CARDINAL WEEKLY
Cardinal Weekly is the e-newsletter of St. John's Episcopal School. Published on Thursday afternoons throughout the academic year, it provides all-school announcements, information from each division, and updates on St. John's events and activities. For this week's news, please click on the appropriate section title below. We highly encourage you to read the All School section, so as not to miss important information and updates.
Additionally, you can click the button below to access the Parent Portal.
News for the Week of October 10
- All School
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Early Childhood Division
- Elementary Division
- Middle Division
- Church
- Cardinal Weekly Archives
All School
Cardinal Spirit at the Pep Rally
Elementary and Middle Division students, along with several Pre-K students, demonstrated their St. John's spirit at the first Pep Rally of the school year last Thursday. Fall Volleyball and Flag Football teams were recognized and applauded by fellow classmates. Student Council led a few NEW all school cheers, and students across each Division participated in friendly competitions. This event concluded with two teacher competitions that involved faces full of pie and a new version of volleyball. Pep rallies are a beloved student tradition that foster community spirit amongst our Cardinals. We are grateful to our Student Council for organizing such a fun afternoon in partnership with our teachers and staff. GO CARDINALS!
Fall Break! NO SCHOOL Tomorrow and Monday
School will be closed tomorrow, Friday, October 11 and Monday, October 14. Enjoy your Fall break! Wednesday, October 16 is a flip day. Students in K-8 will follow a Monday schedule.
Picture Days are Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30
Mark your calendars! School Picture Days will take place on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30. Please refer to your division-specific section of the Cardinal Weekly for more details and important information about Picture Day.
Elementary and Middle Division: Tuesday, October 29
Early Childhood: Wednesday, October 30
Calling All Dads: Football Fellowship TONIGHT
Join the SJES Dad's Club for a Football Mixer at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in RSM, TONIGHT. Kick-off starts at 5:15 p.m. Stop by anytime! No RSVP necessary; food and drink will be available for purchase. We hope to see you there!
Great California Shake Out: Campus Closed During Emergency Drill
Next Thursday, October 17, at 10:17 a.m., SJES will participate in California’s Great Shake Out Earthquake Drill. This full-scale earthquake simulation drill will give our students and faculty the opportunity to practice earthquake emergency response.
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Please note that during drills – as well as during true emergencies – the school campus will be closed until the drill/emergency is complete. The entire campus, including the main office, will be closed for business during the drill on October 17 from approximately 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
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All adults on campus at the time of the drill will be expected to participate.
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The drill will begin with children “ducking and covering” in their classrooms, before assembling on the field with their teachers until the drill is declared over.
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Please be assured that school staff will be responsive to the developmental sensitivity of each age group of students. Teachers will communicate clearly to all students that the event is just a drill, and not an actual emergency. This exercise is not meant to be intimidating; it is simply designed to prepare our community should a real earthquake occur.
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In preparation for an actual earthquake, please: 1) Talk to your child about your family plan for an emergency; 2) Keep your child’s emergency information in the Veracross Parent Portal updated with authorized pick up persons; 3) Tune your radio to KWVE 107.9 FM or 1110 AM for news reports that may have additional information during an actual emergency; and, 4) If your child requires medication, please contact the Health Office to be sure to have an adequate supply.
SpBOOKy Halloween in the Learning Commons!
All students and families are invited to join us in the Learning Commons right after the minimum day on Halloween! This annual event allows kids to “trick-or-treat” throughout the Learning Commons, where they can enjoy both candy and non-candy treats, participate in crafts, and listen to some spBOOKy stories with your Librarian, Mr. Stephens. Kick off Halloween with us at St. John’s on October 31, directly following each division’s half-day dismissal. We can’t wait to see you there!
An Update on Financial Aid for the 2025-2026 School Year
Financial Aid applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open on November 1, 2024. Please note that we will be requiring 2024 tax returns as a part of the application process. First round applications for Financial Aid are due February 14, 2025. For more information, please click here.
Trunk or Treat: Sunday, October 27
Please join the St. John’s Church and Community Lutheran along with St. John’s Episcopal School for a Spooktacular afternoon of fun and festivities at our annual Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click here to sign up to host a Trunk or Treat car or just come for the fun! Enjoy trick or treating, games, face painting, a costume parade, cake walk, crafts, food from the grill and more. Dress up in your costume or Halloween spirit best! All are welcome! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for this wonderful community event! For additional information or questions, please contact Nikki Trueman or Rebecca Swartz.
