Dear Parents,

NOTE: No Bulldog Bite next Friday due to Fall Break/Diocesan In-service. The next Bite will be sent on Fr, Oct 13.

I am looking forward to our 22nd Annual SJB Gala tomorrow night! However, if you cannot join us in person, rest assured that you can still participate in the Online Silent Auction.

Dear Parents,

We have reached the midpoint of the first trimester. Today, parents of students in grades K–8 will receive a progress report via email. This report offers a glimpse into your child's performance during the initial six weeks of the school year. It also serves as a reminder that there are approximately six more weeks available for students and parents to enhance or sustain their current grades before the grading period concludes and report cards are distributed on Tuesday, November 7.

Dear Parents,

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Girl Scouts for leading the Patriot Day flag-raising ceremony and to the Student Council for their reverent prayer service to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Gathering our entire school community in front of the school for this solemn occasion was a touching and meaningful experience. Together we joined in prayer and reflection honoring the memory of those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

Dear Parents,

Next week — Monday, September 11 to Friday, September 15 — benchmark testing sessions are scheduled. These assessments encompass Acadience (formerly known as DIBELS) and Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and provide teachers vital data on your child’s academic growth. Please understand the significance of punctuality and regular attendance during this week.

Dear Parents,

We would kindly appreciate everyone following the parking lot rules to ensure the safety of our community and facilitate traffic flow. Thank you for using patience and care as you navigate through the parking lot each day. Please do not drop your children off in the north parking lot. According to our Parent/Student Handbook, students must be walked to the front gate or classroom to ensure their safe arrival to the school grounds. If you are in a hurry to get to and from school, consider utilizing our efficient valet carpool service. 

Dear Parents,

Last week was bustling with students settling into their daily routines of centers, lessons, group projects, and homework. It's no surprise that they likely return home quite tired and hungry after putting in so much effort. As I go through my routine visits to classrooms (definitely the highlight of my day!), I witness bright smiles, the blossoming of friendships, and the sounds of joyful laughter. It's evident that these children are enjoying their time at school.

Dear Parents,

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Daniel Aguilar, affectionately known as "Mr. Daniel," for his dedicated years of service as the custodian at St. John Bosco Catholic School. His unwavering commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment has not gone unnoticed, and his positive impact on both staff and students is immeasurable. As he embarks on new journeys, his presence will be greatly missed, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

The first school week was truly fantastic! Thanks to our incredible Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), our students arrived on campus and were greeted by balloons and a festive backdrop perfect for picture-taking. Fr. James and I were filled with joy as we welcomed every student and their families through the glorious gates of SJB. 

We hope you will join us tomorrow (Saturday) at 6:30pm for our Back-to-School BBQ hosted by our PTO, Dads’ Club, St. Benedict Parish, and the Fr. Bob Binta Knights of Columbus. Free food, music, games, face painting, and a dunk tank will be provided for all to enjoy. This event will be held outside in the courtyard and in the MPR. 

Throughout the past week, we have experienced a profound sense of faith, togetherness, and enthusiasm as we make final preparations for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Beginning with morning Mass celebrated by our own Fr. James, our dedicated faculty and staff participated in a full-day, interactive religious retreat at Corpus Christi Church led by Sr. Mary Beverly of the Diocese of Phoenix. The rest of the week was jam-packed with various trainings including a thorough review of school guidelines, updated technology features, comprehensive instruction in the NEW English Language Arts curriculum, sessions in Teach for Transformation (DWP), and updated school safety protocol. On top of all that, teachers have been diligently setting up their classrooms in anticipation of Monday’s big event!

Dear Parents,

I hope you're enjoying the remaining weeks of summer vacation with your children! I've noticed that many stores have started stocking school supplies, so please take a moment to review your child's grade level school supply list. It's important to ensure they have everything they need before the first day of school.

I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of our "new parents" next Wednesday, July 26, at 5:30pm for New Family Night. This event is designed to help our new parents understand how the first few days of school work, provide information on ordering lunches and purchasing uniforms, introduce them to members of our parent leadership team, and explain how SJB makes Catholic Education affordable. Please note that this is a parent-only event specifically for parents new to SJB this year.

Greetings to all! I sincerely hope you are enjoying the summer and creating precious memories with your loved ones. On behalf of the esteemed faculty and staff at Saint John Bosco Catholic School, it gives me great pleasure to announce preliminary details regarding the upcoming 2023-24 school year.

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of not only our returning students but also 80+ new students as we warmly welcome them into our school community. I am delighted to announce that our enrollment has surpassed 435 students and continues to climb while maintaining a commendable 25:1 student-to-teacher ratio in grades K–8.

Dear Parents,

As we reach the end of another remarkable school year at St. John Bosco Catholic School, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and involvement in our vibrant community.

I am grateful for our exceptional teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to provide an outstanding education and adapt to new ways of teaching and learning. Their unwavering commitment to our students' well-being and academic success has been truly remarkable.

Dear Parents,

Today we celebrated our annual Recognition Mass for students recently receiving the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation at their respective parishes. These students are to be commended as they led our school Mass with humility and reverence. Although primarily third-graders, students from various grade levels were conferred these sacraments of initiation by Bishop Dolan and our own Fr. James.

I would like to thank Mrs. Samantha Monarrez and Miss Laura Jean Curley for diligently preparing each student for these important sacraments and building a solid foundation for their faith journey. And thank you to our second-grade moms for organizing and hosting the beautiful reception following Mass.

Dear Parents,

Today, our eighth-grade students marked the end of their time at Saint John Bosco Catholic School with a final Mass and consecration to Blessed Mary. The ceremony was a beautiful and fitting conclusion to their time at SJB. Afterward, the entire student body lined the courtyard to cheer the eighth graders during our traditional "clap-out" as they exited the school gates for the last time.

Later in the day, we will celebrate these students at the annual Eighth Grade Awards Banquet and Dance at the Foothills Golf Club, where we will recognize their achievements during their years at St. John Bosco.

Dear Parents,

As a Catholic school, we have the distinct honor of welcoming our students into the greater faith community by providing them with sacramental preparation as part of our curriculum. Sunday, April 23, Most. Rev. Bishop John Dolan presided over the St. Benedict Catholic Church Mass and conferred the sacraments of First Holy Eucharist and Confirmation upon our students.

The following week, our own Fr. James Aboyi conferred these same sacraments upon students belonging to Corpus Christi Catholic Church and presided over the Mass.