Principal's Note 1/31/23

Please see the summer letter with information about summer assignments, school supplies, immunization requirements, and Back-to-School dates.

Congratulations to our 8th grade graduates -- the Class of 2025. The 8th grade students will celebrate their achievement with their parents and teachers at a graduation dinner on Friday night. The graduation ceremony will be Saturday morning at 10:30 in the church. Great Fun at Concerts and Field Day Parents and students had great fun at last week's spring sing concert, band concert, and field-day activities. See and hear some of the SJB Band's music. Final Exams Next Week for Grades 5-7 Teachers have been preparing students in grades 5-7 with review guides and preparation sessions in advance of final exams next week. The SJB calendar includes the exam schedule. Class Picnics Scheduled The SJB calendar also includes the schedule of year-end class picnics. End-of-Year Routines Summer assignments and supply lists will be sent out by email to new and returning families at the end of the school year. Returning students will keep their Chromebooks and power adapters for summer assignments. Departing students will hand in their Chromebooks and adapters to Mrs. Brumbaugh in Room 8 before the last day of school. Report cards and end-of-year MAP scores will be sent home with students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade on Wednesday, June 11, the last day of school. MAP scores will be sent home with students in grades 5-7 on Wednesday, June 11, the last day of school. Grade 5-7 report cards will be posted on the portal by Friday, June 13, under E-Locker and E-Portfolio, to give middle-school teachers time to grade final exams. An email will notify parents that the report cards have been posted. There will be no After Care on Wednesday, June 11, the last day of school, and dismissal will be at 12:00 noon. SJB Summer Camp, Tutors, Sitters & Pools - - Here's the SJB summer page with all of that information. SJB Book Sale -- See the flyer for the SJB Book Sale. SJB Fall Soccer Registration -- Go the SJB Athletic Ministry page to register. Chess in the Fall - - Go to the Chess Wizards page to register for the fall chess session. SJB Parish -- Get information about Mass times and the Bulletin with Father Andrew's weekly message. Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 7: the date of the back-to-school parish picnic.

Spring Sing Concert is 11:30 on Thursday, May 22 -- See the flyer for the spring sing concert. Each class from preschool to 4th grade will perform a song. SJB Spring Band Concert is Thursday -- The Spring Band Concert is at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 22, in the SJB gym. There will be a matinee performance for students at 1:00 pm in the gym, with reserved seating for students and additional seats for grandparents, parents and friends. Field Day Friday -- Students will play games and compete in athletics from 8:30 to 11:30 during Field Day on Friday, May 23. Field Day is an annual spring tradition. It is coordinated by Ms. K, our PE teacher. It's the last school day for 8th graders, who run the games and cheer on the younger students. Students come to school in sneakers, shorts, and T-shirts in red, white, or blue depending on their team. Here's the list of students by grade and team color. In each grade, the students with the two fastest times on the red, white, and blue teams will run in the relay race. Many parents arrive at 11:20 and gather at the top if the hill to watch the relay race, Field Day's culminating event. Friday is a Half Day -- Students will return to class after the relay race and will be dismissed at 12:00 noon on Friday, May 23. Parents who come to watch the relay race may park in the pick-up lanes so that they are ready for departure after dismissal. Final Exams Are June 2-6 for Grades 5-7 - Students in grades 5-7 will get study guides next week in preparation of their final exams during the week of June 2-6. School Supplies and Summer Assignments Will Be Posted -- By the end of the school year, SJB will will post summer assignments and school supplies for the 2025-26 school year. A communication with access to the assignments and supply lists will go out to everyone. Volunteer Credit Payments Due June 5 -- Volunteer-credit invoices have been posted on TADS with payments due on June 5. The fees were determined by the volunteer-credit tracking system and volunteer credit coordinators of the Home School Association. The fee schedule and volunteer-credit system overview can be found on the SJB website under Parents and Volunteers. HSA Parent leaders will soon