St. John the Beloved School
Annual Report 2018 - 2019
St. John the Beloved School 905 Milltown Rd. • Wilmington, DE 19808 www.sjbdel.org
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY, SERVICE, WORSHIP!
Rejoice in the Lord, always! Class of 2019 MIDDLE STATES Accredited NCEA Member Our Mission AMLE MEMBER
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 academic needs of students are met through the quality of differentiated instructional techniques utilized in our programs.
Class of 2019
October, 2019
Dear Staff, Students, Families & Friends of St. John the Beloved School,
Once again we look into the value of Catholic education. Many school programs offer quality education and opportunities that allow children to develop into gifted, responsible adults. Catholic education also offers these advantages; so where is the difference?
The difference is a deeper understanding and promulgation of Gospel values as initiated by Jesus Christ. This is the mission of the Church and our most important duty. Evangelization involves knowing the Lord, proclaiming His message and witnessing what is believed. Our St. John the Beloved School takes this responsibility seriously.
Our parishioners, friends and entire school staff seek to make our school children advance in academia, social skills, athletics and moral behavior. Each child has unique qualities that our school works with to affirm his/her advancement. More so, each child is a Child of God that must be loved and taught to love and respect those around them.
The efforts that are spent for this purpose are never wasted. As we progress into another academic year, may the Good Lord bless each one of you for supporting and making sacrifices for Catholic education. Our efforts make a difference in enhancing the world.
God Bless You!
Vry. 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
October, 2019
Dear Friends,
Rejoice in the Lord Always
Indeed, St. John the Beloved has been blessed by the Lord for over 60 years. The spirit of the Lord has been the guiding force of our school. We have been given many blessings and so we rejoice. Let us share the good news with you!
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.
We have been blessed with cutting edge resources to offer a quality program and are always searching for innovative ways to educate our 21st century learners in a changing world. We are fortunate to have a good enrollment and plans are in place to keep this a reality.
As you read and page through our Annual Report, you will see first hand our blessings as well as the guiding force of Our Lord. St. John the Beloved was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. We are in the top 15% of schools in the nation. These achievements do not just happen. They are the result of hard work, planning, and prayer.
Thank you for your continued 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,
Principal Class of 2019 Page 2
Highlights Accomplishments 2018 - 2019
CeCe’s Warriors
Fire Co. Visit
CATHOLIC IDENTITY CURRICULUM Celebrated monthly liturgies Recognized as National Blue Ribbon Prepared second grade for First School 2016 Communion Adopted the new Renaissance STAR Celebrated First Reconciliation & testing for K – 8th grades Communion for second grade Emphasis placed on Step Up to Student choir and band for liturgies Writing Program school wide Faculty Retreat Program Well-defined Spanish Program EC3 – Retreat experience for our sixth, 8th grades seventh, and eighth grades Instituted an in-depth memorization Instructed Kindergarten in prayer program for multiplication in grades assisted by their eighth grade buddies three through five Recited the Rosary in October and Google Doc school May as a school community All updated Curriculum has online Celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of component the Rosary at Pilgrimage 1:1 Chromebooks 4th – 8th grades Participated in the Stations of the Cross Chrome Book Carts grades 1-3 during Lent Additional iPads for primary grades Eighth grade performed Living Stations Expanded Reading Assist – Mrs. School community honored Mary by Tharan RA Coordinator participating in a traditional May Employed Instructional Coach – Mrs. Crowning Ryan Students participated in a monthly service Established weekly Activity Period project that benefited various for Middle School Organizations Franciscan Award at eighth grade FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS graduation Music Room relocated, remodeled Franciscan Value Awards awarded each and sound proofed trimester to those who model our New security system – cameras, locks st Franciscan Values 1 floor – new drop ceilings, Continued support to our sister school with carpeting and painting Neighbors to Nicaragua MAINTENANCE
