St. John the Beloved School Annual Report 2016 - 2017
St. John the Beloved School 905 Milltown Rd. • Wilmington, DE 19808 www.sjbdel.org MIDDLE STATES Accredited
NCEA Member
AMLE MEMBER
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY, SERVICE, WORSHIP!
“Come, Holy Spirit”
Class of 2017 Our Mission
MISSION STATEMENT
The MISSION of St. John the Beloved School is to teach and model the Gospel of Jesus Christ, foster academic excellence, and encourage service to others.
BELIEF STATEMENTS
1. We believe that Reverence, Respect and Responsibility are the foundations of our Catholic School.
2. We believe that the whole child will be developed spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially.
3. We believe that the academic and Catholic religious formation of our students is a shared responsibility among the home, the school and the parish.
4. We believe that the diverse academic needs of students are met in a rich learning environment with a challenging curriculum and dedicated teachers.
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August 2017
Dear Staff, Students, Families & Friends of Saint John the Beloved School,
As Saint John the Beloved School is beginning to celebrate our 60th year of existence, we present this Annual Report. The enclosed data is important to measure the well being of our school. Fortunately, it is very healthy.
More important is the fact that our school is recognized at many levels as truly a Catholic School; passing down the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our families, parishioners and friends make sacrifices to enable this to occur and, most often, reap the goodness in the world around them.
What makes our school unique is the fact that we blend quality education with moral fidelity. More than the solid basics, Catholic Education establishes a spiritual fabric that is essential for the diversity of life.
The past year was wonderfully rooted in Jesus. This coming year, we look to His mother as the first disciple who followed Him. “To Jesus through Mary” is a guaranteed path that our school aspires to follow. Together, we can meet this end. May the continued blessings of our parochial school enhance the world.
God Bless You!
Rev. Joseph J. Piekarski
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St. John the Beloved School Serving 4 year old Early Childhood through 8th Grade 905 Milltown Rd. • Wilmington, DE 19808 • 302-998-5525 A Catholic school in the Franciscan Tradition. www.sjbdel.org
September 2017
Dear Friends,
Indeed, St John the Beloved has been blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit for over 50 years. The spirit of God has been the guiding force of our school. Because of this reliance on the Holy Spirit, our school has continued to change, adapt, and grow to meet the needs of the children placed in our care.
We are blessed with a stable enrollment. We have the finest resources to offer a quality program. Our children are successful. When they leave us, they are prepared for high school. All of this happens because of the tremendous work and support of our children, their parents, our parish, and our faculty and staff.
As you read and page through our Annual Report, you will see first
hand our blessings as well as the guiding force of the Holy Spirit.
Our school was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. We are in the
top 15% of schools in the nation. This did not happen by chance.
Because we are always changing, always renewing, and always
searching for new ways to instruct our children, and our school
quality are the reasons for this great honor. Thank you for your continued prayers and support for the success of our mission to teach and model the Gospel of Jesus Christ, foster academic excellence, and encourage service to others.
Peace and Joy,
Richard D. Hart
Principal
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Highlights Accomplishments 2016 - 2017
CATHOLIC IDENTITY CURRICULUM Celebrated monthly liturgies Recognized as National Blue Ribbon Prepared second grade for First School 2016 Communion Adopted the new Terranova testing Celebrated First Reconciliation & program – 2nd to 8th grade Communion for second grade Emphasis placed on Step Up to Spotlighted a student choir and band Writing Program school wide for liturgies Expanded Spanish Program Participated in the Faculty Retreat Instituted an in-depth memorization Day program for multiplication in grades Created a retreat experience for our three through five sixth, seventh, and eighth grades Google Doc school Instructed Kindergarten in prayer All updated Curriculum has online assisted by their eighth grade buddies component Recited the Rosary in October and My Math program grades 2-5 May as a school community Wonders Reading 6th grade Participated in the Stations of the Cross New Spanish Books 8th grade during Lent Vocabulary Workbooks grade 3 Eighth grade performed Living Stations 1:1 Chromebooks 6th – 8th grades School community honored Mary by Chrome Book Carts grades 3-5 participating in a traditional May Additional iPads for primary grades Crowning Expanded Reading Assist Students participated in a monthly service Employed Instructional Coach – Mrs. project that benefited various Ryan Organizations Established weekly Activity Period Franciscan Award at eighth grade for Middle School graduation Peacemaker awards awarded each FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS trimester to those who model our Remodeled library circulation desk Franciscan Values Enlarged playground Continued support to our sister school with Neighbors to Nicaragua MAINTENANCE Participated in Diocesan Pilgrimage Stripped and waxed all floors Initiated school wide service requirements Area Carpets Cleaned Asbestos Inspections Detailed Student Bathrooms
