We Are Called

Teachers are really great at planning for these weeks when kids are excited and anticipating a break. We know that children like routines and consistency, and when you are preparing for a concert, that can be hard to keep every day. Mr. Chapman was telling me about a challenge to a younger grade having to wait in computer class and how he told them that this is practice for when they will need to wait for an appointment somewhere.

I think we could all use practice waiting. I know I have said it before, but I think the waiting my toddlers had to do while the VHS tape re-round (I hope I am not the only that remembers that) was good for them. Not everything is instant gratification - although when my phone doesn't load immediately, that reminder likely wouldn't help!

I also think that the dopamine we get off of likes on social media or winning the next level at games is addictive and a feeling we desire all day. I think that when we see unexpected behaviors in school, it may be an attempt to get that dopamine.

I know that these are busy times for our families, but finding a way to practice waiting is important. If we prepare with some quiet and active practices our celebrations more joyful! Be assured of my prayers.

We are Called!

Kathy Rhodes

Here is the link for the stream of the program: https://boxcast.tv/view/shoj-school-christmas-program-2021-293527

The link for collecting will close on Dec. 12 at midnight. It has been a tradition at SHOJ to have a collection to show appreciation for the staff at SHOJ during the holidays. This was designed to ease your stress of shopping and to ensure that all are supported with a cash gift. Teachers are given names of families that donate (no amounts) and it usually ends up being a very generous gift of a few hundred dollars. Here is the payment form for families to complete for the Christmas Fund: https://web4u.forms-db.com/view.php?id=1096273

Thank you so much for making this day special. We appreciate the work of the Catholic Parents as Stewards setting this up. It was fabulous to see everyone!

Registration with our unique charity link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/48-0625990

There was 1 student positive for covid this week and several students who tested to stay at school and/or at home in quarantine this week.

I want to continue to remind you, that in addition to covid, the cold and flu season is upon us. We continue to see a variety of symptoms circulating around the school. I appreciate your prudence in keeping sick children home and me aware of all health scenarios. It is always important to be practicing healthy lifestyle choices, but especially during the fall and winter months and with the increased travel and gatherings during the holidays, when viruses and other illnesses are more prevalent and easily spread.

Please send a reusable water bottle with your child every day.

As part of our newly formed wellness committee, we are going to begin a bimonthly healthy recipe to share in the newsletter. To make it manageable and practical for our busy schedules, each recipe should be somewhat healthy and balanced nutritionally, easy and quick to prepare and not involve too many or hard to find ingredients. Seasonal recipes would be a great idea to encourage use of produce that is fresh and in season! If you have a recipe that you would like to be featured in the newsletter, please email mary.hungerford@shoj.org.

We also plan to start a walking club and have a 100-mile club, more details to come on this after the Christmas break!

Please always feel free to reach out with questions, concerns or if you need any help.

Nurse Mary

School Families: Adoration for the wellbeing of parish students and teachers (signupgenius.com)

Dec. 14 Christmas Program K-5. This program will be streamed from the church. K-2 dress like angels and 3-5 like shepherds - or holiday attire is always an option.

April 20 Confirmation

We are increasing the cost of seconds to $2 in November. This is necessary because of the cost of the food, for example we are charging less than our cost for a slice of pizza if we leave it at one dollar.

We are working with a company to streamline our website and create an app for us to use. Of course there is a cost with design and yearly fees. We have a plan for the fees, but would like to offer anyone that might be interested in sponsoring the sight with your business ad the chance to do so. Please email kathy.rhodes@shoj.org

The Johnson County Region will again determine if the weather merits the cancellation of school. We do not do late starts or early releases because of weather. You will be notified by phone, email and facebook.

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