Stripped and waxed all floors
Area Carpets Cleaned
Asbestos Inspections Detailed Student Bathrooms Class of 2019 Page 3
COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITIONS Raised over $5,000.00 for various Received acceptances of all Graduates Charities including Special Olympics, into a High School of their choice Little Sisters of the Poor, Family 7 students received ten scholarships to Promise, & Neighbors to Nicaragua various High Schools Easter Baskets for Ministry of Caring Celebrated the life and retirement of 1 Raised money for John Paul II school teacher in Nicaragua Fifteen 8th grade students received Adopted 25 families for Christmas U.S. President’s Award for Restocked Outreach throughout the Educational Excellence year Honors Awards and Breakfast of Raised over $60,000.00 during the Bi- Champions Annual Bid-A-Mania. HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION/ STUDENT ACTIVITIES, ATHLETICS BID-A-MANIA COMMITTEE EXTENDED CARE & SUMMER Finances the following after school SCHOOL programs: Italian Club, Science Hosted Art Fairs in January and April Explorers, Math Leagues, Science Received first and/or second place by Olympiads, It’s Academic, Jr. and Sr. several athletic teams in all sports Chess Club, Discover your Palette Fourth grade hosted Career Week Breakfast with Santa and Santa’s Annual Christmas concert K – 3rd Secret Workshop with school Choir Bid-A-Mania Band Recognition – Jazz Fest at U of Grade Level Socials DE, Superior Performance at the Father/Daughter Dance National Catholic Band Association at Mother/Son Jump Villanova Family Night Bingo Soccer Shots Multiple Business Take-Overs Spring Concert featuring choir/band National Spelling and Geography Bees Math League & Science Olympiad Speech Debate St. Nicholas Day TECHNOLOGY IPADS – ECP through Kindergarten PARENT PARTNERSHIP Ongoing Upgraded technology Special Persons Week curriculum Coffee and Conversation with the Updated School Check In Principal Web-based curriculum for Math, 4th grade Career Week Science, Social Studies, Reading & Library Volunteers Vocabulary Parent Volunteers Smart Boards in all classrooms Clear Touch Interactive board – next generation Smart board – 1st grade Additional Chromebook Carts purchased
ADMINISTRATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS Principal NCEA Lead, Learn, Proclaim Award Emmaus Series for Catholic School Leaders Certificate Program
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Our History Celebrating over 60 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 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
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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.
St. John the Beloved was awarded the 2016 National Blue Ribbon being in the top 15% of outstanding schools in the nation.
Mr. Hart was awarded the NCEA Lead, Learn, Proclaim Award and completed the Emmaus Service for Catholic School Leaders in 2018.
In 2018, the Music Room was relocated to the school, remodeled and sound-proofed. The entire 1st floor was repainted, recarpeted and drop ceiling tiles replaced. A new security system including cameras and door locks were also installed. Page 6
Class of 2019
Boys Baseball SJB Craft Fair Boys Basketball
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 also offer Chick-fil-A as an option to all of the school. They raised over $ 5,000.00 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 Dedicated Volunteers
Page 7 Class of 2019
List of donors EAGLE’S NEST $150 - $499 M/M R. Camero Mr. John Fedena, Sr. M/M T. Campbel M/M David Feick M/M John Barineau Dr/M Michael Guarino Mr. Francis Caputo M/M S. Fisher M/M R. Cella Mrs. R. Forese M/M M. Kavanagh M/M D. Murray M/M T. Chapman M/M James Forester
Ms. Kathleen Phillips-Giles M/M A. Coburn M/M Philip Gamgort M/M A. Coll M/M M. Gilboyne
