St. John the Beloved School Annual Report 2013 - 2014
St. John the Beloved School • 905 Milltown Rd. • Wilmington, DE 19808 www.saintjohnthebelovedschool.org
MIDDLE STATES Accredited NCEA Member AMLE MEMBER
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY, SERVICE, WORSHIP!
“Where Charity and Love Are, God is There.”
Class of 2014 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 our school will instill a knowledge and love of God, self, and others.
2. We believe that reverence, respect and responsibility will be the foundation of developing a Catholic school.
3. We believe that parents, teachers, administrators and clergy share responsibility for the education and religious formation of the children.
4. We believe that the whole child will be developed spiritually, intellectually, personally, socially, and physically.
5. We believe that all children have a right to learn in a safe, caring environment.
6. We believe that our responsibility is to foster the self-esteem of each student by addressing individual learning styles.
7. We believe that we will be stewards of God’s creation and all of earth’s resources as we follow in the Franciscan tradition.
8. We believe the parish school supports and shares in the mission of the parish.
Class of 2014
September 6, 2014
Dear Parents, Parishioners and Friends of St. John the Beloved School, The Mission of St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Elementary School is to teach and model the Gospel of Jesus Christ, foster academic excellence and encourage service to others.
As we begin a new school year I want to once again thank all of you for your faithful and generous support of St. John the Beloved School. I am keenly aware of the sacrifices that are made each and every year by families and parishioners, so that, so many children may attend our school. We are very proud of our school and its tradition of meeting the goals and objectives of our Mission Statement. Which is, to teach Christ’s Gospel message, model service to others in the world and to help our students reach their God given potential. I am aware of what is expected from a Catholic education and it is one of my highest priorities as Pastor.
The Parish and its parishioners are committed to Catholic Education and the financial and spiritual support of our Grade School, Religious Education program, Youth Ministry, Social Justice and Outreach programs. Our goal is to allow all of our children to learn the lessons and teachings of Jesus Christ. With the sincere hope that they will take those lessons and teachings and live lives as true disciples of Jesus Christ. To love others as God has surely loved us and to be of service to those who are in most need in the world and our community.
I am exited also to announce that part of our goal for the Diocesan Sustaining the hope Capital Campaign is to begin an endowment fund for our School. The goal of this endowment will be to help keep the cost of a Catholic education affordable for our families. Thank you again for your continued support and your personal sacrifices. Our faith calls us to great responsibility. To whom much is given much is
expected. We have been given so much and we have the blessing of a wonderful parish community.
May God continue to bless each of you,
Rev. William T. Cocco - Pastor
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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.saintjohnthebelovedschool.org
Dear Friends,
“Where charity and love are, God is there” was the theme for our 2013 – 2014 school year. Keeping this phrase in mind, I am happy to present to you our Annual Report.
Our 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” – is alive and well. It is visible on a daily basis in the interactions of faculty, staff, parents, and students and is the driving force that holds our school together. Each and every one must be committed so that it is not only lived out between school families but impacts the larger community. In short, we have strived to become what we are today.
Our school has a rigorous academic program as evidenced by our yearly TerraNova results for grades two through eight. The gospel is lived out in our religion classes and our worshipping together as a community. Our service to the larger community is quite visible through our participation in Neighbors to Nicaragua and our sister school, John Paul, II. The outstanding efforts of our Student Council and student body enable countless agencies to benefit from our fundraising activities.
Our mission is not just made possible by the people inside the building who are committed but by our school families and parish at large that support us financially, allowing us to move forward to instruct the next generation in the faith and preparing them for academic success and a life of service to others.
