No Bulldog Bite next Friday due to fall break/staff in-service.
The next Bite will be sent on Friday, Oct. 14.
NOTES FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents,
Did you know that a portion of last year’s Gala helped us purchase hands-on science materials, experiments, and dissection kits, and update our science closet for all grade levels to utilize? Our science lab houses many materials—microscopes, scales, synthetic frogs, infrared thermometer guns, laser and optic kits, prisms, pumping heart models, eye models, human skeleton models— to not just meet but exceed the Diocesan Science Standards.
All preschool–8th-grade teachers have access to the science closet tools and materials at any time as it is important for young learners to establish a solid foundation in science. In addition to the inherent pleasure students find by exploring and the self-confidence built by mastery, it is essential for them to be prepared to bring knowledge and skill to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions.
Our 5th–8th graders will soon begin working on their Diocesan Science Fair project and may choose from 12 different categories ranging from animal sciences, medicine & health sciences to physics and astronomy just to name a few. Students are expected to create a project presentation, lab book, quad chart, project video, and video demonstration and/or simulation depending on the project. I can’t wait to see how our students showcase their knowledge, creativity, and scientific skills!
Our junior high students participate in at least one lab per week which helps prepare them for high school. Below are a few of the engaging and interactive science labs/experiments our 7th & 8th graders will experience this school year:
- Dissect cow eyeballs, synthetic and real frogs, earthworms, and owl pellets
- Use microscopes to inspect daphnia heart rate, stomata cells, meiosis and mitosis, onion cells, and fingerprints
- Computer simulations
- Use models for spectrography, Newton’s first law, Earth seasons, moon phases, relative size and distance of planets, and geological time scales.
We are blessed to have engaged, generous parents participating in our annual Bosco Gala to help support this solid science program in addition to highly-trained teachers to guide our students.
Joyful Blessings,
Jamie Bescak, M.Ed., Principal
Jamie Bescak, M.Ed., Principal
Do everything in love.
SCHOOL NEWS
School Photos Are In
Parents, check your child's backpack for his/her school pictures. They were sent home this week. If you have questions or would like to order more, contact All Pro at 480-830-5667. Picture retakes will be held on Wednesday, October 12th.
Nurse Notes
- Please remember that it is still very hot outside, even though we have made it to double-digit temperatures. Although our students are very good about bringing their water bottles to school, if someone forgets theirs at home or in the car, I will provide them with one. Thanks to our very generous parents, I have plenty of water bottles!
- I cannot stress enough that it is important to drink water before, during, and after school. On Fridays, please have your children drink water before Mass.
- Have a wonderful weekend and stay hydrated!
Blessing of the Animals
Tuesday, Oct. 4 @ 2:15pm
Our 4th-grade classes will lead us in the annual Pet Blessing on Tuesday, October 4th. Students are encouraged to bring in a photo of their beloved pet(s) no later than Monday. All students will paste their pet photos onto a decorated class poster board for Fr. Manasseh to bless in our St. Francis de Assisi prayer garden. Parents are welcome to join us!
Lip Sync Contest
Attention 3rd–8th-grade students: If you love to sing, dance, and have fun, there's a spot for you at this year’s harvest fest lip sync battle! A free dress day will be awarded to the top performers!
Please email your song choice and lyrics to Mrs. Barone and Ms. Opdahl by Thursday, October 6th for approval. Dress rehearsals will take place in Mrs. Barone’s room after school on Friday, October 21st.
Please submit a signed permission slip to Mrs. Barone by October 12th. Permission slips are available at the front office.
ESA Update
We have all been patiently awaiting news on the Universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program. Due to rapid developments, please click on the link below to view the latest updates:
Arizona Dept. of Education ESA website is: https://www.azed.gov/esa
Internet Safety Presentation
The non-profit internet safety company notMYkid presented an informative workshop last week to SJB parents. ICYMI, below is a link to a recording of the session:
Field Trip Chaperones/Classroom Celebrations
Fall field trips and holiday classroom parties are just around the corner. If you would like to participate in any of these fun events, be sure you have completed your Safe Environment Training (SET). Per Diocese of Phoenix policy, any adult working with children is required to be compliant with SET.
Simply log into https://phoenix.cmgconnect.org to take the ONLINE course. The following link provides step-by-step instructions and contacts for additional information: 2022 Safe Environment Training Instructions.pdf
Adult Faith Formation
Why Be Catholic?
Defending Your Catholic Faith:
School & Parish Mission Series (Bilingual)
Join author and speaker Martin Zavala, former atheist and Jehovah's witness, for answers to common Protestant objections to Catholicism. October 4, 5, & 6 at SJB. Click here for details
Winter Sports
Boys' Basketball & Girls' Softball
Boys’ basketball and girls' softball 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 October 21st.
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 October 21st, 2022.
Tailgate and Toss
October 1st @ 6 PM
Please join us Tuesday, October 4 after drop-off at Cupz and Crepes (near 40th Street & Chandler Blvd.) for community-building and conversation. This is a great way to connect with other moms/parents in the SJB community. Please bring a friend. Hope to see you there!
Also, are you certified in first aid and willing to donate your time? Our Harvest Fest Planning Committee is looking for first aid personnel to volunteer during Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 22. Time slots are available from 5 pm to 9 pm. Please email ptosjb@sjbosco.org if you are able to assist.
Save The Date!
Last Day to Save on Yearbooks
Today is the last day to pre-order your yearbook and save $$. Order your 2022-2023 SJB Yearbook by TODAY, September 30 to save 10%. Click this link for savings: 2022-23EarlybirdDealyearbook.pdf
SCRIP SHOP
Scrip mid-year reports will be completed after fall break. You will receive a report toward the end of October showing your Scrip earnings so far this year. Keep up the good work with RaiseRight app purchases! This is the easiest way to earn Scrip! If you haven't enrolled already, click here for detailed instructions as well as tips for navigating the app.
St. John Bosco Catholic School Scrip Office
(480) 219-4848 x5108
Window Hours: Mondays 7:30–8:15 AM & Fridays 12:00–12:45 PM.
- Sat. Oct. 1: Dads' Club Tailgate & Toss @ 6pm. (See above for details)
- Tues. Oct. 4: Pet Blessing @ 2:15pm. (See above for details)
- Tues-Wed-Thurs, Oct. 4–6: Bilingual School + Parish Mission Series: Defending the Catholic Faith Click Here for Details
- Fri. Oct. 7–Mon. Oct. 10: Fall Break; No School
- Tues. Oct. 11: School Resumes
- Wed. Oct. 12: School Picture Retakes
- Sat. Oct. 22: Harvest Fest. & Trunk-Or-Treat
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.
PARISH NEWS
BBQ & Boot Scoot
Save the Date!
This year's BBQ and Boot Scoot promises to be a real "kick" on Thursday, November 17 from 6 to 9 pm at the St. John Bosco multipurpose room (MPR)! Enjoy your BBQ meal and kick up your heels to the music of The Mogollon Band featuring Donny Grub. Ticket information and more to come!
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.
