Unfortunately, sometimes students of this age make poor decisions. We are teaching them to recognize the outcome of the decisions and actions, genuinely ask forgiveness, attend confession, and offer restitution, demonstrating that they have learned from the mistake. Our students are not perfect and need constant coaching. We ask them to be open to transformation and getting to know themselves and others more deeply. We ask them to turn to Jesus in prayer when they are lost, angry, struggling, to gain courage each day to make the decisions that bring them closest to Him.

We value a culture of compassion, kindness, humility, devotion, and service to others. We ask for their help in protecting each other. If they see something inconsistent with these intentions, we need their involvement. Together, with our guidance, they create the culture they inhabit. Please encourage them to inspire others to live the virtues each day so St. Joe's will be the school all children want to be.

Teachers are nominating our STJ Bears each month for their virtuous behavior and several will be selected and presented with gold crosses at the October 6th mass. These pins have decorated the lapels of St. Joe's graduates for many years and it is an honor to wear them and remember what they represent.

As you can imagine, this year school leaders, staff, and parents are navigating complications not forecasted at this time in 2020. Though we do not have a mask mandate, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over. We continue to be as vigilant as possible while allowing parental agency on masking.

For the purpose of collecting data collection, I have constructed a brief, voluntary questionnaire for families about the vaccination status of their St. Joe's students. If you would be willing to share that information, please consider completing it by Friday, October 1st.

Boosterthon has planned a "Fun Run" of the obstacle sort in the back courtyard and church parking lot beginning at 8:30am on Friday, October 1st. This is the first fundraiser of the year!

We will be assuring all students are registered by Wednesday morning in homeroom. Please help them gather pledges in hopes of raising money for future endeavors at St. Joe's. We want the kids (and teachers) to dress in the most FUN way for our FUN RUN!

Students ARE permitted to wear the following:

• colorful athletic sweatpants and t-shirts, headbands, sweatshirts, sneakers

• bike shorts, tank tops, leggings, short running shorts (be modest)

In the next year, please watch for our new Instagram account and live versions of our schoolday exclusively on these private pages. Please note that you must request access to the page and we will not grant access to anyone to does not answer all of the security questions regarding enrollment and permissions.