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH Celebrated the life and retirement of Raised over $8,500.00 for various 3 teachers Charities including Special Olympics, Twenty-five 8th grade students Little Sisters of the Poor, Family received U.S. President’s Award for Promise, & Neighbors to Nicaragua Educational Excellence Easter Baskets for Ministry of Caring Honors Awards and Breakfast of Raised money for John Paul II school Champions in Nicaragua Memorial donations made to recently HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION/ deceased members of our school EDUCATION COMMITTEE family Finances the following after school Raised over $45,000.00 during the programs: Italian Club, Science Bi-Annual Bid-A-Mania. Explorers, Math Leagues, Science Olympiads, Bricks for Kidz, It’s STUDENT ACTIVITIES, ATHLETICS Academic, Jr. and Sr. Chess Club, EXTENDED CARE & SUMMER Cookings Cool, Discover your Palette SCHOOL Coordinates Recess Volunteers Hosted Art Fairs in January and April Breakfast with Santa and Santa’s Received first and/or second place by Secret Workshop several athletic teams in all sports Bid-A-Mania Fourth grade hosted Career Week Grade Level Socials Annual Christmas concert K – 3rd Father/Daughter Dance with school Choir and Drama Dept. Mother/Son Jump Middle School trips for Character Family Night Bingo Education/Leadership & Team- Multiple Business Take-Overs Building Bricks for Kidz PARENT PARTNERSHIP Band Recognition – Jazz Fest at U of Special Persons Week DE, Superior Performance at the Coffee and Conversation with the National Catholic Band Association Principal at Villanova 4th grade Career Week Soccer Shots Spring Concert salute to Disney
TECHNOLOGY Lap Tops for Grade 8 IPADS – ECP through 2nd grade Upgraded technology curriculum School Messenger Broadcast System Web-based curriculum for Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading & Vocabulary Smart Boards in all classrooms
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITIONS Received acceptances of all Graduates into a High School of their choice 31 students received forty-one scholarships to various High Schools
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Our History Celebrating over 50 years of Catholic Education
In 1953, after two years of searching for a desirable site, his Excellency Bishop E. J. Fitzmaurice and Monsignor John J. Lynch decided to purchase a nine acre farm on Milltown Road, which included a nine room house. Boundaries for the proposed parish were loosely drawn up and some 500 families began congregating at the armory on Kirkwood Highway for Sunday service. Bishop Fitzmaurice appointed Rev. John J. Sheehy, the founding pastor of the parish, to select a new name for the community, to organize a building program and to establish various parish committees. During this time, a contract for the design of the school was confirmed.
Construction began in the summer of 1956 and in August 1957, seven Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia moved into their new home and began preparations for students to enter their new school. On September 4, 1957, Sister M. Eutropia, the grade school principal, along with four sisters and four lay teachers, opened the doors to approximately 500 students. The school at this time was a nine classroom structure.
With time and the expansion of surrounding suburbia, St. John the Beloved’s much heralded school became increasingly crowded. Enrollment increased from 500 in 1957 to 940 in 1963, requiring the scheduling of split academic sessions, under the principalship of Sister Edward Augustine, OSF. To meet the demands of this growth a new junior school was built and on September 6, 1964, it opened to provide much needed classroom space.
In its first 15 years of growth, St. John’s experienced many clergy changes; the second and third pastors respectively were the Rev. Alex Gorski and the Rev. Monsignor John H. Dewson, and the third principal was Sister M. Synesia, OSF. Later, in 1971, Sister M. Rita Thomas, OSF, assumed the principalship of the school and introduced updated teaching methods in reading and mathematics. In 1974, the new church was built. The fulfillment of a promise made to the parishioners since 1955 was realized on December 21, 1976 with the dedication of the church. Shortly afterwards, in the spring of 1978 the Rev. Daniel W. Gerres became St. John’s fifth pastor and in the fall, Sister Patricia Hutchison, OSF, assumed principalship of the school. The school’s population continued to increase and once again in 1983, the need was recognized to enlarge the school. With the help of Rev. Gerres and Sister Hutchison, and the aid of the parish council, plans to renovate the
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existing junior and senior school were developed. Under these plans, an extension was to be built in the vacant areas between the two schools thus joining the educational buildings. The extension would house a new library/media center, two small reading centers, a religious education center, the principal’s office and multi-purpose office. The previous library would now become the much needed computer center. At the same time, other facilities were remodeled and/or relocated. The new building was approved by both the Parish Council and Bishop Mardaga. Construction began in the winter of 1983 and was completed by the fall of 1984 when Sister Ursula Tisdall, OSF, assumed principalship of the junior and senior schools.
