February Newsletter

• Feb. 1: PeeWee Tournament Finals @ Wonderview
• Feb. 3, 10 AM: PreK -12 New Student Applications Open
• Feb. 3-4: SJHS NWEA Winter Testing Grades 7 & 8
• Feb. 5: Third Quarter Interim Report
• Feb. 6-7: SJES/SJMS NWEA Map Testing
• Feb. 8: Bulldog Spirit Night
• Feb. 13: SJES/MS St. Valentine’s Parties
• Feb. 14: Parent/Teacher Conferences (school dismissed for students)
• Feb. 17: Presidents’ Day Holiday (school dismissed)
• Feb. 19: K/1 Family Night
• Feb. 20: Middle School Spelling Bee
• Feb. 21: Daddy Daughter Dance
• Feb. 22: Jr. High Dance
• Feb. 26: School Board Meeting
• Feb. 28: Family Movie Night

For a full list of school events including athletic competitions, visit the school website, stjosephconway.org, or download the school app, "St. Joseph, Conway AR".

New Student Applications open February 3rd at 10am.

• Current families can access new student applications through their FACTS Family Portal.
• New families can apply online through the school website.

What is the latest about LEARNS and EFA? Click the button below or visit https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-school-choice-and-parent-empowerment/education-freedom-accounts/information-for-families .

Questions? Contact Mrs. Amy Heathscott, aheathscott@sjbulldogs.org.

ACE Scholarships applications for those seeking financial assistance for the 2025-26 school year will open Monday, February 3rd. This scholarship is available for students in K-12th grade. The application will remain open through April 15th. For more information and the application: https://www.acescholarships.org/become-a-scholar/

Mark your calendars! St. Joseph will be hosting the Senior High Basketball 2A-5 Conference

Tournament on February 17, 18, 20, and 21. Brackets for the tournament will be out soon. Check the school announcements or be on the lookout for an email from Coach Davis. Go Bulldogs!

St. Joseph Booster Club is hosting the Bulldog Spirit Night February 8th, and you don't want to miss it--delicious food, live music, raffles, games and the Live Auction! Tickets are selling fast!

To purchase tickets, Venmo @st-joseph-school, drop by the gym during home games or the school offices during school hours.

Questions? Contact Athletic Director, Coach Luke Davis, ldavis@sjbulldogs.org.

Our amazing PTO is hosting several events this month, and your help is needed! Please click on the buttons below for more information and to sign up.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Jalisa Allison, PTO President, pto@sjbulldogs.org.

The cut off for service hours for the 2024-2025 school year is May 1, 2025.

• Our Volunteer Center always has projects where volunteers are needed, so contact Angela Rawls, arawls@sjbulldogs.org.
• Mrs. Rawls also could use volunteers for the Middle & High School Grandparents Lunch.
• The Flea Market often has spots to fill, so contact Kathleen Gueringer, kgueringer@sjbulldogs.org, to see what is available.
• PTO needs volunteers to help with February events (see above) or contact Jalisa Alison, pto@sjbulldogs.org.

Questions about your support hours? Contact Jane Royal, jroyal@sjbulldogs.org.

St. Joseph School is excited to recognize Mrs. Lindsey Thompson as this past month's Teacher Spotlight! "Mrs. Thompson’s love for teaching ELA helps her students enjoy reading and writing while developing their skills. She works hard to make lessons fun and creative, always helping every student do their best. Her kindness and support inspire both her students and coworkers. Mrs. Thompson brings so much love and care to St. Joseph School, and we are truly blessed to have her on our team!" comments Mrs. Amy Rehm, SJS Assistant Principal.

Tell us a little about yourself . . .

I was born and raised in Conway. I attended St. Joseph School from kindergarten through 12th grade. I then attended the University of Central Arkansas to obtain my degree in Early Childhood Education. I always thought that I would love to be a kindergarten teacher, but I was hired as a 5th grade teacher. Needless to say, I have loved teaching this age group, and this is my 18th year teaching 5th grade at SJMS.

I have been married to my husband, Jarred, for 17 years. We have two amazing sons that both attend St. Joseph School. Heath is 16 and is a sophomore, and Levi is 4 and is in preschool. My siblings and I, my parents, and my grandfather all attended St. Joseph School, and I am proud to have my children as future alumni of our school.

I love spending time with my family, and our time together is the highlight of my life. During the summer and fall, you will find us on the Little Red River camping, fishing, and enjoying the company of family almost every weekend. We also enjoy going to the movies, bowling, or playing games together. One of my favorite things to do is cheer Heath on at his cross country meets and soccer games.

Tell us about the teaching 5th grade & any special programs you lead.

I teach 5th grade language arts and religion. I love reading books with my students and seeing them engaged and finding a love of reading while also learning. This year we started a new ELA curriculum that has been challenging, but the students and I love discovering new things together each day, ranging from early civilizations to our current topic of the Renaissance.

I am also a co-sponsor for the SJMS Battle of the Books (BOB) team. Each year, I work with a group of 4-6 grade students who love to read. They read books from a given list, and then we go to a “battle” against other Catholic schools in Arkansas. I love encouraging the kids to read the books and discuss with them which ones are their favorites.

What else do you love about teaching at SJS?

I love that St. Joseph is like a family. We work, pray, and play together throughout the year. One of my favorite things is attending mass with my students each week and getting to spend time in prayer with them throughout the day. I also love that as an alumni I get to teach the children of my fellow classmates.

What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. -- Joshua 1:9

THANK YOU, Mrs.Thompson, for all you do for St.Joseph School!