St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 110

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
“Rule in the midst of your enemies.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

“Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent:
“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

Once again you will find a form in the Wednesday packet to forward to us addresses of parents for the St. Joseph Open House. Consider friends neighbors and relatives. The most important date on the calendar for the future of the school is February 18, Open House for Parents of Prospective Students. Enrollment increases have been instrumental in providing us the resources to improve the school. It is important we continue that trend. Fill in the form with addresses of parents who might have interest in the school. We will simply invite them to the Open House. No one need know from whom the address on the invitation came.

Thank you for your cooperation. 

-- Dr. Gerard Toups

Calendar for the Week

Monday, January 28 - Friday, February 1
Catholic Schools Week - Catholic School Raise the Standard!

Wednesday, January 30 
Fair Planning Meeting @ 6:30 in Library

Thursday, January 31
Religion Fair - Parent Viewing 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Friday, February 1
NO SCHOOL MASS
Spirit Dress
Krewe of Crusaders Parade @ 1:15
Re-Registration of Current Students Ends

Wednesday, February 6
Midquarter Reports
February Birthdays

Thursday, February 7
Class Pictures in Uniforms
8th Grade Cap & Gown Pictures
Reconciliation Grade 7
Home & School Meeting @ 6:30 in the Gym

Friday, February 8
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Adopt-a-Child Collection
Spirit Dress
Beta Club Induction @ Mass
Last Day to Register for Mini Cheer Camp

Monday-Friday, February 11-15
No School - Mardi Gras Holidays

Wednesday, February 13
Ash Wednesday

Sunday, February 17
First Sunday of Lent

Monday, February 18
Open House for Parents of Prospective Students

Thursday, February 21
Reconciliation Grade 6

Friday, February 22
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Spirit Dress
Crusaders Announced
Stations of the Cross @ 1:45

Sunday, February 24
Second Sunday of Lent

Monday, February 25
Fifth Grade Field Trip

Thursday, February 28
Reconciliation Grade 5
Fifth Grade Field Trip

Re-Registration - Due Friday, February 1

In-house (those students already enrolled) registration for the 2013-2014 school year bagan last week on Wednesday, January 23.

Re-registration papers and details were sent home.

Re-registration is open for in-house students until Friday, February 1.

Some classes will be very, very tight next year. Spots for current students will only be guaranteed with return of the re-registration paper AND the full registration fee. Please be sure to include siblings who will also be attending St. Joseph next year so that they may be assured a spot.

Current students who register after February 1, will be charged a $100 late fee.

The re-registration form can also be accessed at FORM.

Tuition and loans are not due until May 1.

Catholic Schools Week - January 28-February 1

St. Joseph will join the nation in celebrating Catholic Schools Week January 28-February 1. In celebration, all the teachers have decorated their classroom doors. You can see them all at DOORS.

The 2013 theme is "Catholic Schools: Raising the Standards".

Our activities are as follows:

Monday, January 28
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend. We will announce our Distinguished Graduate, Courtney Hotard Roth, SJS Class of 2000. We will also announce our Students of the Year.
Students may wear red shirts with spirit dress this day.

Tuesday, January 29
The faculty will be honored this day with a luncheon provided by the SJS Home & School Association.
Students wear regular uniforms this day.

Wednesday, January 30
This is our day to salute patriotism. Students in the upper grades will have a veteran speak at an assembly.
Students may wear red, white, or blue shirts with spirit dress this day.

Thursday, January 31
This is the day for our religion fair. Parents and others may view the projects from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Students wear regular uniforms this day.

Friday, February 1
NO SCHOOL MASS
Some of our sixth grade students will travel to Donaldsonville for the Diocesan Catholic Schools Week Mass where Dr. Toups will be honored as Distinguished Elementary School Principal of the Year.
King Cake will be served at lunch. If your child is allergic to anything in King Cake, please send a note to the teacher and an alternative snack with their lunch.
Our Mardi Gras parade rolls at 1:15 p.m.
Students may wear spirit dress.

Feburary Birthdays - Wednesday, February 6

All students at St. Joseph who have a birthday in February may come out of uniform on Wednesday, February 6. This is the only day students with February birthdays may come out of uniform. There is no make-up day. Out of uniform guidelines can be found on the WEBSITE.

Midquarter Reports - Wednesday, February 6

Wednedsay, February 6, is the midpoint of the third quarter. Please be sure to check EDLINE for you child's grades.

In the event your child has a current average of "D" or "F", a written notice will be sent home. Please sign this notice and return it to school.

Valentine Fundraiser - Last Day Monday, February 4

Love is in the air at St. Joseph School!

