This Week At SHOJ

"Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." Romans 13:11

Often when I approach a group of students, their behavior changes when I join them. For example, if a group is chatting at lunch and I stop by their table, it becomes very quiet. This sometimes happens with teachers as well. I joke about it with both the students and teachers, but I think it is human nature. When we see a police car, we check our speed. When our boss walks in, we make sure that we look busy and aren’t on the Internet.

This is the purpose of Advent. Throughout these four weeks, we will be reminded that we need to be awake and to be prepared. We are not taught, that when we see Jesus coming that we should hurry up and look busy.

Advent is a reminder that throughout the days of these weeks, we need to check our behavior. Each time you see an Advent wreath think of Jesus walking up to us and giving us a physical reminder to change our hearts and behavior.

It is not too late, in fact it is the perfect time to prepare for Jesus.

SHOJ had 6 positive students and 2 teachers/staff this week. 11 students are quarantined. We continue to meet (locally, with JOCO Principals and the health department) about in person learning. Of course, decisions made today could change at any time. At this time, we will be in-person as the spread is not happening at school. Thank you for your continued support in monitoring your children's health, encouraging them to follow protocols, and for your prayers and support. Just a reminder that if your child's class is affected, there will communication sent via email from Nurse Mary. She is available to answer any questions. Clink on the picture to get a link to Johnson County Health Department website.

The SHOJ Class of 2021 started their year reading the book Refugee by Alan Gratz. After reading the book, Catholic Charities came to share the good work they do to assist refugees and those seeking refuge in any way. We invite you help them “Share the Promise of the Christmas Season” by joining them in assisting the good work Catholic Charities does to help refugees. Thank you for helping the Class of 2021 spread HOPE. Check the our Facebook page Sunday evening or the website to learn more.

All are invited to attend, registration is required. Youth Ministry is hosting a family adoration hour on Sunday, December 6 from 6 - 7 p.m. The hour will include a parent and high student speaker along with music and prayer. Registration is required. Click here to sign up for family adoration.

Interested in serving others this Advent season? Looking for ways to boost your child’s self-esteem? Well, try combining the two efforts and get more bang for your buck! Research has found that kids who help others, such as family and friends, experience an increase in their self-worth. However, helping a STRANGER results in an even more significant increase in confidence. This is amazing news! So take some time as a family this season to help others in need. The SHOJ Catholic Charities donation drive is a perfect way to start! You will not only be helping to build God’s kingdom, but you will foster the growth of your child’s sense of value. I can’t think of a more meaningful commodity for a child to receive.

Click the links below to learn more…

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/01/13/577463475/helping-strangers-may-help-teens-self-esteem

https://www.deseret.com/2017/12/19/20637308/this-is-what-helping-strangers-can-do-for-your-teen-according-to-a-new-byu-study

Dec. 18 Last Day of Second Quarter, Parties 2:30.

Dec. 19 - Jan. 3 Christmas Break

Email: kathy.rhodes@shoj.org
Website: school.SHOJ.com
Location: 21801 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: 9134225520
Facebook: facebook.com/SacredHeartCatholicSchool