Eagle's Eye

St. Joseph Catholic School fosters a diverse community of disciples empowered through a rigorous and inclusive Catholic education rooted in Gospel values and service to others.

As we approach the sacred time of Easter, we are reminded of the profound significance of Holy Thursday. This day marks the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist, and washed their feet as a symbol of humble service. It is a moment of reflection on the selfless love and sacrifice that Jesus demonstrated, inviting us to emulate his example of compassion and forgiveness in our own lives.

As we commemorate Holy Thursday and journey through the solemn observance of Good Friday, may we pause to reflect on the profound depths of Christ's sacrifice and the boundless love He offers to each of us. Let us carry the spirit of these holy days into our homes and communities, embodying kindness, generosity, and understanding towards one another.

Wishing all our St. Joseph Catholic School families a blessed Easter weekend, filled with the joy of resurrection and the promise of new beginnings. May the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones as we celebrate the triumph of hope over despair.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Insua

We are welcoming family members of students at SJCS to school Mass. We have worked closely with the Polk County Sheriff's Office to identify appropriate protocols to allow those with ties to SJCS to join us for school Mass. We need everyone's full compliance in these protocols as we strive to maintain a high level of safety for our students and staff.

• All persons choosing to attend school Mass must first be cleared through our Raptor system, such is the requirement for all volunteers and visitors coming to SJCS.
• All persons choosing to attend school Mass must preregister by 12pm the previous school day using the Google Form provided by SJCS.
• For those individuals who have not been cleared through Raptor (using their driver's license), a photo of the driver's license must be provided to the school office via email no later than 12pm the previous school day. Please note that in this case, the individual must ALSO complete the Google Form.
• All persons choosing to attend school Mass must arrive between 7:55 am and 8:05 am and be checked in through the back church doors in courtyard by the Parish Center. The church doors on the Avenue M side will be locked and no admittance will be given to anyone attempting to enter on that side. Guests will sit in designated areas and must exit the church when directed by administration. Further, upon exiting the church, it is understood that guests will proceed directly to their cars and not congregate outside of the church/school.

• Once Mass begins, we will not open doors to visitors for the safety of our students.

This is the Google Form sign up link for Wednesday's 8:15 am Mass, April 3rd.

https://forms.gle/tpYPDtV5AyKRcocC8

Today, Holy Thursday, a 2 pm dismissal. There is no school tomorrow on Good Friday, March 29th, Easter Monday, April 1st, or on Tuesday, April 2nd. I will be attending the 11 am Easter Mass if you and your family would like to join me.

The Lenten Retreat held by the Middle School classes during religion class was truly a heartwarming experience. The students participated in various activities that revolved around the themes of prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and sacrifice. They generously donated food items that will be given to the Church's Food Pantry and also contributed their "Coins for Christ" to be used towards buying food and grocery store cards. The students wrote prayer request cards that will be sent to the sisters at the convent of a former St. Joseph student, who will offer prayers for each request. The Easter artwork created by the students was simply beautiful, and it will adorn the hallway, spreading joy and happiness all around. Lastly, each class has been working on making a no-sew blanket, which will be donated to the Mission facility in Winter Haven, to help the local citizens in need. It was truly inspiring to see the students come together, to have such a positive impact on the community.

Class pictures will be taken on Wednesday, April 3rd. Students will wear their Mass uniforms. 8th grade graduation pictures will also be taken this day. More information about dress for 8th grade students will be in this week's 8th grade newsletter.

In honor of Saint Hubert and Saint George, the 7th grade will be collecting toiletries from March 6th through April 5th to be donated to Catholic Charities. These toiletries will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. We will be gathering items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant. You can donate either travel or full sized products. Providing these essential items can help individuals and families maintain their hygiene and dignity during challenging times. Donating is a great way to show compassion and support for others in your community. Please put your donations in the labeled boxes in the hallways. We appreciate your support of our service project.