Change for Change Continues Throughout this Month
Change for Change is our annual October service-learning event. This year, Change for Change will support the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Santiago Hand Crew Fire Fund. Funds raised will support those injured in the accident on the 241 freeway on Thursday, September 19th on their way back from working at the Airport Fire. Collection Pumpkins will be placed in all Elementary and Middle classrooms and in the administrative offices in the Early Childhood Division, Elementary Division, and Middle Division. Additionally, Student Council will be outside at the front gates on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings or at the back carpool on Friday mornings with buckets to collect any change you may have. Thank you for your support!
Photo Call for Wall of Saints
Episcopalians believe that all who die in faith are saints. November 1 is All Saints’ Day, followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2, also known as Dia de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead.” At St. John’s, we remember all our friends and family who have died with our Ofrenda, the altar set up in the Columbarium of the church with traditional items such as marigolds, water, candles, and pan de muerto. We are collecting photographs of loved ones from our SJ community who have died to be added to our St. John’s Wall of Saints. Photos of family members or friends are welcome and should be brought to any division office or Mrs. Patti’s mailboxes no later than Monday, October 21. Photos should be no larger than 4”x 6” to be included and should only include those who we are remembering. Photos will not be returned as they are kept on the boards for use each year.
Please Label Your Items
This is a gentle reminder to please label all items that come to school. Please write your last name on the tag of all clothing items, inside lunch boxes, and on your child’s water bottle. We have a collection of clothing items, lunch boxes, and water bottles, many brand new, that are not labeled and therefore unclaimed. If you are missing an item, you can check the Lost and Found located in front of Hunsaker Hall.
Spirit Lunch (Parent Lunch) is Next Friday, October 18
The next Spirit Lunch is next Friday, October 18. If you did not place your order online by Monday, October 7 at Noon, please plan to pack your child(ren) a lunch that day as no Choice Lunch will be served. K-8 Parents are welcome to attend for their child(ren)'s designated lunch time. We ask that all parents adhere to check- in protocol at the front office upon arrival, and depart campus after their child(ren) finish their lunch. Students and parents are encouraged to wear Spirit Wear on this day (with uniform bottoms for K-8 students). Designated lunch times are as follows:
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K-1-2: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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3-4-5: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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6-7-8: 12:35 p.m. - 1:05 p.m.
New Arrivals in the Student Store this Week!
We received a new Youth jersey and Toddler spirit tee in The Student Store this week. Both of these styles have been HOT sellers right out of the gate! Shop online at sjesstudentstore.com or in person before they sell out!
October PTF Meeting Recap
Thank you to all our guest speakers, faculty, and parents who participated in Tuesday’s PTF meeting, both in-person and virtually. If you couldn’t make it, be sure to click here to read our meeting minutes so you’re apprised of all things SJES!
Athletics Updates
St. John's Boys Flag Football and Girls Volleyball season are well under way! Click here for updates from last week's games, as well as a look into upcoming games and matches. We always welcome Cardinals of all ages to come cheer on St. John's and show their support.
Upcoming Football Games
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5th Grade Boys – Thursday, October 10 at 3:30 p.m. vs. Stoneybrooke (Away)
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7th Grade Boys – Thursday, October 10 at 4:30 p.m. vs. Stoneybrooke (Away)
Upcoming Volleyball Games
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5th/6th Grade Girls – Thursday, October 10 at 3:30 p.m. vs. Mission Basilica (Away)
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7th/8th Grade Girls – Thursday, October 10 at 4:30 p.m. vs. Mission Basilica (Away)
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6th Grade Boys - Tuesday, October 15 at 3:30 p.m. vs. Stoneybrooke (at Home)
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8th Grade Boys - Tuesday, October 15 at 4:30 p.m. vs. Stoneybrooke (at Home)
Important Upcoming Dates
Early Childhood Division
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Friday, October 11
Monday, October 14
Thursday, October 17
Friday, October 18
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Elementary Division
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Thursday, October 10
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Friday, October 11
Monday, October 14
Wednesday, October 16
Thursday, October 17
Friday, October 18
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Middle Division
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Thursday, October 10
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Friday, October 11
Monday, October 14
Wednesday, October 16
Thursday, October 17
Friday, October 18
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Early Childhood Division
Pre-K students have been enjoying these sunny mornings! Mrs. Adame encourages students to practice communication skills and taking turns in an easy activity of bouncing the ball to each student and having them bounce it back to her before bouncing to the next student. In this exercise, students practice waiting patiently for their turn to catch the ball, coordination skills, and asking nicely to have the ball passed to them.