In 1985, the school’s Long Range Planning Committee was established to promote development of the school. The goal of the committee was to provide for the future needs of the school in such areas as: budgeting, maintenance, funding, public relations and development. In 1986, the Christian Formation committee was established. The task of this committee was to promote and review educational policies and programs that support total Catholic education. Another milestone was reached in 1987-88 with the completion of the Middle States process for school certification. Both faculty and administration made this process a reality.
In the fall of 1987, the Rev. John Kavanaugh became our parish’s sixth pastor. In September 1988, Sister Elizabeth Doyle, OSF assumed principalship of the junior and senior schools. In January 1989, the school was granted full accreditation. A Development Committee was also formed in 1989 to meet the long-range educational needs of St. John the Beloved so that the parish could continue to provide quality spiritual and educational enrichment that would not be cost prohibitive for its parishioners.
Mrs. Joanne Capodanno became the principal in 1994. The 1998-99 school year brought more changes to the school. The Eagles Club, an after-school extended day program, opened its doors in September 1998. The process for the Middle States Certification was undertaken in the fall of 1998 and reaccreditation was given in the spring of 1999. The computer lab was upgraded with new computers and a technology committee was formed. The building was also wired to provide access to the Internet.
Rev. Charles Brown III was installed as the seventh pastor of St. John the Beloved Parish in the fall of 2005. Mr. Richard Hart assumed principalship in 2008. St. John the Beloved School received its reaccreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools during the 2008-09 school year.
2010 brought the expansion of our school with the addition of a separate building to house our new Early Childhood and Kindergarten Programs. This also provided space for our new Art, Faculty, and Multi-purpose meeting rooms. The Nurse’s Room, Music Classroom and the Teachers’ Work Room have also been renovated. On January 30, 2010, Fr. Charlie Brown was bestowed with the Papal Honor of Chaplain to His Holiness and became Monsignor Charles L. Brown III, V.F.
June 2012 found St. John the Beloved in a pastoral transition. Msgr. Charles Brown retired after 41 years of service. He served 6 of those years here at St. John the Beloved. The Computer Lab was completely renovated – including all computers and servers.
In June 2012, Reverend William Cocco was installed as eighth pastor of St. John the Beloved.
2013 brought 2 new priests to our parish, Fr. Etim and Fr. Brian Lewis.
The Rectory office moved to the Vianney house in 2014 and Fr. William Cocco was transferred to St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware at the end of the school year. We welcomed Fr. Joseph Piekarski as pastor at St. John the Beloved Parish in July of 2015.
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Choir
The Eagles Club
Programs & Services Living our Mission Beyond the Classroom
Extended Care – The Eagles Club
During the academic year St. John the Beloved’s The Eagles Club Extended Care Program is designed to meet the needs of school families by offering after school care until 6:00 p.m. The program offers a nurturing environment where children can be safely supervised while completing their homework, eating nutritious snacks, and enjoying age- appropriate games and activities.
Athletics • Choir • Student Council • Band
All our children have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports programs through CYM (Catholic Youth Ministry): girl’s volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, soccer, softball, track and cross country; boy’s football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, cross country, track, and baseball. This year several teams placed either first or second in their division. Athletics had a great year! St. John the Beloved also offers instrumental band and a student Choir. Student Council is made up of students from all grades under the supervision of mentors Mrs. Sharon Magee and Mrs. Diwanna Walus. They host several events including Open Houses, Middle States visits, and the school Spirit Assembly. The Student Council prepares and presents our daily televised morning announcements. They raised over $8,500.00 for various charities this year.
Kitchen and Lunch Service
Aramark offers lunch service to our families. On a daily basis, students have the option of purchasing nutritious complete meals at lunch. The menu changes monthly and families can view the menu a month in advance.
