Dear SJB Families,

We have had another busy week! As part of our virtue program, we watch a "Manners Monday" video each Monday. These videos target a specific mannerly behavior that we want students to focus on for the week. This week's video was "Greeting People." I introduce the video in the announcements each week, but as you can imagine, the day gets busy, and I sometimes forget about it.

On Tuesday morning, as I was welcoming students into the cul-de-sac at drop-off, two or three students said "Hello" in a very pointed way, with good eye contact, bright smiles, etc. I thought to myself, "Well, wasn't that nice." The next day, so many students stopped, smiled, and said, "Good morning, Mrs. Javins" (making it a point to include my name) as they entered. It was at that point I realized they were practicing their greetings from Manners Monday. I am not just talking about the younger kids—these were the Junior High students, who sometimes almost sleepwalk into school!

The next day, it got even better. It was, "Good morning, Mrs. Javins. I hope you have a great day!" One 8th-grade boy entered the lunchroom and said, "Good morning, Mrs. Javins. Have you had a good day so far?" He then turned to Mrs. Botempo, our café supervisor, greeted her, and asked about her day. Yesterday at dismissal, I was told several times to have a nice evening. This wasn't just in passing; there was a pause, eye contact, and a great smile!

These may seem like little things, but they are not. As we talk about the virtues of Prudence and Circumspection, we try to think before we act and evaluate how our actions will affect others. Although it may seem unrelated, I can tell you that being greeted with a bright smile and a kind comment has affected me greatly! These small gestures have made my days brighter. I do hope you are seeing some of the same at home. Thank you to the teachers who are helping our students learn and practice their manners!

See you at Mass!

Maggie Javins



As a Family of SJB, you have full access to our virtue program

Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue is more than a curriculum; it’s a way of life – the means to a happy life and a healthy mind. Our school has purchased an institutional membership, and we invite you to sign up – for free.

There are videos and resources for the entire family – parents, educators, teen and young adult and children as young as 4 years old.

Simply use the following link and then type in the zip code of our school. When you see our school name, click on it and that’s it! You now have access to 100 % of the Openlight Media website.

Virtue Program Family Link

Circumspection is an underlying virtue to the cardinal virtue of Prudence.

Definition: Careful consideration of the circumstances and one’s options to determine the best course of action.

Circumspection in Practice:

• I ask the advice of others on important decisions.
• I pray to ask for God’s guidance.
• I think carefully, considering all circumstances, before acting.
• I think how my actions will affect those around me.

Saintly Example- Blessed Miguel Pro

As a boy, Miguel had many friends, and he loved to play practical jokes. He became a priest at a time when the Catholic Church in Mexico was being persecuted. He used his knack for putting together disguises to go undercover and bring the sacraments to many suffering people. He was able to serve his people during this persecution, seeing what was needed at critical moments. Fr. Miguel Pro died a martyr for the faith.

Scripture: Luke 14:28–30

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

 I trust that You love me and that everything is in Your hands. As I go through today, please help me to act with circumspection, taking time to think about the impact my decisions could have on others and on my relationship with You. Let all my choices be for Your glory and for the good of others



Amen.

Looking Ahead - Next Week's Virtue: Faith

9/2 to 9/13 Lunch Form

• Lunch Form must be returned by Monday August 26
• Students receiving Free Lunches must also complete this form.
• Lunch Form

Free and Reduced Lunch

• If you feel your family might qualify for free or reduced lunches, we encourage you to please apply. 
• Even if your child/children do not get the hot lunch, much of our grant money is based on the number of students we have who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
•  An application is below. If you have a student at Bishop Luers or Fort Wayne Community Schools you must also still fill out an application for our school.
• Free and Reduced Application English
• Free and Reduced Application Spanish
• Instructions (English) (Spanish)

Annual Plant Show is on Tuesday 8/27

• Plants may arrive on Monday 8/26 .
• Plants must be here by 8:10 on Tuesday 8/27 to be in the show.
• All plants must have a proper tag, see attached information. Your child should also have this information in their folder. 
• Please remember to pick up plants after school on Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Plan Show Information

Many Dress Code Violations

We are seeing bunches of dress code violations across all grades. We have many new families, so we have just been giving reminders so far. Starting Monday, however, we will begin to issue dress code violations.

Here are a few of the most common violations

• Jeans - students cannot wear jeans (even if they are black). One of the easiest ways to tell if pants are jeans are to look at the seams of the back pockets. If you can see the stitching of the pocket, they are more than likely jeans. (picture at left)
• Sweatshirts: Monday - Thursday only the SJB Uniform Sweatshirt is allowed (pictured) . 8th grade students (only) can wear BLHS crewnecks.
• Friday students may wear the other SJB or BLHS sweatshirts.
• Skorts/skirts - the only skirt we allow is the plaid uniform skirt. Navy blue skorts and skirts are not part of dress code.
• Socks - all students must wear socks each day.
• Dress Code Section from Handbook

Pay HASA Fees

If you have not done so already, please pay your HASA family fees.

• $10 for one child
• $20 for two children.
• $30 for three or more children.
• You may pay by credit card on Eventlink.
• You may send cash or check payments to the school office. Please note your last name and your children's names on all monies sent to the school office.

There are some changes to aftercare this year

• Aftercare will take place in the PreSchool Room and Pick up will be in the cul-de-sac at Door #9. There will be a doorbell for you to ring.
• Miss Sydney Strack will be our Aftercare Teacher.
• All families must complete a registration form on Eventlink. This form provides information to the Aftercare teacher and only needs to be completed once.
• Parents will be sent a statement each week. They can pay by check, cash, or credit card. If paying by credit card, please use Eventlink. They payment is due by the following Friday.
• Aftercare costs $11 per student per day.
• Aftercare hours are until 5:30 PM each day.
• There are semester and quarterly options available for a reduced daily fee.
• Aftercare Payments

Please look closely at the school calendar. Delayed Start Fridays do not begin until September 6th. This was to give parents a little extra time to make arrangements. There will be NO BEFORE SCHOOL CARE on Fridays. The school will open at 8:45.

Parish Directory Photo Sessions

If your family is registered as parishioners at St. John the Baptist, please make sure to sign up to take your directory photos.

If your family is NOT registered as parishioners, but would like to have professional photos taken so you can purchase them, you are also welcome to sign up for a photo session. Make sure to tell them when you get there you are not a parishioner.

You can sign up for a photo session online at ucdir.com – our church code is: IN1950 and the password is: photos

Parish Photo Signup

Spirit and Uniform Store Available

Our new uniform store is available.

• The site is broken into different categories: Uniform, Fridays Spirit Wear, etc.
• When order there is an option to add a comment. It is very helpful to add your children's name to the comment so we can deliver uniforms in a timely manner.
• Uniform Store

Do you know someone who would like to receive our weekly newsletter?

Our weekly newsletter is a great way for grandparents, alumni, and friends to stay connected to our school. Have them complete the following information to receive our newsletter updates.

Sign Up Here

Do you know someone that wants to be a Substitute Teacher at SJB?

We are in need of substitute teachers. In order to be a substitute, you must apply with the diocese and hold a valid substitute license from the state.

• Diocesan information located here.
• Valid Substitute Permit application from State found here.
•  Licensed or Retired Teachers - $125 per Day/ $75 Half Day
• High School Diploma and Valid Substitute Permit - $100 per day/ $60 Half Day