Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy News

From Principal Lynda Wright ( BPJ Newsletter July 10, 2008):

Since Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy opened the doors in 2006, it has provided our students with a program of academic excellence grounded in the tradition of Catholic values. BPJ has been strongly supported by an active partnership of dedicated faculty, involved parents, caring administrators, and talented students. I think this is our greatest strength.

We prepare our students for achievement and success. Higher order thinking skills and leadership opportunities are promoted through interactive and stimulating learning activities. We also emphasize compassion for others and service to the wider community.

Our challenge for the 2008-09 school year is to continue the dynamic curriculum already in place and to provide more after school activities for our students. We plan to continue Ecco Club, Safety Patrol, Ambassadors, and Latin Club and to add Forensics, Home Ec, Dance Party, Chess Club and Arts and Crafts Club.

We are planning more opportunities for parents to be involved in school activities such as sharing a favorite book, or participating in Moms in Touch which is being revitalized by Linda Shea as well as organizing Family Fun Nights during the school year.

I am also scheduling short informational evenings to acquaint parents with the religion curriculum. This is primarily for our non-Catholic parents but all parents are welcome.

SAVE THE DATE:

September 3	First Day of School from Kindergarten to Grade 8 - 8:15 a.m. (Lunch Orders Due)
September 5	Opening School Mass - 8:30 a.m.
September 8	First Day of School for Pre-Kindergarten 3 and 4 - 8:15 a.m.
September 12	Partesi Music Demonstration - 9:30 a.m.
September 18	Back to School Night/HSA Election of Officers - 7:30 p.m.
September 21	Catechetical Sunday - 9:00 a.m. Mass at Saint Joseph's Church (Students attend in uniform)
September 23	COED Uniform Exchange - 10:30 a.m.
October 11	PUMPKIN PATCH (school "fun"draiser)

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2008-09 SCHOOL CALENDAR

FIRST DAY PACKS

First Day Packs will be available for the first week of school for the reasonable fee of $20.00. Packs include a school box (K to 5) or a three ring binder (6 to 8), folders, spirals, pencils, pens, scissors, markers, crayons, or map pencils, glue sticks and a grade appropriate assignment book. Please call the school office at 973 731 3503 to pre-order a pack for your child.

CUB SCOUTS NEED YOU!

Our Cub Scout Program needs a Cub Master for the school year 2008-09. We also need leaders for Grade 1 and Grade 2 Dens. If you are interested in joining this enthusiastic group of boys and their parents, please contact Renee Hagan at (973)235-1744.

The Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy Advantage

For all students from Pre-K3 to Grade 8

A quality education in a Christ-centered environment
Religious and sacramental training for all students
World language program (Latin, Spanish, French)
Computer classes with controlled internet usage
Talented and Gifted program/Resource Room
EXCEL (Extended Care Enriching Learning)
Emphasis on math, science and writing
A challenging academic program
Secure and caring environment
Outstanding athletic program
Reasonable tuition

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION
CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE AT 973-731-3503

Building An Ark is a special program that you will find only at Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy. It is a community building project that includes all of our students from Grade 1 to Grade 8. Each teacher mentors a group of children made up of students from each grade in the school. Just like the animals going into Noah’s ark, our children come two by two from each grade.

First we form a prayer circle and begin, as we do each day, with a prayer. There is time for the students to discuss issues that are of interest to them and to seek support from their group members. Then each group plans a service activity to be accomplished sometime during the school year. They must decide what to do, determine the best way to publicize their endeavor, and if funds are needed, organize some mini-fundraiser to support their project. This is a wonderful way for our students to work cooperatively across grade levels to make a difference in our world.