January 19th

All Virtual Students

FUTURE PLANNING

We would LOVE for you to fill out this quick SURVEY to help us to begin planning for next year.  By no means does this lock you into anything, but rather helps us to plan as we move forward.  Thank you!

Picture Retakes

Anyone who would like to have picture retakes or were unable to make it, our retakes will be next Wednesday, January 27th from 10 am -12:00 at the Brown Elementary School Gym.  Our goal is to have students last names A-F at 10:00 am G-K 10:30 L-R 11:00 and S-Z at 11:30.  Thank you!

Ren Baldwin Tech Fest

The 2021 Ren Baldwin Student Technology Festival logo contest is underway!  Please see the details below.  Submissions are due Friday, January 29th and can be turned in via email to techfest@stjoebears.com.  We look forward to seeing the students' creativity this year!

2021 Ren Baldwin Student Technology Festival Logo Contest

Food Service

*UPDATED*

St Joseph Public Schools Virtual Student 

Breakfast/Lunch Information 

Q.  Can Virtual Students receive school breakfast and lunch?

1. Yes. St. Joseph Public Schools Virtual Students have the opportunity to preorder and pick up 5 days worth of meals.  Breakfast meals include but not limited to cereal, bagels, pancakes, oatmeal, juice and milk.  Lunch meals include but not limited to pizza, sandwiches, pasta, vegetables, fruit and milk.  Some meals are ready to eat whereas others need to be heated.  Instructions for preparation are on menus.  

Q.  How much does breakfast and lunch cost?

1.  FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR ALL BREAKFAST/LUNCH MEALS ARE FREE TO ALL STUDENTS!

Q.  How do students/parents pre order their meals?

1.  Parents will be able to preorder their student’s meals through the website www.sendmoneytoschool.com.   There is a “How to set up an account” page included and a short video on how to order is on our district web page.  All meals will have to be ordered by Sunday for Monday pick up.  

Q.  Where and When do I pick up my week’s worth of meals?

1. Your student’s meals will have to be picked up at St Joseph High School in the back off of Lakeview Drive. Meals will be available for pick up once a week on Monday evenings from 5pm-6:00pm.  The location will be clearly marked and will be a drive up pick up situation.  Your student will have to be a St Joseph student to receive a meal.  

Q.  Who do I contact if I have any questions?

1.  For any Virtual Student lunch questions please email Demrhy Youngquist, Director of Food Service at dyoungquist@sjschools.org or call 269-926-3127.  

MATH Competition

On February 4, SJHS will offer the American Math Competition to interested students. Please see the following for details: American Math Competition. Contact Tom Miesse at tmiesse@sjschools.org if you have any questions, while this is primarily open to Middle and High School students, all are welcome.  

Tutoring

Tutoring Tutoring and more Tutoring.....

We are working with Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor on an awesome partnership that would be available for 6-12 grade students who reside in Benton Harbor.  Please keep a look out for more information in the coming week in your email about this opportunity.  

St. Joe High School National Honor Society Virtual Tutoring

https://forms.gle/J18HhF5Gx5mTJN7U8

Grand Valley State University Virtual Tutoring

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/

Media Center Help

Check out all the resources at SJHS Library Resource 

Elementary

NWEA testing is in full swing.  Please remember that it is important for your child to work independently on this so we can get an accurate measure of your students success.  

Middle School 

GIRLS BASKETBALL. 7th and 8th grade girls interested in basketball should email Eric Sonnevil at esonnevil@stjoebears.com if their daughter is interested in playing.  In the email please include their daughters name and grade.  

The semester is winding down, please keep working to do the best you can. We will begin to look at Credit/No Credit options towards the beginning of next week.

NWEA testing for Middle School Virtual students continuing in virtual school will be held virtually the first week in February. Please keep an eye out for details coming in an email next week.

High School 

The semester is winding down, please keep working to do the best you can. We will begin to look at Credit/No Credit options towards the beginning of next week.

Happy New Year!

SJVS Weekly Update

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MATH Competition

On February 4, SJHS will offer the American Math Competition to interested students. Please see the following for details: American Math Competition. Contact Tom Miesse at tmiesse@sjschools.org if you have any questions, while this is primarily open to Middle and High School students, all are welcome.  

Tutoring

Tutoring Tutoring and more Tutoring.....

We are working with Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor on an awesome partnership that would be available for 6-12 grade students who reside in Benton Harbor.  Please keep a look out for more information in the coming week in your email about this opportunity.  

