News and Events
SJS Nominated in the National Blue Ribbons Schools Program
St. Joseph School has been nominated in the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. This program recognizes public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at very high levels and/or where the achievement gap is narrowing. St. Joseph applied to the Program as a high achieving school. The Program is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices.
SJS went through a rigorous application process through the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) and was selected by CAPE to be among only 50 private schools nationwide to continue its application in the Blue Ribbon Program for consideration. In February 2012, St. Joseph school will send its application on the Department of Education for final review.
This honor is a wonderful validation of the high level of achievement our SJS students, faculty, and families strive for at all times.
The final award announcement will be made in September 2012.
St. Joseph Middle School Students take Top Honors at Gifted and Talented Forensics Competition
The NJ Consortium for Gifted and Talented hosted a Forensics Tournament in Interpretive Reading Thursday, November 17, at the Black River Middle School, Chester. Students from St. Joseph School in Mendham brought home first place trophies for both the junior varsity and varsity competitions.
Varsity students (left to right): Victoria Annen of Mendham, Sarah Cawley of Long Valley, Richard Imossi and Sophie Henderson, both of Gladstone, and Kelly Banko of Flanders. Individually, Banko won third place, Cawley brought home a finalist trophy, and Annen was named honorable mention.
Fifth and sixth grade students competing on the junior varsity team (left to right): Olivia Vizzini of Chester, Meaghan Imossi of Gladstone, Kelly Guiltinan of Chester, Marguerite Munley of Mendham, and Maximillian Shepard of Mendham. Individually, Meaghan Imossi won first place, Guiltinan took second, and both Munley and Vizzini were given honorable mention.
“Boxes of Love” Delivers the True Spirit of Christmas to Local Children in Need
During the month of December, students at St. Joseph School were challenged to earn money to be used toward the purchase of small toys and craft items. The children then “shopped” at school to fill 140 shoeboxes to overflowing. On December 9th, the Eighth Grade helped Santa to deliver the “Boxes of Love” to preschoolers in Paterson, NJ who cherished their treasures as some of the few gifts they would receive for Christmas. The Eighth Graders also read stories, did a holiday craft and sang carols with the enthusiastic preschoolers.
St. Joseph School Wins 8th Consecutive
GIL Soccer Champship
For the eighth consecutive year, the St. Joseph School Soccer Team claimed victory in the Grammar Independent League (GIL) Soccer championships. The co-ed team consisting of students in grades 5 through 8 capped off its 2011 season with a 1-0 double overtime victory against a strong team from Our Lady of Sorrows (South Orange). Edward Guiltinan scored off of a direct kick from Matthew Douglas with just over two minutes remaining in the second overtime. St. Joseph had earlier defeated St. Cassian (Montclair) in the semi-finals by a 2-0 score. Goals in that game were scored by Nick Anselmi and Matt Douglas. Strong defense was the key to both victories. The defense was anchored by Alec Barone, Daniel Connolly, Gemma Henderson, Sophie Henderson and Luke Anselmi in goal. The team was lead throughout the season by their 8th graders: Luke Anselmi, Nick Anselmi, Edward Guiltinan, Gemma Henderson, Kelly Banko, Bridget Ruvane and Ryan Liska.
Jubilant St. Joseph School Eighth Graders receive the First Place trophy for the 2011 GIL Soccer Season. From Left, front row, Kelly Banko, Edward Guiltinan, Bridget Ruvane and Gemma Henderson. Back row, Asst. Coach Paul Stauder, Nick Anselmi, Asst. Coach Stephen Liska, Ryan Liska, Luke Anselmi, and Head Coach Scott Douglas.
St. Joe’s Takes Grammar Independent League Volleyball Championship
The SJS Varsity team ended its volleyball season as the 2011 GIL Champions. After beating Our Lady of Peace of New Providence in two straight, 25-8 and 25-18, in the semifinal match to advance to the championship finals, they beat Good Shepherd Academy of Irvington 25-11, 22-25 and 25-6. The second game of the championship match was the only game the Varsity team lost during the entire season, going 23-0 in match play and 59-1 in games. The St. Joseph School JV Volleyball team took second place in the same tournament, losing in the finals to Good Shepherd Academy Irvington.