Student Council Officers
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NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON 2016
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NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON 2016
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Graduates
Instruments of Peace Number of Catholic High Schools Graduates Class of 2017 16 St. Mark’s High School St. John the Beloved School sent off sixty-three 13 Salesianum School graduates of the Class of 2017. Our graduates apply to and attend a variety of Catholic & Public 8 Padua Academy High Schools throughout Wilmington. All of our 3 Archmere Academy graduates achieved entrance into a high school of their choice and have truly emerged to exceed all 1 St. Elizabeth High School expectations. 42 or 67%, of our graduates are 1 Ursuline Academy attending Catholic school while 21, or 33%, are Number of Graduates Public /Charter High Schools attending public or charter high schools. 5 Charter School of Wilmington
5 Delaware Military Academy 31 of our graduates achieved a total of forty-one High School scholarships. 2 Hodgson Vo-Tech 1 Appoquinamink High School Number of 1 Cab Calloway Scholarship/ Scholarship/High School Grant 1 Conrad Schools of Science Winners 1 First State Military Academy 3 Archmere Academy 1 Sanford
8 Padua Academy 1 St. Georges Technical High School 1 Tatnall School 6 Salesianum 1 Unionville High School 1 St. Elizabeth High School 1 Wilmington Christian 22 St. Mark’s High School
1 Sanford
25 of our graduates received the Presidential
Award for Educational Excellence.
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GRADUATE PROFILE Graduates exhibit a strong foundation in the Catholic faith that is based on a deepening relationship with Jesus.
Graduates practice the values of Reverence, Respect and Responsibility to inform choices in their lives and continue to model Franciscan values in order to lead a moral life.
Graduates continue to be sensitive to others in need and to participate in service-related opportunities locally and globally.
Graduates recognize the privilege and value of their education; they utilize their skills to lead and to collaborate with others.
Graduates continue to participate in the supportive and caring community at St. John the Beloved in order to grow and to benefit from its strength.
Graduates become examples of Christian leaders who are confident and who have the courage to “think out of the box”.
CLASS OF 2017
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Class of 2017 St. John the Beloved School
School Administration Financial Statements August 31, 2017
St. John the Beloved School maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are executed in accordance with the Diocesan policy.
Rev. Joseph Piekarski Richard D. Hart Pastor, St. John the Beloved Principal, St. John the Beloved School
Revenues
Expenses
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Capital Student Expenses Services 1% 8% Fixed Charges 20% Personnel/ Operation of Instruction Facility 59% 6% Administration 6% St. John the Beloved School
Financial Statements
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St. John the Beloved School
Financial Statements
August 30, 2017 General Information St. John the Beloved School is a private non-profit elementary catholic school providing Pre-school through eighth grade elementary education. In addition to providing an elementary education, St. John the Beloved also provides an Extended Care program and collaborates with catholic youth organization and various organizations for seasonal athletic events and sponsors various fundraising events. St. John the Beloved School is affiliated with St. John the Beloved Parish and operates under the control of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. St. John the Beloved School is accredited from the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fund Classification The financial statements have been prepared using a single set of self-balancing accounts. Funds collected under restriction are segregated from those funds with no restrictions. The fiscal year begins on July 1st and ends June 30. School Equipment & Improvements School equipment and property improvements are stated at cost. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications were made to conform to the Diocesan Financial Guidelines in preparing the 2010 financial statements. Accordingly, report classifications may vary with those in the annual School Financial Report submitted to the diocese.
School Equipment and Improvements School Equipment and property improvements are stated at cost:
2017 2016 School Equipment $ 5,816 $ 3,345 Technology 29,696 50,020 Property Improvements 50,687 39,755 Total $ 86,199 $ 93,120
Statement of changes in the Restricted Fund Balance Balance Restricted Released Balance Donation at Donations from at Donor Restricted for: June 2016 collected Restrictio Earnings June 2017 n Academic Development Fund Improvement $ 308,397 $ 50,940 $ 35,000 $ 20,523 $ 344,860
TOTAL $ 308,397 $ 50,940 $ 35,000 $ 20,523 $ 344,860
St. John the Beloved Development Annual Fund
The Annual Fund was established in 1989 with the idea of raising approximately one million dollars to be kept in an endowment fund. The goal of the fund is to sustain and improve the school. The funds are raised through the generosity of parents, parishioners, and alumni. Most of the funds were raised from annual Phone-a-thons. The fund is an interest-bearing one that will not decrease in value, is tax deductible and is administered by the school and parish only. We are happy to report that at the completion of our 2016-17 Campaign, 202 pledges were received with a total collection of $ 6,802.00. Company matching gifts were a part of this total. Thank you to everyone who participated. May God bless you for your generous spirit!
