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Items of Interest
From the Principal's Office
From the Home & School Association
SJRCS Inaugural Golf Tournament
Alumni Section!
Child Protection Electronic Background Screening
School Facebook Page
Donuts With Dad
Fire Inspection
School Dress Code
Volunteer Opportunites
Time to Raise Funds w/o Fundraising!
Elizabeth House Times and Grades
Calendar Events
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 The Shining Star Newsletter

St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School  
11011 Montgomery Road
Beltsville, MD 20705
Volume XVI, Issue #06     
October 19, 2015                                       
 
Saint Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brébeuf, & Companions

Please be sure to "Join Our Mailing List!" (on the lower left) to receive our weekly newsletter emails.
From the Principal's Office 
Dear St. Joseph's RCS Families,
  
As all of you know, last week was Spirit Week. We had many dress down days, fashion shows, and competitions that went on throughout the week. I'd like to give you an update from last week's events. First, the dress down days were wonderful. The students and teachers really got into the spirit! Secondly, we had a door decorating contest, congratulations to Kindergarten and 8th grade for winning 1st Place! Last, and most importantly, we competed in a Change the World challenge for World Food Day (Oct. 16th). Thanks to your great generosity we were able to raise $1000.00 as a school! The class that brought in the most change per student will be featured on our Facebook page. Congratulations 3rd grade!

This week is BOOK FAIR. Teachers have gone through and made their wish list, make sure you ask for these when you stop buy. Please find the schedule in the newsletter, or in the SchoolReach that went out last Friday.

I shared my instructional focus for this year. If you missed it, here it is again. We will all be focusing on improving our math abilities and performance. I've had a few parents share some great ideas and resources. What are you doing to help? I would love to hear about what you are doing at home, so I can share these strategies with our school community! STUDY THOSE MATH FACTS!  

We love to have our parents and family members visit and help out around the school. Have you taken the Child Protection class yet (Virtus)? If not, please go to www.virtus.org and sign up.

This summer, St. Joseph's RCS also launched our new website www.stjosrcs.org. You can still access this the same way through the church's website, or you can type in the website address to your web browser. The 2015-16 School Calendar and School Handbook are posted here. If you're looking for us on social media you can access our Facebook page, twitter handle, @StJosephsRCS, and our instagram @stjosephsrcs on the new school website. If you haven't done so yet, please like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter and instagram!

On a final note, our Inaugural Golf Tournament will be held on November 2nd! Follow the golf link to REGISTER TODAY!
           
"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 

Zach Hooker, Principal
From the Home and School Association
CLAIRE"S GOURMET
The Claire's Gourmet Fundraiser paid in full orders are due to the school office by Friday, November 6. Products will be delivered to the school Thursday, November 19, 2015 (the week before Thanksgiving break) and will be distributed at dismissal and at aftercare pick up. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT A TOTAL OF 5 VOLUNTEER SERVICE HOURS WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY FAMILY THAT SELLS $300 OR MORE OF CLAIRE'S GOURMET PRODUCTS. 

If you have questions please contact the Claire's Gourmet Chair, Jennifer McCullough atmjmmccullough@yahoo.com, or Marianne Schwenz at schwenzm@comcast.net
 
PUMPKIN GRAMS
Pumpkin Grams flyers came home in last Tuesday's communication envelopes. All orders are due to the school office by Friday, October 23, 2015.   
Pumpkin Grams will be distributed to the children at their Halloween Parties on Thursday, October 29, 2015. If you have questions, please contact the Pumpkin Grams Chair
Dana Needle attaz0128@hotmail.com, or
Marianne Schwenz at schwenzm@comcast.net

PLEASE NOTE:  PUMPKIN GRAMS SUBMITTED AFTER THE DEADLINE (10/23) WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU.   PLEASE KEEP YOUR MESSAGES SHORT AND SWEET!  
 
You can print additional flyers here:
 

Please visit the HSA's Google Site for answers to any questions you may have and to log your volunteer hours. You can also call any of our board members at any time.
 
