Dear SJS Catholic School Community,

Catholic Schools Week is next week!  A list of the special events was sent home last week. I hope you can attend some of the special events listed.  The Talent Show, volleyball game, Wildlife Encounters, and Switch Day will surely be fun.  And we are doing great work here at SJS School.  Our students score well on standardized tests, work to achieve high grades, and are successful in high school and beyond.  We have dedicated parents and alumni, and  supportive parishes.  Our teachers are professionals who want what is best for the students and work diligently to deliver effective lessons.  And I always say to those who tour the school, that we have great kids here--students who work hard and try to do the right thing.  So I continue to be impressed with our students and proud of our school.  Thanks for all you do to make our school a success. 

Looking back at my own elementary education I was lucky enough to go to a Catholic school.  And that was normal to me, it’s what my family did.  It wasn’t until later when I gained some perspective and realized the sacrifices that my parents made to send my siblings and myself to Catholic schools.  They gave me a gift that still continues today.  Perhaps Catholic Schools Week can provide us with an opportunity to thank those in our lives who have made a difference and sacrificed for Catholic education.  A special thanks to all the fine teachers of SJS who work diligently to help shape tomorrow’s leaders of our Church and country.

The history of Catholic education in America is fascinating, and full of challenges overcome.  We can look to the past for inspiration and wisdom.  The bishops at the first Plenary Council of Baltimore in 1852 offered this advice that I think still rings true: Listen to your voice, which tells you to walk in ancient paths; to bring up your children as you yourselves were brought up by your pious parents; to make religion the foundation of the happiness you wish to secure for those whom you love so tenderly…Encourage the support of Catholic schools; make every sacrifice that may be necessary for this object.  Thank you for all you do for our schools. 

And we want to spread the word about our fine school.  We will be hosting an Open House on February 24^th from noon to 4:00 for interested families.  We have much to offer here and want our school to grow.  If you know of a family we should invite please contact the office.  If you have a workspace or bulletin board in which SJS information can be displayed, please let the office know and we can get you a poster.  And we have a few yard signs left if you have a good location.

We are an academically rigorous school, so as the year goes on you can expect an increase in homework, testing, and projects.  The teachers appreciate your help and support.   Great progress can only be made if the student knows that home fully supports the school.  And don’t forget the school goal of having addition and subtraction facts mastered by the end of 2^nd grade, and multiplication and division mastered by the end of fourth grade.  We may need your help to make these goals happen.  To maintain academic progress Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for February 16^th.   Thanks for your continued help and support.