We are so excited that our students did such a great job with their MAP testing, which means they have earned one whole week of being out of uniform! The date of that has not been determined yet, but we will let everyone know once administration has made that decision. 

Reminder of Updated Academic Policy: Late Work Submission

At the start of the second trimester, all middle school teachers implemented a standardized late work policy designed to promote responsibility and time management skills that are essential for academic success.

Homework and Practice Assignments

Students who fail to submit homework or practice assignments will receive a zero with no opportunity for makeup credit. This policy encourages consistent daily engagement with course material.

Content Area and Critical Thinking Assignments

Late submissions will be accepted within one calendar week of the original due date for a maximum of 50% credit. Students receive an "Unprepared for Class" slip documenting the final submission deadline. Work submitted after this date will receive a grade of zero.  Students must notify teachers via email when submitting late work—Google Classroom messages do not fulfill this requirement.

Assessments and Evaluations

Missed quizzes and tests due to absence must be completed upon return or within one week for extended absences. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule makeup assessments.

Grade-Level Academic Focus Areas

Sixth Grade: 

Midterm grades will be posted after interims, which will most likely be on Friday. I discovered an issue with the vocabulary/grammar test form, but it was easy to resolve and I did so this afternoon. Overall, the scores are quite impressive and it is clear that the students were well prepared. I know they are relieved that their first round of midterm exams as middle students is now behind them. 

When we return on Tuesday, students will begin their next novel and the next vocabulary unit (7), and continue in Chapter 3 of our grammar books.  Our new novel is a very good one that happens to have been written by a teacher! It is called The Seventh Most Important Thing, by Shelley Pearsall. 

Seventh Grade: 

Midterm grades will be posted after interims, which will most likely be on Friday. 

When we return on Tuesday, students will begin their next novel and the next vocabulary unit (7), and will continue in our grammar books.  We have already completed a few pre-reading activities, but will start reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle on Tuesday. This story has been enjoyed by students for years, and the author, Avi, has written many amazing book for young readers. 

Eighth Grade: 

Midterm grades will be posted after interims, which will most likely be on Friday. 

When we return on Tuesday, students will begin their next novel, The Outsiders, as well as the next vocabulary unit (7). Now that the HSPT is behind us, we will begin using our grammar books and working through as much of that as we can before sending the 8th graders off to high school. 

 Looking Ahead

Catholic Schools Week:
We are excited to share that Archbishop Lori will be here for the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, January 25th which kicks off Catholic Schools Week! 

Please note there has been a time adjustment made for Parent Visitation Day. Parent Visitation Day will now be on Wednesday, January 28th from 1:00pm-2:30pm. 

We have many fun activities planned, including the book fair, to celebrate our faith, our school, and all those who play a role and contribute to making SJS a loving place for students to learn and grow. 

Friday, January 30th is not only Student Appreciation Day, but we have a noon dismissal as well.  

View all spirit wear dates and the recommended order date HERE.  There are always new items, so check out the website soon! 

Have a blessed week,

Mrs. Lastner