President                 Marianne Schwenz         
301.572.2229       schwenzm@comcast.net  
 
Vice President         Alice Szczepanski  301.437.3471       alice.szczepanski@gmail.com 
 
Treasurer                  Cheryl Thomas 
 
Recording Secretary    Michelle Rathbun 
301.890.5076      michellerathbun@yahoo.com

Hospitality Chair        Katie Vaughn   
301.906.9435      amydom21@aol.com

Fundraising Chair      Jerri Thaniel   
240.568.9295      brdgtf@netscape.net 

Volunteer Coordinators    Judith Rose-Wilson
301.430.0648      jsallywally@hotmail.com

Marketing Coordinator     Natalie Ramos
301.586.8336     
 ortiZnatalie@hotmail.com  

Additional Members
      
Jennifer McCullough
443.220.3690      
 mjmmccullough@yahoo.com  
                                         
Dana Needle
301.806.0478     
 taz0128@hotmail.com 
 
Marianne Schwenz
President, Home and School Association
St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School
schwenzm@comcast.net
home 301.572.2229
cell 240.508.9957
fax  301.572.0073 
SJRCS Inaugural Golf Tournament 
 St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School
 
Inaugural Golf Tournament

St. Joseph's RCS will be celebrating our Inaugural Golf Tournament this fall! We are excited about the opportunity to spend a day out on the course with family and friends, to celebrate all the great accomplishments and improvements St. Joseph's RCS has taken on in recent years, and those to follow. Please join us early this fall! Follow the link below for more information, registration, and sponsorship opportunities.
 
 November 2, 2015  
(Postponed Date) 
 
 
Alumni Section!
There is a Facebook Page especially for the Alumni! Please look under "St. Joseph's Beltsville Catholic School AlumniClick here to go see!

Child Protection Electronic Background Screening 

Child Protection Electronic Background screening will now be available for St. Joseph's Parish & St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School in the school office from 8:30 am - 10:00am Wednesdays & Thursdays. Please contact Mrs. Stock in the school office at 301-937-7154 or by e-mail at schooloffice@stjosrcs.org 
to schedule an appointment. You will need to bring your volunteer application, 2 forms of ID and payment of $13.50, checks made out to St. Joseph's or cash.
School Facebook Page
If you haven't already "liked" us on Facebook, please take a moment to click this link and "like" our new Saint Joseph's Regional Catholic School Page.
 https://www.facebook.com/stjosephbeltsville
 
or find us by typing SAINT Joseph's Regional Catholic School. 
Thank you!
Tuition Assistance Applications
The tuition assistance applications are now open. Please apply. The application takes some tim; please do not wait to the end to apply. Parents who applied late or submitted portions of their application late were refused assistance. Families do not need to be Catholic in order to receive assistance from the Archdiocese. Parents must apply through the ADW in order to be considered for Pastoral Tuition Assistance.
 
2016 - 2017 ADW Tuition Assistance Program - Open Application Period Begins
Applications for the 2016 - 2017 Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program will be available online beginning Monday, September 28, 2015. The deadline for applicants to apply is Friday, December 4, 2015. Families may apply online by logging onto www.stjosrcs.org and completing the following steps:
 
  • Click on Tuition Assistance under the "About" tab.
  • Click on the appropriate (English or Spanish) "TADS - Financial Aid Application" link
 
Hot Lunch Form Nov/Dec   Due 10/23
For a delicious Hot Lunch,
please click here.
Picture Retake Day November 3
Picture Retake day is coming on Tuesday, November 3. If you purchased pictures in September and wish to have a retake done, please send your child with the picture packet on November 3. If you missed ordering or were absent for the pictures in September, please get an order form from the school office. If you have questions please contact the school office.  (301-937-7154)
Book Fair Schedule
Book Fair will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 2 PM, and Friday from 8 AM to 12 Noon.   Here is the schedule for classroom visits:
 
Monday, October 19
11:00 - 11:40 - Grade 7
12:25 - 1:05 - Grade 4
1:10 - 1:50 - Kindergarten
 
Tuesday, October 20
11:00 - 11:40 - Grade 8
1:10 - 1:50 - Grade 3
 
Wednesday, October 21
8:45 - 9:25 - Grade 5
11:00 - 11:40 - Grade 6
         
Thursday, October 22
12:25 - 1:05 - Grade 1
1:10 - 1:50 - Grade 2
 
Grades are specifically scheduled to attend at the above times. However, as always, we encourage any student who wishes to visit to stop by during a recess or break period.
 
Pre-K Parents, you are welcome to shop with your children on Tuesday morning between 8:00 and 8:45 AM, or any other morning at drop-off time. Please park in the teachers' parking lot and enter the building through the office door.
 
