Principal's Peek at the Week

Saints Joseph and John School - December 7, 2023

Dear Saints Joseph and John School Families,

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

As we continue to prepare our hearts to light the second candle of Advent this week, we celebrate and pray for peace. As Pope Francis reminds us, "Let us continue to pray for peace without losing heart, to knock with a humble and insistent spirit at the ever-open door of God's heart and at the doors of humankind."

Playground Fundraising Update: As of today, there has been $139,050 raised toward a new playground! This will fund more than just the playground structure, mulch and fence. It is truly amazing how our generous school community has pulled together to raise such a significant amount in such a few short months. The playground committee will soon be sharing with the school community updated renderings of the playground, as well as additional items that could be added if funding permits. Our students are going to be thrilled to have a new place to play next school year during their recess.

Substitute teachers needed: If you are interested in being a substitute teacher for Saints Joseph and John School, please contact Mrs. Francis, our assistant principal, at jfrancis@sjjschool.org.

Enrollment Season: We are nearing the end of our priority enrollment period for our Little Vikings Preschool and PreKindergarten. Current Little Vikings families, parishioners of St. Joseph and St. John Neumann, or those who attended the fall open house are all able to apply at a priority rate until December 31. On January 3, open enrollment for the Little Vikings Program will begin, along with re-enrollment/priority enrollment for grades K-8 for the 2024-2025 school year. More information on K-8 enrollment will be coming soon. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions.

School Christmas Events:

December 8- Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass and 1st Grade Nativity Play following school Mass.
December 8- Junior High Christmas Dance in McGraw Hall.
December 14- K, 1, 2 Christmas Musical.
December 20- School-wide Polar Express Day; Classroom Christmas celebrations; Last day of School before Christmas Break (early dismissal).

Lord Jesus, Help us to see the times when we have lived without peace and forgive us for our transgressions. Set our minds on you, that we may remember you are the prince of peace, and our security comes from you alone. Teach us that this peace is inward, everlasting, and can exist regardless of our circumstances. In whatever way you believe is best, teach us how to live in that peace every day. We ask for that in your holy name, Amen.

Advent blessings,

Mrs. Schenek

SJJ December 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.

PLEASE NOTE DROP OFF TIMES IN MORNING CAR LINE TO AVOID 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.

Grades K-2 Christmas Program!

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Please join us for a short Christmas program in McGraw Hall on Thursday, December 14th at 9:00 a.m.

The doors to McGraw Hall will open at 8:30 a.m.

The children will need to wear nice pants, dress/school shoes and a Christmas shirt or sweater. The shirt may be decorated with Christmas things or they can wear a solid red, green or blue shirt. Girls may also choose to wear a Christmas dress.

Questions? Please contact Ms. Webb twebb@sjjschool.org

From the SJJ PTU

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Holiday Treats! Honey Baked Ham and Coffee Cake Sale

PTU is selling Honey Baked Ham Gift Cards that you can give as gifts or use for your holiday meals! SJJ PTU gets 20% back on any purchases through our fundraising site. Find it here à https://www.honeybaked.com/fundraising/st_joseph_and_john_ptu?fbclid=IwAR3muJNq1ssZlprWFOlx0Qw_QX-s6jZtVuEtfpPozKXbTI3gf9GXmSOghAY

Also for your holiday planning, we still have a few My Grandma’s Coffee Cakes to sell! Please help us meet our goal! The cakes will be available for pick up at school on December 19th. We have a limited supply so get yours now! https://sjj-ptu-my-grandma-s-coffee-cake-sale-copy.cheddarup.com

Christmas Gift Drop Off is Back!

On Tuesday December 19th, drive through and drop off your teacher gifts between 6-7:30pm at the school (Office Door Entrance) and receive some holiday cheer from your PTU Board members! We will place all gifts in the teachers’ rooms so they are surprised when they arrive to school on Wednesday morning! It’s a fun annual tradition and a great way to kick off the Christmas break!

