Principal’s Message

April 29, 2024

Dear Faculty and Staff,

“Remain in me as I remain in you.” (John 15:4)

In Sunday’s Gospel, the word “remain” is used eight times, and the phrase, “remain in me” is used four times.  When Googling the definition of “remain”, one will find, “continue to exist, especially after other similar or related people or things have ceased to exist.”  

Being a disciple of Jesus means to keep the Church alive by allowing Jesus to remain in our hearts, in our minds, in our words, and in our actions.  But, as the Gospel states, this is a two way relationship, “Remain in me as I remain in you.”  So, we too, will always exist through Jesus who unites us forever with God.  

It does not take any effort to live in this relationship, only love.  For the second reading of the day from the First Letter of John proclaimed, “Love one another…Those who keep his commandments remain in Him, and He in us, and we will know that He remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us.” (1 John 3:23-24)

United with you bearing much fruit,

Ms. Danielle Gonzalez

THIS WEEK:

Monday, April 29

• Summer Uniform Begins

The Summer Uniform (Charcoal Gray Summer Uniform shorts and the White Short Sleeve Polo Shirt) may be worn by both boys and girls.

• Gray Shorts 
• White Polo (Gray shorts are not mandatory.  Students can wear the polo with uniform pants and skirts)
• Gray Socks
• Black tie/velcro shoes or completely black sneaker (no high tops)

Visit https://flynnohara.com to view and order uniforms.

• Grades 5 & 6 Field Trip

Tuesday, April 30

• $5 Tag day for all students, faculty and staff (All money will be used to help support the School Play.)

Wednesday, May 1

• NJHS Homework Club after school for grades K & 1 (last day)
• NEW – HSA Family Pizza Night at Pizza City in Woodland Park – 20% will be donated back to the school! Mention St. Philip Preparatory School when you place your order!

Friday, May 3 – Feast of St. Philip the Apostle

• 9:00 AM Mass & May Crowning (Grades K-8) 
• Early Dismissal
  • 11:30 AM PreK3
  • 11:45 AM PreK4
  • 12:00 PM Grades K-8
  • PLC Lunches as needed
  • 1:15 PM Teacher Meeting

• 7 PM Middle School Performance of Willy Wonka

Purchase Tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spps-willy-wonka-7pm-friday-may-3-2024-tickets-867482452367?aff=oddtdtcreator

If seats do not sell out, then they will be available for purchase at the door.  However, please note, tickets at the door will cost $20 each (cash only) and those who have purchased tickets through Eventbrite will be seated first.

Saturday, May 4

• 7PM Middle School Performance of Willy Wonka

Purchase Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spps-willy-wonka-7pm-saturday-may-4-2024-tickets-867512151197?aff=oddtdtcreator

If seats do not sell out, then they will be available for purchase at the door.  However, please note, tickets at the door will cost $20 each (cash only) and those who have purchased tickets through Eventbrite will be seated first.

NEXT WEEK: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!!!

Tuesday, May 7

• NWEA Testing – Grade 6-8 Day 1 (Math)

Wednesday, May 8 

• School Nurse Day! (Thank you Nurse Tricia and Nurse Elizabeth for taking care of the students!)
• NWEA Testing – Grades 1-5 Day 1 (Math)
• NJHS Homework Club after school for grades 2 & 3

Thursday, May 9

• NWEA Testing – Grades 6-8 Day 2 (Reading)

Friday, May 10

• NWEA Testing – Grades 1-5 Day 2 (Reading)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NWEA

Spring NWEA testing in Reading and Mathematics for Grades 1-8 starts May 7, 2024.

MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. 

MAP Growth tests are unique and adapt to your child’s responses to measure your child’s knowledge. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of where your child is on their learning journey— regardless of whether they are on, above, or below their grade level.

Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores in similar skills and topics and then plan instruction accordingly.

We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit. 

REMINDERS:

SECURITY Updates – NEW DOORS!

• New impact resistant glass doors have been installed by the gym entrance.
• New ADA reinforced steel doors with a heavy duty steel frame have been installed in the main lobby leading into the auditorium.

VOTER VOICE

Your support (faculty, staff and parents) is needed for the  2025 NJ State Budget as proposed by Governor Murphy to raise the per pupil amount in the current proposed budget. We can do that by contacting members of the NJ Legislature on the two key issues of Nursing Services and Transportation.  The method of contacting the Legislators can be through VoterVoice or speak directly to the Senator or Assemblyperson in your district especially if you have a personal connection to them. 

VoterVoice is the easiest and most efficient method. Here is the link to VoterVoice:

https://www.votervoice.net/NJCC/Campaigns/112988/Respond. 

If you are unfamiliar with using VoterVoice just click on the above link, enter the information, add your personal comments if you choose, and then hit send. It’s that easy!

Perfect Time Music CONCERT

If you would like to attend, please know the students who take instrumental lessons through Perfect time Music will put on a concert in the school auditorium on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

7:00 PM Grades 1-3

8:00 PM Grades 4-8

JOB FAIR

The Diocese of Paterson will be hosting a School Job Fair on Thursday, May, 2, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Pope John Paul II Center.  Please share the flyer with anyone you know who is looking for a job and would be interested in attending:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ff94l_YrgWPHDjjzJHrIrFKu8GNk4IrP/view?usp=sharing

END of Year Calendar

To date, two Emergency Days were used to close school.  Pending there are no more Emergency Days needed, the last day of school with the students will be Monday, June 17, 2024.

• Monday, June 10th through Wednesday, June 12th will be full days of school.

• Thursday, June 13, 2024: Half Day with Aftercare (LAST day of Aftercare.)

• Friday, June 14, 2024: Half Day with NO Aftercare

• Monday, June 17, 2024: Half Day with NO Aftercare

SUMMER Opportunities for the Children

• MHC Camp – Open House April 14, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM
  • For students that are going into Pre-K 4 through going into 8th grade
  • Dates of Camp: June 24-July 26, 2024

www.maryhelp.org/camp/

Flyer: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q3MYxDw2Eh0jr151kaMpXO7iPAXaGlTk/view?usp=sharing

• Don Bosco Prep Summer Theater

• • For students currently in Grade 6-8
  • Dates of Camp: June 24-28, 2024
  • To register, visit: https://forms.gle/q5N8jgPVqhDMbfRJ8
  • More Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lx1qA3i5gZioBQVoQCqZSYL3Z9e_pmDP/view?usp=sharing

• St. Philip Parish Vacation Bible School (VBS)
  • We invite Children in Kindergarten through Fifth grade.
  • July 29 – August 2
  • 8:30 AM to Noon
  • Songs, skits, snacks, games, crafts, logo t-shirt
  • Registration begins May 25th
  • Students –  want 30 Community Service Hours?  Sign up to be Junior Leaders!