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2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
567 571 569
# Children 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
1 5,929.00 6,446.00 6,516.00
2 10,384.00 10,901.00 11,727.00
3 13,310.00 13,838.00 15,636.00
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Partners in our Mission
Fun & Fitness Walk-A-Thon The Home and School Association along with the Education Committee hosts this event. This will be our 5th Walk-A-Thon. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for the educational needs of the teachers at St. John the Beloved School, as well as to build awareness among student about the importance of health and fitness Menu for Success You’re invited! Coffee Conversations with the Principal are scheduled for November 8th at 7:45, 1:00 & 6:30 and February 21st at 7:45 and 1:00. This is an open forum to discuss issues that will further the education and well being of our students. Honor Assemblies The Breakfast of Champions and the Honors Luncheon are celebrated at the conclusion of the first and second trimesters. Family Time Father/Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Jump, Family Night Bingo and Family Movie Night are just some of the fun activities for our families.
Visit our website at www.sjbdel.org to access our calendar and newsletters or please call us at 302-998-5525 ext. 200 for more information.
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Green Screen Pets Home & School Association/ Enhancement Association
St. John the Beloved’s Home and School Association & Enhancement Association
The goals of Saint John the Beloved’s Home and School Association and Education Committee are the following:
to support the Catholic education of all children of SJB to promote shared educational responsibilities of parents and teachers to organize the varied talents of parishioners and others in the community to contribute to the school financially as appropriate.
The 2016-17 Home and School Board members are: Fr. Joseph Piekarski, Pastor Mr. Richard Hart, Principal Kristina Santoro, President Melissa Verlander, Vice-President Michele Kane, Secretary Shannon Protas, Treasurer One Home Room Representative from each class
Both Boards oversee various activities each year and raise funds to support these activities. These activities include: Coordination of Recess Duty Volunteers, Various Faculty Appreciation Activities, New Family and Kindergarten Picnic, Spirit Wear, Student Themed Contests, Spirit Rally, 8th Grade versus Faculty Volleyball Game, Breakfast of Champions, Breakfast with Santa, Santa's Secret Workshop, Chess Club, Science Olympiad, Math League, Bricks for Kidz, Cooking’s Cool, Summer Reading Books,Co-Sponsor of The Wild and Wacky Walk-a-Thon, After School Programs, Bid-a-Mania and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk.
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USO Fundraiser
Penn Relays
Cheerleaders
S J B st 1 Day of School
Rocky Bullwinkle
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Advanced Band Easter Basket Blessing with Deacon Fontana
Dream It…Believe It…Achieve It… Walk-A-Thon
Girls Basketball Champs
Phillie Phanatic and the Class of 2017
Science Experiments
DigiGirl z
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Students Achieving Excellence
All students in grades two through eight participate in yearly Terra Nova testing. These tests are nationally- normed achievement tests that measure progress in Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. Additionally, all children complete In View tests for cognitive skills. Students in grades four and seven also complete a writing assessment. Our students consistently meet or exceed all national standards. The Superintendent of schools holds sessions with parents and faculty members to explain our yearly score averages to families. Assessment drives instruction. Standardized Tests Classroom Assessments snapshot of skills portfolio of skills One-time feedback Continuous feedback Multiple choice Multiple formats Standard questions Choice of questions Specific time limit Flexible time limits Objective Objective/subjective No self assessment Self-assessment Measures prior knowledge Measures application and transfer
There are two types of Standardized Tests: Aptitude and Achievement. Aptitude tests are designed to predict a student’s potential acquisition of knowledge/skills by using InView. Achievement tests measures a student’s current acquired knowledge/skills in one or more content areas using TerraNova. Achievement tests that are standard format, questions, instructions and time allotment are Standardized Tests. Standardized Tests are used for needs assessment, curriculum analysis, instructional program planning, program evaluation and class grouping.
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National Percentile Scale National Norm – 50th percentile 1 5 1 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 99 average range These test results were compiled from March 2017. (+/- shows points above national average for SJB students.)