Early Childhood Division Picture Day is Coming Soon!
Picture Day is just around the corner. ECD students should wear school-appropriate attire.
Tuesday, October 29: ONLY 2-Day (Tuesday & Thursday) Students
Wednesday, October 30: 3-Day and 5-Day Students
Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was sent home yesterday, October 9 for all 3 & 5-Day students, and today, October 10 for 2-Day students. The ASQ is a developmental and social-emotional screening for children between the ages of 2 and 6 that is completed by the parent/guardian. This tool is designed to pinpoint developmental progress and catch delays in young children, paving the way for meaningful next steps in learning, intervention, or monitoring. Please complete the ASQ and return it to your child’s teacher no later than Friday, October 18.
Sensory Screenings Are October 21 (Must opt in)
Southern California Sensory Screening will be here Monday, October 21, to provide Preschool Health Assessments for Preschool and Pre-K children, ages 3 and older. Tests include hearing screening, vision screening, speech/language screening, and gross/fine motor screening. More information to come.
Save the Date! ECD Fall Festival: Thursday, October 31
Please join your child in some Fall-themed fun and games at our annual ECD Fall Festival, which will take place on Thursday, October 31 from 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. MWF students are invited to attend this fun-filled event with a parent or special guest. No siblings please. Non-scary Halloween costumes or accessories are encouraged. Please be on the lookout for an email from your room parent(s) with more information.
If you will be attending this event, please park on the street. The ECD parking lot is for drop off and pick up only. Lastly, this is a minimum day, with an 11:45 a.m. dismissal. Make sure to check your child out before leaving the ECD.
Elementary Division
Meet Your Upper Elementary Student Council
Introducing your 2024-25 Upper Elementary Student Council! Congratulations to Emma, Ethan, Natalie, Ayla, Spencer, Audrey, Preston, Lily S., Maco, Brecklyn, Bruce, Lily W., Curtis, Yara, Summer, and Benjamin!
Upper Elementary Division Grading Scale
In our transition from Achieve to Veracross, a minor error occurred when Tech Support imported the Upper Elementary Division grading scale system. Unfortunately, an incorrect grading system was put in place. We will be reverting to the original grading scale we have used for over a decade, consistent with our Parent and Student Handbook. Thank you for your understanding! Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Elementary Division Halloween Parade: Families Welcome!
Our Elementary and Middle Division students will participate in the Annual St. John’s Halloween Parade at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 31.
- Parents and families are welcome to come watch this fun event in the Parent Spectator Area of Reuland Field. (Click here for location details.) For safety reasons, we ask that all parents remain in the Parent Spectator Area. With so many students on the field at one time, it is essential that everyone stays in their designated areas.
- Please do not park in the St. John’s parking lot. Street parking is available. You may also park in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ parking lot at the end of Via Con Dios.
Thank you! We look forward to celebrating this fun event with you!
Halloween Costume Guidelines for Elementary Students
As Halloween approaches, we would like to share how St. John’s Elementary students may participate in this exciting time in a way that is safe, respectful, and aligned with our values. Please review the following carefully with your child. If you have any questions, please feel free to let us know. Students will be permitted to wear costumes to school on Thursday, October 31 (Minimum Day: 12:00 p.m. dismissal), as long as they adhere to the following Costume Guidelines linked here.
Elementary Picture Day Is Tuesday, October 29
Picture Day for Elementary Division students will be held on Tuesday, October 29. In addition to a big smile, Elementary students are reminded to wear their Formal Uniform, including their red sweaters. Please note the following Formal Uniform guidelines, which can also be found on page 92 of the Parent and Student Handbook.
