Principal's Peek at the Week

Saints Joseph and John School - February 1, 2024

Dear Saints Joseph and John School Families,

“Hold fast to the hope that lies before us.” – Hebrews 6:18

On Sunday, we celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life. We recognize and give thanks for those who have consecrated their lives to God and the Church through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The consecrated life is one way that women and men live out their baptismal commitment as followers of Jesus. Please pray for Fr. Barry, Fr. Andy, Fr. Arnold, Fr. Greg, and Sr. Rita and be sure to thank them on their special day!

Congratulations to our faculty who were recognized at today's school Pep Rally for their years of service to Catholic education: Mr. Beck (40 years); Mrs. Nadeo (20 years); Mrs. McChrystal (15 years) and Mrs. Estephan (10 years). May God continue to bless them for their commitment, dedication, and generosity. We are thankful for all that they bring to our SJJ school community each day!

I am pleased to share that SJJ has been awarded funding through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER). This funding can assist us in purchasing new and updated curriculum in both Math and ELA for the 2024-2025 school year. We have established two curriculum teams here at SJJ to conduct an audit of our current curriculum materials in both ELA and Math, as well as to examine the most recent and updated curriculum and programming in these subject areas. Part of this audit also includes consulting with our Diocesan Office of Catholic Education and using EdReports as a resource to choose the best materials to meet the needs of our students in the next school year and beyond.

Just a reminder that tomorrow's theme wear for Catholic Schools Week is crazy socks. In keeping consistent with the "First Friday of the Month" Spirit Wear Day, SJJ spirit wear can be worn on top, paired with school uniform bottoms and school shoes. As always, the traditional school uniform is welcome should your child not wish to participate in the theme day or Spirit Wear Day.

A request form was sent home with K-8 students last week with details about the optional parent teacher conferences. Conferences will take place at SJJ School on Thursday, February 15 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Parents who would like a conference are asked to please fill out the conference request form and return to it to the main office no later than tomorrow Friday, February 2. Your child's teacher will then be in contact with you to schedule a conference for February 15.

Finally, don't forget to save the date for March 2 as our PTU's Rockin' Reverse Raffle takes place at St. Paul’s Hellenic in North Royalton. Event tickets are required to be purchased in advance. Please support our PTU as they work to support our students and faculty, and join in the fun for this adults-only night out!

Please read on for more information about upcoming events, EdChoice and more.

Blessings,

Mrs. Schenek

SJJ February Calendar

Please click on the button above to take you to the SJJ Calendar. Please be sure to check back frequently, as the calendar may update as events are added.

FEBRUARY LUNCH MENU

Ed Choice Expansion Scholarship - Application Window Opens TODAY

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The window to reapply for Ohio Department of Education scholarships, including the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year (Fiscal Year 2025) opens today, February 1.

Check your email about the steps necessary to reapply for the 2024-2025 (Fiscal Year 2025) school year. In most cases, families will only need to complete a renewal application form and upload a current utility bill. For renewals, Income Verification is not required again unless your family income has changed significantly and you choose to resubmit.

Please note that Preschool or PreKindergarten students are not eligible for the state scholarships. However, families may apply for Diocesan Tuition Assistance through FACTS. Please reach out to Mrs. Briggs in the Business Office for more information.

PTU Committee Chair and Parent Meeting- TONIGHT

Parents - Please join the PTU TONIGHT, February 1 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. as we go through the events and fundraisers planned for the rest school year. Help is always appreciated!

At this meeting we will discuss the events we held in the past, as well as upcoming events, and the type of assistance that is needed.

Hope to see you there!

Google Meet joining information:

Video call link: https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/lraBCgJKlWiP1DBXBsNCJVA?domain=meet.google.com

Or dial: +1 470-485-9706 PIN: 871706597

SJJ RECEIVES GRANT TO PURCHASE A NEW DISHWASHER

Thanks to the work of SJJ's own Cafeteria Manager Sharon Gyurko, our school was awarded the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grant in the amount of $15,000. This grant is a sub-award from the United States Department of Agriculture that was awarded to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Using these funds, Mrs. Gyurko will purchase a new dishwasher for the kitchen!

K-8 Grandparents'/ Special Person Day- Bigger and Better Than EVER!

We are getting ready to roll out the red carpet for our Grandparents and other VIPs on Thursday, March 14 from 8:15-11:15 am.

On March 14, students will report to school as usual. After attendance, Grandparents/VIPs will report to the youngest grandchild’s homeroom. Then the adventure begins! Our Grandparents/VIPs will move around SJJ and participate in various activities with their grandchild(ren) or special friend(s). To accommodate all aspects of building transportation on this day, please note our event will conclude promptly at 11:15 am and students will be dismissed from school at 11:45 am. No Viking Cove will be offered that day.

Parents, keep a lookout for the Google form link to RSVP which will be sent out after Catholic Schools Week. We cannot wait to share our school with your child’s grandparents/VIPs!

From the SJJ PTU

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SJJ Tobogganing

The PTU is hosting an SJJ Night at the Chalet on Tuesday, coming up on Tuesday, February 6 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Limited tickets available for purchase so secure your families spots today! Click here to purchase your tickets: https://sjj-night-at-the-chalet-tobogganing-event-copy.cheddarup.com

Note: Participants MUST be 42” tall to ride.

SJJ PTU Rockin’ Reverse Raffle

Get ready to ROCK it out on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 6-11 p.m. at St. Paul’s Hellenic. We are still seeking sponsorships, advertising, and donations for silent auction/raffle baskets. You can purchase tickets and sponsorships at https://2024-rockin-reverse-raffle.cheddarup.com

For questions or to inquire about participation, contact Kerry Woloszynek at email: kerrywoloszynek@gmail.com

PTU EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Co-Presidents- Natalie Pratt, Roxanne Yurcik
Treasurer- Tina Dzik
Secretary- Laura LaNasa
VP of Operations- Krista Klefos
VP of Marketing- Julie Lytle
VP of Fundraising- Kristina Arch

To reach our PTU team please email stsjjptu@gmail.com

Skating Party to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Claire, a junior at Strongsville High School, was chosen to represent Strongsville City Schools as this year's Leukemia and Lymphoma’s Student Visionary of the Year. As one of her fundraisers she is having an ice skating party for students in grades 5-8 at Brunswick Auto Mart Arena on Friday, February 23. Claire is the sister of SJJ student, Danny. Please see below for more information.

Join Mrs. Kimble for Kids of Faith

Please Note Drop-off Times in the Morning to Prevent Tardies

MORNING

7:15 am- Building opens and students may enter the building to report directly to McGraw Hall.

Car drop-offs may not occur prior to 7:15am.

7:45 am- Tardy Bell Rings.
Students not in their seats and ready to learn at 7:45 am are marked tardy.

Please do not drop children off at the Main Entrance during morning drop off. All cars must go through the car line for everyone's safety, as there is heavy bus traffic along the drive between the church and school.