GRADE READ LANG. MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL SPELLING TOTAL
CMPS. CMPS. CMPS. STUDIES SCORE
2ND SCORED 80 (+30) 69 (+19) 83 (+33) 72 (+22) 67 (+17) 73 (+23)
ANTICIPATED 78 N/A 74 67 70 68 78
DIOCESE 81 79 78 81 74 79
3RD SCORED 81 (+31) 79 (+29) 69 (+19) 76 (+26) 84 (+34) 75 (+25) 80 (+30)
ANTICIPATED 84 80 77 74 77 69 82
DIOCESE 81 80 76 80 79 70 79
** 4TH SCORED 84 (+34) 82 (+32) 79 (+29) 84 (+34) 80 (+30) 68 (+18) 84 (+34)
ANTICIPATED 79 79 77 74 74 67 81
DIOCESE 83 81 73 76 80 70 82
5TH SCORED 88 (+38) 84 (+34) 92 (+42) 81 (+31) 82 (+32) 70 (+20) 87 (+87)
ANTICIPATED 88 86 87 79 82 75 87
DIOCESE 84 82 82 76 77 71 82
6TH SCORED 87 (+37) 86 (+36) 85 (+35) 87 (+37) 86 (+36) 83 (+33) 89 (+39)
ANTICIPATED 86 84 83 78 78 73 87
DIOCESE 84 83 77 76 77 74 83
**7TH SCORED 90 (+40) 92 (+42) 91 (+41) 83 (+33) 88 (+38) 84 (+34) 93 (+43)
ANTICIPATED 91 89 90 88 87 76 91
DIOCESE 81 88 85 75 81 78 87
8TH SCORED 90 (+40) 93 (+43) 88 (+38) 87 (+37) 85 (+35) 81 (+31) 91 (+41)
ANTICIPATED 86 85 86 77 80 77 87
DIOCESE 87 87 84 77 79 79 87
** TerraNova with InView Common Core (Common Core is only Language Arts and Math) A difference is considered meaningful when the difference between scores is seven or more NCE units.
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The academic program is strengthened by our implementation of the following: Academic Intervention and Support: The staff and administration continually review academic standards and student performance in order to develop and to implement policies and practices that enhance academic outcomes. By looking at the task of engaging and motivating students in a meaningful way; developing pedagogy that incorporates 21st Century learning skills, teachers incorporate differentiated instruction, varied assessment and the integration of technology into every lesson.
In order to insure student academic development on all levels, a tiered approach to that goal was initiated over the past three years. Generally, St. John the Beloved School enjoys above average performance on standardized tests. We face the daily challenge to “have all the boats rise”. The establishment of an academic support team (2015) insures the identification of students who are struggling academically. The identification process is data driven through the use of screening assessments to determine the level of intervention needed.
This year, all students in grades K-5 were screened for competencies in word decoding, reading fluency and comprehension. Students who scored below benchmark are eligible to participate in a Reading Assist tutoring program. This program offers support for basic phonemic skill development, decoding skills and comprehension. Students will meet with a trained mentor three times weekly for the length of the program. A second level of intervention using this same approach will be for students who need specific skill reinforcement in Reading. These students will receive individual instruction that is targeted to their weaker Reading skills. The coordinator of this support program will guarantee a continuity of instruction for students receiving either level of intervention. There will be regular periodic progress monitoring of students while in the program.
An instructional coach is working with our teachers to implement reasonable accommodations for our students who have received psycho-educational testing. The school counselor, instructional coach, and the Reading Assist coordinator function as an Academic Intervention Team providing guidance; establishing appropriate accommodations and interventions for the students who need academic support.
Continuous Development of Science Fusion: This is a state-of-the-art science program designed for building inquiry, STEM, and optimized for learning in the classroom, at home, on a laptop, a tablet, or using a science textbook. The digital curriculum, virtual labs and hands-on activities, and write-in science textbook develops important critical thinking skills that prepare students for success in future science courses and in the workplace.
Instructional Grouping 5th – 8th grades: By academic apititude: accellerated or average.
Continually reviewing and enhancing our text book series: Over the last four years we have upgraded: Social Studies, Grammar, Delaware History, Science, Reading, Vocabulary and Spanish. Presently all texts book series have been upgraded. This year, the faculty and staff reviewed a number of potential new math series for the school. A new math program will start 2015-16.
St. John the Beloved School achieved reaccreditation with distinction in April 2009 from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; our graduates are accepted to the high school of their choice. The academic program is further enhanced through Spanish Language for all grades and a selection of electives that includes music, math league and science olympiad. A developmental curriculum of study skills and social skills is coordinated by the school counselor.
St. John the Beloved School attainded National Blue Ribbon status in November 2016.
“Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ~St. Francis of Assisi
www.sjbdel.org
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