M/M Julio Collado Gittens/Scantleburg FRIENDS OF ST. JOHN’S $1 - $150 M/M D. Connolly Miss Carolyn Gray M/M George Alicknavit M/M Raymond Cook M/M E. Halton M/M C. Allen M/M Raymond Costello M/M R. F. Handlin
M/M Gary Anderson M/M E. Coyle M/M T. Harach Dr/M B. Ang M/M Mark Cushing Ellen Harrison M/M M. Antonio M/M J. Danz Mr. Richard D. Hart M/M Anthony Arcaro M/M M. Darby M/M Thomas Henaghan M/M Robert Armstrong M/M R. L. Davis Ms. Marina Hetio
Dr. B Aungst M/M S. Dawson M/M D. Hohman M/M R. Ayotte M/M John D’Souza M/M Paul Hubbs M/M Keith Baker M/M Thomas Devlin M/M S. Hwang M/M J. Barba M/M Thomas DiEmidio Mrs. Eleanor Jablonski M/M Dominic Berlingieri M/M Di Ienno M/M Paul Jann
Mr. F. J. Berry M/M John Dolan M/M J. Jeker M/M G. Boniface M/M R. Donofrio M/M J. Jelenek M/M James Brady Ms. P. Donovan M/M Emerson Johns M/M Richard Britt M/M E. Dudzinski M/M P Johnston M/M William Brown M/M T. Esposito, Jr. M/M V. Justison M/M Clifford Buchan M/M John Ewasko M/M T. Kamenitzer M/M M. Buckery M/M John Farr M/M C. M. Kaye M/M Robert Burns M/M Claude Faulkner Mr. K. Kelly M/M J. Butler Miss Barara Faupel M/M P. Kennedy
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List of donors
Ms. K. Kenney Mr. D. Palese M/M H. J. Schneider M/M Joseph Knotts M/M Robert Pearce Ms. C. Scully Ms. L. Kohl M/M J. Pennisi Ms. Sharon Simon M/M Gary Kozielski M/M Richard Piekarski M/M J. Sklodowski Ms. J. Lackey M/M Gerard Price, Sr. M/M Daniel Skodzinski M/M Francis Lane M/M R. Protas M/M E. Smith M/M Richard Le Noir M/M Stephen Quindlen M/M M. Solomon M/M Dominic Maida, Jr. Raul Quizon Dr. M. L. Soltys M/M H. Marinelli M/M Carmen Ramone M/M Tarcisio Stella M/M Henry Markiewicz M/M John Raniszewski M/M E. Stephenson Ms. Zanaida Martinez M/M C. Recchione M/M J. G. Stepnowski Mrs. Maureen Mc Carthy M/M Mario Renai M/M Scott Sullivan Mr. William Mc Cord M/M J. Rich M/M Ed Thompson M/M F. J. McDonough M/M D. Roberts M/M J. Tobin Mr. J. McGorry Mrs.V. Rodgers Sr. M/M R. Toto M/M J. Metcalfe Ms. J. Rowan M/M A. J. Travaglini Ms. J. Minchini M/M R. M. Rubini Mr. A. Varghes Mrs. Patricia Minner Ms. S. M. Russo Mr. James Vavala Mr. William Mooney M/M F. W. Sadowski Mrs. Helen Vible M/M R. Moore M/M M. Samson M/M William Wanex Mrs. Janice Mosher Dr. Francis Sarro Ms. Patricia Weaverling Mr. W. J. Mousley Mrs. Charles Saunders M/M M. Welsh M/M Timothy Mueller M/M James Sayers M/M Cecil Whitfield
Mr. R. Myers Mr. Andrew Saypack Mr. Frank Wolf
M/M S. Oldiges Mr. David Schiavello M/M Stephen Ziejewski
M/M Joseph Palese
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Graduates
Instruments of Peace Number of Catholic High Schools Graduates Class of 2019 16 St. Mark’s High School St. John the Beloved School sent off sixty-one 15 Salesianum School graduates of the Class of 2019. Our graduates apply to and attend a variety of Catholic & Public 8 Padua Academy High Schools throughout Wilmington. All of our 4 Ursuline Academy graduates achieved entrance into a high school of their choice and have truly emerged to exceed all 3 Archmere Academy expectations. Forty-eight or 79 %, of our graduates 2 St. Elizabeth High School are attending Catholic schools while thirteen, or Number of Graduates Public /Charter High Schools 21 %, are attending public or charter high schools. 6 Delaware Military Academy
3 Charter School of Wilmington Seven of our graduates achieved a total of ten High School scholarships. 2 Conrad Schools of Science 1 Delcastle Technical High School Number of 1 Tatnall School Scholarship/ Scholarship/High School Grant Winners
6 St. Mark’s High School
3 Padua Academy
1 Salesianum
Fifteen of our graduates received the
Presidential Award for Educational Excellence.
Page 10 Class of 2019
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”.
Graduates embrace our school’s proud tradition of helping others. The Class of 2019 established a strong bond of friendship with their SJB Kindergarten buddies. Spiritual and academic activities throughout the school year allowed students to grow in leadership and responsibility as they showed their buddy what it means to be a “soaring eagle”. Our eighth grade students also embraced their parish community needs through their helpful presence at numerous parish activities and through the Adopt A Family Outreach Project at Christmas.
