Grandparents Day, New School Protocols and the Marathon!

Dear Saint John's Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to school for the 2021-2022 school year!  While we were all hoping for a return to a more “normal” school year, we have realized that we are still going to be dealing with Covid issues. That being said, we will deal with things in the most positive and proactive way that we can. I would encourage and remind you to complete the morning  health checks  daily.  This way we can all stay as safe as possible. If there is a need for your student to be out based on Covid, we will be able to handle things very easily from an instructional standpoint. The classroom teacher will make sure to provide the opportunity for virtual learning. 

Please know we are excited about what this year brings.  In the face of adversity, we will rise to the challenge!  Your children are in good care and will learn a lot this year. Thank you for your support in all that we do. Please reach out with questions, comments, or concerns. We love praise and encouragement as well!

____________________________
Important PPRP  Updates:
Our Pandemic Protocol and Readiness Planning (PPRP) Committee and School Advisory Board want to acknowledge and thank all the parents for their diligence making 2020-2021 a very safe and successful year.  We also have 2 important updates to share with the school community.
 
UPDATE 1:
Please continue using  our MDH Decision Tree .  If your child has any of the symptoms listed on  our MDH Decision Tree , please contact Karla Schultz  [email protected]   or 651-484-3038) in the office between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, and Karla and Mr.  Hurley  will determine next steps.  If your child tests positive for COVID-19, he/she will receive virtual learning for the number of days away from school. 
 
UPDATE 2:
Please review the  Mask Matrix .   This is a recent addition of a data based tool to aid in determining if/when masks will be required.
 
Thanks again to each and every parent for making thoughtful and caring decisions to keep your child and the Saint John’s community a safe place.  With these careful, persistent actions, we will continue to provide your children an in-person education to grow intellectually, spiritually, and interpersonally with fellow students.
__________________________
IT'S MORE THAN FREE LUNCH:
Please click  HERE  for information regarding educational benefits for your students. Also reminder, we are asking that every family submits an application for educational benefits as it helps our school to receive additional funding.  Please see the link for the online application.  
_______________________
September Webinars for Peace of Mind 2.0 
Parents
Sept 22, 7pm
We’re Back: Now What?
https://calendly.com/drjulesnolan/we-re-back-now-what
 
Parenting during the pandemic, conflict in our communities, going back to school, and the uncertainty that has plagued us over the last 18 months have made our jobs as parents even more difficult.  Many of us are worried about how to move forward as we once again enter a school year that will likely be influenced by the pandemic. In this session we will bring it back to the basics of sound, practical parenting. What to attend to, what to let slide, how to protect our child’s mental health without “snowplowing” away the experiences they need to become strong and resilient.
____________________________
Fine Arts:
If you are interested in signing up for Piano, Guitar or Voice lessons, please click  HERE
Theatre: Annie Jr. Sign up  HERE
____________________________
School Marathon: 
On Saturday, September 25th, we will kick off the year with our annual school marathon. Festivities begin with the competitive run for the students, at noon, in the school parking lot, and a leisure run walk at 12:30 p.m. The Color Marathon is our first of two major campaigns which we ask each family to participate in. The whole school becomes stronger when we work together to reach fundraising goals, and we appreciate everyone’s contribution. In addition to raising necessary funds for our school, fundraising events serve a dual purpose as community-building opportunities. We work together, have fun together, learn to know one another better, and strengthen our commitment to the mission of Saint John's of Little Canada by serving together. The money helps our families pay for classroom supplies, school programs, field trips, special events, STEM curriculum and graduation.
 
Please check your children’s folder for the Q & A flyer that was sent out last Friday about the Color Marathon. A reminder that the sponsorship packets are due September 21st (next Tuesday). You can always give online at  www.schools.sjolc.org/giving . 
Questions? Email Gretchen Hopeman at  [email protected] .
___________________________
ATHLETICS NEWS:
Soccer & Volleyball Clinic Sign-ups, plus Looking Ahead to Basketball
Many of you have expressed interest in our sports. For kids in grades K-4, we've secured both soccer and volleyball clinics coming up in the next month. If you haven't already, please fill out the form at  https://school.sjolc.org/information-calendar .

Volleyball: 9-11 AM Saturday, Oct. 16
Soccer: 6:00-7:00 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 2 and Oct. 16
Basketball: TBD in October

Additionally, we're currently looking to see if we have enough interest in Girls and Boys Basketball, grades 5-8. Please fill out this same form or contact Athletics Director Laura Haraldson ( [email protected] ) directly if your child has any interest. We are looking to get some clinics going before the season, so a timely reply is much appreciated. Sign up here:  https://school.sjolc.org/information-calendar . 

Remember: Saint John's Sports are FUN: It's all about our Eagles Community. ____________________________
Dads: Men's Club Wants to Treat You to Oktoberfest & A Free Dress Pass
Saint John's Men's Club is a parish organization particularly committed to service to the community and to the school, particularly in the areas of athletics and Scouts, and they host an annual Oktoberfest Meeting every October, welcoming anyone who wants to come for camaraderie, as well as brats, beer and more. There's no commitment beyond this celebration, PLUS any dad who attends this meeting will receive one free dress pass for each of their kids, courtesy of me. The event takes place at 7:00 P.M. October 14, at the Pavilion at Spooner Park. Please RSVP to Joe Collins at [email protected] by October 7.
__________________________
One-Stop information booklet:
Whether you are a new parent or a returning parent, there are always questions on how things work, who to call, etc.  Please click HERE for your One-Stop information booklet to help you with everything related to your Saint John’s experience.  
__________________________
Information Links
School Calendar - click on this link for a calendar to view school start/end date as well as days off of school.  Note the change in the date for Wolf's Ridge.
K-8 Parent Handbook-Click Here
Preschool Handbook-Click Here
Middle School Handbook-Click Here
PreK-8 Supply List--Click Here
We are proud of our school and look forward to more exciting things to come our way!  Check out the great that is happening daily on our school website and follow us on Facebook.

Dan J Hurley. Principal