Eagle's Eye

St. Joseph Catholic School fosters a diverse community of disciples empowered through a rigorous and inclusive Catholic education rooted in Gospel values and service to others.

• Family members of students at St. Joseph Catholic School who would like to attend school Mass at 8:15 a.m. must preregister by 12pm on Tuesday, April 1st.
• If you have previously visited SJCS and been cleared through the Raptor System using your driver's license, simply submit the form below.
• **Please note that you must be cleared through the Raptor System each school year. If you have not had your driver's license scanned this year, please go to the school office to have this done.
• If you haven't been cleared through Raptor, please complete the form below AND you must go to the school office to have your driver's license scanned into our Raptor System for attendance at future events by 12pm on Tuesday, April 1st.
• If you submit by noon on the Tuesday before Mass, please plan to arrive at the back doors of the church in the courtyard by the Parish Center between 7:55 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. on the day of the Mass. The church doors on the Avenue M side will be locked and no admittance will be given to anyone attempting to enter on that side.
• Once Mass begins, we will not open doors to visitors for the safety of our students.

Click here to sign up to attend Mass: https://forms.gle/GE94YA81qXqfDDxp7

*****Please use your name on the form that appears on your driver's license.

Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter.

Stations of the Cross

During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer. As a school community, we will pray the Stations of the Cross, as we accompany Jesus' on his journey to crucifixion. The next Stations of the Cross will Thursday, April 3rd, at 8:15am in the church. Sign up by Wednesday, April 2nd, at 12pm to join us. https://forms.gle/7BSutQTPaPTLhuTa8

Eucharistic Adoration

On Friday, April 4th, we will have Eucharistic Adoration at 8:15am in the Church. This is a time for us all to pray in front of the blessed Sacrament, the consecrated host, to worship and be closer to Jesus. Please sign up here by Thursday, April 3rd, to pray with us. https://forms.gle/bqdNXbVSMwDxEujUA

The same safety procedures for Mass are in place for Stations of the Cross and Adoration.

Thank you for all the donations so far for our Lenten Food Drive. This blesses those in need and we are grateful for your support! We have collected 380 boxes of mac n cheese/canned fruit and 469 boxes of cereal/oatmeal. First place in collections is KA with 105, second place is KB with 84, and third place is 3B with 83. The class with the highest number of food items collected by the end of Lent will receive a dress down day and a special treat.

• This Week: Rice and pasta
• Week 4: Canned beans, corn, green beans
• Week 5: Tomato sauce and ravioli
• Week 6: Crackers and ramen noodles

In Deuteronomy, Moses reminded us that we should trust the word of the Lord and we should remember what we have seen. This is stated because we should always remember what has happened to make us who we are today, and how it changes the way we act. We all have people or moments that will stay with us forever like a teacher that encouraged your passion or a friend who was with you in your darkest times. We should remember them as we remember the Lord is with us, for with that knowledge we can live our lives knowing we are safe and loved.

Alanna, 6th grade

Today in mass, Father Glenn asked people what they did for Spring Break and one of the things he asked was if anyone went to mass. He said he was happy that people went to mass because there is mass every single day except Good Friday. In the Gospel of Mathhew it says, “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." To me this means that if you follow God's laws and love him, you will live with him forever in heaven.

Joseph, 6th grade

We are in need of paper towels and Klennex for the office and classrooms. If you are able to donate any of these, please drop them off at the front office. Every $10 spent counts as one hour of the 20 required service hours for each family.

Here is the information about Trimester Awards for grades 3-8. Yesterday, our students were recognized for achievements during the 2nd trimester.

• Principal's Award: All grades in reading, math, social studies, Religion, and Science are 95% or above; Middle School also includes Spanish grades
• High Honors Award: All grades in reading, math, social studies, Religion, and Science are 90% or above; Middle School also includes Spanish grades
• Honors Award: All grades in reading, math, social studies, Religion, and Science are 85% or above; Middle School also includes Spanish grades

Behavior Matters for Honor Roll Eligibility

At St. Joseph Catholic School, we believe that academic success is connected with positive behavior. To encourage a well-rounded approach to learning, students who receive a "3" for conduct on their report card will not be eligible for the Honor Roll. We encourage all students to strive for excellence both in the classroom and in their behavior. This fosters an environment of respect, responsibility, and achievement!

We have had students not following the dress code on dress down days, especially with shorts that are not long enough or with students wearing leggings. Remember that no sweatshirts or shirts may have hoodies and boys should not wear muscle shirts. The complete guidelines are below. If students are not in dress code on these days, they will be sent to the office to call for a change of clothes or be provided a uniform for the day.

