Dear Parents,
For the first time ever, a team of SJB students competed virtually in the National Catholic Academic Junior High Decathlon. This one-day competition for Catholic school students in Grades 6–8 is designed to showcase their knowledge of fine arts, science, math, literature, Catholic doctrine, and more. Our SJB team included sixth grader Jorge Rodriguez and seventh graders Sophia Bernardez, Celine Salloum, Theresa Gove, and Harmony Rodriguez.
I am so proud to report that Celine Salloum took 2nd place and Theresa Gove took 4th place out of a field of 21 competitors! Celine will represent SJB on Sat, Mar 25 in the national Decathlon. All five students performed brilliantly under the direction of SJB resource teacher Mrs. Anne Iniguez. Congratulations to all on this very successful inaugural event!
Next week, ALL students will have a chance to shine! Every Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Phoenix will complete the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) starting Mon, Mar 27. This is the time for students to show how much they have grown academically over the past eight months. Our first-through-eighth graders will take the ITBS, and third- and sixth-graders will also take the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT). Students in Grades 1–8 have been preparing all school year for the spring ITBS. As always, no studying is necessary for these assessments; the best preparation is a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast.
Testing will begin immediately following 8:00am prayer and announcements; thus, please make sure your children are at school on time and refrain from scheduling morning appointments next week. It is important that ALL students are in attendance and on time Monday–Friday to ensure we stay on schedule and to allow every student to do their personal best. Thank you for your continued support.
Joyful Blessings,
Jamie Bescak, M.Ed., Principal