- Red sweater with name embroidered (Boys and girls)
- White polo shirt or white Oxford shirt (Boys and girls)
- Navy or khaki shorts or pants (Boys and girls)
- Plaid jumper or plaid skort (Girls)
Monthly Enrichment Updates on the Parent Portal
Please visit the Veracross Parent Portal for the latest news of what’s happening in each of the enrichment classes. Our fabulous enrichment teachers will be posting monthly on their Veracross webpages about the interactive and engaging learning that is taking place! To view enrichment classes, follow the steps below:
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Login to the Parent Portal
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Click the Classes & Reports button under your child’s name
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Click on any of the Enrichment classes listed and you will be redirected to the enrichment class webpage for that specific course
Middle Division
Student Council Lead the Change for Change
In Student Council, our Middle Division leaders kicked off our all-school October Change for Change service-learning drive! Change for Change is a small act of kindness our school does every year. This year it hits differently when the cause is supporting pillars of our community.
Our Student Council Sports Commissioner, 8th Grader Samantha Stewart, believes giving back is important. She said, “Donating a small piece of change is a good deed because just the change out of your pocket can make a difference. St. John’s Episcopal School has always taught me that change will happen with simple acts of kindness. I know the change we are doing this month might be small, but I know it will have a large impact towards recovery for the Santiago Fire Fighters. As a member of Student Council, we felt that picking a cause that was so close to our hearts was the right choice. The fact that we can help our community makes me feel happy to be a part of this Cardinal Family!”
We teach our Middle Division students that change will only occur if they themselves take action. Our student leaders are leading that change! Thank you for the donations and we encourage you to continue to bring your change throughout the entire month of October. Small acts of kindness make a difference and together, with Student Council, we will make a larger impact on our own community!
Important Information About Halloween Festivities
Costume Guidelines for Middle Division Students
Happy Halloween! We look forward to seeing all our Middle Division Cardinals in their Halloween costumes on Thursday, October 31. For your student’s safety and for everyone’s enjoyment, please review the following Middle Division Costume Guidelines with your student, linked here.
Come Cheer On the Halloween Parade!
On October 31, St. John’s will have a Halloween Parade on Reuland Field from 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend. Please arrive early so that you have enough time to go through the check-in process.
- Parents and families are welcome to come watch this fun event in the Parent Spectator Area of Reuland Field. (Click here for location details.) For safety reasons, we ask that all parents remain in the Parent Spectator Area. With so many students on the field at one time, it is essential that everyone stays in their designated areas.
- Please do not park in the St. John's parking lot. Street parking is available. You may also park in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ parking lot at the end of Via Con Dios.
Thank you! We look forward to celebrating this fun event with you!
Dismissal is at 12:15 p.m.
As a reminder, October 31 is a Minimum Day, with Middle Division dismissal at 12:15 p.m.
Middle Division Picture Day: Tuesday, October 29
Picture Day for all Middle Division students is Tuesday, October 29. Please adhere to the Picture Day guidelines for Middle Division below.
EIGHTH GRADE
All eighth-grade students should wear a solid-color sweater or blouse with a uniform skirt, or a collared shirt, tie, and jacket or sweater with uniform shorts. If a student is wearing a jacket, please bring it on a hanger, and we will store it for them. To save time, we recommend students come to school dressed for pictures. If they choose, students may bring a school polo shirt to change into after getting their picture taken.
SIXTH AND SEVENTH GRADES
All sixth- and seventh-grade students should come to school dressed in their Formal Uniform (white Oxford shirt or white polo shirt) and Chapel sweater. If you have not yet received your Chapel sweater, we will have sweaters to borrow for pictures.
Students of the Week
Congratulations to our Student of the Week winners! Click on each name below to learn a little more about them!
8th grade: Teddy Heyming
7th grade: Christina Wilson
6th grade: Elena Huang
Cardinal Character Awards for October
In Middle Division, each month we recognize a 6th, 7th, and 8th grader who exemplify a specific Cardinal Character Trait. In October, the Physical Education teachers highlighted 3 students who show confidence in class. The Cardinal Character Trait for the month of October is "Confident”. A confident St. John’s student possesses a self-assured, bold mindset that fosters inner strength when faced with a variety of situations and challenges. Students received their award during CCT on Friday, October 4. Congratulations to our confident Cardinals: Mariana Garcia, Max Freeman, and Cristian Morales. Click here to read more about these confident Cardinals.
SMCHS Parent Information Night for Students in Grades 6-8
Santa Margarita Catholic High School is hosting a Parent Information Night at SJES. The event is scheduled for Monday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. in Siller’s Hall, Room 25. Interested families of current St. John’s sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students are encouraged to attend.
