Dear Parents,
My, oh my, what a wonderful Monday it was! We began our day as usual — gathering as a community for pledge, prayer, announcements, and rosary. But this Monday was extra special because we had three new staff members. Miss Sadie Seidel was Principal for the Day, Miss Hailey Rios was Librarian for the Day, and Miss Ayjae Larson was P.E. Teacher for the Day. They all began their day with many duties, lessons, classroom visits, and special projects that Ms. Harvey, Mr. Caradonna, and I perform on a daily basis. It was quite a treat for these students to experience some behind-the-scenes activities such as eating lunch all together in the faculty/staff lounge.
The best part of the day for everyone, however, was our afternoon celebration in the courtyard, “Sundae on a Monday.” I have never been so sticky and had so much fun in my life! Being made into a giant ice cream sundae was the commitment I made if we reached our Gala fundraising goal. I am incredibly thankful to our supportive community for raising over $138,000 at our 20th Anniversary Bosco Gala.
Joyful blessings,
Jamie Bescak, Principal
Do everything in love.
SCHOOL NEWS
Show What They Know
Next week our students will have the chance to show how much they have grown academically over the past 8 months. Our 1st – 8th-graders will be taking the Iowa tests (ITBS), and two grades — 3rd and 6th — will also take the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT). As always, no studying is necessary for these assessments; the best preparation is a good night’s sleep and healthy breakfast. And the very best part?
No homework this week!
Call for SAB Applications
The School Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of parents and faculty members whose purpose is to advance the common good for all students, promote academic excellence, counsel and advocate for school-wide initiatives, and represent the voice of the community. Advisory Board efforts and actions are aligned in accordance with the Mission and Philosophy of St. John Bosco School and the traditions of the Catholic Faith.
Interested in serving? If so, please see more details about the SAB here and find the application here. Applications should be submitted via email to Principal Jamie Bescak and current Board President Brian Wiscombe or dropped off at the school office. Applications should be submitted by Friday, April 8th.
Thank you for considering volunteering your time, knowledge, and professional experience to support the administration, faculty, and students of St. John Bosco.
Fun Run!
Please join us for the 1st Annual SJB Family Fun Run on Saturday, April 2nd. This is a 5K run/walk from SJB through Pecos Park and back. We will have a food truck, live music, bounce house, and games for everyone after the run. Check-in will begin at 7:45 AM with the run starting at 9:00 AM and post-run festivities till 12:00 PM. Adults are $35 and kids are $10; maximum cost per family is $80. All participants will receive a Family Fun Run Shirt, a completion medal of the 1st Annual FFR, and other items. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $150 and include company logo on race shirts, company recognition, and your company banner displayed at the event. Click Here to Register
ALL SJB FAMILIES WHO REGISTER FOR THE 5K FUN RUN/WALK AND PICNIC WILL BE ENTERED INTO A RAFFLE TO RECEIVE $1000 OFF TUITION FOR NEXT YEAR, COMPLIMENTS OF THE BOSCO DADS’ CLUB!
Join the PTO Team
The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is looking for people interested in joining the fun of planning, organizing, and coordinating activities for the school and community. There are a variety of options available; see our website. Please send an email to Mrs. Bescak if you are interested.
Spelling Bee Update
Seventh-grader Olivia Vaughan represented Saint John Bosco Catholic School in the Arizona State Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 19. She was one of 27 state finalists from all over Arizona. She was poised and exhibited a positive attitude even when she was eliminated with the word "juxtapose." Thank you, Olivia, for representing SJB so proudly at the Diocesan Bee, the Regional Bee, and the Arizona State Bee.
SJB Mother-Son Kickball Game
SJB Moms: Join us Friday, April 8th, 4 – 6 PM for an afternoon of kickball, pizza, and drinks with your favorite "little" guys! There will be two separate age-level games to ensure the safety of the littlest bulldogs. Who will win the trophy, the moms or the sons? Join in the fun and find out! Click Here to sign up.
Enrollment is Thriving so We’re Hiring!
Thanks to increased student enrollment, SJB is looking for talented individuals to fill several positions:
- Art Teacher
- 4th-grade Teacher
- Preschool Instructional Assistant
- Summer Maintenance Employee
If you are interested or know of any individuals who would like to join our team, click the link below for more details and/or to apply. For more information, contact Principal Jamie Bescak. Position Details and Application
Re-enrollment Invoices
Please note that re-enrollment invoices have been sent; HOWEVER, funds will not be deducted from your FACTS account until April 15, 2022. This is merely a courtesy notice. 😇
Money Available for 2022-2023!
Need $$ for next school year? Apply now for financial assistance. Applications are available HERE and most are due April 15.
Summer Baseball / Softball Camp
Mr. Caradonna’s summer baseball & softball camps are now open for registration! Click the links for all the details and to complete the waiver:
Have a Tasty Meatless Recipe?
PTO is looking for good cooks who would like to bless our staff with a meatless meal for their upcoming Lenten retreat on Friday, April 1st. Please use the sign-up link below if you would like to participate.
