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Message to Parents Dear Members of the St. John's Educational Community,
Once upon a time, a family rented a small room. After a while the family went to the owner of the small room and mentioned that the room was too small. The owner angered by this complaint evicted the family from the small room. Now the room is empty, but it is still too small.
From Vision to Reality!
In the Fall of 2001, when you welcomed me to St. JohnÕs, I told this story at my first Back to School Night. I asked all of you to share with me your vision of St. John's. I asked all of you to come to me and share with me how you could help us make our education-home a better, more inclusive place for all our children.
Many of you did share your vision, insight and expertise with me and as a result of your vision, generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment you enabled our community to expand and flourish and to be in a much better place than we were three years ago. How appropriate that our theme for the 2004-2005 school year is From Vision to Reality.
Over the past three years, we shared a vision for technology and received national recognition. We shared a vision for the Arts and now have a Fine Arts and Music program for all our students. We shared a vision for the beautification of our plant and now have an energy efficient building, a newly surfaced playground, re-carpet hallways, and repainted walls throughout the plant. We shared a vision for organizational leadership and now have School, Parent, and Advisory leadership that is dynamic, industrious and accountable. Our Vision is becoming Reality and more and more families are finding St. John's School their primary choice for education.
As you read through our Annual Report you will experience the wonderful three-year journey. I'm honored to share with you the progress we've made and I look forward to the future reality we are going to vision together.
Sincerely,
Kenneth J. Willers, Principal |
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Introduction
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
We, the faculty and staff of St. JohnÕs School, believe that the Catholic school provides a unique form of education to the students it serves. We believe that we can only achieve these goals with the full cooperation of the parents. We encourage our students to put forth their best efforts at all times. In order that each child may work to his or her fullest potential we provide a comfortable and safe environment. The main purpose of St. JohnÕs School is to provide an academic environment in which students can develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for a productive Catholic Christian life.
STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
What should every student who leaves our school be able to do, know, understand or value to be successful in the real world.
Individuals Who Model Christ:
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by exhibiting compassion, tolerance, justice and respect.
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by making good moral choices.
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by serving others.
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by having basic knowledge of Catholic doctrine, tradition, Scripture & liturgy.
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by having the ability to engage in various forms of prayer.
Diligent Lifelong Learners:
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who possess a foundation of basic, academic skills leading to independent thinking and learning.
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who are effective communicators, collaborators and decision makers.
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who exhibit an appreciation for the fine arts.
Active Individuals:
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who explore their physical potential.
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who demonstrate knowledge of health, physical skills and hygiene.
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who show respect for their own gifts and talents and for those of others.
Responsible Citizens of the Global Community:
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who conscientiously respond to the needs of society and the environment.
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who appreciate and understand our diverse society.
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who are cognizant of current events.
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who participate in the democratic process.
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who identify with and participate in an active faith based community.
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CHAPTER ONE
Saint John School opened on January 8, 1917. The school began with the first six grades and a total of one hundred and eighteen children. The pastor of St. John's, Father William Lyons, had asked the Ursuline Sisters to staff the new school. Through the untiring efforts of Father Lyons and his assistants, the enrollment of the school rose to two hundred and thirty-six students within two years. The first graduation exercises were held with great pride and joy on June 10, 1919.
The Ursuline Sisters staffed the school until 1990. For the second half of 1990-1991, the grammar school was under the direction of the Franciscan Sisters. Since the 1991-1992 school year, St. John School has been under the ministry of lay collaborators, educators and administrators.
During the past eighty years of service, the grammar school has educated thousands of young people. Through the efforts of very dedicated teachers and staff, St. John's is a place where students can learn to be active members of the faith community formed in Christ. Students can continue to learn values and develop a worldwide view as contributing citizens.
