Weekly Newsletter March 5, 2017 From the Principal s Desk ITBS Testing Begins Monday, March 6 th We will begin ITBS National Testing on Monday, March 6 th. Students will only test in the morning. Only students in grade two through eight will be taking the tests. These tests cover all areas of language arts, math computation and concepts, science, social studies, and research skills. HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD PREPARE The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills is used by all of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Venice. The testing data from the ITBS is used to review our current curriculum and plan for future growth and improvement. What your child is learning on a daily basis builds the foundation for being able to demonstrate high achievement on tests. We recommend that you talk with your child about the importance of giving his/her best effort during testing. The following thoughts will help you in preparing your child for being ready on the days of testing. The night before: Help your child get to bed on time. Research shows that being well rested helps students do better. Mention the test to show you re interested, but don t dwell on it. Please keep the test low key and stress free for your child. Plan ahead to avoid conflicts on the mornings of the tests. The morning of the test: Get up early to avoid rushing. Be sure to have your child at school on time. Drop off begins at 7:35 am. Students may go to classrooms and get organized at 7:45 am. All students need to be in the courtyard and ready for prayer no later than 8:00 am. Have your child eat a good breakfast but not a heavy one. Research shows that students do better if they have breakfast before they take tests. Be positive about the tests. Acknowledge that tests can be hard and that they re designed so that no one should know all of the answers. Explain that doing your best is what counts. The important thing is to make your child comfortable and confident about the test. After the test: Talk to your child about his or her feelings about the test, making sure you acknowledge the effort such a task requires. Discuss what was easy and what was hard; discuss what your child learned from the test. Discuss what changes your child would make if he or she were to retake the test. Explain that performance on a test is not a condition for you to love your child. Explain to your child that this is not a graded or pass/fail test. Please keep this week as low stress for your children as possible. There will be no homework assigned during testing week.
Knights of Columbus State Free Throw Contest March Lenten Collection Beans and Rice for Stillpoint Outreach Program Stillpoint is in need of beans and rice for the many families who come to them for food and support. During March we are collecting one pound to 30 pound bags of white rice and/or one to 30 pound bags of pinto beans. Stillpoint appreciates the generosity of our children and families and our support with this annual beans and rice drive. Lane Kolbe received third place at the State Knights of Columbus Free Throw contest. We congratulate Lane for his hard work and skill. Irish Dance Classes Beginning Monday, March 6 th 3:00 pm in the St. Joseph Room Students are invited to join the Irish Dance class on Monday, March 6 th. The class will meet this Monday from 3:00 4:00 pm. The cost per class is $10.00 and is paid directly to Mrs. O Reilly. Students interested in staying will go directly to the St. Joseph Room. After class students will be brought to the gate on the northeast side of the school (Parish Center side of the building) for dismissal. Thank you for your patience as we completed the necessary diocesan clearance for this class.
Celebrate the March 18 & 19 Weekend With Two Family Events (See the Attached flyers for more information!) March 18 th bring the family to the Polynesian Hawaiian Luau. Enjoy authentic food, music, and cultural dances. Everyone will experience the magic of these islands! Adults $20 Family rate for children All children in the family one fee of $4.00 View videos of the dancers who will be performing: http://beautifulseiofpolynesia.com/videos/ March 19 th, the Feast of St. Joseph Celebrate with your family and friends by attending the Paul Todd Concert Our Own Father Tom will be joining in the program! Adults $20 Children under 14 are free Refreshments will be served Check out this YouTube video of Paul Todd for a sample of his wonderful entertainment style https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2qduqaulbs Mass with Bishop Dewane 9:00 am Monday, March 13 th Family and friends are invited to attend.
PreK brought their Mardi Gras parade through the school office as they prepared for the beginning of Lent. Celebrating the Church year is fun! On the way back from Mass on Ash Wednesday, two second graders were discussing their plans for observing Lent. These conversations were heard all over campus! Middle school students made sacrifice beads for all of the students and teachers at St. Joseph Catholic school. Eighth grade students taught a mini lesson to each class by telling them the story of St. Therese and explaining how to use the beads during Lent.
Third grade students created Stations of the Cross as they prepared for Lent. Donuts with Dad March 14 th 7:30 8:15 am in the Parish Center On the morning of March 14th, PTO would like to invite you to Donuts with Dads. Come to the Parish Center open from 7:30-8:15 (15 minutes past the late bell with the principal's permission) to enjoy a donut with your children before school begins. If it is not possible for dad to attend, please know you are welcome to have someone come in your place (grandpa, etc) We will be serving donuts, coffee and water. Please sign up to attend and to allow our PTO committee to plan on the number of parents and students attending this event: www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d44a4a72daaff2-donuts Have a great week, PTO
Mark Your Calendar for Special Events March 6 16 ITBS Testing (Grades 2 8) March 13 9:00 am Mass with Bishop March 18 Hawaiian Polynesian Luau 5:00 8:00 pm - Parish Center March 19 Paul Todd Concert 6:30 pm Parish Center March 25 Latino Fest 5:00 pm Parish Center April 1 5K Run/Walk at Coquina Beach 8:00 am April 28 Spaghetti Dinner A Night in Venice 6:00 pm May 6 Father-Daughter Dance (Save your Easter dress!) May 12 Mother-Son Event 4:00 6:00 pm - Smugglers Cove Mini Golf Monday: Nothing SPORTS ACTIVITIES Tuesday: 3:15 5:00 pm Tennis tryouts & practice 17 th Street Courts Wednesday: None Thursday: 3:15 5:00 pm Tennis tryouts & practice 17 th Street Courts Friday: Nothing SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Monday 3:00 PM Intermediate Guitar 3:00 PM Violin Class 3:00 PM Irish Dance 3:15 PM Junior Legion of Mary 3:15 PM Garden Club Tuesday 3:00 3:45 PM Choir Grades K 8 3:15 PM Grade 7 Math Help Mrs. Owens Wednesday 3:00 PM Beginning Guitar Thursday 3:00 PM Willy Wonka Practice 3:00 4:00 PM Intermediate Guitar 3:00 PM Grade 8 Math Help Mrs. Owens Friday 3:00 5:00 PM Odyssey of the Mind (State Teams Only) Hot Lunch
Celebrating Dr. Seuss and Read Across America with Books, Activities, Snacks, and Guest Readers!
Our 5K Walk/Run, Footprints in the Sand, has had a great start. We have 14 teams registered, three corporate sponsorships, two classes that have won dress down days, and more to come. The majority of the students have expressed interest and have teams. To date, the following grades have organized teams: 8th, 7th, 6th, 5th, 4th, and Mrs. Johnson's first grade class. It is easy to be a captain and form a team for this fun event. If you are interested in forming a team, or joining a team, please contact Mrs. Hussey at mhussey@sjsfl.org Our Footprints in the Sand 5K Walk/Run is not merely a fundraiser, but is a large family beach event!
Hawaiian Polynesian Luau presented by the Beautiful Sei of Polynesia Featuring some special guests Come and taste the delicious cuisine of Polynesia, and let the Beautiful Sei of Polynesia take you on a tour to the South Pacific Islands! Date: March 18, 2017 5 8 pm Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Center 3000 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL Sponsored by the St. Joseph s Knights of Columbus Council 5604 Profits will go to St. Joseph s 8th Grade Sea Camp Marine Study Program Presale tickets: Adults: $20 Kids 8-14: $8 Tickets at the door: $25 for adults For tickets please contact James Vanderhorst (941)-243-6995 Tickets in Church & School offices www.beautifulseiofpolynesia.com