CLASS OF 2019
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Class of 2019
St. John the Beloved School
Financial Statements
School Administration August 31, 2019
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
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, 2019 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 2019 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:
2019 2018 School Equipment $ 2,221 $ 4,830 Technology 28,367 20,337 Property Improvements 22,863 26,582 Total $ 53,451 $ 51,749
Statement of changes in the Restricted Fund Balance Balance Restricted Balance Donation at Donations Net at Donor Restricted for: June 2018 collected Earnings* June 2019
Academic Development Fund Improvement $ 404,034 $ 104,060 $ 4,705 $ 512,799
TOTAL $ 404,034 $ 104,060 $ 4,705 $ 512,799 * Net of Service Fees
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 2018-19 Campaign, 180 pledges were received with a total collection of $ 4,130.00. 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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Class of 2019
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
569 555 531
# Children 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
1 6,516.00 6,648.00 6,850.00
2 11,727.00 11,964.00 12,330.00
3 15,636.00 15,948.00 16,440.00
4 18,243.00 18,726.00 18,835.00
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Class of 2019
May Crowning Science Olympiad
Easter Basket Blessing Breakfast of Champions Partners in our Mission
Bid-A-Mania – Saturday, March 2, 2019 The Home and School Association along with the Education Committee hosted our 5th Bid-A-Mania. This event was a fun-filled evening for adults with raffled baskets for the students. There were many silent and live auctions, from a variety of generous donors, which raised over $60,000.00! Thank you to all for your generous participation. A job well done! Menu for Success You’re invited! Coffee Conversations with the Principal was scheduled for February 19, 2020 at 7:45 & 1:00 and March 12, 2020 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, Special Persons Week 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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Moms & Muffins
Donuts with Dads Father/Daughter Luau 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 Enhancement Association 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
Rock your Sock Day
The 2018-19 Home and School Board members are: Fr. Joseph Piekarski, Pastor Mr. Richard Hart, Principal Jen Robart, President Tina Nolte, Vice-President Liana Ayotte, Secretary Maria Garber, Treasurer
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, After School Programs, and Bid-a-Mania.
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Class of 2019 Stations of the Cross
SJB Carnival Speech Debate Fr. Joe’s Blessing
Mother’s Day Tea
S J B
Technology
Polar Express
Music Class
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Hour of Code
St. Patrick’s Day Tag Day
Dream It…Believe It…Achieve It… CSW Bingo Breakfast w/Santa
Scholastic Book Fair
Pajama Tag Day
Sports Tag Day Class of 2019 Page 19 ag Dayu
STEM Activity Technology Class Students Achieving Excellence
St. John the Beloved is in its second year of using Renaissance Flow 360 as its natioanally normed testing tool. This is a comprehensive assessment and instruction program for students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Through periodic assessment – three times per year (September, February and May) we acquire data about each student’s levels of performance in the academic areas of Math and Reading Comprehension. Each assessment is administered electronically and takes less than 45 minutes per subject. Parents receive individual reports each time their child is tested.
The advantages of Star assessments include:
Speed and Simplicity: Star Early Literacy, Star Reading and Star Math are efficient and easy to use, which helps teachers to quickly identify and eliminate any gaps in foundational math or literacy skills for their students. We obtain more accurate information to guide instruction.
Versatility: Teachers use the Star assessments to screen students in all tiers of instruction three times per year, as well as set and manage learning goals, monitor progress in an intervention framework and personalize instruction for students. This more accurately documents student growth and progress.
Reliability and Validity: Research proves the Star computer tests yield reliable, valid results. Independent groups, including the National Center on Intensive Intervention and the National Center on Response to Intervention highly rate these assessments as effective, scientifically based screening and progress monitoring tools.
Instructional Support: Renaissance’s learning progressions for reading and math align to diocesan and state standards. This ensures that students are learning the skills they need to succeed in high school, college and future careers. Foundational skills are presented in teachable order so teachers can easily detect any gaps some students may have. Embedded educational resources provide opportunities for deeper study, enrichment and continued growth for advanced students who consistently exceed grade-level benchmarks.