St. Joe High School National Honor Society Virtual Tutoring

https://forms.gle/J18HhF5Gx5mTJN7U8

Grand Valley State University Virtual Tutoring

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/

CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE

Optional Damage Insurance for School-Issued Chromebooks

All SJVS students have been given the opportunity to receive a new Chromebook this school year.  As with any piece of school property, proper care is expected, and students are responsible for any damage or loss that may occur with the Chromebook.  Damage costs vary and can range from $40.00 to $250.00.  For this reason, we would like to offer students and families the opportunity to purchase damage insurance for $20.00.  This non-refundable, yearly payment will cover students should a device be damaged or lost. 

If your child has opted to use a Chromebook this year, please follow the instructions below to determine whether or not you would like to purchase the damage insurance for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.  Thank you!

Please follow the instructions below to purchase or opt-out of damage insurance.  If you have any questions regarding how to use the online system, please reach out to Megan Dongvillo via email at mdongvillo@sjschools.org or by phone at 269-926-3111.

To complete the digital agreement and make an insurance selection:

1. Visit: https://sjschools.revtrak.net/   

2. Sign in or create an account if you have not already done so.

3. Under the SHOP tab, choose the appropriate “home” school  > Technology

4. Select 1:1 Damage/Replacement Virtual option on the left side menu.

5. Fill in the required information and make your insurance choice.

6. Please note, you will still need to “add to cart” even if you opt for no upfront payment for insurance.  You will not be charged anything if you choose that option.

7. Complete the checkout process, and you will be all set.

8. Please complete a separate form for each of your virtual students.

Thank you!  We appreciate your partnership with our Chromebook program at St. Joseph Public Schools.

Media Center Help

Check out all the resources at SJHS Library Resource 

FOUNDATION BLOG

Please check out the newest blog from the Foundation.

https://sjpsfoundation.org/amaizing-times-blog-posts/1-1/

Secondary Specific Updates

Grades and Pacing

You should see some coursework has been removed from your classes(unless you requested otherwise or are a student planning on playing Division 1 or Division 2 athletics due to NCAA requirements.) 

Grades will be assigned by the school district and will match the policies of either Upton or SJHS.

Second semester choice

The survey to select your second semester secondary student learning choice between virtual and face to face was sent out and is due by the end of this week. If one is not completed we will keep the students in the current learning path.  

Elementary Specific Updates

From Lincoln School

Lincoln Elementary virtual bears- we are working on the yearbook and want to see you in it!  Please send any photos from this year of the creative ways you’re learning or fun you’re having to Mrs. Mandarino at katiemandarino@gmail.com.  All photos due by March 1.

Thank you to all who participated in our holiday spirit week!

December 14th

 SJVS Weekly Update

HAVE A WONDERFUL WINTER BREAK!!

MATH Competition

On February 4, SJHS will offer the American Math Competition to interested students. Please see the following for details: American Math Competition. Contact Tom Miesse at tmiesse@sjschools.org if you have any questions, while this is primarily open to Middle and High School students, all are welcome.  

Device Updates

If you did not pick up your Chromebook you can arrange to do so by contacting Chastity Edlefson cedlefson@stjoebears.com  Please include the student(s) name, grade and what building the student would normally attend.   Many have been requested and are waiting in the main office at SJHS to be picked up.

Picture Retakes

We are working on a date in January that will depend on where we are with the Covid situation.  We will continue to keep you updated. 

Tutoring

Tutoring Tutoring and more Tutoring.....

We are working with Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor on an awesome partnership that would be available for 6-12 grade students who reside in Benton Harbor.  Please keep a look out for more information in the coming week in your email about this opportunity.  

St. Joe High School National Honor Society Virtual Tutoring

https://forms.gle/J18HhF5Gx5mTJN7U8

Grand Valley State University Virtual Tutoring

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/

CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE

Optional Damage Insurance for School-Issued Chromebooks

All SJVS students have been given the opportunity to receive a new Chromebook this school year.  As with any piece of school property, proper care is expected, and students are responsible for any damage or loss that may occur with the Chromebook.  Damage costs vary and can range from $40.00 to $250.00.  For this reason, we would like to offer students and families the opportunity to purchase damage insurance for $20.00.  This non-refundable, yearly payment will cover students should a device be damaged or lost. 

If your child has opted to use a Chromebook this year, please follow the instructions below to determine whether or not you would like to purchase the damage insurance for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.  Thank you!