We will be starting golf, track, and tennis teams soon for middle school students. The sign ups will be coming out soon!

The tuition rates for the 2024-2025 school year have changed.

Tuition: $9,400 (K-8)

Technology: $350

Registration: $250/$350

PreK 3: $4,000 (7:30am-11:50am)

VPK Wrap Around: $3,150 (11:50am – 3:30pm)

• After school care: $4.50 per hour

• Before school care: $2.50 per family per day

• Graduation fee: $125 per eighth grader

With the tution total of $9750 and assuming that the scholarship amount will stay the same for the next school year, below is the out of pocket expense per child.

$9750 Tuition

K-3 $1817 out of pocket based on this year’s scholarship

4-8 $2444 out of pocket based on this year’s scholarship

Please contact the school office with any questions.

Applications are NOT yet available for the 2024-25 school year for the following programs:

• Florida Tax Credit Scholarship / Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options
  (including Transportation and the Personalized Education Program)
• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities

If your student is currently benefiting from one of these programs, please continue to monitor your email. More information will be shared next month.

https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/private-and-transportation/?utm_source=Private+School+Facebook+Apply+English&utm_medium=Facebook+English&utm_id=Private+School+Facebook+Apply+English

Absences (Including Early Dismissals)

• 10 absences, the parent receives an automatic email notifying them of the number of absences accumulated thus far and reminding them of the policy.

• 15 absences without documentation, the parent will either receive communication or be required to attend a meeting with a school administrator; the student could be placed on attendance probation.

• At the 19th absence, school administration will evaluate the documentation provided and determine if the student can remain at St. Joseph Catholic School.

Tardies

• 10 tardies, the parent receives an automatic email notifying them of the number of tardies accumulated thus far and reminding them of the policy.

• 15 tardies without documentation, the parent will either receive communication or be required to attend a meeting with a school administrator; the student will be placed on attendance probation.

• At the 19th tardy, school administration will evaluate the documentation provided and determine if the student can remain at St. Joseph Catholic School

Please continue to scan your receipts so we can earn funds from Box Tops for our school. Our next goal is to earn $500. Students will have another dress down day once we reach this goal.

This section of the Eagle's Eye will remain in every edition of our newsletter. It will contain links to information that parents may need from time to time. When parents have questions, we urge you to check this section for possible links that could get you the information that you need.

• School Calendar
• Lunch Menus
• Maschio's Birthday Order Form
• Registering for a lunch account
• PikMyKid User Guide (English)
• PikMyKid User Guide (Spanish)
• Fingerprinting/Safe Environment Certification Instructions
• Fingerprinting/Safe Environment Certification
• Uniform Company
• Technology Responsible Use Policy for Students
• Parent Student Handbook
• Attendance Policy
• Accessing Facts Family Portal
• Family Portal Login
• Logging Service Hours: Parents and students can now enter and view their own service hours. You can use your app to view the hours, however, you have to use the web version to enter new hours. go to FACTS Family Portal. The district code is STJC-FL. Once logged in, click on the Family option in the menu on the left side. At the top of the screen, select the family member who will be adding the service hours. Click on the Add option on the right side of the screen in the Service Hours box. Fill out the information and click Save.

On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.

O Blessed Joseph, faithful guardian of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, protector of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, I choose you this day to be my special patron and advocate and I firmly resolve to honor you all the days of my life. Therefore, I humbly ask you to receive me as your client, to instruct me in every doubt, to comfort me in every affliction, to obtain for me and for all the knowledge and love of the Heart of Jesus, and finally to defend and protect me at the hour of my death. Amen.

Principal: Mrs. Insua

Assistant Principal: Mr. Reilly

Canonical Administrator: Fr. Tim LaBo

Superintendent: Mr. Fortier

Email: jinsua@stjosephwhschool.org
Website: stjosephwhschool.org
Location: 535 Avenue M Northwest, Winter Haven, FL, USA
Phone: 863-293-3311