Tuesday, September 8th* (*first session only on Tuesday night due to Labor Day, and on Monday nights following, beginning September 14th) and will run for roughly 7 weeks through the middle of October. Practices will be on Monday evenings at Herndon Centennial.  Anticipated start time will be ~5:00pm for 6^th – 8^th graders and ~6:00pm for 4^th and 5^th graders. Due to changes in daylight, times may change during the season. Tuesdays may be used for make-up nights if weather is an issue.  

· What: Will include basic instruction and practice for the Fall session, including time on the driving range and chipping/putting green, with some play on the course occurring throughout.

· Who: 4^th – 8^th grade St. Joseph School students and St. Joseph Parish CCD participants.  Note – based on # of volunteers, we may need to limit the # of players this year. 

· Equipment/Attire: Does your child have clubs already? Great, please bring them. Don’t have golf clubs? No worries, there are additional sets of junior golf clubs that can be used at the course. Sneakers are suitable (golf shoes not required), and dress will be a golf shirt (or similar) and golf shorts, or golf pants (no jeans) when the weather is colder.

· Cost: Anticipated costs are ~$95 per child and includes use of the unlimited range balls, facilities, instruction (and clubs, as needed), and possibly some contest prizes. We may also look to acquire SJS Golf polos at an additional cost for those interested. 

Please register by Friday August 28^th so that we can finalize numbers and plans with the golf course. As a reminder, we may need to limit the # of players this year based on # of volunteers.  To register, volunteer, or for more information/questions, please contact Joel Woodson at joel_woodson@yahoo.com. FORE!!!!!

Come and run a mile or two,

Develop friendships old and new,

Set some goals and see them through,

We'll work hard and have fun too!

The Arlington Diocese NVJCYO Track & Field and Cross Country Fall 2026 seasons are beginning. We welcome your young athletes to join our St. Joseph's Parish team in training and competitions as your family's schedules allow.  

Who can participate? Track & Field and Cross Country competitions are available for all St. Joseph’s 3rd-8th grade parishioners (SJS, CCD or home school). 

Where and When?  

Practices:

• Sunday Track & Field event practices from 4:00-5:30pm begin August 30
• Herndon Middle School: 901 Locust St, Herndon, VA 20170 (The Track & Field area is located behind the school and the bus parking lot)
• Weekday Cross Country running practices from 6:15-7:00pm beginning in Sept (exact day tbd, but likely Tues, Wed or Thurs)
• Claude Moore Nature Center: 21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd, Sterling, VA 20164

Competitions:

• Sep 19 Cross Country Developmental Meet #1 at Paul VI High School
• Oct 10 Track & Field Championship Meet at Bishop O’Connell High School 
• Grades 6 to 8 Boys & Girls 7:30am - 12:00pm
• Grades 3 to 5 Boys & Girls 12:00pm - 7:00pm 
• Oct 17 Cross Country Developmental Meet #2 at Lake Fairfax Park 
• Nov 8 Cross Country Championship Meet at Fort Hunt Park  

How much does it cost?

$45 per athlete covers practice field and meet fees, drinks, and an end of season party

$20 for team shirt if you do not already have one (required for the championship meets; optional otherwise)

Why should we join?

• Be part of our parish team! Offering a combination of individual and relay events, the Cross Country and Track & Field team offers an opportunity for each person to be part of a group that encourages improvement across short or long-distance running, jumping, and throwing events. Individual events are offered across several age groups and levels of skill and motivation. The more each athlete wants to train, the faster he or she will improve his/her abilities. Several members join to train to compete in the meet while others join for the great cross-training this offers for other sports. We all improve individually and as a team!
• Flexible schedules: Teammates and families are encouraged to join as many practices and meets as family schedules can accommodate, but there are no minimum time commitments. 
• Family fun: Access to multiple practices or competitions each week in September and October… Parents are encouraged to join in the running, jumping and throwing (or helping manage event training, keep scores, etc.) with our student athletes. This is a great opportunity to share time with our families and parish community!

How do we join?

• Register your child through SportsPilot: https://reg.sportspilot.com/106548/leagues
• This registers your child for the team. Signups for participation in meets will happen in the weeks leading up to each meet.

If you have any questions, please email Coach Lisa Anderson at sj.xctrack@gmail.com

St. Joseph Catholic School has implemented a 12-hour family service requirement. All families are encouraged to participate, and many opportunities exist to volunteer time, talent, or treasure, including class field trips, parties or other classroom help, cafeteria, recess and hands-on activities such as art or outdoor classroom activities. The PTO also has numerous opportunities such as the annual auction, Pizza Friday, Used Uniform sales, Donut Sundays, etc. All volunteers must complete the Child Protection Program as they will have substantial contact with students. Families that do not participate in the service program will be charged a $120.00 fee, or partial fee of $10 per hour for hours not volunteered.

**Deadline for completing and submitting volunteer hours for the 2026-2027 school year is May 31, 2027. LOG YOUR HOURS BELOW!

Calling all Preschoolers! Join Little Messengers for a faith-filled and fun year!

Little Messengers is a Catholic Preschool Co-Op for children ages 2.5 through 5. We meet every Tuesday morning in the St. Joseph's Catholic Church meeting rooms, September - May from 9:30 am - 11:30 am. Preschoolers are introduced to Catholic prayers and teachings, and also learn preschool fundamentals. If you are interested in participating, please contact Katie Mitchell at sj.littlemessengers@gmail.com for more information.

Early Registration for the 2026-2027 Sessions

Ladies of the Parish, we hope you will consider joining the St Joseph’s Walking with Purpose Bible Studies.  

• Walking with Purpose Bible studies help women grow closer to Christ as they lean on truths found in Scripture to live joy-filled lives. 
• Come meet your fellow sisters in Christ on a journey with God our Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our guide. 

Early registration is now open through August 16, 2026, for the 2026-2027 sessions. A $5 discount on the $25 registration fee will be given to those that register and pay on or before August 16, 2026. 

For more information, please visit the WWP page on the St. Joseph’s Parish website accessible via www.sjcherndon.org/walking-with-purpose or visit our QR code.

Our Fall session will kick off on Wednesday, September 16th at 7pm in the Parish Meeting Rooms with our first Coffee Chat. 



Contact wwpstj@gmail.com for more information.

Formation, Prayer & Fellowship...

Join us this Fall...  2 Options!

Option 1

WHEN: Wednesday mornings, 10am-12pm

WHAT: The Gospel of Matthew: The King and His Kingdom, a 24 session study of the Gospel, that explores how Jesus fulfills God’s promises to Israel, establishes His kingdom on earth, and brings God’s plan of salvation to completion with the New Covenant that includes all of us! Each week we pray together, watch a video presentation with Jeff Cavins (creator of the Great Adventure Bible Timeline), share in small group discussion & form lasting relationships!

Questions or to register: contact Amy Speetjens @ speetjens@verizon.net 

Option 2

WHEN: Thursday evenings, 7-9pm

WHAT: Ascension Press' Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a 20 session study. Filmed across 40 locations in 11 countries, this study brings you to the places where the Faith was explained and clarified by Church councils, the Church doctors, and the saints. Trusted Catholic presenters include Dr. Edward Sri, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, and Fr. Mike Schmitz. Discover the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith.

Questions or to register: contact Mary Kay Bailey @ marykaybailey@verizon.net

Don't forget to follow the official St. Joseph Catholic School Facebook page (sjschoolva), X (@sjschoolva), and Instagram accounts (@sjschoolva).

St. Joseph Catholic School

750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170

Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320