DRESS DOWN DAY DRESS CODE

Dress Down Days are announced during the course of the school year. Some are free dress days, while others serve as a fundraiser and students may be charged a small fee if they dress down. A student may also dress down on his/her birthday/half birthday for summer birthdays OR on the day before OR the next school day if his/her birthday falls on a Mass day or non-school day or weekend.

Guidelines for Dress Down Days and School-Sanctioned Events for all students are as follows:

The rules for Dress Down Days (excluding shoes) apply to school events that are approved by the administration. Such events include but are not limited to award ceremonies, dinners, dances, socials, Christmas programs, pep rallies, field trips, and middle school EDGE program..

• Jeans, slacks, Bermuda shorts, Capri pants, loose fitting joggers/sweatpants, and skirts of appropriate length and condition (may not have holes, rips, or frayed). Shorts, rompers, or skirts may not be shorter than 4” above the knee. No athletic leggings or any pants that resemble pajama pants.

• No strapless, spaghetti straps, backless halters, crop tops, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, shirts with shoulders cut out, sundresses, or exposed underwear.

• Hoodies are not permitted.

• All shoes must be closed toed shoes and socks must be worn. No sandals, open toed, or backless shoes, including Crocs, are allowed. Boots and slipper type shoes are never permitted.

• No hats, caps, visors, bandanas, fashion scarves, or sunglasses are permitted during the school day.

• If a student’s scheduled PE class falls on a free dress day, the student must wear/bring clothes conducive to PE including athletic shoes for class. Non-compliance will incur a referral.

Our eighth grade students recently traveled to Tallahassee for a field trip. While there, they explored the Mission San Luis, toured FSU, visited the Florida state Capitol building where they met and spoke with Polk County Senator Colleen Burton, went on a scavenger hunt at the Florida Historic Capital museum, and attended Mass. We appreciate all the chaperones who helped make this trip a wonderful success!

We look forward to seeing parents at conferences coming up soon on Wednesday, April 9th and Thursday, April 10th. Please use the sign-up link from your homeroom classroom teacher to reserve a 10-minute time to meet.

The Knights Of Columbus Chapter #4726 hosts a Fish Fry every Friday evening in Lent from 5:30pm–7pm in the Parish Center. There will be no fish fry on Good Friday, April 18th.

On Friday, March 28th, the middle school students will be helping serve food at the church Lenten Fish Fry. The fish fry s sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. If you and your child are able to help with serving, please click the link below to sign up. All helpers will need to be in the Parish Center by 5pm to learn the procedures. Students must be accompanied by a parent and both students and parents can earn service hours. Thank you for helping!

https://forms.gle/T57o4riKybhJu7fL7

Dear Parents and Altar Servers,

As Easter approaches, we will be having a Mandatory Altar Servers training to prepare us for the Easter Season. On March 29, 2025, we will have training, see a video, and Father Glenn has asked to talk to the Altar Servers.

Please mark your calendars for March 29th, from 10 to about 11:30. I am trying to give you plenty of notice in order that you will attend.

Any Altar Server that is on the schedule for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil will also have trainings the week before Easter. Father Glenn wants to have rehearsals for everyone to know what is expected and to know what we will need to do to assist the priest.

If you have any questions, please give me a call at 863-412-7750. Hope to see you all on March 29th.

Thanks,

Shirley Roberts

Hebe Richer

This summer, we will have new air conditioners and new windows installed. The teachers will need to pack up items in their classrooms so they do not get dusty. If you have any boxes, we would appreciate them! We would like them broken down flat so we can easily store them until May. You can drop those off during carline, before or after school, any day.

Tennis is starting now for Middle School! The first meeting will be on Friday, April 4th, from 3:30-5:00pm at the Winter Haven City Tennis Courts. Permission slips are in the office or Coach Edwards has them as well and need to be returned before next Friday. Bring your tennis racket and a towel. The cost for this sport is $30 and the student's FACTS account will be billed.

Coach Edwards will be hosting three days of learning volleyball skills and playing for any students in grades 5 or middle school students who have not played on our team in the fall. Plan to meet in the gym on Thursday, May 8th, Wednesday, May 14th, and Wednesday, May 21st, from 3:30-5:00pm. There is no cost for this but all students who participate will need a signed permission slip before attending on any of these dates. These can be picked up in the school office or Coach Edwards will also have them.

Do you have too many books that you would like to donate to our book sale? Please send any gently used books to the office and Ms. McGillin will use them in her book sale on parent conferences April 9th and 10th to benefit the purchase of new books for the media center.

Interested in helping us replace lost and/or damaged books? Be a book fairy and donate a book from this list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2S6G0MFCC15VU?ref_=wl_share

Please see the information below about the Food Allergy Management Program from Machio's for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

New student registration is open and your child(ren)'s spot may not be guaranteed for the new school year without re-registration. The cost for re-registration is $350. If you did not receive the email link for re registration, you will need to contact Mrs. Brown in the front office by email at sbrown@stjosephwhschool.org

Please see the information below about the Step Up for Students scholarship. Here is the link for the Application Checklist.

https://go.stepupforstudents.org/hubfs/Scholarship%20Info/Scholarship-Application-Checklist.pdf?utm_campaign=SCHOOL%20PROVIDER%20-%20GENERAL%20Communication&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--GcARUeCd0J0qJWsoArEhr7zZfKOCptd0zf-xM1mZIsmx7ri9EAeTtiGWfaiPsDhxbddjlNUKHyk-5tDm_bVCq8-MydCMmApmqhaMCkVoDmlIgkIs&_hsmi=344541403&utm_content=344541403&utm_source=hs_email

If you are planning to register your child in VPK at SJCS for the 2025-2026 school-year, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. You can do this on the Early Learning Coalition website by clicking on the following link and following the directions.

https://elcpolk.org/families/voluntary-prekindergarten-education-program/how-to-apply-for-vpk/

Applying for VPK is a two-part process and your application is not considered complete until we receive BOTH of the following items:

1. Registration Packet (from SJCS)

2. Certificate of Eligibility (from The Early Learning Coalition)

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Brown, Enrollment Specialist: sbrown@stjosephwhschool.org

The first day of the 2024-2025 school year will be Monday, August 11th, 2025.

We have a few different choirs at SJCS.

School Mass Choir
Students in grades 3-8 are invited to sing in the choir at all school masses. Practice will be once a month with the next one April 29th. Please don't arrive to pick up your child(ren) until 4:00 pm if they are staying for choir.

Church Children's Choir

The Children's Choir for our church will practice from 3-4pm on Thursdays. Jitka Cinibulk, music director from our church, coordinates this ministry. This is for students to sing at weekend Masses. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email her at jcinibulk@stjosephwh.org.

Concert Choir with Mrs. James

Students in 3rd-8th grade have the opportunity of joining Concert Choir. The SJCS Concert Choir performs at various community events during the school year including Carols in the Park, the Christmas program and singing the national anthem at the Rays, Bucs and Tropics games. During rehearsals, students will be developing many vocal concepts such as correct posture, resonance and technique. We will be singing a range of repertoire and work on two and three part harmony.

Grades 3-5

Rehearsals: 3rd, 4th & 5th grade on Wednesdays at 3:15-4:00pm beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 19th

Middle School Rehearsals: Thursdays from 7:15-7:45am

Please e-mail Mrs. James at vjames@stjosephwhschool.org if you have any questions. Thank you!

Church Handbell Choir

The Church Handbell choir is looking for 2-3 new ringers. The starting age is 10, so if any student is interested, this would be a great time to join us. Practice is on Thursdays 6-8 pm in the church. If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email Jitka Cinibulk at jcinibulk@stjosephwh.org.

The next Middle School Edge will be on Wednesday, March 26th from 6-8pm in Room 2. Parents who volunteer to help with EDGE may earn SJCS service hours.

St. Joseph Catholic Church's religious education coordinator is Mrs. Melady Roque.

If you intend for your child to receive any sacraments (such as First Communion or Confirmation) through St. Joseph Catholic Church, you can call the church office at 294-3144 or email Melady Roque at mroque@stjosephwh.org.

Confirmation classes will take place every Sunday from 12:15-1:00pm in Room 2. Confirmation is open to grades 8-12. Parents can contact Mr. Nathan Hayes with any questions at nhayes@stjosephwh.org or by calling the office at (863) 294 - 3144 ext. 224.

PEACE – Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment brings together diverse people to address root causes of community problems

The time for action is here! You’re invited to our Big Event of the Year! The Nehemiah Action at Resurrection Catholic church on March 31, 6:30 pm.

We will be asking community leaders to take action on our primary issues this year of Adult Pre-Arrest Diversion Program and Care for Seniors.

Become the PEOPLE POWER of our community to work for the Kingdom of God on earth! We need your participation to be the voices of the marginalized.

For more information, contact the church office or go to: https://www.polkpeace.com/

Lent is a 40-day period dedicated to prayer, fasting, and giving to those in need. It starts on Ash Wednesday and concludes at sundown on Holy Thursday. This season is a time of preparation for celebrating Christ's Resurrection at Easter.

During Lent, we deepen our relationship with God through prayer by reading Sacred Scripture, extend charity by giving alms, and practice self-restraint through fasting. Lent invites us not only to give up luxuries but also to undergo a genuine transformation of heart as we strive to follow Christ's path more closely. We reflect on our baptism, when we were united with Christ's death, freed from sin, and began a new life in Him.

While abstaining from meat on Fridays is a well-known Lenten tradition, we are also encouraged to practice self-discipline and fast in other meaningful ways. Reflecting on the roots and purpose of Lenten fasting can deepen our understanding of this practice.

Additionally, giving alms is an important way to share God's blessings—not just through monetary contributions, but by offering our time and talents. As St. John Chrysostom reminds us: “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2446).

During Lent, the baptized are encouraged to renew their commitment to Christ, while those preparing for baptism through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults engage in a time of learning and reflection as they journey toward becoming members of the Catholic Church.

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,
but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them Jesus addressed this parable:
“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,
‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’
So the father divided the property between them.
After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings
and set off to a distant country
where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.
When he had freely spent everything,
a severe famine struck that country,
and he found himself in dire need.
So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens
who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.
And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed,
but nobody gave him any.
Coming to his senses he thought,
‘How many of my father’s hired workers
have more than enough food to eat,
but here am I, dying from hunger.
I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
I no longer deserve to be called your son;
treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’
So he got up and went back to his father.
While he was still a long way off,
his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.
He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.
His son said to him,
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you;
I no longer deserve to be called your son.’
But his father ordered his servants,
‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him;
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
Take the fattened calf and slaughter it.
Then let us celebrate with a feast,
because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again;
he was lost, and has been found.’
Then the celebration began.
Now the older son had been out in the field
and, on his way back, as he neared the house,
he heard the sound of music and dancing.
He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.
The servant said to him,
‘Your brother has returned
and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf
because he has him back safe and sound.’
He became angry,
and when he refused to enter the house,
his father came out and pleaded with him.
He said to his father in reply,
‘Look, all these years I served you
and not once did I disobey your orders;
yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
But when your son returns
who swallowed up your property with prostitutes,
for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’
He said to him,
‘My son, you are here with me always;
everything I have is yours.
But now we must celebrate and rejoice,
because your brother was dead and has come to life again;
he was lost and has been found.'"

Our next Box Top goal is $600. Remember all you need to do is scan your receipts to help us reach this goal and all students will earn another dress down day.

This section of the Eagle's Eye will remain in every edition of our newsletter. It will contain links to information that parents may need from time to time. When parents have questions, we urge you to check this section for possible links that could get you the information that you need.

• School Calendar
• Lunch Menus
• Maschio's Birthday Order Form
• Registering for a lunch account
• PikMyKid User Guide (English)
• PikMyKid User Guide (Spanish)
• Fingerprinting/Safe Environment Certification Instructions
• Fingerprinting/Safe Environment Certification
• Uniform Company
• Technology Responsible Use Policy for Students
• Parent Student Handbook
• Attendance Policy
• Accessing Facts Family Portal
• Family Portal Login
• Logging Service Hours: Parents and students can now enter and view their own service hours. You can use your app to view the hours, however, you have to use the web version to enter new hours. go to FACTS Family Portal. The district code is STJC-FL. Once logged in, click on the Family option in the menu on the left side. At the top of the screen, select the family member who will be adding the service hours. Click on the Add option on the right side of the screen in the Service Hours box. Fill out the information and click Save.

Important calendar dates for the 2024-2025 school year are listed below. ***Please note that the school intentionally schedules school closures at times throughout the school year. We are giving these dates to you early to help your planning for the 24-25 year. Families should schedule family vacations and other commitments during scheduled school closures; vacations should not be scheduled when school is open. Vacations are not considered excused absences and are a violation of the School Attendance Policy.

• April 18th-23rd: Easter Break
• May 26th: Memorial Day: No School
• May 29th: Last Day of School

O Blessed Joseph, faithful guardian of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, protector of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, I choose you this day to be my special patron and advocate and I firmly resolve to honor you all the days of my life. Therefore, I humbly ask you to receive me as your client, to instruct me in every doubt, to comfort me in every affliction, to obtain for me and for all the knowledge and love of the Heart of Jesus, and finally to defend and protect me at the hour of my death. Amen.

Principal: Mrs. Insua

Assistant Principal: Ms. Lucarelli

Assistant Principal: Mr. Kupka

Parochial Administrator: Fr. Glenn Lopez

Canonical Administrator: Fr. Tim LaBo

Superintendent: Dr. Erika Wikstrom

Email: jinsua@stjosephwhschool.org
Website: stjosephwhschool.org
Location: 535 Avenue M Northwest, Winter Haven, FL, USA
Phone: 863-293-3311