send a communication asking for volunteers to lead events and activities in 2025-26. The HSA events guide has information about each event and volunteer roles. Thank You for Your Support for the Auction -- Thank you to everyone who supported the SJB auction with items, bids, or hard work. The proceeds from the auction will go toward improving the learning environment for the children with new classroom furniture and technology upgrades. SJB Summer Camp, Tutors, Sitters & Pools -- Here's the SJB summer page with all of that information. SJB Book Sale -- See the flyer for the SJB Book Sale. SJB Fall Soccer Registration -- Go the SJB Athletic Ministry page to register. Chess in the Fall -- Go to the Chess Wizards page to register for the fall chess session. 2025-26 SJB Calendar -- See the online 2025-26 SJB calendar for information about school dates, vacations, and events. Thursday, May 22 11:30 Spring Sing, 30-minute concert, one song by each class from PreK to 4th grade 1:00 Band Concert Matinee for Students 7:00 Band Concert in Gym Friday, May 23 Field Day 12 noon dismissal Friday, May 30 8th grade graduation dinner Saturday, May 31 Graduation at 10:30 in the Church

SJB students watch and listen to Pope Leo XIV after last week's election. Students responded with cheers when they heard about the election of the first American pope. Browse & Bid at the SJB Online Auction The online auction is the school's major fundraiser this year. Coordinated by the Home School Association, the money raised will go toward new classroom desks and chairs and educational materials. Go here to visit the online auction. See the SJB online auction flyer . Congratulations, First Communicants Congratulations to everyone who received First Holy Communion last week. Most of our 2nd grade students and several parish children received First Holy Communion at Mass on Saturday with their families and Father Andrew, the pastor. See the pictures . Thank You, Parents, for Your Support & Generosity for Teacher Appreciation Week The teachers and staff wish to express their gratitude, and they want to share their thank you card . Band Concert is Thursday Parents and friends are invited to attend the SJB band concert at 7:00 pm on Thursday in the school gym. There will be an afternoon matinee performance for students. Parents or grandparents may come to the concert at 2:00 pm. Front seating will be reserved for students at the afternoon concert. Wear Your SJB Spirit Wear on Friday Let’s celebrate our school year with smiles, school pride, and great memories! Students can come to school in their SJB spirit wear or PE clothes. They will receive yearbooks at the end of the day. Spirit Day is Friday, May 16. See the flyer . Exams Coming Up Eighth grade exams will be May 19 to 22. Exams for grades 5-7 will be June 2 to 6. Field Day Fun on Friday, May 23 On Field Day, students are divided up into three teams and compete in a variety of games and sports. It's the last day of school for the 8th graders, who run the activities for the lower-grade students. The culminating event is the relay race. It's a tradition for parents to come to the school and watch the relay race on the field from the top of the hill. Parents should come at 11:20 to see the race. It should start at about 11:30. Also, May 23 is a half day with dismissal at 12:00 noon. Interested in Tutors, Sitters, Camps, or Pools? See SJB's Summer Page Coming Up Thursday, May 15 -- Band Concert 2:00 and 7:00 in the gym Thursday, May 15 - Pizza Lunch Friday, May 16 - Spirit Wear Day & Yearbook Distribution Saturday, May 17 - Confirmation Retreat Monday, May 19 - 7:00 pm HSA Meeting in Library Thursday, May 22 - - 11:30 Spring Sing, 30-minute concert, one song by each class from PreK to 4th gr Friday, May 23 - Field Day 12 noon dismissal Friday, May 30 - 8th grade graduation dinner Saturday, May 31 - Graduation at 10:30 in the Church

Parents are welcome to come to the school for the May Crowning Procession & Prayer Service on Thursday, May 8, at 10 am. The procession begins in the front of the school with a single-file silent walk around the parish center to the main church doors, where the students enter for the May Crowning service. Students should bring one or two flowers and wear their uniforms in blue and white tomorrow, Thursday, May 8. The students will set their flowers by the statue of Mary at the altar, and Father Andrew will then lead the school in the May Crowning prayer service. Here's a short video of a past May Crowning procession. Thank You for Your Show of Teacher Appreciation Thank you to all of the school parents who have provided snacks, lunches, and notes and