The 2013 St. Joseph Student Council already began their annual Valentine's Day fundraiser for charity. This year, they are selling 8" silk roses for $1.00 each. The proceeds from the sale will go toward a Catholic charity in our area.

The roses will be distributed to students on Friday, February 8, during homeroom.

To Purchase a Rose:
1. Fill out the recipient information on the back of the card (remember to include the grade level of the recipient and his/her homeroom).
2. Send the card, along with the money, to the office.
3. The price is $1.00 per rose.
4. Deadline for purchase: February 4.

Purchase as many roses as you like. Additional cards may be found at VALENTINE and are also available by request in the office. Please have all money and cards sent to school on or before February 4.

Class Pictures - Thursday, February 7

Class pictures and eighth grade cap and gown pictures will be taken on Thursday, February 7.

These pictures are pre-paid. An envelope has been sent home today for your convenience. An 8" x 10"  class group picture can be ordered for $12.  Please make checks payable to Barberito Photographers.

Students are to wear regular uniforms to school on that date.

Please make every effort to have your child at school so that all children will be included in the class picture.

Mardi Gras Holidays - February 11-15

Just so you can plan ahead ........

We will celebrate the Mardi Gras Holidays Monday through Friday, February 11-15.

Classes will resume on Monday, February 18.

Open House - Monday, February 18

If you have friends, neighbors, or relatives who might be interested in sending their children to St. Joseph School, please provide us with their names and addresses so that we may send them an invitation to our Open House.

Prospective parents will be able to see classes in session, meet and talk with the teachers, ask questions, and get a "feel" for St. Joseph School at this Open House.

Our parents are our best advocates. Thank you for your tremendous support.

You may download the form atOPEN HOUSE, fill it out, and send it to the office. You may also email information to sjsoffice@sjscrusaders.org.

Mini Cheer Camp - March 2

SJS Cheerleaders Mini Camp

Saturday, March 2

9:30-1:00

SJS Gym

Grades PreK - 4th

$25/camper

Includes t-shirt and bow

Register on EDLINE

Please contact the school office at 985-386-6421 if additional information is necessary.

2013 Distinguished Graduate

St. Joseph School is proud to announce Courtney Hotard Roth as the 2013 Distinguished Graduate. Her story can be found at ALUMNI. Congratulations, Courtney!

Wild West Spring Fair Is Coming!

March 8-9-10, 2013!!

We sent home last week a packet to provide you with an early look at all the information needed to make plans for the Wild West Spring Fair!

The packet shows all scheduled events, items for purchase, contests, entertainment, etc. The required deadlines for each is also included. Deadlines are necessary in order to meet planning, scheduling, and production limitations. Thank you for your cooperation.

Contents of the packet include:
***** Fair Events and Stage Performance Schedule
***** Sponsorship Letter - due 1/23/13 to be included on t-shirt
***** Class Basket/Silent Auction Drop Off - due 2/25/13 to 3/1/13
***** Fair T-Shirt Order - due 1/25/13
***** Raffle Ticket Letter - due 3/1/13
***** Jambalaya Cook-Off - due 3/1/13
***** Pay-One-Price Ride Passes - due 3/1/13

All information is also available on our school website at FAIR.

Geo Bee Winner

Many congratulations to Brennan Currier, 7th Grade student, the SJS National Geographic Geography Bee winner!

Brennan took first place at the competition among St. Joseph students. He then took a written test which was submitted to the national office for scoring. The top 100 scores in Louisiana will meet in Baton Rouge for a state competition. The winner there goes on to national bee.

We wish Brennan much good luck as he awaits his next set of scores.

Fifth Grade Students of the Year

Congratulatons to our fifth grade Student of the Year finalists, from left, Paige Bankston, Maria Guay, and Holly Hariel.

Maria received the fifth grade Student of the Year honor. Her portfolio will be sent to the Diocese for competition at that level.

Eighth Grade Students of the Year

Congratulatons to our eighth grade Student of the Year finalists, from left, Alyssa Henderson, Christina Ernst, and Emily Ransom.

Christina received the eighth grade Student of the Year honor. Her portfolio will be sent to the Diocese for competition at that level.

Guest Speaker

Mr. Sal Lamonte, Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, poses with the St. Joseph School choir on Thursday, January 30. Mr. Lamonte talked with St. Joe students in grades 3-8 about his experiences in Korea and the importance of patriotism. The choir performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the talk. See other pictures at LAMONTE.

January Crusaders

Congratulations to our January Crusaders!

Courtney Curtis - January Crusader - 8th Grade
Jaya Berthelot - January Mini Crusader - 3rd Grade

Cheerleaders

The St. Joseph cheerleaders won 2nd place in the "Junior High School Cheer Division" at the Jam Fest cheer competition held in Baton Rouge on January 26th. There was eight schools in our division. Our cheerleaders worked very hard and did an amazing job representing St. Joseph School. We are so proud of them!