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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 Progress in Reading and Math is monitored throughout the school by online testing via Renaissance STAR. READING SEPTEMBER 2018 MAY 2019
LEVELS % # of % ∆ CHANGE # of ∆ CHANGE STUDENTS STUDENTS
GR. 1 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 68 30 77 + 9 37 + 7
WATCH 25-49% 18 8 13 - 5 6 - 2
INTERVENTION 10-24% 11 5 10 - 1 5 0
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 2 1 0 - 2 0 - 1
GR. 2 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 69 27 79 + 10 33 + 6
WATCH 25-49% 21 8 17 - 4 7 - 1
INTERVENTION 10-24% 5 2 5 - 3 2 0
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 5 2 0 - 3 0 - 2
GR. 3 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 64 28 74 + 10 37 + 9
WATCH 25-49% 25 11 22 - 3 11 0
INTERVENTION 10-24% 11 5 2 - 9 1 - 4
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 2 + 2 1 + 1
GR.4 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 70 35 88 + 18 44 + 9
WATCH 25-49% 26 13 10 - 16 5 - 8
INTERVENTION 10-24% 4 2 2 - 2 1 - 1
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
GR. 5 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 57 25 61 + 4 27 + 2
WATCH 25-49% 27 12 27 0 12 0
INTERVENTION 10-24% 14 6 11 - 3 5 - 1
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 2 1 0 - 2 0 - 1
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GR. 6 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 51 28 66 + 15 33 + 5
WATCH 25-49% 35 19 33 - 2 18 - 1
INTERVENTION 10-24% 11 6 7 - 4 4 - 2
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 4 2 0 - 4 0 - 2
GR. 7 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 69 38 62 + 7 34 - 4
WATCH 25-49% 18 10 24 + 6 13 + 3
INTERVENTION 10-24% 11 6 15 + 4 8 + 2
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 2 1 0 - 2 0 - 1
GR. 8 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 78 47 80 + 2 47 0
WATCH 25-49% 17 10 15 - 2 9 - 1
INTERVENTION 10-24% 5 3 5 0 3 0
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
MATH SEPTEMBER 2018 MAY 2019
LEVELS % # of % ∆ CHANGE # of ∆ CHANGE STUDENTS STUDENTS
GR. 1 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 51 19 78 + 27 36 + 17
WATCH 25-49% 33 12 22 - 11 10 - 2
INTERVENTION 10-24% 16 6 0 - 16 0 - 6
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
GR. 2 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 64 25 78 + 14 31 + 6
WATCH 25-49% 18 7 18 0 7 0
INTERVENTION 10-24% 18 7 5 - 13 2 - 5
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
GR. 3 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 61 28 74 + 13 37 + 9
WATCH 25-49% 30 14 20 - 10 10 - 4
INTERVENTION 10-24% 9 4 6 - 3 3 - 1
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
Page 22 Class of 2019
GR.4 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 76 39 82 + 6 41 + 2
WATCH 25-49% 22 11 12 - 10 6 - 5
INTERVENTION 10-24% 2 1 6 + 4 3 + 2
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
GR. 5 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 70 31 75 + 5 30 - 1
WATCH 25-49% 18 8 16 - 2 6 - 2
INTERVENTION 10-24% 5 2 1 - 4 1 - 1
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 7 3 8 + 1 3 0
GR. 6 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 74 40 75 + 1 42 + 2
WATCH 25-49% 17 9 23 + 6 13 + 4
INTERVENTION 10-24% 7 4 2 - 5 1 - 3
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 2 1 0 - 2 0 - 1
GR. 7 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 71 39 80 + 9 45 + 6
WATCH 25-49% 25 14 14 - 9 8 - 6
INTERVENTION 10-24% 4 2 5 + 1 3 + 1
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
GR. 8 BENCHMARK + 50%+ 70 43 87 + 17 53 + 10
WATCH 25-49% 30 18 11 - 19 7 - 11
INTERVENTION 10-24% 0 0 2 + 2 1 + 1
URGENT INTERVENTION 1-9% 0 0 0 0 0 0
** Amount of progress is indicated by an increase in the Benchmark+ score (green) and a decrease in the watch, (blue), intervention (yellow), and urgent Intervention (red) categories.
Class of 2019
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 develop important critical thinking skills that prepare students for success in future science courses.
Instructional Grouping 5th – 8th grades: By academic apititude: accellerated or average.
Continually reviewing and enhancing our text book series: Over the last five years we have upgraded: Social Studies, Grammar, Delaware History, Science, Reading, Vocabulary, Spanish and Math. Presently all texts book series have been upgraded.
St. John the Beloved School achieved reaccreditation with distinction in April 2016 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, art, 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 attained National Blue Ribbon status in November 2016 and currently maintains that status.
“Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ~St. Francis of Assisi
www.sjbdel.org Class of 2019