words of support throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers are grateful for our wonderful community and school parents. Thank You, Families & Friends, for Your Support for the Spring Play We had wonderful audiences for the student performances of High School Musical last week. Thank you to everyone who attended. Shanthi Abraham Awarded Erin Tervo Scholarship Seventh grade student Shanthi Abraham was awarded the Erin Tervo Memorial Scholarship on Friday night before an audience at SJB's spring musical. The school awards the scholarship annually to a 7th grade student who best represents Erin Tervo's qualities of love of math, love of performing arts, love of the liturgy, kindness and service to everyone. Erin Tervo was a beloved math teacher and coordinator school masses and performances at SJB. In her 18th year of teaching, she died suddenly one week after the start of the 2015 school year. The scholarship is provided with contributions to the Erin Tervo Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the selection is made by a committee of teachers chaired by a family member. Erin's daughter Caitlin presented the award. Also attending the award presentation were Erin's husband Jon, daughter Meghan, and parents Kathleen and Paul McCauley. Erin's oldest daughter Shannon was unable to be here because of college exams. Great Turnout and Fun Time at the Father-Daughter Dance Thank you, parent organizers, for planning and coordinating the Father-Daughter Dance. MAP Growth Spring Tests Continue The SJB school calendar includes the dates of the spring assessments, which continue next week. Exams Coming Up Eighth grade exams will be May 19 to 22. Exams for grades 5-7 will be June 2 to 6. Interested in Tutors, Sitters, Camps, or Pools? See SJB's Summer Page Coming Up May 5-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week Thursday, May 8 -- May Crowning at 10:00 Friday, May 9 - No School Saturday, May 10 -- 11:00 First Communion Mass Thursday, May 15 -- Band Concert 2:00 and 7:00 in the gym Thursday, May 15 - Last pizza lunch of the year, order by Monday (5/12) Saturday, May 17 - Confirmation Retreat Monday, May 19 - 7:00 pm HSA Meeting in Library Thursday, May 22 -- 11:30 Spring Sing, 30-minute concert, one song by each class from PreK to 4th gr Friday, May 23 - Field Day & 12 noon dismissal Friday, May 30 - 8th grade graduation dinner Saturday, May 31 - Graduation at 10:30 in the Church

Prayers for Pope Francis We are praying for Pope Francis, who died the day after Easter, and for the cardinals who will select the next pope. Pope Francis, who looked out for the overlooked, was an inspiration to our students. Elected in 2013, he was the only pope our students have ever known. He recently spoke to young people about the importance of listening to others. "Dear boys and girls, one of the most important things in life is to listen — to learn how to listen," Francis said in recording shared by the Italian magazine Oggi . "When someone speaks to you, wait for them to finish so you can really understand, and then, if you feel like it, respond. But the important thing is to listen," he said. And do not rush to give an answer. "Look closely at people — people don’t listen. Halfway through an explanation, they’ll answer, and that doesn’t help peace. Listen. Listen a lot." Pope Francis also told young people to listen to their grandparents, who “teach us so much.” We pray for the repose of his soul. Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Get Tickets For High School Musical Buy tickets now for the spring musical. Tickets cost $8 for non-students, $5 for students. Order High School Musical Tickets Students have been rehearsing for many weeks, and the excitement is building for the show. The dates are Thursday and Friday, May 1 & 2, at 7:00 pm in the SJB Gymnasium. Thursday Matinee At 10:30 am on Thursday, May 1, there will be a dress-rehearsal matinee so that all SJB students can see the spring play. There will be reserved student seating in the front sections, with parents and relatives welcome to sit behind the students. The matinee can be a good option for grandparents who are limited to daytime driving. Reminder: 2-hour Delay Friday See the flyer . Morning Care will be from 9:00 to 10:00. Buy a Raffle Ticket for Front Row Seats See the flyer . There will be two winning tickets announced for the Thursday night show and two winning tickets announced for the Friday night show. Winners get reservations for 10 seats in the front row. Flowers for Performers Carnations will be available for $2 per stem for those who want to praise performances with flowers. See the flyer . Father-Daughter Dance is Saturday Night The Father Daughter Dance is this Saturday, May 3, at 7:00 pm in the gym. See the flyer for information on ordering tickets. Or buy tickets directly . Volunteer to help with the dance on the sign-up form . MAP Growth Tests Begin Next Week We have been emphasizing the importance of student effort on the spring MAP Growth tests, which begin next week with upper-grade math tests at 8:50 on Monday. See the calendar for the schedule. After the January tests, we spoke with students individually about their goals for the year, and we reminded them to take their time and do their best on the tests in May. We had noticed that many students were marked for rushing -- or what MAP Growth labels "rapid guessing" -- on the fall and winter tests. We ask parents to help make sure that the children get a good night's sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and arrive to school on time. Reminder for Outside Parishioners: Send in Parish Verification Forms If you are a member of a parish other than St. John the Baptist, you must submit a parish-verification form with your pastor's signature to be eligible for the tuition rate for active and participating members of an archdiocesan parish. Send the completed and signed form to Kathleen Brown at kbrown@sjbssparish.org . Volunteer Credits to be Counted May 1 Family volunteer credits will be counted through May 1. Be sure to submit for volunteer credit . Father-Daughter Dance volunteers should submit for credit this week. The fee schedule can be found in the program handbook . SJB's Biggest Fundraiser Auction will take place May 10-18 More information about the HSA's online auction is coming. See the silent-auction baskets in the back of the gym during the spring play. Proceeds go toward the school's goal of replacing classroom chairs and desks. Entry Deadline for Creative Writing Contest is Wednesday See the entry form for the rules and guidelines. May Crowning is Thursday, May 8 Parents are welcome to come to the school for the May Crowning Procession & Prayer Service on Thursday, May 8, at 10 am. The procession begins at the front of the school with a single-file silent walk around the parish center to the church doors, where the students enter for the May Crowning service. Students wear their regular uniforms in blue and white on the day of the May Crowning. We also ask that each child bring a flower (or a few flowers) to school for the May Crowning service. Here's a short video of a past May Crowning procession. SJB Camps, Tutors, Babysitters, and Pools Are you interested in camps, tutors, babysitters, and pools for your kids this summer? See the SJB camps, tutors, babysitters, and pools page . See the HSA Newsletter See the Home School Association newsletter for more information about community events and activities. Prayers for Dimitri Vassiliou and the Vassiliou Family We are praying this week for Dimitri Vassiliou, a former SJB student and employee, who passed away on April 22. Dimitri previously worked for the SJB maintenance staff. More recently, Dimitri worked in Baltimore giving tours of historic ships. Dimitri's brother, Peter Vassiliou, continues to work at SJB and recently was promoted to maintenance director to succeed Tom Klotz, who is retiring this week. Mary Frances Vassiliou, mother of Dimitri and Peter, has been parish secretary at St. John the Baptist for many years. We are praying for Dimitri and the Vassiliou family. There will be a viewing at St. John the Baptist from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, May 2, and from 10:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, May 3. The funeral will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 3. Looking Ahead in May May 1 & 2 - Spring Play at 7:00 Friday, May 2 - Delayed Start, School starts at 10:00 am Saturday, May 3 - Father-Daughter Dance at 7:00 May 5-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week Thursday, May 8 -- May Crowning at 10:00 Saturday, May 17 - Confirmation Retreat Friday, May 23 - Field Day (12 noon dismissal) Saturday, May 31 - Graduation at 10:30 in the Church No School: Friday, May 9 , and Monday, May 26