Our St. Joseph cheer parents and friends won the "Spirit Award" at the competition. St. Joseph won this award out of 34 teams in our session!!! The Spirit Award is a high honor to take home. Thanks to all fans who came out to see our girls perform.

Accelerated Readers

Congratulations to Emily Ransom, currently our only member of the Accelerated Reader 500 Points Club.

PICTURES of the members of the 250 and 100 Points Clubs are in the Photo Albums on this website.

Students are still reading and new members are added all the time. Please keep checking periodically as we add their pictures to our Accelerated Readers Points Club!

Altar Server Announcement

Registration and the initial training session for those interested in becoming Altar Servers:

Please make every effort to attend this first session because much of what is covered is not repeated in subsequent sessions. It will be Sunday, February 24, at 2:00 p.m. at church. 

Prospective Altar Servers must be baptized Catholic, have received First Communion, and be in at least the fourth grade (born prior to Fall 2003). 

We prefer that parents register their children and highly encourage you to stay if you do not already have a child who has altar served at St. Joseph. 

The length of session will depend on how many people attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Math-a-Thon Update

We are still waiting for our Funbooks to arrive, but while we wait you can visit our School’s Math-a-thon webpage. If you register on our page, you can give updates on the donations you have collected, and you can even participate using the Online Funbook. Adults can also make donations through our webpage. Click on this link to get started: SJS Math-a-thon.

Tailgate Party Wrap-Up

To all who came out for the tailgating party:

Thank you so much for all the help and support in this awesome idea for mother/son bonding!! We had a great turnout and lots of fun, with a beautiful God given day. I think the boys had a great time hanging out with mom!! A special thank you to J&J inflatables for the jumpers, John Falcon for his music and assistance in setting up,Toni Waddell for decor and all her work behind the scenes in the office, all of our SJS office crew for their work behind the scenes, and Kim Thibodeaux, Heather Perrin, Zelda Brown, Brandi Breaux, Jeanine Wisecarver, Monee Sheridan, Stephanie Brothers, and Lynette Currier for setting up and cleaning up. If you have any feedback or ideas for next year, please call or email me. Much thanks and many blessings for wonderful people!! Thank you to the PHS JROTC for lending us the tug of war rope and team building game.

Veronica Pierson

985-320-4543, 985-386-799, Veronica.Pierson@lpsb.org  

Track & Field News

SJS Track Season will officially kick off on Monday February 4, 2013, with a mandatory parents' meeting. The meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. This meeting is for parents only; practice information, parental requirements, and meet schedule information will be covered at this meeting.

Track will be offered to students in grades PK through 8th. Students must meet the grade participation requirements specified in the school handbook.

Please email Jerri Pevey at sjsrunners@yahoo.com if you need additional information.

Community News

2013 Ponchatoula Youth Baseball/Softball Registration
January 26th - March 2nd

Walk-in Registration

Saturdays February 9th, 16th & 23rd

March 2nd

9am to 12pm at the Recreation Park Gym on Hoover Road
Forms may also be dropped off at the PARD gym during the week from 9am-3pm.

Forms received after March 2nd & through March 6th will be assessed a late fee.
Registration forms received after March 6th will be placed on a waiting list (first come, first serve) and if a spot becomes available, parents will be contacted.


Checks will be returned to those we were unable to place.
More information on registration, coaching, & sponsors can be found online at www.PARD1.com
.
For questions or comments please contact
Kim Coates

Athletic Coordinator
Ponchatoula Area Recreation District #1 
19030 Ponchatoula Park Drive
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
(985) 370-7273
(985) 370-7270 (fax)

Parish News

Personnel
Fr. Cayet Mangiaracina, O.P. - Parochial Vicar and Administrator
Fr. David K. Seid, O.P, - In Residence
Larry J. Melancon - Deacon
Mike Agnello - Deacon
Dr. M.J. "Dutch" Schanzbach - Deacon

Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Mass - 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information
Address - 255 North 8th Street (P.O. Box 368), Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone - 985.386.3749
Website - www.stjosephsonline.com  

ST. JOSEPH ALTAR
We are looking for children to play the role of saints for the St. Joseph Altar. The St. JOseph Altar will be on March 17. The children will be asked to participate in the rosary procession, Mass, and feeding of the saints. The children will have to furnish their own costumes. There will be a short practice on Monday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the gym. If you are interested in particiating, please call Fay Murray at 985-386-8151, or the church office at 985-386-3749, with your name and the saint you will be.