Yours in St. Francis,
Richard D. Hart Principal
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Highlights Accomplishments 2013 - 2014
CATHOLIC IDENTITY CURRICULUM Celebrated monthly liturgies Middle States Reaccredited Prepared second grade for First Adopted the new Terranova testing Communion program – 4th and 7th grade only Celebrated First Reconciliation & Emphasis placed on Step Up to Communion for second grade Writing Program school wide Spotlighted a student choir for Expanded Spanish Program liturgies Instituted an in-depth memorization Participated in the Faculty Retreat program for multiplication in grades Day three through five (Skills Tutor) Created a retreat experience for our New Wonders reading program K-5 sixth, seventh, and eighth grades All Curriculum has online component Presented our Distinguished Graduate Award at Catholic FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS School’s Week Liturgy 2 new Middle School Classrooms Instructed Kindergarten in prayer Reconfigured Classrooms assisted by their eighth grade buddies New Desks grades 1-3 Recited the Rosary in October and New Science Lab May as a school community New Security Doors in front hall Pantomimed the Joyful Mysteries New PA system including with the assistance of our third administrative phones graders in October New switches for computer system Participated in the Stations of the Cross during Lent MAINTENANCE Eighth grade performed Living Stations Stripped and waxed all floors School community honored Mary by Area Carpets Cleaned participating in a traditional May Windows Cleaned Crowning Asbestos Inspections Students participated in a monthly service Overall School Detailed project that benefited various Organizations Instituted the Franciscan Award at eighth grade graduation
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH Lap Tops for Middle School Raised $5,000.00 for various charities IPADS – ECP through 2nd grade Including Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upgraded technology curriculum Lymphoma Society, SJB Food Closet Math Skills tutor program Easter Baskets for Ministry of Caring Expanded Teacher Web-pages and Honored our Veterans on Veterans Week in Review Bulletin Board Day with a special celebration School Reach Broadcast System Raised money for John Paul II school Web-based curriculum for Math, in Nicaragua Science, Social Studies, Reading & SJBAC (Students Joining the Battle Vocabulary Against Cancer) raised $10,000.00 Smart Boards in all classrooms Memorial donations made to recently deceased members of our school ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITIONS family Received acceptances of all Graduates Raised over $24,000.00 during the into a High School of their choice Wacky Walk-a-Thon Fourteen students receive eighteen scholarships to various High Schools STUDENT ACTIVITIES, ATHLETICS Presented Mr. David Ballintyn, Mrs. EXTENDED CARE & SUMMER Ballintyn’s son, with the SCHOOL Distinguished Alumni Award Hosted Art Fairs in January and April Received first and/or second place by HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION/ several athletic teams in all sports EDUCATION COMMITTEE Fourth grade hosted Career Week Finances the following after school Performed an annual Christmas programs: Italian Club, Young concert kindergarten through third Rembrandts, Mad Science, Math with school Choir and Drama Dept. Leagues, Science Olympiads, Lego Middle School trips for Character Robotics, It’s Academic, Jr. and Sr. Education/Leadership & Team- Chess Club Building Coordinates Recess Volunteers Bricks for Kidz Breakfast with Santa and Santa’s Expanded Band Program Secret Workshop Wacky Walk-A-Thon ASSEMBLIES Grade Level Socials Honors Awards and Breakfast of Family Night Bingo Champions Multiple Business Take-Overs Slim Good Body Tuition Assistance Pep Rally “Life of St. Francis” PARENT PARTNERSHIP JMT Productions of “Good Donuts and Dads; Muffins and Moms Samaritan” and Special Persons Week Mad Science Coffee and Conversation with the Principal TECHNOLOGY Curriculum/TerraNova Night with New Network Administrator hired Dr. Louis DeAngelo
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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 the 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 principal-ship 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 principal-ship 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 principal-ship of the school.
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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 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 principal-ship of the junior and senior school.
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 principal-ship 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 re-accreditation 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. Charlie Brown III was installed as the seventh pastor of St. John the Beloved Parish in the fall of 2005. Mr. Richard Hart assumed principal-ship in 2008. St. John the Beloved School received its re-accreditation 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 8th pastor of St. John the Beloved.
2013 brought 2 new priests to our parish, Fr. Etim and Fr. Brian Lewis.
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S O C C E R
B A N D
Programs & Services Living our Mission Beyond the Classroom
Extended Care – The Eagle’s 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): girls’ 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 mentor Mrs. M. O’Brien-Roache. 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 $14,000.00 for various charities this year.
Kitchen and Lunch Service
St. John the Beloved School 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. The school also participates in the Federal Milk program.
Student Council Officers
Class of 2014 Page 7 GIRLS ON THE RUN
SERVICE TO OTHERS
VISIT TO LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION
TOYS FOR MOLLY STUDENTS JOIN THE BATTLE AGAINST CANCER
EASTER BASKET BLESSING Class of 2014 Page 8
SERVICE TO OTHERS
JOHN PAUL II
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Graduates
Instruments of Peace Number of Catholic High Schools Graduates Class of 2014 21 Salesianum School St. John the Beloved School sent off sixty-seven 18 St. Mark’s High School graduates with the Class of 2014. Our graduates 9 Padua Academy apply to and attend a variety of Catholic & Public High Schools throughout Wilmington. All of our Number of Graduates Public /Charter High Schools Graduates achieved entrance into a high school of 7 Delaware Military Academy their choice and have truly emerged to exceed all 5 Charter School of Wilmington expectations. Forty-eight, or 72%, of our graduates are attending Catholic school while nineteen, or 1 Avon Grove High School 28%, are attending public or charter high schools. 1 Cab Calloway
1 Delcastle Technical High School Fourteen of our graduates achieved a total of 1 MOT Charter eighteen High School scholarships. 1 Mt. Sophia Academy 1 Sussex Technical High School Number of Scholarship 1 Tatnall School Scholarship/High School Winners
5 Padua Academy
3 Salesianum
1 St. Elizabeth High School
6 St. Mark’s High School 1 St. Mark’s Principal Scholarship
1 Ursuline Academy
Fourteen of our graduates received the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence.