Please follow the instructions below to purchase or opt-out of damage insurance.  If you have any questions regarding how to use the online system, please reach out to Megan Dongvillo via email at mdongvillo@sjschools.org or by phone at 269-926-3111.

To complete the digital agreement and make an insurance selection:

1. Visit: https://sjschools.revtrak.net/   

2. Sign in or create an account if you have not already done so.

3. Under the SHOP tab, choose the appropriate “home” school  > Technology

4. Select 1:1 Damage/Replacement Virtual option on the left side menu.

5. Fill in the required information and make your insurance choice.

6. Please note, you will still need to “add to cart” even if you opt for no upfront payment for insurance.  You will not be charged anything if you choose that option.

7. Complete the checkout process, and you will be all set.

8. Please complete a separate form for each of your virtual students.

Thank you!  We appreciate your partnership with our Chromebook program at St. Joseph Public Schools.

Media Center Help

Check out all the resources at SJHS Library Resource 

FOUNDATION BLOG

Please check out the newest blog from the Foundation.

https://sjpsfoundation.org/amaizing-times-blog-posts/1-1/

Secondary Specific Updates

BookHub + Free Holiday Send Off Books click HERE for more info

Google Classroom

Make sure you are signed up for your Class of .... Google Classroom.  

Connections

Be looking for information coming soon about some awesome opportunities to connect.  We are planning many different opportunities to engage with others throughout the school community.

Grades and Pacing

In the next few weeks you should see some coursework being removed from your classes(unless you requested otherwise or are a student planning on playing Division 1 or Division 2 athletics due to NCAA requirements.) 

Grades will be assigned by the school district and will match the policies of either Upton or SJHS.

SOPHOMORES

GET THE SCOOP ON EARLY MIDDLE COLLEGE: 

On Monday, Dec 14th @ 2:15pm join a panel of your peers that know best. The Google Meet link to join will be added to the Class of 2023 on 12/14.

Elementary Specific Updates

HOLIDAY READ ALONG -Click Here

Holiday Spirit Week

Below are our SJVS Elementary Spirit Week Dress up Days

Monday, Dec. 14th: Pajama Day

Dress in your favorite PJs

Tuesday, Dec. 15th: Holiday Color Day

Dress in your favorite Holiday Color

Wednesday, Dec. 16th: Winter Wonderland Day

Dress in your favorite hats, scarves, gloves etc.

Tuesday, Dec. 17th: Holiday Character Day

Dress up as your favorite holiday character.   

Positivity Project

We are excited to be included in Positivity Project that the rest of the elementary buildings are engaged in.  Each building handled the T-shirts differently, so please contact the building directly if you have questions about the shirts.  We are thrilled to be working on a district wide plan to teach positive culture.

From Lincoln School

Lincoln Elementary virtual bears- we are working on the yearbook and want to see you in it!  Please send any photos from this year of the creative ways you’re learning or fun you’re having to Mrs. Mandarino at katiemandarino@gmail.com.  All photos due by March 1.

December 7th

SJVS Weekly Update

MATH Competition

On February 4, SJHS will offer the American Math Competition to interested students. Please see the following for details: American Math Competition. Contact Tom Miesse at tmiesse@sjschools.org if you have any questions, while this is primarily open to Middle and High School students, all are welcome.  

Device Updates

If you did not pick up your Chromebook you can arrange to do so by contacting Chastity Edlefson cedlefson@stjoebears.com  Please include the student(s) name, grade and what building the student would normally attend.   Many have been requested and are waiting in the main office at SJHS to be picked up.

Picture Retakes

We are working on a date in January that will depend on where we are with the Covid situation.  We will continue to keep you updated. 

Tutoring

Tutoring Tutoring and more Tutoring.....

We are working with Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor on an awesome partnership that would be available for 6-12 grade students who reside in Benton Harbor.  Please keep a look out for more information in the coming week in your email about this opportunity.  

St. Joe High School National Honor Society Virtual Tutoring

https://forms.gle/J18HhF5Gx5mTJN7U8

Grand Valley State University Virtual Tutoring

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/

WEBSITE

We hope to have the website up and running this week.  It will be linked off of the main page at sjschools.org

CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE

Optional Damage Insurance for School-Issued Chromebooks

All SJVS students have been given the opportunity to receive a new Chromebook this school year.  As with any piece of school property, proper care is expected, and students are responsible for any damage or loss that may occur with the Chromebook.  Damage costs vary and can range from $40.00 to $250.00.  For this reason, we would like to offer students and families the opportunity to purchase damage insurance for $20.00.  This non-refundable, yearly payment will cover students should a device be damaged or lost. 

