NOTES FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents,
It was lovely to meet with so many new parents this Wednesday and showcase our wonderful community to facilitate the first days of school. I especially want to thank Mrs. Amy Molina and Mrs. Kelly McLean for their efforts in helping each family navigate the admissions process.
I also want to extend gratitude to several SJB parent leaders for showing their support by greeting and making every new family feel welcomed and at ease. Thank you to SAB members Mrs. Marianne Biegler, Mrs. Cynthia Casaus, and Mrs. Laura Underwood; Dads’ Club Treasurer Mr. Matthew Bileski; PTO members Mrs. Erica Seidel, Mrs. Jacqueline Grandmont, Mrs. Trisha Estrada, Mrs. Julie Morris, Mrs. Erin Gonzales, Mrs. Ashton Kelly, and Mrs. Romina Cittadino-Romero. These parents are shining examples of what makes our school community so strong and vibrant.
We are looking forward to seeing EVERYONE at Meet the Teacher on Monday, August 8th, 4–6PM. To save time, make sure to fill out these back-to-school forms beforehand:
When all forms are completed, you will receive an envelope with your child’s class assignment for the 2022-23 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
SCHOOL NEWS
DON'T MISS THE BITE!
The Bulldog Bite is SJB's Friday newsletter and primary method of disseminating important school information to our families. Whether you're new to SJB or a seasoned family, everything you need to know will be in "The Bite" either as a featured article or contained in the helpful links at the end.
If someone you know is not receiving the Bite or it is landing in their spam folder, please add mail@flocknote.com to a safe senders list. How? See this helpful guide: How do I add Flocknote to my email contact list?
And if you miss an issue and want it right now, email editor Dr. Teri Aguiar to have it forwarded to you.
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.
Parent-Teacher Organization
Mark your calendar for the first PTO meeting of the year on Tuesday, August 9th at 6PM in the library. First-Day-of-School decoration prep will follow; all are welcome to join!
Quickly meet your service hour requirement by donating 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 more information. Every $10 a parent donates for an item to the school = one service hour.
Quickly meet your service hour requirement by donating 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 more information. Every $10 a parent donates for an item to the school = one service hour.
Back-To-School BBQ
All SJB families are invited to our Back-To-School BBQ on Saturday, August 13 @ 6:30 PM. See below for all the fun details!
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.
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.
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!
- 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 @ 6:30 PM
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.
