Eagle's Eye

August 12. 2021

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

St. Joseph Catholic School fosters a diverse community of disciples empowered through a rigorous and inclusive Catholic education rooted in Gospel values and service to others.

Mission Statement

first day of school

Welcome Back! Thank you for a great first couple days of school. Father Tim and Father Gordon stopped by on Wednesday to bless classrooms. Our Superintendent, Mr. Fortier, also visited us to wish us a good year.

before school care

It is very important to note that Before School Care doesn't begin until 7am daily. SJCS staff will not be able to accept students before 7am. Mrs. Arambarri and Mrs. Heisey will accept students in the cafeteria beginning at 7am.

mass tomorrow

We look forward to celebrating mass together tomorrow at 8:15am in our church. All are invited to join us for mass. However, please remember that family members and parishioners must sit behind the students in the church.

dress down day monday

Students are invited to bring a new school supply and dress down on Monday, August 16th. Donated school supplies will be given to area public schools. Please remember to check out the dress down day guidelines in the Parent Student Handbook that can be found on our school website.

Sports meeting

We are changing the structure of our Sports meeting and Orientation (Grades 5-8) which are scheduled for this coming Tuesday, August 17th. There will NOT be a sports meeting at 5:30pm on Tuesday. Rather, a video will be distributed for parents to watch at home. PLEASE DO NOT COME AT 5:30PM EXPECTING A SPORTS MEETING.

Grades 5-8 Orientation

We are changing the structure for our Orientation Meeting for grades 5-8. Parents of students in grades 5-8 will report to their child's homeroom for the meeting on Tuesday, August 17th at 6pm. There will NOT be a meeting in the Parish Center. We look forward to seeing parents of all students in grades 5-8 for this very important meeting. Teachers will be sharing critical information that you will need to support your child academically this year.

masks and lanyards

We have ordered mask lanyards for all students. We expect them to arrive any day. As soon as they do, your child will be issued a mask lanyard. Lanyards will be required as part of the uniform. This year we will not require the SJCS lanyard. Any mask lanyard will be acceptable. Extra mask lanyards will be on sale for $5 once they arrive in the office.


Many have asked to purchase SJCS face masks. We have ordered youth and adult sizes. As soon as they come in, we will let you know that they are available for purchase in the front office.

Carline Reminders

Considering it's only the second day of school, morning and afternoon carline are going well. We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we know that it can be a bit challenging, particularly for those new to the process. Here are a couple important reminders for returning and new families:


  • In the morning, older students who are capable of opening the car door and getting out on their own, should do so. Last year, students had to wait for a teacher to come to them to take their temperature. This is not necessary this year. If your child is younger and needs assistance, we will come to you to assist, but those who are able should get out of the car on their own.
  • Students must exit the vehicle by 7:57am to be considered on time for school. Please allow for plenty of time in the morning so that your child is not tardy.
  • All parents of VPK students must sign the clipboard at drop off and pick up daily. VPK parents are reminded not to leave the school without signing.

picture day

Picture Day is Friday, August 20th. Students will wear their mass uniforms for pictures. Families who wish to purchase pictures must preorder using the order form that was sent home with your child on either Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Please return order forms to your child's teacher by Friday, August 20th.
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early dismissal and tardies

It is critical that your child arrives at school on time daily and remains in class for the full school day. Please do your best to minimize the disruptions to your child's school day. Mrs. Haas will be closely monitoring student tardies and early dismissals for students who are routinely tardy or leave early. Also know that we are required to report attendance to the scholarship companies. They are cracking down on student absences, tardies and early dismissals. Thank you for your cooperation.

2:15pm

Please remember that students may not be signed out from the school office after 2:15pm daily. If you need your child early from school, he/she must be signed out before 2:15pm or from afternoon carline. Thank you!

orton gillingham

We learn to read so we can read to learn. St. Joseph Catholic School has always been keenly aware of the importance of reading well. Many of our alumni will remember being taught and encouraged by Nancy Neale in The Julie Center. We continue to be blessed with amazing teachers who are dedicated to learning the best, researched practices. If you follow the Eagle’s Eye, you know many of our teachers now have specific training in the Orton Gillingham method of reading instruction. This team of classroom and resource teachers will meet this year to develop and implement this method within the classrooms. We look forward to sharing our growth with you throughout this year.

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altar server training

On Saturday, August 21st at 11am, St. Joseph Catholic Church will host an Altar Server Training class for current and new servers. The training will be held in the church.

This ministry seeks to encourage the youth of our parish to fully engage in our faith through their service to the Church as altar servers. Serving at the altar gives youth a hands-on personal experience of God's work in the liturgy.

Requirements are that the children have received their First Communion. If students are over the age of 14, they will need to complete the Safe Environment Training and Fingerprinting.

Please contact Laurie Spang in the Church Office at 294-3144 to register.

St. Joseph Prayer

St. Joseph Prayer

O Blessed Joseph, faithful guardian of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, protector of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, I choose you this day to be my special patron and advocate and I firmly resolve to honor you all the days of my life. Therefore, I humbly ask you to receive me as your client, to instruct me in every doubt, to comfort me in every affliction, to obtain for me and for all the knowledge and love of the Heart of Jesus, and finally to defend and protect me at the hour of my death. Amen.
St. Joseph Prayer
St. Joseph Catholic School

St. Joseph Catholic School

St. Joseph Catholic School

Principal: Mrs. Haas

Assistant Principal: Mr. Reilly

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Insua

Canonical Administrator: Fr. Tim LaBo

Superintendent: Mr. Fortier

535 Avenue M Northwest, Winter Haven, FL, USA thaas@stjosephwhschool.org 863-293-3311 stjosephwhschool.org