Thanks as always for your support!
Darlene Finke, Book Fair Coordinator
Box Top Totals For September
1st Place - 2nd grade with 11.95 box tops per student
2nd Place - 8th grade - 9.9
                    6th grade - 9.9
3rd Place - 1st grade - 9.3
4th Place - 4th grade - 8.4
5th Place - 5th grade - 5.2
6th Place - 3rd grade - 4.6
7th Place - PreK - 4.2
8th Place - 7th grade - 3.0
9th Place - Kindergarten - 2.4
Labels for Education
Labels for Education is a great way for our school to "earn free stuff". We are in specific need of UPCs from "Pepperidge Farms" products for the fall bonus collection. Kindly turn in your labels/UPCs as soon as possible before October 31, 2015. Collection baskets are just outside of the school office as well as in the back of the church. We always welcome your contribution of labels!
Fire Inspection
Last week we had our annual fire inspection. In order for us to adhere to  the guidelines provided by the fire department we cannot have anyone parking at the front entrance of the school. This could result in a $200 fine. Additionally, please ensure you are parking in the staff parking lot in the morning if you are getting out of your car, and follow the sidewalk to walk your child into the school. We cannot have parents parking behind the church and crossing through the arrival line. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us provide a safe learning environment for all of our students.
St. Joseph's CYO Soccer
The boys CYO soccer team played Saint Johns. It was a hard fought game. In the first half it was Saint Johns 2 and Saint Joseph 0. In the second half Robert R scored the first goal for Saint Joseph and Jason F followed up with a second goal!! But Saint Johns won the game 4-2. Our team will go back to practice and get ready for the next team game. Our boys now play on a full field no more half field play. Show your school pride and support our team! 
Coming Soon...St. Joseph's CYO Basketball!
Soon will be time for basketball registration. CYO is a great program for our church and school. It keeps your children physically fit. They learn good sportsmanship, and make many new friends. Get sign up and involved.
School Dress Code
 Students in grades Pre-kindergarten through eight wear a neat, attractive uniform that not only manifests the equality of all students but also  enhances the learning environment. UNIFORMS MUST BE WORN PROPERLY. Unusual weather conditions may necessitate change in the uniform schedule. Such exceptions will be announced by the principal.

Pre-kindergarten Uniform: August - October 31st, May 1st -June

* Maroon shorts or sweatpants w/ logo
* White polo shirt w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white) with Velcro closures, NO flashing lights,   
     character shoes, or roller attachments
* White knee or crew socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School maroon logo sweatshirt

 November 1st - April 30
* Maroon sweatpants w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white) with Velcro closures, NO flashing lights, 
      character shoes or roller attachments
* White knee or crew socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School maroon logo sweatshirt

Girls Dress Uniform - Grades K-5
This may be worn in all months (August through June) except on PE days.
* Plaid jumper (knee length)
*  Navy blue dress slacks (no cargo pants or cuffs) with black, navy blue,
       or brown leather belt
* Long or short-sleeved white blouse with Peter Pan collar
* Navy blue knee socks or tights (no logo)
* *Optional buttoned maroon or blue cardigan, fleece jacket, or maroon
       sweatshirt with embroidered logo

Options August - October 31st, May, and June
* Navy blue shorts with black, navy blue, or brown leather belt

Girls: Dress Uniform - Grades 6-8
 This may be worn in all months (September through June) except on PE days.
* Blue plaid skirt (knee length)
* Navy blue dress slacks (no cargo pants or cuffs) with black, navy blue, or
       brown leather belt
* Long or short-sleeved white polo shirt with embroidered logo All
       undergarments worn under the white uniform shirt need to be white or
       flesh colored
* Navy blue knee socks or tights (no logo)
* *Optional buttoned maroon or blue cardigan or fleece jacket or maroon
         sweatshirt with embroidered logo

 Options September - October 31st, May, and June
* Navy blue walking shorts with black, navy blue, or brown leather belt

Boys: Dress Uniform - Grades K-8
This may be worn in all months (September through June) except on PE days.
* Navy blue dress slacks (no cargo pants or cuffs) with black, navy blue, or
       brown leather belt
* Long or short-sleeved white polo shirt with embroidered logo
* All undergarments worn under the white uniform shirt need to be white or
        flesh colored
* Navy crew socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional buttoned maroon or blue cardigan or fleece jacket or maroon
        sweatshirt with embroidered logo

 Options August - October 31st , May, and June
* Navy blue walking shorts with black, navy blue, or brown leather belt

