Saints Simon & Jude “Forty Hours” Devotion Invitation from

Sister Barbara Jude

We are inviting you and your child/ren to our Parish Forty Hours services. Our devotions begin Sunday night, October 22nd at 7PM. The services continue on Monday night, October 23rd at 7PM.

On Tuesday night, October 24th at 7PM, we are planning to have a special Procession at the end of the service. Then everyone will process to The Meehan Center where there will be individual snacks.

If your son or daughter received their FIRST COMMUNION this year, would you please have your child dressed in his/her First Holy Communion attire that was used. There will be RESERVED seating for these children. Please report no later than 6:45PM. You and your child will process together as a family.

In this time of world conflict in our world, take advantage of this opportunity to revitalize a living relationship with the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior by participating in this very special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

FROM SSJ'S SCHOOL BOARD

Loss for our SSJ Community

It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Mr. Peter Federico. Peter was devout in his faith and his commitment to the propagation of our faith through Catholic education. Because of this devotion, Peter was a founding member on the School Board of Limited Jurisdiction of Saints Simon and Jude through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and served two terms as the Board’s first Chair. Through his belief in the value of and the need for sustainable Catholic education at Saints Simon and Jude, Peter was instrumental in the development and growth of our School Board. His work on the SSJ School Board is just one of Peter’s legacies. Let us remain committed to Peter’s vision of quality Catholic education for our school children and the future of our faith and society.

Please keep Mr. Federico, and the Federico family, in your thoughts and prayers.

We Fill Buckets at SSJ!



Our faculty/staff who will receive their buckets tomorrow are Victoria Smith (Rm. 7); Jenn Appaneal (Advancement); and Stephanie Leicht (Art).

During the week of October 23rd, students will acknowledge: Nancy O’Toole (Rm. 17); Susan Mobile (Honors Math); Jan Battista (Library Media Specialist).

This year we are promoting kindness at SSJ School for our faculty and staff. Every week, three faculty and staff members will have a bucket, and students are invited to fill their buckets. Items that might be good would be thank you notes, candy, class supplies, trinkets, or something you think that person would enjoy.

NEW THIS WEEK

Walk-a-Thon

Tomorrow, Friday, 10/20 will be our annual Walk-a-Thon beginning at 1:00PM. The children may wear their gym uniforms or logo wear. We hope many of you will join us to cheer us on as we participate in this annual event. See our fundraising update below from our Home & School Association.

Parent/Grandparent Volunteers for Preschool Lunch

We are in need of volunteers to help with our preschoolers at lunch time from 12:00-1:00PM. You do not need to have a child or grandchild in preschool. If you are able to volunteer one or more days a week please contact the school office. Clearances are needed. If you do not have them we will assist you in obtaining them. Thank you very much for your willingness to help the youngest members of our school family.

Communication Test Tomorrow

On Friday, October 20th  we will be sending a communication to test our weather/emergency notification system through the new FACTS Student Information System (SIS). If you do not answer the phone call, the alert will automatically leave you a phone message. Prior to calling school to say you missed a call, please check your phone messages. If school was to be delayed or closed due to inclement weather or some other type of emergency you will be notified through the emergency contacts provided. We believe our emergency contact information to be accurate, however we want to be sure before the winter weather sets in. A phone call, text message, and email will be sent. If you do not receive a communication by 1:00 PM on Friday, October 20th or if the contact is incorrect please notify Mrs. Heraghty at kheraghty@simonandjude.org or call 610-696-5249 so that your emergency contact information can be updated. Please note that some email systems might send bulk communication to your spam/junk folder.

Pretzel Orders

Please click here to order pretzels for the months of November and December. All orders are due by Monday, October 23. Payment for pretzels must be made using your FACTS account. Checks and cash are no longer accepted. You must submit the online form in addition to depositing money in FACTS. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 610-696-5249 or kheraghty@simonandjude.org.

Crafts for Kindness Club

Come join Miss Stenson and Mrs. Clarke for Crafts for Kindness Club on Thursdays, 3:05-4:05 PM for students in grades K-4. Dates: 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7 (no club 11/23 due to Thanksgiving). Click here for more information and a link to register.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

In the coming month of November, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day and give thanks to God for all the blessings He has given us. We especially remember those who do NOT have as much as we do. We would like to help our brothers and sisters in Christ.

For our food collection this year, we are asking each grade/level to bring in the following items:

Preschool - Canned Gravy; Kindergarten - Canned Cranberries/Fruit

Grade 1 - Canned String Beans/Peas; Grade 2 - Canned Soup/Gravy      

Grade 3 - Canned Corn/Carrots; Grade 4 - Box Rice/Stuffing

Grade 5 - Canned Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes; Grade 6 - Boxed Potatoes/Stuffing

Grade 7 - Coffee/Tea; Grade 8 - Canned Juice/Canned Fruit

If any family would like to donate a “FROZEN” turkey, please deliver to the PREP office. We will also accept gift cards and free coupons for turkeys (Giant Food store and Shoprite stores). Any monetary contributions would be gratefully accepted! If you are donating a turkey coupon, the store needs your telephone number on the FREE TURKEY CERTIFICATE slip. So, PLEASE WRITE YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER ON THE SLIP BEFORE YOU HAND IT INTO SCHOOL.

