I hope you are all well and managing to somewhat enjoy the summer.
The summer days, although busy in preparing for the next school year, give me an opportunity to reflect on the year and years that have passed. In so doing, two major thoughts come to mind- the enormous progress we have and the support of the parent community.
Right now we are at an academic apex. Our entire curriculum has been revisited, refined and renovated. One of the achievements I am proudest of is our reading program, which also involves multiple other related skills. Our math program has been aligned to provide students with a comprehensive foundation of basic skills as well as proficiency in the abstract mathematical domains of geometry, reasoning, number patterns and probability. Our social studies programs include local, United States and World Geography as well as Massachusetts, American and World History. Our students experience many hands on science activities from butterflies and tadpoles to designing water treatment facilities with the Mass Water Resource Authority and designing their own inventions with the Tufts University Engineering Dept. All Science units are based on the four domains of Physical, Life, Earth and Engineering Sciences. Last but certainly not least, instruction in core religion and religious values and the activities that ensue.
Currently our electives involve two foreign languages –Italian and Spanish- physical education, music and movement, music, instruments and art. We now offer fifteen after school activities as well as two After School programs. By the way, our After School Program this year is being redesigned to be a scheduled activities program (details to follow).
And all the wonderful events that happen in the school year- field trips, performances, exhibits for parents to come in to see, presentations for parents, concerts and the fun parent events the Holly Fair, Auction and barbecue.
In all of the former, parents and families have been an essential part of our mission. Your moral and financial support cannot be matched. These days, when there are so many issues in the world around us, I am so proud to be part of a wonderful academic institution whose community is so dedicated to providing the best possible educational opportunity for their children.
I look forward to seeing all of you in the near future.
Sincerely,
Jim Deveney , Principal
Karen Surabian, Asst. Principal
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Dates to remember:
Kindergarten Orientation, August 25, { 5-7 p.m.}
First Day of School grades k-8, August 27 {7:45-noon}
Parent Coffee, August 27, 8-10 a.m.
Preschool Orientation, August 28 {5-7 pm}
Grades K and 1 : Sept. 3,4,5 {7:45-12:00}
Grades 2-8 : Sept. 3,4,5 {7:45-2:15}
First Day of School, preK-1, Sept. 3
First Day of School, preK-2, Sept.4
Saint Joseph School is proud and pleased to announce the recipients of scholarship awards presented to the 2014 Graduating class at a ceremony at Saint Joseph Church on June 6, 2014.
THE MONSIGNOR FRANCIS T. MCFARLAND MEMORIAL AWARD
Kelli Aquino
John Fee
THE THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL DAVID SARNO MEMORIAL AWARD
Andrew Doyle
THE SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Jessica Butler
Iliana DePena
THE SAINT JOSEPH PARENTS’ AWARD FOR GENERL EXCELLENCE
Grace Harris
THE SAINT JOSEPH PARENTS’ AWARD FOR GREATEST EFFORT
FIRST GRADE ZOO FIELD TRIP- The first graders enjoyed a beautiful sunny day at the Stone Zoo. We spent the first half of the exploring the zoo and the second half playing in the park.
Nancy from the education department at the Stone Zoo visited the first grades on Wednesday May 14th in preparation for their field trip.
The focus of her visit was life cycles. She discussed what living things need to grow and the life cycles of the frog and butterfly.
Nancy brought with her two friends a king snake and a chinchilla.
Everyone enjoyed the visit.
Peace Program at St.Joseph’s School Receives High Marks
At a January faculty meeting, there was a discussion about a project about peace. With all the news about violence, wars and attacks that kids are able to access on their technology, the staff felt a need to counter ad some of the former.
The Builders Club recently had a candy sale fundraiser which benefited an organization called Birthday Wishes, that helps put together birthday parties for children who are less fortunate. We had an extremely successful fundraiser, collecting enough money to make 2 birthday boxes for one boy and one girl with supplies and decorations for a birthday party as well as goody bags for their guests.
Also, The Builders Club recently had another successful fundraiser with a dress down day that raised money for Firefighter Kennedy and Lt. Walsh memorial fund. Saint Joseph School raised over $750!
The fifth grade students have become quite the scientists! They applied their knowledge of sound energy by creating their own musical instruments and then demonstrating high and low pitches. Next, they designed their own rock cycle CD cover, which included their own playlist and rock tour. Learning about cells proved to be a most delicious experience when they made their own edible cells. Most recently, they have been using iPads to research and write about their individual endangered species.
The first grade classrooms celebrated 100 days of learning on February 11th. Each student created a project at home of 100 items which were displayed in the classroom. Parents were invited to a class breakfast where they had the opportunity to view the projects. Students were very excited to have their parents visit.
Tufts University pairing up with grade 6 students to improve their skills with engineering by providing fun and education experiments to enrich their minds. This project was called the "Egg Drop Test."
Students in grades one through eight participated in a series of spelling bees during Catholic Schools week. All students first took a test in their Language Arts classroom or homeroom on the year to date spelling words. After choosing eight nominees from each classroom , there was an in class spelling bee that brought the number down to four contestants per homeroom. The next round resulted in grade level nominees for the final competitions.
The Middlesex Catholic Elementary School League playoffs are set to begin on February 15th and the St. Joseph Juniors boys team has emerged as one of the league’s premier squads. Sporting an 11-1 record, St. Joe’s is led by sensational guards Nick Perrotta (170 points) and Sam McInerney (62 points) while a rugged front-court of Denzel Morinvil (39 points), Steve DiLeo (29 points) and Gavin Kelly (12 points), the team’s leading rebounder, have provided an “in-the-paint” presence.
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You are cordially invited to a regional art fair exhibiting the work of students in K through 8 from Saint Clement (Medford), Saint Joseph (Medford), Saint Peter (Cambridge), and Saint Raphael (Medford). The show will be open for viewing at Saint Clement School on Sunday January 26, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. and will close with the award ceremony and reception on Sunday February 2, at 2:00 P.M. There will be an additional opportunity to view the student work on Wednesday, January 29 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. We are very excited about the talent and achievement displayed in our student art work and anxious to celebrate this accomplishment with the families and friends of the young artists. Please join us.
Sincerely,
The Art Faculty of Saint Clement School, Saint Joseph School, Saint Peter School, and Saint Raphael School.
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