Good afternoon St. Joseph’s Families,

Happy Thursday to everyone. March definitely came in like a lamb. Our weather this week has been amazing – I hope you have had a chance to get out and enjoy it.  Our students have been able to eat outside. This gives them a little more time to have for lunch as we do not have to transition locations. Just a reminder, students may begin wearing uniform shorts after spring break. Educational Outfitters is one of our uniform vendors and they have a shop here in Boise – please see the flyer included in our weekly bulletin – they are having a uniform shorts sale.

Living our Faith

Did you know that 2021 has been designated as the Year of St. Joseph? We are doing various activities throughout the rest of the school year in honor of our patron saint. At Mass this week, Fr. Mariusz spoke of virtues and humility. It was a wonderful homily.

• Tuesday, March 9th, our 1st and 8th grades will attend Mass in person at 8:15. Mr. Yanci’s 8th grade homeroom will host Mass.

Here is our school prayer to St. Joseph:

Father, you entrusted our Savior to the Care of St. Joseph.

By the help of his prayer may Your Church continue

To serve its Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You

And the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Important Reminders/Information:

• We lifted the travel quarantine as of March 1st
• March 12th – End of 3rd quarter – noon dismissal
• Friday, March 19th is a Teacher workday – No students
• Spring Break – March 22nd – March 26th – No School
• Uniform shorts can be worn after spring break – Monday, March 29th
• TVCS Middle School spring Sports will begin March 29th

News from the last two weeks – still important . . .

COVID

As we continue to evaluate our procedures put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we will be making some adjustments. Because the numbers have gone down significantly across the country, the travel quarantine has been lifted as of Monday, March 1st. We will continue to monitor and adjust as we see best for the health and safety of our school community. Thank you all for your support and patience!

Hiring for the 2021-2022 School Year

For the 2021-2022 school year, St. Joe’s will be hiring a music teacher and Development/Marketing Director. These jobs are posted on our school website, the Diocesan website and nationally through NCEA – National Catholic Education Association. If you know of someone who would be a great fit for our school, please refer them to one of these sites.

Tuition and Fees for 2021-2022

Tuition and fees have been set for next school year:

• Fees are $400 per student
• Tuition – Practicing Catholic is $4,990 and Non-Catholic tuition is $6,328
• Our cost to educate is $6,408.84

#BravelyGiveToday Fundraising Drive

To date, our school community has donated $134,069– we are so grateful for your support! Our goal is to reach $250,000 and 100% family participation. Currently, 32% of our families have donated. Over the past few years, we have averaged about $150,000. Please give what you can during this time. Remember that monetary donations are tax deductible. In addition, we are not requiring volunteer hours this school year due to COVID-19- with this, please donate to our fund-raising effort this year.

COVID-19

In our 8th week of second semester, we have zero positive cases of COVID-19. Thank you to all our St. Joseph’s families for helping us keep our school open and our illness numbers low.

Current COVID tracking information for St. Joseph’s HERE.

• If your family has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please keep all children home. If anyone in your family is being tested for COVID-19 keep all children home.
• If any immediate family member is experiencing any illness symptoms- keep all children home – siblings must stay home as well per our safety protocols
• Request that you limit exposure over the next month to immediate family – avoid sleep overs or group gatherings.
• Please consider the health and safety or our broader community – continue to practice our 3 W’s:
• Wear a Mask – all people on our school campus must wear a mask
• Wash your hands
• Watch your distance when with others
• See Illness Decision Tree for Schools

Distance Learning

We will not be offering distance learning for the remainder of the school year with a few exceptions. Those students who are in quarantine due to COVID exposure or who have tested positive may log in to classes if that is currently offered for that grade level.

• Students who are home sick (including their siblings) may also log in as we are asking our families cooperation with this.
•  All other absences will be treated as regular absence and work can be completed after returning to school.

Thank you for your continued partnership with us as we guide our students in faith and learning!

Blessings,

Tammy Emerich