October 9, 2019 PARENT NEWSLETTER Greetings from the Dean's Office!
Long weekend has finally arrived! It has been quite a trek to get to this point. Our students have gone from August 18 to October 10, approximately eight weeks, without a "real break." I know the students are very excited to get away, but I would like to think by the time Monday night rolls around they will be just as excited to get back to classes and practices, not to mention their friends. Students may be picked up tomorrow after their last obligation of the day; for many that will be G block, which ends at 12:20 PM. All boarders are to return to campus between 6:00 PM and 9:30 PM on Monday and must check-in at Kemp or in the dorm upon their return.
Tomorrow is a casual day for students, faculty and staff, however, we are asking that all who are dressing casually wear Saint James apparel or Saint James colors. Mesh shorts, legging, and sweat pants are not appropriate.
When we return to campus next week, we will have a few events to keep in mind. Specifically, on Wednesday our third through fifth form students will all be taking the PSAT, while the sixth form has a college application lock-in. The second form will take the day and head to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. The day is modified school dress. In the evening we will have a guest speaker, Timmy Brooks, in Kellam Auditorium starting at 6:45 PM. This is required of ALL students, boarding and day. Timmy has a great story, and I hope that it resonates with our students. Next Friday is our annual trip to Field of Screams in Lancaster, PA, and next Saturday is our first Admission Open House of the year.
I hope everyone has a relaxing and recharging long weekend,
Steve Lachut WEEKEND ACTIVITIES Enjoy your long weekend! IMPORTANT NOTES From the Assistant Headmaster:
Marking Period 1 report cards are now available for you to view in Blackbaud.
School photo packages and proofs have been handed out to students. Please ask your student to see them if you would like to order. Make-up day for photos will take place on October 16.
Student Travel Opportunity:
A spot has opened up on the spring break trip to Belize and the tour company has extended the enrollment deadline in order to fill more spots. So, if you were considering this trip, this is probably the last chance to enroll. Please email Mr. Jeremy McDonald if you are interested and have questions. You can also go directly to the trip website for information and to enroll.
From the School Nurse:
The influenza vaccine will be offered on campus to all students whose parents desire them to be vaccinated. Written permission is required; please sign this permission slip and return by October 12 to have the vaccine administered. You may fax your request to the Infirmary at 301-671-2591 or email jcampbell@stjames.edu.
There will be a $25.00 fee charged to the student's school account for this vaccination. This vaccine will be available at the school during the month of October. Students are strongly encouraged to get the influenza vaccine, either on campus, with their own doctor, or other clinics where the vaccine is offered.
Should you have any questions about this vaccine, please do not hesitate to contact School Nurse Jamie Campbell at jcampbell@stjames.edu or 301-733-9330 ext. 3006.
From the Athletic Department:
We have prepared team specific "store fronts" so that parents, grandparents, and athletes can purchase Saint James swag at reduced prices since we will be buying in quantity. Here is the link to all of the store fronts for the Fall Season teams.
From the Chaplain:
Due to Fall Long Weekend, there will not be a Celebration of the Eucharist at Saint James Chapel this Sunday, October 13. We look forward to welcoming families, alumni, and other visitors back for Sunday worship on October 20.
All Saint James School families are invited to submit names of those deceased they wish to have remembered at the altar during the upcoming All Souls Eve Low Mass on November 1 and All Saints Sunday worship on November 3. Please submit names no later than October 29 to Father Montgomery
From the Parents Association:
The Parents Association Annual Tuition Raffle is under way! A big payment on tuition, a family vacation or just a lot of ice cream! These are a few things that you could spend $2500 on if you won the best raffle ever! We will split the proceeds for every ticket sold over 100. Do you have a neighbor or a family member that always seems to win? You don't have to have a student at SJS to win. There are only 150 tickets and they are going quickly, don't be left out, get your ticket today.
Our volunteer site is up and running with opportunities to help with concessions, decorate for winter, or just volunteer remotely. If you would like to see how you can help, please click here. We always need help at our games and it is a great time to see all the kids and other parents.
We still need help in a few areas within the Parents Association. We spoke to a few people on Family Weekend and really are looking forward to you joining our team. Several positions can be handled remotely! Please contact Donna Almany if you are willing and able to help us.
Mark your calendars for November 3rd! That is our next Parents Association meeting at 1pm in the Refectory board room.
Be sure to check out our Shutterfly Share Site for photos of athletics and other activities. Please feel free to upload your own pictures or download any that are there! Just follow this link to request membership. QUICK LINKS Saint James School |