Tickets Are On Sale for High School Musical Buy tickets now for the spring musical. Tickets cost $8 for non-students, $5 for students. Order High School Musical Tickets The dates of the show are Thursday and Friday, May 1 & 2, at 7:00 pm in the SJB Gymnasium. Career Day Returns to SJB on Wednesday, April 16 Featured Presenters: U.S. Park Service patrol officer with horse firefighters with truck YouTube car reviewer zookeeper show dog and therapy dog handler with dogs NASA scientist nurse Montgomery County Police officer construction projection manager restaurant concept developer audiologist operations leader for food stores Students will see four Career Day presentations after Mass and before noon dismissal. Parking Lots Will Be Closed Until 11:45 on Wednesday, April 16 We need time and space to let the police horse and fire truck leave the parking lots after the Career Day presentations. Please wait until 11:45 to enter the parking lots for 12:00 dismissal on Wednesday, April 16. If you must pick up your child early, please park al ong the White Oak fence or in front of the church and walk to the office. SJB Camps, Tutors, Babysitters, and Pools Are you interested in camps, tutors, babysitters, and pools for your kids this summer? See the SJB camps, tutors, babysitters, and pools page . Order SJB Spirit Wear See the flyer for the SJB 2025 T-Shirt. Orders are accepted through April 14. Proceeds go to SJB School. Get Your Tickets for the May 3 Father-Daughter Dance The Father-Daughter Dance is set for 7:00 pm on Saturday, May 3. The Father-Daughter dance, which is open to parish and school families, has become a tradition at SJB. Here's the invitation with ticket-ordering information -- or Buy Tickets Directly . Student Reconciliation This Week Confessions for students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are scheduled for this morning, Tuesday, April 8. Confessions for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are scheduled for Wednesday morning, April 9. Students bring books to read in the pews while they wait for their confessions. Confessions are available for the Catholic students who have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Spring Break Starts April 16 Spring break begins with a half day on Wednesday, April 16. Dismissal will be at 12:00 noon, and there will be no After Care on Wednesday, April 16. Also on April 16, the school will attend 8:30 Mass, and Career Day activities will take place from 9:30 to 11:30. After the break, students return to school on Monday, April 28. Students in Grades 2-8 May Enter Creative Writing Contest What is it? It's the annual and optional St. John the Baptist Creative Writing Contest. Who can enter? Students in grades 2-8 may enter. Where are the entry forms? Here are the entry forms . When are the contest entries due? All contest entries are due by Wednesday, April 30, which is after the break. Where do I send my entry for the contest? All entries must be placed in the decorated box in the school's main hallway. Are there instructions or do I just write what I want? The theme (hint: it's peace) and instructions (hint: it's a poem) are explained on the entry form. Are the instructions important? Yes, following instructions will be considered by the judges. And... the student's name cannot be on the actual poem or artwork. The student's name goes only on the entry form, not on the student's content. The entry should include a cover with original design, title, and poem. May 1 Matinee At 10:30 am on Thursday, May 1, there will be a dress-rehearsal matinee so that all SJB students can see the spring play. There will be reserved student seating in the front sections, with parents and relatives welcome to attend. The matinee can be a good option for grandparents who are limited to daytime driving. Spring Chess Registration See the Chess Wizards flyer to register for spring chess classes from 3:00 to 4:00 on the following six Mondays: April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19, June 2, and June 13. Holy Week -- During Holy Week, we focus on Jesus's sacrifice and pray for forgiveness, strength, and guidance. We will be in school for two full school days and one half day. The students will be with their families for Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Our Easter Prayer for You -- The teachers and staff members of SJB pray that our students and families feel God's peace, joy, and love at Easter and throughout the break. We pray for the health and safety of our SJB families. Looking Ahead in May May 1 & 2 - Spring Play at 7:00 Friday, May 2 - Delayed Start, School starts at 10:00 am Saturday, May 3 - Father-Daughter Dance at 7:00 May 5-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week Thursday, May 8 -- May Crowning at 10:00 Saturday, May 17 - Confirmation Retreat Friday, May 23 - Field Day (12 noon dismissal) Saturday, May 31 - Graduation at 10:30 in the Church No School: Friday, May 9, and Monday, May 26 No Principal's Note Next Week -- The next Principal's Note will go out after our return on Monday, April 28. Stay up to date with the SJB online calendar .

