Happy Thursday St. Joseph’s Families 

We are almost through our second week of our phased in reopening plan. We continue to bring small groups of students into the classrooms to begin our academic work for the school year as well as do some baseline/progress monitoring testing.  While this is far from our traditional start to school, the advantages have been the personal interaction with the teachers and the one on one guidance and attention each student is receiving.  We continue to navigate each day knowing that God is with us as we embark on this journey. We must be a channel of Grace and Mercy for one another.

We want to be able to continue our in person learning throughout the year and we need your help. We all need to practice the 3 W’s both in and out of school:

• Wear a Mask

• Wash your hands

• Watch your distance when with others

School Requirements:

• All people on our school campus must wear a mask

  • Our St. Alphonsus Nurses recommend that students bring three masks

  • Please label your child’s mask and put extras in a sealable bag

  • Reusable masks should be cleaned daily

• We will practice social distancing

• Students should be in our school uniform

Just a reminder, we are trying to limit the number of people in the building. If possible, please drop things off at the front door and we will pick the items up. Thank you for your help with this.

Week of August 31st – September 4th

Here is information for the third week of school:

• Kindergarten – 8th grade Students should arrive at 8:30 am and be picked up at 11:00

• Student drop off and pick up – Same as week 2 – the drive through path will not be available the first three weeks of school. Please bring your child to the playground in front of the school. There will be signs by grade level. Teachers will be outside and then we will bring students into the building. You will pick your child up at the same location as drop-off.

• Chromebooks – if you do not have a device for your child, we have chrome books available for check out.

Students will be coming to the school in the same groups as week 2:

• • Monday – Last names A-C

  • Tuesday – Last names D-H

  • Wednesday – Last names I-L

  • Thursday – Last names M-R

  • Friday – Last names S-Z

This third week will be an opportunity to continue our phased in approach and begin our academic work. Students will continue to practice on various learning platforms. We will also do team building and faith-based lessons.

After/Before School Care

Starting September 8th, we will have after care for those families who are enrolled in the afternoon session only (12:30 – 3:30); aftercare will run from 3:30 – 5:30. For the AM session, students should be dropped off no earlier than 7:45 and be picked up by 11:15. For the PM session, students should be dropped off no earlier than 12:15 and should be picked up by 3:45. We need to insure social distancing amongst our students and cannot manage our usual large groups outside.

Back to School Night

Our Back to School Night will look quite different this year – it will be virtual. The date is set for Wednesday, September 16th at 6:00 PM. We will be sending more detailed information to you over the next few weeks.

St. John’s Parish/School Connection

St. Joseph’s School and St. John’s Parish have a strong relationship. St. Joseph’s Catholic school is St. John’s Parish biggest ministry.

We would like to share some information about becoming Catholic. The process of RCIA adapted for children is based on the Church’s belief that one enters in the Church in one of two ways – either as an infant through the Rite of Baptism for Children or when a child reaches catechetical age – a child who is capable of nurturing and receiving personal faith. The Parish is offering religious education to our students and/or their families who would like to become Catholic. The deadline for enrollment is October 1, 2020. It is important that a child have parental support or a faithful family member or friend who will help the child in their faith journey. Participation in the Sunday liturgy each week is of upmost importance. Please contact St. John’s Parish if you would like to learn more.

Did you know that St. John’s Parish helps subsidize our St. Joseph’s Catholic School Ministry?  Please continue to support St. John’s Parish in your weekly giving.

Thank you for choosing St. Joseph’s Catholic School – we are truly blessed to have you as part of our St. Joe’s Family.

Take Care and God Bless,

Tammy Emerich

Principal