SJJ PTU Rockin’ Reverse Raffle

Get ready to rock it out on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 from 6-11pm at St. Paul’s Hellenic. Get your tickets before 12/31/23 to take advantage of early bird pricing! You can purchase tickets and sponsorship/advertising online at https://2024-rockin-reverse-raffle.cheddarup.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

Jesus' Birthday Party

Children ages 3-7 are invited to Jesus' Birthday Party on Sunday, December 17th from 2:30-4:00pm in the Holy Family Center. We will gather with the teens and adult volunteers for games, songs, snacks, stories, and prayer!

Let us know you are coming by signing up online at www.sjohio.org/clow. Please bring a present for Jesus in the form of a donation (cereal or baby products) for the food bank.

Eager Engineers and Eager Artists- Winter Session

Fall sessions ended and we are looking toward a fun-filled winter session. Please see the information below for more information on these popular programs.

Preschool Peek

Preschool continued to discuss baby Jesus' upcoming birthday during this first week of Advent. There was talk of candles and wreathes, good deeds and stockings.

St. Nicholas the bishop was a friend to Jesus and a giver to those in need.

Our Little Vikings' shoes were visited by St Nick who left a little bag of goodies while we ate snack!

This weekend many of our Little Viking families are gathering for Mass, fellowship, and ornament-making as we greet the holiday season!

What's New in STEAM

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Grade 6: Ancient Egypt Museum Exhibit

The 6th graders have been learning about ancient Egypt in social studies, reading 'The Egypt Game' in reading class, and designing sarcophagi in art class. In STEM class, students are exploring the mysteries of ancient Egypt by investigating how mathematical principles and engineering ingenuity were utilized to construct iconic landmarks. Through hands-on activities like creating detailed models, timelines, blueprints, and virtual tours, students are gaining a deeper understanding of how these ancient landmarks shaped Egyptian society and culture. Students are applying critical thinking skills to create a presentation that draws connections between math, engineering, and the cultural legacy of ancient civilizations.

Grade 7: Science Fair

The 7th graders have started their science fair projects! Over the next few weeks, students will embark on a hands-on exploration of the scientific method by posing a testable question, conducting an experiment and presenting their findings. The science fair encourages student curiosity and critical thinking through observation, data collection, and analysis.

Grade 8: SJJ Courtyard STEAM Project

Our courtyard is ready for the next step! The eighth graders have been tasked with imagining an innovative outdoor classroom space for all SJJ students in grades K-8. The eighth graders are utilizing their STEAM skills to create an aerial courtyard floor plan which will represent elements that nurture our faith, enhance our academics, and contribute to the well-being of our planet. Using accurate area and perimeter measurements, students are striving to infuse the courtyard with purpose. We look forward to enjoying this space for many years to come.

Grades K-5: Hour of Code

Our students explored the world of coding and develop problem-solving skills. It was amazing to see their enthusiasm and creativity as they engaged in various coding activities. More than 100 million students worldwide participate in the Hour of Code including all students at SJJ. Even our Kindergartener participated by coding their elf to a present,

Students in Grade 3 Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day By Making Jingle Bell Mazes

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Chess Club Begins Soon!

For many years educators have recognized the benefits of chess to life-long learning. Benjamin Franklin was an avid chess player who wrote an essay entitled “The Virtues of Chess.” He wrote that young people learn about patience and fortitude and develop both a sense of responsibility as well as a sense of possibility through the study of chess. Some of America’s leading private and public schools have a long tradition in promoting the learning of chess as an educational tool. Studies show that students who play chess perform well academically.

Chess Club will be offered for grades 2-6 this year. We will meet on Wednesdays from 2pm-3pm in Rm 2 and then break out into instructional groups. Chess Club is open to all levels of players including those with little or no experience playing chess. The first day will be on January 10 ,2024 and will go through February 28. The tournament will be on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Parent pick up is required at door D, or students may go to Viking Cove afterwards.

Please fill out the form below if your child is interested in becoming a member of the SJJ Chess Club.

Download the Chess Club Flyer Below

Dress Code Reminder

Dress down days include themed tops or special colors for holidays or other special events, SJJ spirit wear and uniform bottoms and shoes. Occasionally, other school appropriate bottoms (jeans with no rips or tears, athletic pants or leggings) may be permitted, but that will be specifically stated for the specific dress down day.

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Sts. Joseph and John School Handbook 2023-2024.pdf

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