SJB Summer Uniform Season Begins Monday, April 7 During "summer uniform" season, students may wear their uniform shorts with their regular uniforms including regular school shoes. They may wear SJB gym shorts and T-shirts without the long PE pants and jackets jackets on PE days. See the uniform code on page 27 of the Parent Student Handbook for more information. Lenten Food Drive is This Week Please see the flyer for the Lenten food drive. Lenten Food Drive Flyer The school is supporting the parish Lenten food drive to benefit the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation and the nine parish food pantries that serve DC's poor. Classes will collect non-perishable food until Friday, April 4. School Picnic is Wednesday Our school picnic is this Wednesday, April 2, from 11:30 to 1:00. During the picnic, students enjoy Kona ice, play, and make art on the parking lot with sidewalk chalk. See the flyer for the SJB School Picnic . Monday is Last Day to Order Pizza Lunch Pizza Lunch is one week earlier because of Easter. Please signup by Monday, April 7, for pizza lunch on Thursday, April 10. Order Pizza Lunch Order SJB Spirit Wear See the flyer for the SJB 2025 T-Shirt. Orders are accepted through April 14. Proceeds go to SJB School. Tee Ball Registration Closes April 3 See the SJB Athletic Ministry webpage for more information and to register. Get Your Tickets for the May 3 Father-Daughter Dance The Father-Daughter Dance is set for 7 pm on Saturday, May 3. The father-daughter dance, which is open to parish and school families, has become a tradition at SJB. Here's the invitation with ticket-ordering information -- or Buy Tickets Directly . Student Reconciliation Will Take Place Next Week Grades 3, 4, and 5 will rotate into the church for confessions as part of Reconciliation on Tuesday, April 8, and grades 6, 7, and 8 will rotate in on Wednesday, April 9, in advance of Holy Week. Students bring books to read in the pews while they wait for their confessions. Confessions are available for the Catholic students who have received the Sacrament. Spring Break Starts April 16 Spring break begins with a half day on Wednesday, April 16. Dismissal will be at 12:00 noon, and there will be no After Care on Wednesday, April 16. Also on April 16, the school will attend 8:30 Mass, and Career Day activities will take place from 9:30 to 11:30. Students return to school on Monday, April 28. High School Musical Performances are May 1 & 2 Students in grades 5-8 have been rehearsing since January for the spring play, High School Musical, with their director, Mr. Mendoza, and choreographer, Dr. C. The SJB middle school will perform High School Musical at 7:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2. When tickets are on sale, we will send out the information. The spring musical is one of SJB's oldest traditions and draws many families, friends, and alumni. May 1 Matinee At 10:30 am on Thursday, May 1, there will be a dress-rehearsal matinee so that all SJB students can see the play. There will be reserved student seating in the front sections, with parents and relatives welcome to attend. The matinee can be a good option for grandparents who are limited to daytime driving.

Fourth Grade Presidents Deliver Speeches Fourth-grade students made their annual presentations about the presidents before students and families. Planning for the Summer? See the SJB Summer Camps Page Current SJB students are invited to three exciting weeks of Christ-centered summer fun! SJB Summer Camp is led by our dedicated SJB teachers and staff. The camp is open to all students entering Kindergarten through 8th grade at SJB. Go here for more information about camps, pools, and tutors. Order SJB Spirit Wear See the flyer for the SJB 2025 T-Shirt . Orders are accepted through April 14. Proceeds go to SJB School. Are you Interested in Helping with Career Day? Complete the career day form if you are a parent with child-protection certification and you are interested in talking with students about your career on the morning of Wednesday, April 16. There's Still Time to Register for Tee Ball See the SJB Athletic Ministry webpage for more information and to register. Get Your Tickets for the May 3 Father-Daughter Dance The Father-Daughter Dance is set for 7 pm on Saturday, May 3. Here's the invitation with ticket-ordering information . Buy Tickets to Father Daughter Dance Lenten Food Drive The school is supporting the parish Lenten food drive to benefit the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation and the nine parish food pantries that serve DC's poor. Classes will collect non-perishable food until Friday, April 4. ● Canned Tuna or chicken ● Cheerios or other low sugar cereal ● Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas) ● Canned soup (hearty varieties are best) ● Peanut butter and jelly (plastic only; no glass) ● Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Chef Boyardee ● Pasta and Pasta Sauce (plastic only; no glass) ● Giant Food $25 Gift Cards