St. Joseph
Catholic School

May Crowners

Maria Alphonso, Mary Gautier, Brooke Balser

From the Principal

Dear Parents, 

As those of you who pick up at carpool can see, much progress is being made on the construction site. The building itself should be on site shortly. Some preparation has started in the church so it can be used when the Notre Dame Center comes down this summer. 

Several meeting have been held with the architect planning the new construction across the street. As these new facilities come on line there will be a whole new atmosphere around the school. The added space will be a blessing and enable us to do an ever better job of educating the students who attend St. Joseph School. 

I am signing contracts with the teachers and staff this week. I am pleased to inform you that every staff member is returning. That continuity is crucial for the continued enhancement of the program. 

The eighth grade promotion ceremony is next week. Please know that as this group of students move on, we continue to recruit new students. Kindergarten, first, and third grade spots are available for the coming school year. 

                                                                                                                                                 -- Dr. Gerard Toups

Spring Concert

The Spring Concert put on by the Music Department will be held on Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the gym. 

All first, second, and third grades will be performing and are expected to be in attendance.
The varsity band will also be performing. 

There will be after-school rehearsals for the band on April 30 and May 7 from 3-4.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9. Traditionally, Room Mothers have planned a wonderful week with a suggested daily theme. A flyer explaining all is included in this packet. Please consult it for ideas!

Exams

The Eighth Grade Exam Schedule is as follows:
Thursday, May 8 ….. Periods 7 & 4
Monday, May 12 ….. Periods 8 & 3
Tuesday, May 13 ….. Periods 5 & 2

The exam schedule for Sixth and Seventh Grades is as follows:
Monday, May 19 ….. Periods 7 & 4
Tuesday, May 20 ….. Periods 8 & 3
Wednesday, May 21 ….. 5 & 2
Thursday, May 22 ….. Period 1

Sports Awards

The Sports Awards Ceremony will take place in the SJS gym on Tuesday, May 13, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

Accelerated Readers

High point Accelerated Readers for each reading class in the third quarter were recently announced. 

Maddy Henry (1st), Scott Jacobs (1st), Kennedy Martin (2nd), Josh Albin (2nd), Emily Ransom (3rd), Blair Atkins (3rd), Katelyn McKneely (4th), Jason Webb (4th), Abigail vonAlmen (5th), Emily Buddy (6th), Taylor Ransom (7th), Carven Corbett (8th).

End-of-the-Year Calendar

The following calendar is for the last six days of school. 

May 19-22 - Sixth and Seventh Grade Exams 

May 20 - Last day of classes for PreK&K 

May 21 - PreK & K picnic 11:00-1:00 

May 21 - Spirit Dress for A/R ONLY 

May 22 - 9:00 K Promotion 
12:30 PreK Promotion 

May 23 - 8:30 Mass Field Day (Modest Shorts/Capris and Spirit Shirts or Brittany Shirts) 
11:30 Dismissal 

May 26 - Last Day for Students (Regular Uniforms) 
Awards Ceremony 
Report Cards Distributed 
11:30 Dismissal 

Summer Office Hours are 8:30-12:30.

Lost and Found Department

Many, many SJS jackets, sweatshirts, and various uniforms parts have found their ways to the lost and found rack located in the gym. Most do not have names. Please check the rack if your child is missing anything.

Pancake Brunch

Matt LaMarca, Jon Morgan Pevey, Nathan Plauche, and Mr. Jay Naquin help with the preparations for Mr. Jay’s traditional eighth grade pancake brunch. The results were a definite hit!

Gun Safety

Detective Jerry McDowell, Matt LaMarca, Jon Morgan Pevey, Chief Bry Layrisson, Trey Foster, and Officer Brad Sibley review points made by the Ponchatoula Police Department during their recent demonstration of gun safety for students in grades 1-8.

Summer Reading & Math Clinic

* Enrichment Experience in Reading and/or Math 

* Certified Teachers 

* 5 Students per Teacher 

* Students Completing Grades K-8 Eligible 

* Contact Dr. Gerard Toups (985-386-6421) for more information.

Meetings & Events

May 5-9 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 - Exams (Grade 8)
May 8 - 7:00 Music Program in Gym
May 8 - Field Trip (Grade 2)
May 9 - 8:30 Mass
May 9 - Accelerated Reader Deadline
May 9 - Crusader Luncheon
May 10 - STA Graduation
May 12 - Exams (Grade 8)
May 13 - Exams (Grade 8)
May 13 - 7:00 Sports Award Ceremony in Gym
May 14 - Eight Grade Breakfast
May 15 - 9:00 Eighth Grade Awards Ceremony

St. Paul Quote of the Week

1Cor 3:16:
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.