Order Yearbooks
It's finally time to order your special 20th Anniversary Edition of the St. John Bosco Yearbook! When making your yearbook purchase, you'll have the option to create – at no extra cost – a personal 2-page spread of all your favorite photos. We hope you enjoy every page of this wonderful collection of 2021-2022 moments.
To Purchase & Customize Your Yearbook:
1. Go to www.treering.com/validate
2. Enter School Passcode: 1013434873754555
- Customize Your 2 Free Pages
- Add photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram, Google Drive & more.
- Answer fun Memory Questions to help remember the year.
The 2 Custom Pages are FREE and printed ONLY in your book. Want more pages? Each additional 2 pages is just $0.99. Deadline: April 16th, 2022
Scrip Shop
Congratulations to all families for making this a profitable Scrip year! The 2021-2022 Scrip year has concluded. The last day to earn Scrip was yesterday, March 17, 2022. Any purchases made on March 18th, 2022, and after will count toward next year's earnings. Year-end earnings reports will be compiled and sent out at the end of the month. Keep up the good work with ordering your electronic Scrip through the RaiseRight app and get a head start for next year!
Upcoming Events:
- Monday, March 28 – Friday, April 1: Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- Friday, April 1: Stations of the Cross; Zydeco's Louisiana Kitchen Food Truck
- Saturday, April 2: Dads' Club Fun Run
- Friday, April 8: Stations of the Cross; Zydeco's Louisiana Kitchen Food Truck
- Thursday, April 14: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM); No ESP
- Friday, April 15 – Monday, April 18: Easter Break
- Tuesday, April 19: School Resumes
PARISH NEWS
Employment Opportunity
St. Benedict Roman Catholic Parish, a dynamic and expanding faith community serving 1,200 families in Phoenix AZ, is seeking a full-time Director of Music and Liturgy. The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic with knowledge and experience in coordinating parish liturgy and music.
Key responsibilities for this position include planning and arranging liturgy and music for all parish liturgical celebrations and leading music ministry members and the assembly in worship.
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music or another related field, a minimum of 2 years of liturgy experience in the Roman Catholic tradition, proficiency in an accompanying instrument and vocal/choral conducting, excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills, and computer literacy.
Applicants should email a cover letter and resume to mlivens@stbenedict.org
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest
We have some winners! All four of the Fr. Bob Binta Council champions went on to win the district contest as well! All received medals and advanced to the state championship at Notre Dame Prep next weekend. Stay tuned!
District Champions:
- Girls Age 9: Sally Salloum
- Boys Age 10: Blake Snyder
- Girls Age 11: Celine Salloum
- Boys Age 12: Ryan Hoffman
Easter Egg Hunt
Join us on Easter Sunday after the 10 AM Mass for an Easter Egg Hunt! Eggs will be hidden in two separate areas on the grounds of St. John Bosco School.
One area will be designated for the Preschool – 2nd-grade age group, and the second area for the 3rd – 5th-grade age group. We have over 1,000 eggs with stickers and treats in them AND 12 Golden Eggs that contain a special surprise!
Cost is $10 per child (paid day of; cash appreciated) and includes:
- admission to the Hunt
- a keepsake bag for your eggs
- a raffle ticket to win one of 3 Easter Baskets
- a photo with an Easter Bunny
Vacation Bible School
Kindergarten – 5th-Grade students are invited to attend Vacation Bible School (VBS). Click the link for all details and to sign up. Vacation Bible School
Stations of the Cross & Zydeco's Food Truck
Next Friday, April 1st after the Stations of the Cross, we will have a fundraiser with Zydeco's Louisiana Kitchen food truck. Please come out and show your support and have a great dinner! Zydeco's Louisiana Kitchen
COMMUNITY NEWS
Brophy College Prep
Brophy is excited to offer a full Summer Enrichment Program for rising 5th through 8th-grade boys and girls in June. Activities include sports camps, fitness classes, creative workshops, STEM and academic classes, high school prep camp, and more to keep the kids engaged, learning, and having fun this summer. Brophy Summer Enrichment Bulletin - 2022.pdf
Seton Catholic Preparatory
Plan your summer now by registering for various Seton Catholic Prep athletic camps. The following link contains a host of offerings: Seton Catholic Prep Summer Camps.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Stay up to date on classroom happenings by following us on Instagram @sjbbulldogs or Facebook@stjohnboscocatholicschool. We also encourage families to tag SJB on any photos or videos they post of their child(ren) from their personal social media accounts.
Until Monday ...
Below are helpful links to information over the weekend:
School Website: https://sjbosco.org/
School Calendar: https://sjbosco.org/calendar
Faculty & Staff Contacts: https://sjbosco.org/faculty-staff
School Lunch Program: https://sjbosco.org/school-lunch
Parish Website: https://stbenedict.org/
The Bulldog Bite: Dr. Teri Pistacchio Aguiar, editor
Past Bulldog Bites: https://sjbosco.org/ (beneath Principal's picture)
Upcoming events are always available on our website events page.
For a more detailed list of yearly events, check the SJB website online calendar.
