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ST. JOSEPH GRADE SCHOOL
January 13, 2021
Reverend G. Scott Shaffer, Director
Madeline A. Kinloch, Principal Newsletter
Juliann James, Vice Principal Volume 17, Issue 4
Dear Parents:,
Welcome to 2021! May this year bring all of us a renewed sense of security in health and prosperity. I
would like to take a moment to share a look into the happenings at St. Joseph Grade School. A kind of a “State of
the School Improvement” reflection.
SJGS remained alive and thriving during this pandemic year, undertaking many planned projects and also
several unexpected ones.
The Cares Act provided: Purchasing of technology devices, sanitizing sprayers, hand sanitizing stations and
cleaning supplies for Covid, thermal imaging thermometers, desk shields.
Buildings and Grounds: Creation of isolation rooms, painting of cafeteria, and B building, repair to the gym roof,
sealing and waterproofing brick of A building, new steps at trailers, installation of a security booth in front foyer,
installation of window wells.
Curriculum: Continuation of ND Trustey STEM Fellowship for professional development, implementation social/
emotional program, implementation of geography studies and map skills, incorporation of Google classroom, Pear
Deck, Zoom, reconfiguration and upgrade to the school IT system, update Smartboards.
Upcoming projects: Replacement of outside gym stairs. Development of an SJGS Mobile APP.
As you can see, our maintenance and grounds department and IT service have been very busy on the
upkeep of our buildings and programs Our teachers have availed themselves of various platforms for advancing
the methods by which your children learn. I am very proud of our teaching staff for the quality of instruction they
are providing via our remote learning program.
This week begins our second round of Renaissance Assessments. All students will be administered these
assessments in the classroom using a digital device and all virtual students will take these assessments at the same
time via zoom under the direction of the classroom teacher. Therefore, there is no need for an afterschool
schedule for virtual students.
Re-enrollment is underway now. Re-enrolling by February 26, 2021 will entitle you to a $50.00 discount
on this year's tuition increase. After February 26th, you will be assessed the full $200.00 tuition increase. All
students are asked to re-enroll by March 30, 2021. Open registration for new students begins January 18th. So
secure your child’s spot early and take advantage of the tuition discount.
Continue to provide the health office with any related Covid information for the safety of our community.
When and if a health issue pertains to a certain class or grade, parents will be notified and confidentiality upheld.
We look forward to the health
advancements in the fight against
Covid-19 in order to come
together again as one faith-filled
community.
God bless and be safe.
Mrs. Kinloch
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