If your child has opted to use a Chromebook this year, please follow the instructions below to determine whether or not you would like to purchase the damage insurance for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.  Thank you!

Please follow the instructions below to purchase or opt-out of damage insurance.  If you have any questions regarding how to use the online system, please reach out to Megan Dongvillo via email at mdongvillo@sjschools.org or by phone at 269-926-3111.

To complete the digital agreement and make an insurance selection:

1. Visit: https://sjschools.revtrak.net/   

2. Sign in or create an account if you have not already done so.

3. Under the SHOP tab, choose the appropriate “home” school  > Technology

4. Select 1:1 Damage/Replacement Virtual option on the left side menu.

5. Fill in the required information and make your insurance choice.

6. Please note, you will still need to “add to cart” even if you opt for no upfront payment for insurance.  You will not be charged anything if you choose that option.

7. Complete the checkout process, and you will be all set.

8. Please complete a separate form for each of your virtual students.

Thank you!  We appreciate your partnership with our Chromebook program at St. Joseph Public Schools.

Media Center Help

Check out all the resources at SJHS Library Resource 

FOUNDATION BLOG

Please check out the newest blog from the Foundation.

https://sjpsfoundation.org/amaizing-times-blog-posts/1-1/

Secondary Specific Updates

Google Classroom

Make sure you are signed up for your Class of .... Google Classroom.  

Connections

Be looking for information coming soon about some awesome opportunities to connect.  We are planning many different opportunities to engage with others throughout the school community.

Grades and Pacing

In the next few weeks you should see some coursework being removed from your classes(unless you requested otherwise or are a student planning on playing Division 1 or Division 2 athletics due to NCAA requirements.) 

Grades will be assigned by the school district and will match the policies of either Upton or SJHS.

SOPHOMORES

GET THE SCOOP ON EARLY MIDDLE COLLEGE: 

On Monday, Dec 14th @ 2:15pm join a panel of your peers that know best. The Google Meet link to join will be added to the Class of 2023 on 12/14.

Elementary Specific Updates

Holiday Spirit Week

Below are our SJVS Elementary Spirit Week Dress up Days

Monday, Dec. 14th: Pajama Day

Dress in your favorite PJs

Tuesday, Dec. 15th: Holiday Color Day

Dress in your favorite Holiday Color

Wednesday, Dec. 16th: Winter Wonderland Day

Dress in your favorite hats, scarves, gloves etc.

Tuesday, Dec. 17th: Holiday Character Day

Dress up as your favorite holiday character.   

Positivity Project

We are excited to be included in Positivity Project that the rest of the elementary buildings are engaged in.  Each building handled the T-shirts differently, so please contact the building directly if you have questions about the shirts.  We are thrilled to be working on a district wide plan to teach positive culture.

November 23rd

SJVS Weekly Update

Vision/Hearing Screening

SJVS Hearing and Vision has been CANCELLED at this time due to the current Covid situation. 

Device Updates

If you did not pick up your Chromebook you can arrange to do so by contacting Chastity Edlefson cedlefson@stjoebears.com Please include the student(s) name, grade and what building the student would normally attend.   

Picture Retakes

We are working on a date in January that will depend on where we are with the Covid situation.  We will continue to keep you updated. 

Tutoring

Tutoring Tutoring and more Tutoring.....

Boys and Girls club of Benton Harbor Teen Center offers face to face tutoring opportunities.  For more information contact BHBGC at 269-363-4817.

St. Joe High School National Honor Society Virtual Tutoring

https://forms.gle/J18HhF5Gx5mTJN7U8

Grand Valley State University Virtual Tutoring

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/

WEBSITE

We are currently working on a new web page that will have lots of information and continue to improve our program as we navigate through year one.  Thank you again for your continued patience and support. We hope to have this up right after Thanksgiving break.   

Part of the website we hope to include is honoring some of our virtual students with student of the week awards. More to come on that.

CHROMEBOOK INSURANCE

Optional Damage Insurance for School-Issued Chromebooks

All SJVS students have been given the opportunity to receive a new Chromebook this school year.  As with any piece of school property, proper care is expected, and students are responsible for any damage or loss that may occur with the Chromebook.  Damage costs vary and can range from $40.00 to $250.00.  For this reason, we would like to offer students and families the opportunity to purchase damage insurance for $20.00.  This non-refundable, yearly payment will cover students should a device be damaged or lost. 