Student Support Times in Middle Division
Every Middle Division teacher has an assigned Student Support Time each week. Click here to view the schedule. This drop-in time is designated for students to meet with teachers to converse about topics taught, to discuss an upcoming absence, to follow up after an absence, or to receive additional help. Parents are encouraged to reach out to teachers individually via email should they have any questions or concerns, or to request a one-on-one meeting.
Middle Division Featured Athletes
Cooper Crandall, 8th grade
Cardinal Character Traits: Respectful and Confident
"Cooper Crandall has always been a team leader, on and off the field. In addition to being a great athlete, Cooper always displays good sportsmanship and is respectful to teammates and opponents. Cooper recently scored three touchdowns vs. OLF, securing the victory for his team.” - Coach
Izzy Lee, 7th Grade
Cardinal Character Traits: Confident
Izzy Lee is a natural leader on and off the court. She always brings a positive attitude and loves to see the bright side of every situation.
Church
Episcopal School Sunday
This past Sunday, St. John’s participated in the NAES Episcopal School’s Celebration at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service. The St. John’s Choir sang alongside student readers and acolytes in honor of this special day, followed by Acting Head of School, Sheryll Grogan, giving the homily. Thank you to Father Jerry, and to everyone involved in contributing to this most heartwarming and uplifting service.
Get Your Tickets! Roaring Twenties Fundraiser is Saturday, October 19
Step back in time to the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties at our spectacular fundraising gala! Join us on Saturday, October 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for an evening of jazz, decadence, and excitement featuring a live auction, a thrilling raffle, and a delectable dinner. With the ambiance of a bygone era and lively tunes to keep you dancing, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Don your finest flapper dress or dapper suit and be part of an unforgettable night that promises to be the bee's knees! Tickets are available online. We are excited to announce our live auction items.
Lunch with Bishop John Taylor and Kathy: Step into the heart of the Episcopal Diocese of LA with a private lunch! This exclusive experience includes a personalized tour of the diocese, where you’ll uncover its rich history and vibrant community.
Timeshare in Mexico: A week-long escape at a luxurious timeshare in Mexico! With six stunning locations to choose from, this package is perfect for two adults and two children seeking adventure and relaxation.
Sunset Yacht Cruise: Join us for an exclusive yacht cruise for eight, complete with delectable hors d’oeuvres and stunning views. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an evening of luxury on the waves!
Questions? Please reach out to Rebeca Mizejweski at rebecamizejewski@gmail.com.
Trunk or Treat: Sunday, October 27
Please join the St. John’s church and Community Lutheran along with St. John’s Episcopal School for a Spooktacular afternoon of fun and festivities at our annual Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Click here to sign up to host a Trunk or Treat car or just come for the fun! Enjoy trick or treating, games, face painting, a costume parade, cake walk, crafts, food from the grill and more. Dress up in your costume or Halloween spirit best! All are welcome! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for this wonderful community event! For additional information or questions, please contact Nikki Trueman or Rebecca Swartz.
Cardinal Weekly Archives
Previous editions of Cardinal Weekly are available via the links below.
2024-25
- October 3, 2024
- September 26, 2024
- September 19, 2024
- September 12, 2024
- September 5, 2024
- August 29, 2024
- August 22, 2024
- August 15, 2024
- August 8, 2024
- August 1, 2024
- July 25, 2024
2023–24
- June 6, 2024
- May 30, 2024
- May 23, 2024
- May 16, 2024
- May 2, 2024
- April 25, 2024
- April 18, 2024
- April 11, 2024
- March 28, 2024
- March 21, 2024
- March 14, 2024
- March 7, 2024
- February 29, 2024
- February 22, 2024
- February 15, 2024
- February 8, 2024
- February 1, 2024
- January 25, 2024
- January 18, 2024
- January 11, 2024
- December 14, 2023
- November 30, 2023
- November 16, 2023
- November 9, 2023
- November 2, 2023
- October 26, 2023
- October 19, 2023
- October 12, 2023
- October 5, 2023
- September 28, 2023
- September 21, 2023
- September 14, 2023
- September 7, 2023
- August 31, 2023
- August 24, 2023
- August 17, 2023
- Summer Edition: August 3, 2023