Girls and Boys: Shoes - Grades K-8
* All students are required to wear either all black or all white, low cut,
        athletic shoes with matching laces and no contrasting branding.
        (Shoe polish or permanent marker may be used to make the
        necessary revisions.) Girls also have the option of wearing black flats
        or Mary Janes with their dress uniform.
* Shoe laces-black or white only (no mix match laces)
* No flashing lights, character shoes or roller attachments

Girls and Boys:
Physical Education Uniform - Grades K - 8
August - October 31st, May, and June

* Maroon wicking shorts
* St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School burgundy wicking t-shirt w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white)
* White socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional maroon logo sweatshirt

November 1st - April 30th
* Maroon sweatpants with logo
* St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School burgundy wicking t-shirt w/ logo
* Tennis shoes (black or white)
*  White socks (no logo) above the ankle
* *Optional maroon logo sweatshirt

All uniform items must be purchased through Risse Brothers at 9700 Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, Suite B, Lanham, MD 20706,  www.rissebrothers.com, 301-220-1985, School Code: SJ1517.

Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Students in grades K-8 are in dress uniform four days a week and physical education uniform one day a week.

Acceptable personal jewelry includes a watch, one pair of post earrings (one earring in each ear lobe), a significant religious medal, and/or one ring. Bracelets may not be worn. Hoop or dangling earrings may not be worn. Boys may not wear earrings. All hair accessories must be white, maroon, or school plaid.

Make-up, artificial fingernails, and fingernail polish may not be worn.  Trendy styles or fads are a violation of the uniform policy. (i.e. - mohawks, tails) Hairstyles should be neat and conservative. Boys' hair may not go past their eyebrows, ears or over their collar. Fad hairstyles are not to be worn. Hair color is not to be altered in any way: dyeing, bleaching,  streaking, etc. Hair styles should not cover the eyes. Boys are to be clean-shaven at all times.
Volunteer Opportunities
  • Monday morning envelope stuffers
  • Picture Retake Day Helper
  • Health Room--RN or higher
 
All Require ADW Child Protection Program completion. Please call the office  301-937-7154
Time to Raise Funds W/O Fundraising!
St Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville  
Invites you to Join:
 
It's Time to Raise Funds Without Fundraising!
With the Benefit mobile app you buy and redeem retailer gift cards instantly. Every purchase results in a percentage of the transaction going to support St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville. Track all of your balances, and see your contributions at the tap of a finger. Not a dime is asked beyond your typical shopping spend, and it's as easy as paying with a credit card. It's totally frictionless fundraising/See it in action!

How to participate:
  1. Download the Benefit app for iPhone or Android
  2. Sign up and follow the prompts
  3. Find St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville by typing in St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School, Beltsville into the search field. 
For more information, please see https://www.benefit-mobile.com/
Elizabeth House Times and Grades
November 6th           Grade 8
December 4th           Grade 6
January 8th                Grade 7
February 5th              Grade 5
March 4th                   Grade 2
April 8th                      Kindergarten
May 6th                       Pre-K
June 3rd                     Grade 3
Calendar Events
Oct 19-23 Book Fair
Oct 20 Family Night Out--Swahili Village  5-9 PM
Oct 21 Grade Level Team Meeting
           Hot Lunch--Hot Dogs
Oct 23 Pumpkin Gram forms due
           Hot Lunch Form Due for Nov/Dec
Oct 28 Faculty Meeting
           Feasts of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
           Hot Lunch--3 Bros Ravioli
Oct 29 Pre-Kindergarten Field Trip
           Costume Parade   10:30 AM
           Class Parties        11:00 AM
           End of First Quarter
           Noon Dismissal 
           Teacher In-service
Oct 30 School Closed 
           ADW Professional Development Day
Oct 31 Halloween
______________________________________________________
Nov 2    Inaugural Golf Tournament
Nov 3    Picture Retake Day
Nov 6    8th Grade makes lunches for Elizabeth House
            Claire's Gourmet Fundraising Paid-Up Order Forms Due
____________________________________________________
Dec 4    2016-2017 Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program Closes 
Contact Us!
email
Phone: 301-937-7154
Fax: 301-937-1467
Email: principal@stjosrcs.org
Website:  stjosrcs.org 
 
Archdiocese Band Website:
Sincerely,
St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School
11011 Montgomery Road
Beltsville, MD 20705