If your child has opted to use a Chromebook this year, please follow the instructions below to determine whether or not you would like to purchase the damage insurance for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.  Thank you!

Please follow the instructions below to purchase or opt-out of damage insurance.  If you have any questions regarding how to use the online system, please reach out to Megan Dongvillo via email at mdongvillo@sjschools.org or by phone at 269-926-3111.

To complete the digital agreement and make an insurance selection:

1. Visit: https://sjschools.revtrak.net/   

2. Sign in or create an account if you have not already done so.

3. Under the SHOP tab, choose the appropriate “home” school  > Technology

4. Select 1:1 Damage/Replacement Virtual option on the left side menu.

5. Fill in the required information and make your insurance choice.

6. Please note, you will still need to “add to cart” even if you opt for no upfront payment for insurance.  You will not be charged anything if you choose that option.

7. Complete the checkout process, and you will be all set.

8. Please complete a separate form for each of your virtual students.

Thank you!  We appreciate your partnership with our Chromebook program at St. Joseph Public Schools.

SJVS BookHub Update 

You may continue to request library books from the media center as virtual students!  Simply search Destiny Discover for books and use the SJVS BookHub or SJVS Media Center Update  (MS Version) to place your requests.  We will hold a drive through pick-up time on November 30th (details below).

To secure your library book request(s), please submit the form by Sunday, 11/29.  For help with the form, see the BookHub Screencast. 

If you have questions, please email Mrs. Culver at jculver@sjschools.org.  Happy Reading and Go Bears!

 

Library Book Pick-Up Time

Monday, November 30

1:00-3:00 @ SJHS front entrance

 

Holiday Send Off—Get a free book!

Would you like a FREE book? SJHS has partnered with the SJPS Foundation and Forever Books to offer you another free book to read and keep!  Peruse the Holiday Send Off Book List and submit your request using the SJHS Holiday Send Off Selection Form or SJVS Media Center Update  (MS Version).  To get your free book, please submit the form by 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 29th.  If you have questions, please email Mrs. Culver at jculver@sjschools.org.  Many thanks to the SJPS Foundation and Forever Books! 

Media Center Help

Check out all the resources at SJHS Library Resource 

November 16th

SJVS Weekly Update

Vision/Hearing Screening

SJVS Hearing and Vision has been CANCELLED at this time due to the current Covid situation. 

Device Updates

If you did not pick up your Chromebook you can still do that tomorrow at 10 am at the SJHS Field House.

Pictures

Because at our picture day you were able to look at pictures before leaving they are not planning on retakes.  They might be willing to do a day if we have enough people that need them.   

Tutoring

Tutoring Tutoring and more Tutoring.....

Boys and Girls club of Benton Harbor Teen Center offers face to face tutoring opportunities.  For more information contact BHBGC at 269-363-4817.

St. Joe High School National Honor Society Virtual Tutoring

https://forms.gle/J18HhF5Gx5mTJN7U8

Grand Valley State University Virtual Tutoring

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/

WEBSITE

We are currently working on a new web page that will have lots of information and continue to improve our program as we navigate through year one.  Thank you again for your continued patience and support.  

November 2nd

 SJVS ALL

Vision/Hearing Screening

SJVS Hearing and Vision scheduled is scheduled for December 3 and December 4 at the Brown Elementary School Gymnasium. Here is a link to sign up if you are interested in participating. SJVS Hearing and Vision Sign-Up

Device Updates

The new Chrome books are on the way.  We should be able to announce a pick up plan in the blog next week.  

Pictures

We are still awaiting word on our retake day..... stay tuned.

Tutoring

Tutoring Tutoring and more Tutoring.....

Boys and Girls club of Benton Harbor Teen Center offers face to face tutoring opportunities.  For more information contact BHBGC at 269-363-4817.

St. Joe High School National Honor Society Virtual Tutoring

https://forms.gle/J18HhF5Gx5mTJN7U8

Grand Valley State University Virtual Tutoring

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/

ELEMENTARY

It was so great to see students in the virtual environment celebrating Halloween.

We still have a handful of students who need to complete the NWEA testing.  Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

We have several students who still need to complete the NWEA tests.  Please check your email for information.  Thank you! 

HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Pratley will be delivering Academic Letters to our virtual students homes next week.  What an amazing accomplishment.  

AP Testing

Here is a link for more information on AP testing. 

Overdue books and fines

If you have books, calculators, computers etc from last school year that you have not yet returned, please do so ASAP.  If you are coming in to take the PSAT that is a great day to do that.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.