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GRADUATE QUOTES
I grew in so many ways during my eight years at Saint John the Beloved. It is a school that encourages its students to build a strong relationship with God through prayer and service to those in need. It is also a school that teaches its students that excellence is achieved through hard work and determination. ~ Emma Toy, Padua Saint John the Beloved taught me so much, both in terms of school and life. I know I am leaving SJB well-prepared for high school and also a committed disciple of Christ. ~Connor Daniel, Charter School of Wilmington Saint John’s motto, “Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It,” has taught me that I can be successful in life if I just believe in myself. ~ Austin Barry, Salesianum School At Saint John the Beloved School, I learned that it’s okay to be different. ~Gabrielle DeSantis, St. Mark’s High School Saint John the Beloved taught me to always try my best. My teachers taught me that God, my family, and my education should be my three priorities. Without SJB, I would not be the person that I am today. ~Katie Giles, Sussex Technical High School During my years at SJB, I learned morals and values that I will keep with me throughout my entire life. Saint John the Beloved immensely strengthened my relationship with God. ~Will Siple, Delaware Military Academy
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St. John the Beloved School
Management Statements
School Administration August 31, 2014
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. William T. Cocco 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
Balance Sheet Amounts in thousands As of June 30 2014 2013 2012 ASSETS Cash $ 123 $ 64 $ 76 Investments $ 176 $ 154 $ 172
Current Assets $ 299 $ 218 $ 248
Fixed Assets $ 5,366 $ 5,366 $ 5,339 TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,665 $ 5,584 $ 5,587
LIABILITIES Long Term Liabilities $ 304 $ 287 $ 282 Current Liabilities $ 51 $ 6 $ 14
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 355 $293 $287
Statement of Revenue and Expense Amounts in thousands
For the years ended June 30 2014 2013 2012
REVENUES
Tuition $ 2,899 $ 2,781 $ 2,587 Extended Care Program $ 236 $ 245 $ 211 Development and Fundraising $ 179 $ 125 $ 155 Other Revenue $ 38 125 $ 26 $ 31 Student Service Income $ 208 $ 135 $ 104 Interest/Dividends/SDF $ 9 $ 1 $ 5
TOTAL INCOME $3,569 $3,313 $ 3,093
EXPENSES
Personnel/Instruction $ 2,017 $ 1,882 $ 1,791 Administration $ 283 $ 297 $ 184 Operation of Facilities $ 227 $ 200 $ 184 Fixed Charges $ 727 $ 674 $ 635 Student Services $ 353 $ 341 $ 321 Capital Expenses $ 12 $ 25 $ 20 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 3,619 $ 3,419 $ 3,135
Surplus/Deficit $(50) $(106) $( 98) Parish Subsidy Percentage 1.5% 3% 3%
Total number of students 560 576 572 Actual cost per student $6,463.00 $5,940.00 $5,656.00 Parish Subsidy $ 116.00 $ 103.00 $ 173.08
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St. John the Beloved School
Financial Statements
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:
2014 2013 School Equipment $ 38,265 $ 52,791 Technology 96,084 69,046 Property Improvements 51,574 19,800 Total $ 185,923 $ 141,637
Statement of changes in the Restricted Fund Balance Balance Restricted Released Balance Donation at Donations from at Donor Restricted for: June 2013 collected Restriction June 2014 Tuition Varelli Fund Assistance $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Academic Development Fund Improvement $ 249,166 $ 54,209 $ 20,606 $ 282,769
TOTAL $ 249,166 $ 54,209 $ 20,606 $ 282,769
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 2013-14 Campaign, 236 pledges were received with a total collection of $ 25,294.00. 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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Partners in our Mission
Fun N’ Fitness Walk-A-Thon – Thursday, April 10, 2014 The Home and School Association along with the Education Committee will be hosting the 3rd Walk-A-Thon. This event will be a day full of fun and fitness for all our students. Each participating student will receive a t- shirt. 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 students about the importance of health and fitness. The Wacky Walk-A-Thon raised over $24,000.00! A job well done! Menu for Success You’re invited! Coffee Conversations with the Principal are scheduled twice per year. 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 Muffins & Moms, Donuts & Dads, and Special Persons Week are an ideal time for students to spend time with their loved ones.
Visit our website at www.saintjohnthebelovedschool.org to access our calendar and newsletters or please call us at 302-998-5525 ext. 200 for more information.
