NOTES FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents,
I hope you are enjoying your last couple weeks of summer vacation with your children! I have noticed that many stores have their school supplies out, so please make sure to review your child’s grade level school supply list so they have everything they need in time for the first day of school.
I hope to see you all at “Meet the Teacher” night on Monday, August 8th from 4:00—6:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for your child to meet their teachers and for you to drop off their school supplies before that hectic first day of school.
You might also want to visit Anton Uniforms to purchase polos, uniform shorts, jumpers, skirts, P.E. t-shirts, and more. You may visit their website or their store located in Tempe. To ensure your child is following the dress code, please read our school uniform dress code as stated in the Parent and Student Handbook 2022-2023 or view the photo slideshow.
We will continue to have Spirit Days every Wednesday, which gives the students the opportunity to wear ANY SJB shirt they choose along with their uniform bottoms. This includes but is not limited to Running with Rosco shirts, old P.E. shirts, Student Council shirts, Campus Ambassadors shirts, etc. You may also choose to purchase an SJB spirit shirt and/or school-approved accessories from one of the vendors located in our SJB Spirit Shop: Marianne’s Creations or Gold Crown Promotions. For discounted clothing, our SJB used uniform closet is also fully stocked. Stop by anytime during summer office hours or check it out during New Family Night or Meet the Teacher.
I am looking forward to seeing all of our “new parents” next Wednesday, July 27 at 5:30 PM for New Family Night. This is a great opportunity for our new parents to learn how the first few days work, how to order lunches, purchase uniforms, meet members of our parent leadership team, and learn how SJB makes Catholic Education affordable. Please note this is a parent-only event and just for those parents new to SJB this school year.
Joyful Blessings,
Jamie Bescak, M.Ed., Principal
Do everything in love.
Now through August 5th: 8AM–1PM
Closed Wed. Aug. 3rd for Faculty/Staff Retreat
Our administrative office staff cheerfully returns to serve your needs and contribute to the smooth operation of our school.
Principal: Mrs. Jamie Bescak: (finance, facilities, HR, curriculum, instruction, etc.)
SCHOOL NEWS
They're Here!
Click the links on the right to reveal your student's classroom supply list. We suggest bringing your supplies on Monday, August 8 when you come for "Meet the Teacher."
We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday, August 8th, 4:00–6:00 pm to find out who your homeroom teacher is and drop off your school supplies.
Remember, in order to receive the “magic envelope” with your child’s assigned teacher, you must have all enrollment and FACTS account information set up as well as the items listed below.
For your convenience, we now have paperless forms! Please click on the links below to access and complete them. There is NO need to print them! Just hit “SUBMIT” and the appropriate individual will receive them.
Safe Environment Training Renewal
The Safe Environment Training (SET) year runs from July 1 to June 30; thus, your existing certification has expired. It is now renewal time for EVERYONE who wishes to volunteer in any capacity. Simply visit https://phoenix.cmgconnect.org to update your profile information and take the 30-minute renewal.
Click here for an easy step-by-step guide. If you need assistance or if you have never taken SET, please email Safe Environment Coordinator Teri Aguiar or call/text Debbie Smith 480.529.4828.
A Brand New Before- and After-School Service
Have we got news for you!! St. John Bosco is now offering Innovation Learning, a full-service, extended-day program for preschool through 8th-grade children who need to be dropped off early (6:30–7:30 AM, M - F) and/or be picked up after school is dismissed (M–Th, 3:00–6: 00 PM; Friday, 12:30m–6 PM.) Click the link below for more details or contact Innovation Learning:
Innovation Learning is introducing a new family registration platform called EZChildTrack, a robust software program designed to ease the registration process. ALL families are considered a “new” family as the accounts are being created. More information can be found below:
Don't forget to contact our customer service team to determine if you qualify for one of our discount programs. Our team of professionals is here to help support you every step of the way and make this the most seamless process imaginable.
Contact Customer Service: 866.239.3661 or info@innovationlearning.com.
In the News
As many of you may know, the Arizona Legislature passed HB 2853 which would provide a universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) to all students attending a private school. While this is very exciting news for all of us, we are being advised by the Diocese that there still may be some roadblocks ahead. At this time we encourage everyone to continue using the Tax Credit Program. Be assured that we will follow this development closely and share any good news as soon as we receive it.
Fall Sports
Boys’ football, girls’ volleyball, and cross-country club are starting soon! And we’ve made it easier for parents to complete the necessary forms by making them digital; no need to make copies! Just click SUBMIT and we’ll take care of the rest. Please click the link below and submit by August 19th.
And if you’d like to get a jump on that annual physical exam, below are the medical forms you may print and take to your child’s pediatrician or medical clinic. This is also due August 19, 2022.
Finally, Coach Caradonna is actively seeking volunteer volleyball coaches. If you are so inclined, or for any other questions, please email him: Brett Caradonna.
Parent-Teacher Organization
Help build a stronger school community and come to the first PTO meeting of the year on August 9th at 6:00 PM in the library. After the meeting, we’ll be prepping the 1st day of school decorations! Feel free to stay and help!
If you’d like to make a donation to our hospitality fund which provides meals for our teachers and staff during back-to-school events and conferences, please send an email to ptosjb@sjbosco.org. For every $10 a parent donates for an item to the school, it equals one service hour.
Job Opportunities
Blue Willo Catering, our school lunch provider, has several job position openings to offer:
- Cook: Starting pay $23–$26/hour; must have experience; will work hand-in-hand with head chef.
- Driver: Starting pay $17–$18/hour. Must have a 24-month clean driving record.
- School Server: Starting pay $17/hour + free lunch for children that attend your school. Must have a fingerprint clearance card.
Please reply to Blue Willo Catering at info@bluewillocatering.com.
Still Looking for LEGOs
SJB is preparing to upgrade both the STEM Program and the Media Room. If you have LEGOs that are taking up space in your home or you are tired of stepping on them, we will be happy to take them off your hands (and feet). Please consider donating them to our STEM Program! They may be dropped off in the front office for Mr. Macdonald.
CHESS CLUB
Chess Club will be starting again on August 31st! Click the following link to sign up and for all the details: Chess Club
Scrip Shop
We are pleased to announce that a new local business has joined our Scrip program! Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry recently opened in the Foothills and will be giving back 6% on all treatments. This is in addition to our current SJB family-owned businesses that offer Scrip: Gold Crown Promotions gives back 6% on advertising and promotional products, Barefoot Pools offers 3% back on their pool services, and Dr. MacKenzie at Foothills Animal Hospital offers 4% back on veterinary services provided by (only) him. You just need to let them know you are an SJB family and we do the rest!
Do you have a business that would like to support the Scrip program? If so, please reach out to Katie at sjbscrip@sjbosco.org for more information!
For the remainder of July, the Scrip Office will be open on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8–9 AM. Dates are subject to change.
Please email sjbscrip@sjbosco.org to place an order or with any questions! Remember: You can use your RaiseRight app all summer long to purchase electronic scrip on the go! Click here for detailed instructions on how to enroll!
- New Family Night: Wednesday, July 27th @ 5:30 PM. Parents of new students are invited to learn more about the beginning of the school year, protocols, dress code, and how we make Catholic Education affordable. (parent-only event)
- Meet the Teacher: Monday, August 8th, 4:00–6:00 PM. Parents and students are invited to meet their teacher and drop off school supplies before the first day of school.
- First Day of School: Wednesday, August 10th @ 7:45 AM. Preschool—8th-grade students begin the 2022-23 school year!
- Back to School BBQ: Saturday, August 13th
DIOCESAN NEWS
If Baseball is More Your Thing ...
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.
