St. Joseph eUpdate
Hearts Aflame For the Love of Christ
Moving Along With Mrs. Maddox
Dear Friends In Christ,
Like most of us, I assume you and your family are enjoying your summer but anxious to hear about our plan to reopen in August. What will the day-to-day schedule look like? What new guidelines will be in place? How will we, as a faith community, remain connected to what we love and care about, while embracing the many important health and safety guidelines already in place? Dodging and weaving all of the many mixed messages on social media, the daily news, and even simple conversations with friends and family has created a level of uncertainty and anxiety in all of us.
My role and task as the leader of our school is very clear to me. I know I am the person responsible for helping to set the tone and culture of our community, and there is a level of research and preparedness you will all expect from me and my office. In order to help create an environment that will foster not just our students’ personal safety, but also their spiritual and academic growth, I have done nothing but non-stop research regarding best practices in blended learning instruction, health/environmental safety, and technology; as well as finding ways to provide professional development for our teachers. I also know, because you have chosen a Catholic school for your child, your real priority begins with a desired partnership in nurturing your child’s soul. You have chosen our Catholic school not just because you want your child to have an excellent education; you have an eternal goal in mind. What an important job and privilege we have as Catholic educators-thank you for trusting us with this ministry!
I want to promise you that we will open with one of the very best comprehensive plans you will find in Johnson County. Our team is committed to your family, and we are doing our best to take all scenarios into consideration. We are networking, researching, strategizing and developing a plan that prioritizes your child's mind, body, and soul. Please remember that you will be the one to set the tone in your family for how your child(ren) does in school this year. No matter what is decided or implemented; how you talk about the plan, trust in our faculty, and live your faith, will have the most influence on your child’s attitude, their growth, and also their potential anxiety.
I have one simple favor to ask of you; when the plan is unveiled, please read it in private. If you have concerns or questions about any part of it, please send them directly to me. I welcome your insight and feedback. I understand that as a parent it is your duty to question, reflect, inquire, research ….but try not to have your children hear these initial conversations. It is so important they hear a positive message of solidarity about returning to school in August, and our top priority should be to make them feel safe as our start date approaches. I look forward to clearing these initial hurdles of logistics and processes, so we can focus on our true mission of feeding our children’s souls, while molding the minds and hearts.
We will be sending our plan in late July after the State of Kansas has released their mandates, guidelines, and suggestions for schools. Thank you so much for your continued trust, feedback, support, and prayers. Your positive energy and your amazing kids keep our faculty moving forward. I plan to take a small break at the beginning of July to rest and rejuvenate. I’ll be back in the office the second week of July, ready to go! I really can’t wait to get our new year together started. I think God has given us a unique opportunity to stop, prioritize, and focus on His cross. His cross is the place where all struggles seem bearable, and all miracles are capable.
With a Grateful Heart
Jodie Maddox, Principal
Student Check-In
Our Student Check-In will be an evening event this year on Thursday, August 13. Please note the new hours-it will be from 4PM-7PM at the school. You may drop in at any time during those hours.
We will collect any remaining necessary paperwork that evening, including the green Family & Emergency Information Form from all families. For new families and all incoming Kindergarten families, we will collect health assessments, immunizations, copies of birth certificates, initial enrollment forms, copies of baptismal certificates (only if your child was not baptized at St. Joseph Church) and record releases.
Also that evening, pre-ordered school supplies can be picked up, bulk school supplies (Kleenix, wipes and copy paper) can be dropped off, signups will be available for PTO, Auction, CYO, STREAM Academy (after school care) and many other activities, used uniforms and spiritwear will be sold and lunch money/other fees can be paid that evening. Students will be able to meet their classroom teacher.
We are asking all families to volunteer for at least two items so please bring your calendars!
Summer Office Hours for the School
Summer office hours for the school are: Monday-Thursday, 9:00AM-Noon in June and August.
Closed July.
Summer Food Service Program
To All Students and Families,
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is available to all children 18 and younger. Children will receive either one or two reimbursable meals each day Monday- Friday. Please go to the kn-eat websight- Summer Food Service Program then in yellow on left go to Find a location near me.
For those families that are on the KS Free and Reduced Food Program , the Pandemic -EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer or P-EBT) is available. It is a state option to provide food assistance in the event of school closures lasting 5 or more days to all children who would have otherwise received a free or reduced price meals at school.
Have a good summer . See you in August when school starts !
Kathy Ketter Hirt- Food Service Director
Last Chance To Pre-order Your School Supplies by July 1st!
You can now pre-order school supplies online for the 2020-2021school year at the link below! Just put in our zip code (66203) and choose St. Joseph Catholic School. Order by July 1st! Don't delay!
Masses back in the Church!
Calendar of Events
June 25
8th Grade Graduation Ceremony, 7PM
July 27
Confirmation, 7pm
July 30
Confirmation, 7pm
August 13
Student Check-In, 4-7pm at the School
August 19
First Day of School for Grades 1-8, Noon Dismissal
August 20
First Day of School for Kindergarten, Noon Dismissal for Kindergarten only
Grades 1-8, Full day of School
Contact Us
Email: school@stjoeshawnee.org
Website: https://stjoeshawnee.eduk12.net
Location: 11505 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS, USA
Phone: (913) 631-7730
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjosephschoolshawnee/