Holy Family Newsletter

December 1, 2023

Dear HFRCS Families,

I cannot believe it is already December 1st! That means the 1st Trimester is now complete and Christmas is just around the corner. We are going to be quite busy this month. A lot of learning and a lot of fun events!

Tuesday night at 6:30pm in Degnan Hall we have Gian Milles presenting on Parenting Teens. The Feast of St. Nicholas is Wednesday, 12/6/23, and we are excited to see what he leaves for the students in their shoes! Next Friday, 12/8/23, is a holy day of obligation so there is no school. It is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The following week is just as busy. Lessons & Carols is 12/10 at 7pm in St. Joe’s church. We have confession on 12/11 for grades 2-8 at 1pm, mass on 12/12 at 9:30am, Secret Santa Shop on 12/14, the Jingle Mingle on 12/14 from 6:30pm-8pm in Degnan Hall, and Friday is an early dismissal (11:30am) with report card conferences in the afternoon.

The last week before the Christmas holiday is going to be such a fun week for everyone! We have some dress downs planned, classroom parties, a Christmas Pageant, honors assemblies, and so much more! Please stay tuned for more information.

Just a reminder that students can work on their i-Ready My Paths at home. This is a great opportunity for them to receive some extra instruction that is catered to their “glows” & “grows.”

As always, thank you for your support and dedication to Holy Family and catholic education. Our school would not be what it is without you, our amazing families.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Mr. Elia

Church Happenings

Sponsored by the Church of St. Joseph and Holy Family Regional Catholic School, Gian Milles, M.S. will present parents with tools for interacting with their teens or soon-to-be teens. Topics include Fitting in, Day to Day Struggles, Cyberbullying and Relating to Your Teen. The

Event: Parent Teens Presentation presented by Gian Milles, M.S. psychotherapist at Integrity Counseling Services
Location: Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014 – Degnan Hall

Time: 6:30 pm with Questions and Answers session at 7:15 pm.

More Info: Visit the parish website churchofstjosephaston.org for flyer and details. No registration. Event is free.

Sunday, December 10 · Church of St. Joseph, Aston, Pa

Event: Festival of Lessons and Carols – An Advent Prayer Service of Nine Lessons through Scripture & Music

In this Advent service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer.

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014 – Church

More Info: Visit the parish website churchofstjosephaston.org.

Advent Speaker Series - A People of Advent, A People of Hope. An advent journey at the Church of St. Joseph, Aston Pa
Wednesday, November 29 (Elizabeth, Zechariah & John the Baptist)

Wednesday, December 6 (St. Joseph)
Tuesday, December 12 (Mary)
Wednesday, December 20 (The Shepherds)
Location: Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014 – Church
Time: 6:30 pm
More Info: Visit the parish website churchofstjosephaston.org. No registration. Event is free.
Speakers: Monsignor J. Brian Bransfield, Deacon Jack Betzal and Kellianne Miley, Director of Pastoral Outreach

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Tax Program

We were so lucky to have Kevin Kelly from the Foundation for Catholic Education present at our Back to School night about the EITC Program. This is an opportunity for individuals like you to send PA State Income Tax money directly to our school instead of Harrisburg. If you have the completed commitment form, please send it directly to Kevin Kelly (kkelly@foundationfce.org). The link for the form is below and a copy of the form is also attached to the dojo post.

COVID Policy Reminder

At Holy Family, our number one priority will always be the safety of our students, staff, and families. We have seen an increase number of positive cases among students the last three days. Nothing to panic about, but we must make sure we are following proper protocols and taking necessary precautions. If we do not work together, we may be facing a mask mandate and/or possible virtual days if the numbers continue to rise.

As a reminder, our COVID Policy is below. So, please make sure you monitor for symptoms.

Everyone will follow the same procedures regardless of their vaccination status.

If you are exposed to someone who is positive with COVID-19

- There is no quarantine period, but masks will be strongly recommended.

If you live with a person(s) who has tested positive for COVID-19

- There is no quarantine period, but masks will be required. The length of time will be confirmed by Nurse Victoria.

If you test positive for COVID-19

- You must contact Nurse Victoria immediately. You will isolate for at least 5 days and be able to return after that time period if you are free of fever and your overall symptoms have improved. Nurse Victoria will confirm your return date and when you will be able to return to being mask optional.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or Nurse Victoria if you have any questions or concerns.