Thank you for your generosity and support! The people are always so very, very grateful. Please have the food items to school by Thursday, November 16th.

Statement from Archbishop Perez

Click here for a Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Regarding the Terrorist Attack on Israel and Armed Conflict in the Holy Land.

Relief Fund Golf Outing

Please note, there is a new date for the Relief Fund Golf Outing... Thursday, November 14th. Click here for more details.

FROM SSJ'S HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

New Trunk or Treat Details

Trunk or Treat will be Friday, October 27th (rain date will be Saturday, October 28th). Click here for a Sign Up Genius to volunteer and to register your car. Please note, the SUG includes a link to for a Brother's Pizza pre-order form.

SAFTEY - Parents are responsible for the safety of your children this evening. Please be conscience that the lot is dark and there are many people moving cars during set up. It is your responsibility to watch your children. Lot opens at 5:30 PM for setting up. No children should be running around the parking lot and socializing until the event starts at 6:00 PM. This is a safety issue. Children must stay in their cars and be supervised by their parents. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Dine and Donate Events

America's Pie

Mark your calendars for another Dine & Donate on Tuesday, October 24th at America's Pie in West Chester, 323 East Gay Street. Mention 'Saints Simon and Jude' when placing your order for delivery, dine-in, or pickup. 10% of the sales will be donated back to SSJ.

Bella Cucina

Place your preorder by October 27th for pickup on November 1st. Click here for an order form.

Lo Piccolo's Deli Order

Place your preorder by November 3rd for pickup on November 12th. Click here for an order form.

Raffle Ticket Reminder

Last call for Home & School Association raffle tickets before the first drawing this Friday, October 20th! You can purchase raffle tickets at any time throughout the school year, but if you would like to increase your chances of winning the $250 cash prize by being included in the maximum amount of drawings, make sure to purchase your tickets by Thursday. Drawings will take place twice a month. 

Raffle tickets are $50 each. All proceeds will go to the Home & School Association to help fund things like buses for field trips, classroom supplies, homeroom holiday and buddy parties, teacher gifts and lunches, as well as events like Trunk or Treat.  This is our largest and most important general fundraiser of the year as it provides the money needed for many of our activities. 

If you would like to purchase a ticket, click here or return the tickets that were sent home with your youngest SSJ student in September. Please feel free to share this link with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who may want to help support SSJ while having a chance to win! However, make sure they note your child's/children's name(s) in the notes section at checkout. Thank you for your support! If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Miley at Jennifer2908@gmail.com.

Walk-a-Thon Fundraising Update

In just ONE week, we have doubled our donations. This is FANTASTIC, Explorers!!!!  

We have raised $16,987. That's 85% of our goal of $20,000. The walk will be this Friday, but you can continue to donate via the donation webpage through October 25, 2023. Keep up the fantastic fund raising efforts.  

Classroom competition is on fire. Maintaining their lead from last week is Mrs. Farrell's 4th grade with $2,370 raised. In second place is Mrs. Glatts' kindergarten with $1,565. We have nearly a tie for third place. It's so close. Mrs. Land's kindergarten has raised $1,285 and Miss Buoni's 3rd grade has raised $1,275. Students, you are all doing a great job! Keep it up!

We have fun prizes for EVERYONE involved on Friday and we'll have an ice cream treat, too.  

REMINDER: We have great prizes for everyone involved.  

• Every student who reaches the individual goal of $50 wins a dress down day card.
• The top 3 students in each class will win an additional dress down day card.
• All classrooms that have 100% participation will earn an extra recess period.
• The classroom that collectively raises the highest monetary donation per student will earn a pizza party. 
• The top 20 families who raise the most funds will be entered into a raffle to win a SPECIAL PRIZE!
• The Top Individual Fundraiser will also win a GRAND PRIZE!  

Thank you to all who have participated and who have worked hard getting the word out to family and friends about our great event! See you Friday!!!

Email reminder... School families should have received emails on Tuesday, October 3rd. If you didn't, please check your spam follder.

• One from the school with all our Walk-a-Thon details, including what the proceeds will be used for. Click here to view the information from our event co-chairs.
• Emails with access to your child/ren's Walk-a-Thon pages.

PRAYER REQUESTS

We are happy to pray for the needs of our school family. If any family has a prayer request please send it to srelinich@simonandjude.org. 

For Mr. Leo Stenson, father of Miss Stenson (room 12), who is ill. May Christ’s healing hand grant him a complete and speedy recovery. 

For Mr. Ronald Paiste, grandfather of James Dougherty (room 17), who is ill. May Christ’s healing hand comfort him and grant him a complete recovery.

FROM SSJ'S CYO

Homecoming

SSJ CYO Homecoming will kick off on Friday, October 20th, with JV & Varsity Soccer games under the lights at Glen Mills. Homecoming festivities will continue on Saturday at Glen Mills with Flag Football, as well as JV & Varsity Football. Click here for the complete Homecoming Weekend schedule. We hope Explorer Nation will be out in full force to cheer on our teams!