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Home & School Association/ Education Committee
St. John the Beloved’s Home and School Association & Education Committee
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 2013 - 2014 Home and School Board The 2013 – 2014 Education Committee members are: consists of:
Fr. William Cocco, Pastor Fr. William Cocco, Pastor Mr. Richard Hart, Principal Mr. Richard Hart, Principal Diwanna Walus – Faculty Advisor Jennifer Sheridan, President Debbie Portale, President Susan Guariano, Vice-President Bridget Filipowski, Vice-President Paula Jaco - Treasurer Annemary Kluska, Treasurer Michele Honaker, Secretary Kelley Biliniski, Secretary Sherri Rapposelli Renee Beamer Melissa Verlander, Activity Coordinators 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, Muffins and Moms, Donuts and Dads, 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 Bridge Workbooks, 8th Grade May Procession Flowers, 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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Class of 2014
SR. JO ANN
Fr. Etim
Blessing of the Pets
Crazy Hat Day MULTIPLES DAY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
CROSS COUNTRY
S J B
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
FUN FALL DAY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Class of 2014 Page 18
ST. NICHOLAS DAY Fr. Lewis
Dream It…Believe It…Achieve It…
CHOIR
Spanish Festival
May Crowning
BAND
WACKY WALK-A-THON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Class of 2014
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CLASS OF 2014 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 students’ 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 2013. (+/- shows points above national average for SJB students.)
GRADE READ LANG. MATH SCIENCE SOCIAL SPELLING TOTAL
CMPS. CMPS. CMPS. STUDIES SCORE
2ND SCORED 78 (+28) 80 (+30) 73 (+23) 74 (+24) 65 (+15) 70 (+20) 76 (+26)
ANTICIPATED 67 64 65 63 67 63 68
DIOCESE 77 76 73 71 78 69 75
3RD SCORED 79 (+29) 80 (+30) 70 (+20) 82 (+32) 81 (+31) 68 (+18) 76 (+26)
ANTICIPATED 81 79 73 76 79 69 81
DIOCESE 75 76 74 79 78 69 75
4TH SCORED 87 (+37) 92 (+42) 85 (+35) 82 (+32) 89 (+39)
ANTICIPATED 85 85 86 71 86
DIOCESE 84 83 78 72 82
5TH SCORED 81 (+31) 86 (+36) 80 (+30) 73 (+23) 76 (+26) 67 (+17) 83 (+33)
ANTICIPATED 77 78 78 76 76 69 81
DIOCESE 76 78 70 69 69 70 76
6TH SCORED 81 (+31) 80 (+30) 69 (+19) 73 (+23) 83 (+33) 75 (+25) 77 (+27)
ANTICIPATED 75 75 74 74 75 68 77
DIOCESE 77 77 71 72 79 74 75
7TH SCORED 84 (+34) 89 (+39) 86 (+36) 74 (+24) 86 (+36)
ANTICIPATED 88 86 87 71 88
DIOCESE 82 85 76 76 83
8TH SCORED 82 (+32) 88 (+38) 78 (+28) 73 (+23) 85 (+35) 81 (+31) 83 (+33)
ANTICIPATED 76 76 77 75 75 70 77
DIOCESE 80 83 75 73 78 78 79
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** 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. The academic program is strengthened by our implementation of the following: Reading Counts: Progressive system developed by Scholastic Books that improves reading comprehension and accountability for students in grades two through eight. Reading Counts exposes students of all grades and accomplishment levels to exceptional literature. Comprehension is measured through computer generated testing. Wonders Reading: Through an integrated approach, literacy solutions Reading Wonders, build all learners – both striving and struggling, into stronger readers and writers. Continuous Development of Science Fusion: 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 aptitude: accelerated 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 text book series have been upgraded. 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 a school counselor. Technology Our technology committee consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Network Administrator, and Computer Teacher. This group is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the three year technology plan, filed with and approved by the State of Delaware. Our current technology includes Smart Boards in every classroom, several student computers in each K-5 classroom, iPads for student center use in Pre-K – 2 classrooms, 1:1 Chromebook deployment is planned for Grade 6, and two laptop carts available for students in 7th and 8th grade. The 1:1 Chromebook deployment will be rolled out over the next couple of years, with all students in Grades 5 – 8 working daily on a Chromebook by the 2016-17 school year. In addition to technology use in the classroom, students in Pre-K – 8 receive computer instruction once a week in our state of the art computer lab, equipped with 30 student computers and Lanschool software. They also utilize computers in the library to access the completely automated library system. Technology is a strong component of our communication with parents. The school website is updated regularly, affording access to the school calendar as well as other important forms and information. Each teacher maintains a webpage, updated daily for homework, project information, and important messages. The school utilizes School Reach service to communicate with parents via email and telephone messages as needed. Grades for students in grades 3 – 8 are recorded in Power School, a diocesan-wide, password protected, pupil accounting system, allowing parents to see their child’s grades as they are posted. “Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
~St. Francis of Assisi
www.saintjohnthebelovedschool.org
Class of 2014