Page 1 - 12-9-2020 Chalk Talk Issue

ST. JOSEPH GRADE SCHOOL

December 9, 2020
Reverend G. Scott Shaffer, Director
Madeline A. Kinloch, Principal Newsletter
Juliann James, Vice Principal Volume 17, Issue 3

Dear Parents and Students:
Blessings for a peaceful Advent! I hope everyone's Thanksgiving though perhaps somewhat subdued was a wonderful time
with family. I enjoyed as much sausage stuffing as I possibly could, so I think I am good until next year.

The temperature of Covid-19 has been heating up across our nation. Once again, our sincere gratitude to those parents who
have made the conscious effort to notify the school nurse of travel plans, and family or work related exposures to the virus. SJGS
went to remote learning just before the Thanksgiving break as we were experiencing a rise in our student and staff exposure
numbers. We did have two reported positive cases and immediately isolated those students that had been exposed and notified the
families. I commend all of those families affected for the calm, cooperative way they accepted the news. Please, it is most important
for the continued safety of our school community that you be in communication with the school nurses if you or your child becomes
exposed or sick. Report all illnesses to the nurse and call the main office if your child will be out sick.

I have mentioned in other correspondence that the most challenging task is to maintain a list of substitutes to cover classes
or unexpected leaves. Some staff members are on leave for medical reasons unrelated in any way to Covid-19. It has seemed like a
black cloud has hung over the school in regards to accidents happening to staff. A broken wrist here, a broken foot there, unexpected
medical emergencies. Luckily for all, our staff is tough, and they are very, very dedicated to maintaining high standards of learning
and are extremely caring of their colleagues to pitch in whenever and wherever needed.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances in-person instruction will begin again on
December 9, 2020 following the same format as before going remote. Continue to pray
for the health and safety of all members of our school community.

Thank you to everyone that provided us with the names of military family
members that the school prayed for during the month of November. It was my honor to
be able to read those names each morning. In our upcoming daily lessons, our morning
prayers and classroom celebrations we are preparing for the Birth of Jesus. Our student
council representatives will be lighting our Advent wreath every morning during
prayers. Saint Joseph Church community is providing daily Advent reflections. We
will be posting them on our school social media sites for your convenience.

Unfortunately, there will not be a 2nd and 4th grade Christmas Concert this
year or the Parish Christmas concert, however we are in the planning stages to host an
Advent liturgy before going home for Christmas break. Whatever event does take place
it will be livestreamed on the Saint Joseph Facebook page for all to spiritually
participate.

Once back in-person, we look forward to the installation of our newly elected
Student Council Executive Board and the new members of the National Junior Honor
Society. The SJGS Student Council Executive Board consists of President- Michael Poskay, Vice-President - Sonny Vanesko,
Treasurer- Jack Cioffi, Secretary- Elizabeth Birchler. Members- at- Large - Sheryll Tamakloe, Meghan Colton, Morgan Cashman,
Cecilia DiNallo. The new officers for NHS are: President- Sonny Vanesko, Vice-President- Victoria Callea, Treasurer- Sloane
Stellmach, Secretary - Margaret Eidel. Congratulations to all!

Remember that December 21st and 22nd are all virtual days as is the week of January 4th-8th. You will find the virtual
class schedule for grades 1- 8 within this publication of chalk talk. The Kindergarten will create their own time schedule. As of this
posting, the Pre Kindergarten 3 year old and 4 year old programs will be opened and in person for December 21 - 22 and January 4th
- 8th. The Pre K teachers will not provide any remote lessons when in-person instruction is available. Please check teacher webpages
for schedules, assignments and announcements while being virtual.

Throughout this Holy Season of Advent, let us rejoice in the many blessings we have and are able to share with family and
friends. May God bless your families and may you all have a joyous and very Merry Christmas!

Mrs. Kinloch
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