September 16, 2021 FAMILY NEWSLETTER Greetings from the Dean's Office!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
On behalf of the faculty, I would like to thank the Parents' Association and school families for the teacher appreciation treats and raffle prizes this week. Finding so many snacks and desserts in the break room made for a wonderful morning and week. Thank you, parents!
Our students also had the opportunities for several treats last weekend as almost four buses of students made their first trip of the year to Krumpe's Donuts in Hagerstown on Friday. Another big group crossed the street to my house for s'mores on Saturday night. Several students reported having their first ever s'more! It was great to see boarders of all ages getting to know each other and chatting around a fire and some lawn games.
Although it feels like the year has only just started, we are already looking ahead to Fall Family Weekend and the following break. By that point, any students that arrived in August will be fully vaccinated which will allow for homestays for any willing students and families. We encourage students to spend that weekend off campus either at home or with a friend. Campus will be open for international students who cannot go home; however, we will not be planning weekend activities. For any students not enrolled in the international student support program, there will be an extra fee associated with staying on campus. I will be reaching out to students for their long weekend plans shortly.
Our hope is to connect any international students staying on campus with domestic families for the long weekend. It is a great opportunity for students get to know each other better, cultural exchange, and shared fun experiences. I ask any families interested in hosting international students to please email me so that we can start to connect students and families.
In looking further ahead, the school and campus will be closed at Thanksgiving break. We will look at exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The expectation at Christmas Vacation is that the campus is closed and all boarders return home or find a homestay. We will continue to monitor the health regulations, recommendations, and travel restrictions, but we believe in the value of that family time for all members of our community as a way of reflecting and recharging for the second semester.
Sincerely,
David Hutchings Dean of Students
IMPORTANT NOTES From the Academic Office
Thank you to those students and parents who have been active participants in the recent events hosted by our Office of College Counseling. As our Sixth Formers prepare their university applications, we wish to remind you of our policy regarding the employment of external consulting services in this process. This information may be particularly relevant to our international families. For more details, please read this letter from Mr. Robert Harry, Director of College Counseling & Upper School Studies, and Mrs. Molly Lachut, College Counselor.
From the Chaplain
This Sunday in the Chapel of Saint James of Jerusalem September 19, 2021 THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST--Proper 20B Holy Eucharist--Rite II at 11:00am Readings: Proverbs 31:10-31 Psalm 1 James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37 Celebrant: Father Montgomery Preacher: Father Montgomery *By mandate of the Bishop of Maryland, until further notice, all who attend worship services in the Chapel must wear a mask.
Spring 2022 Confirmation Class Inquiry The Bishop of Maryland will make his annual visitation to Saint James School on May 19, 2022 to preach, celebrate the Eucharist, and confirm and/or receive students and faculty as members of the Episcopal Church. In preparation for the Bishop's visit, this year's Confirmation Class will begin on January 16, 2022. Students and faculty who would like to inquire about possibly being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church are asked to email Father Montgomery at bmontgomery@stjames.edu.
Service Learning
Service-Learning Opportunity: 2021 Freedom's Run: An Event for Health & Heritage The 2021 Freedom's Run: An Event for Health and Heritage, run by SJS parent Mark Cucuzzella, will be held on Saturday, October 16 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Saint James School has, once again, been invited to help volunteer for this event that promotes healthy living and care of and involvement with the nearby national parks. Any student in need of service-learning hours that would like to volunteer for this event is asked to send Father Montgomery an email at bmontgomery@stjames.edu.
Day Student Attendance
Last week, I shared the wrong attendance email. Please email sjsattendance@stjames.edu if your student will be absent or late.
The Weekend Ahead
This weekend starts on a high note with an away football game against Williamsport High School. We will take a bus of fans to cheer on the Saints! Later in the weekend, there will be an ultimate frisbee game, pick up tennis matches, and an outdoor movie. Please see the schedule for more details.
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