We hope you'll join us for this year's SSJ CYO Homecoming Social on Saturday, October 21st, at the VFW in West Chester. There will be food, music, and an open bar. Check out the link for more details and to RSVP. http://evite.me/KSt6SghcWg

Fall Sports Mass, Service, Dine & Donate

SSJ CYO will celebrate Mass together at 6pm on Sunday, October 29th. All Fall athletes should wear their team jersey and sit together in Church. We're also asking all CYO families who attend to please bring a toiletry item (toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc.) for those in need. Bins will be set up for the collection in the Church vestibule. After Mass, please join us at Duffer's for a CYO Dine & Donate. Come and enjoy some delicious food while supporting all of our teams at the same time, as a portion of every bill will be donated back to CYO. Just mention you're part of SSJ CYO when ordering!

REMINDERS FROM SSJ'S THEATRE DEPARTMENT

Save the Date!

Saints Simon and Jude Junior Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, November 18th & 19th. Ticket sales will begin November 3rd. More ticketing details to follow.

A Christmas Carol T-Shirts

We are now taking T-Shirt orders! Click here to download a form and return it to school (Gavin Megosh, Rm 3) by Friday, October 20th. Students are permitted to wear their T-Shirts with their uniforms the day of the school preview, Friday, November 17th.

A Christmas Carol Service Project

In preparation for our fall show, A Christmas Carol, we would like to continue the spirit of giving with a service project! The list of items below were sent from Christ's Home in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Donations will be taken up until November 20th, so the children receive the items before the holidays. Donations can be brought to school and your child can deliver to Room 1. Unfortunately, they do not take used items. Christ's Home is in need of: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, hair brushes, toothpaste, joggers (all teen boy sizes), leggings/yoga pants (all teen sizes), size 5 diapers, and cosmetic bags. Thank you so much for your help and generosity.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Halloween Basket of Fun

Student Council is sponsoring a Halloween basket raffle. The basket is full of fun Halloween items, such as candy, trick or treat bags, pumpkin carving kit, decorations, and so much more! Raffle tickets will be sold during snack recess. The sale began on Wednesday, October 18th and go through Thursday, October 26th. The winning ticket will be chosen at morning assembly on Friday, October 27th. Tickets cost 3/$1 or 50 cents each. Proceeds will benefit SSJ student activities.

Family Pumpkin Decorating/Carving Contests

It’s that time of the year to decorate a pumpkin to be displayed in the SSJ hallways! We invite all families to decorate or carve a pumpkin. Pumpkins may be dropped off starting Monday, October 23rd.  All pumpkins need to be delivered to the cafeteria hallway NO LATER than the morning of Tuesday, October 24th. As Student Council registers the pumpkin, please include your family name along with the children’s names and homeroom numbers. All students will be invited to view the pumpkins on Wednesday, October 25th. This year there will be two separate categories, one for decorated and one for carved. Student Council officers will vote on the best decorated and carved pumpkins. One pumpkin per family, please! All pumpkins will be sent home on Friday, October 27th. We cannot wait to see the creativity again this year!

Makerspace Donations

Mrs. Battista is beginning to collect supplies for our new Makerspace area in the Library Media Center. We are requesting and purchasing (with Walk-a-Thon funds) different consumable materials throughout the year. However, we'd also like to use recyclables such as any gently used items from the list below:

Legos/Lego base plates or board platforms, K’nex, Bristle Blocks, Jenga blocks, Magformers, mosaic or magnetic tiles, Lincoln logs, wooden blocks or Kinetic Sand.

If you have any of the above items we'd be grateful to use them within our Makerspace. Many Thanks! Mrs. Battista, Library Media Specialist

SSJ School Band October Enrollment

Students interested in joining the school band or orchestra may still enroll throughout the month of October. As a reminder, participation in band instrument and instrumental music is available to students in grades 4-8, and orchestra instrument participation is available for students in grades 3-8. If you are interested in joining this wonderful program, please click here for the Northeastern Music website. Thank you!

Angel Tree Program 2023

Saints Simon and Jude will once again participate in the Angel Tree program, providing gifts for less fortunate children in the Delaware Valley. Sadly, after 35 years of service to the community, the Delaware Valley Children’s Charity closed its door, but the Angel Tree Program will continue our support through You Give Goods. This year we are sponsoring 170 children from the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County and the Care Center of Chester County. The charity will continue to be a virtual giving event. Just as last year, you will not need to shop at stores, wrap gifts, and deliver them to the church. You will be able to shop online, from the comfort of your home, from our special website, yougivegoods.com/saintssimonandjude2023, which is now open through November 30th. You will also receive a receipt for tax purposes. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. You can call, text, or email me at 484-995-2319 or cindymoribondo@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your continued support and generosity. Much love and gratitude, Cindy Moribondo

8th Grade Game Night

PreK 3 Field Trip to Sugartown Strawberries

Pumpkins, Hayride, AND Riding on a School Bus!

Family Faith & Fun Day