St. John serves a diverse Catholic population. Eighty-one percent (81%) of our families identify themselves as Catholic. As a result, our annual religious traditions, prayer experiences and instruction are well received by our community. Although the percentage of Catholic Families is high, the number of parish families is low, around 25%. This statistical reality has caused some discussion among the various the levels of Parish and School leadership. One topic that we discuss on an ongoing basis is: how to better serve commuter families that attend St. JohnÕs and how to meet their Sacramental needs especially those within the 2nd and 8th grades. After much discussion with the pastor and the families St. JohnÕs School has agreed to take on the primary role of preparing our school children for the Sacrament of Holy Communion and for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The parents of St. John's students represent an occupational diversity with a wide range of employment. In a parent survey administered in the fall of 2004, a sampling of our parents responded that they were employed as medical, business and legal professionals, civil servants, firefighters, police officers, contractors, teachers, and realtors to name a few.
The summary of our parent surveys indicates that the strengths of St. John School are a Christian family environment that encourages Catholic values, and a challenging, comprehensive, and relevant curriculum. Also noted were the caring and responsive staff and the sense of community. In addition, the parents clearly recognize their role as the primary educators of their children. Academically parents are pleased with the strong curriculum offered and have suggested that a second language be added to the curriculum.
St. John School is blessed with many active parent volunteers. Parents help in the classrooms, assist in the library, supervise our lunch recess, coordinate a uniform exchange, and act as room parents. Parents also assist in school wide activities such as Chocolate Sale, Book Fairs, Halloween, FoundersÕ Day, Fall Dinner, Silent Auction, and Spring Fling. Volunteers also conduct yearly hearing, vision, and scoliosis screenings. The Parent-Teacher Group (PTG) was established to encourage supportive and social relationships among the parents of St. John School, provide volunteers for school activities, and raise funds to enhance the school programs. Meetings are held regularly on the first Tuesday of the month and are always well attended with at least 50% of parent community present.
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Regarding our curriculum, student data shows that students perform above average on standardized testing and yet as a faculty we've agreed to improve our overall math scores over the next 6 years. High school updates as well as positive comments from parents and graduates strengthen the premise that St. John School produces educated people and life-long learners. Music and art experiences, poetry and academic contests, intergenerational activities, and sports programs help create well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. Standardized testing, surveys, feedback from graduates along with parent comments reaffirm that the philosophy is meeting the mission of the school, and that the goals are being accomplished.
St. John School is committed to making an impact on student learning. Textbooks are reviewed under the Archdiocesan six-year plan and updated texts are purchased. During the 2003-2004 school year the faculty and administration review textbooks for two curriculum areas: Reading/LA and Math. As a result two new series were purchased. In-depth studies are completed yearly to assure that the curriculum is aligned with Archdiocesan guidelines and state content standards. St. John's teachers are encouraged to attend in-service workshops in order to keep current with the latest educational pedagogy. Differentiated Instruction, Alternative Assessment, Classroom Management, Religious-based workshops and Technology training are just a few of the professional growth opportunities attended.
Survey results and test scores show that St. John School meets the needs of the students. The curriculum is sequential and follows the Archdiocesan guidelines and state requirements. Teachers offer a variety of assignments to foster creativity and individualism. These learning activities address the variety of learning styles present in the school population. Students often have choices in reading material, science projects, and writing topics.
St. John School students enjoy a variety of learning experiences with specialized teachers. Beginning in Kindergarten through 5th grade, art, music, computer, and physical education [motor skills] are part of the curriculum within self-contained classrooms. There is a PE and Music instructor. Grades six through eight are departmentalized (Math/Science, LA, Social Studies) which allows teachers to teach to their
The majority of St. John School students apply to Catholic high schools and attend them. 70% of graduates from '00, '01, Õ02, '03, entered a Catholic high school after completing the 8th Grade. In 2004, however, only 42% entered a Catholic high school and when speaking to students and parents, economics played a major reason why Catholic high schools were not considered. Periodic updates from these schools show that many of the students become honor roll and deanÕs list honorees. The way has been prepared for them to become socially responsible citizens and educated people. Some of the graduates also participate in parish programs such as confirmation, high school and young adult youth ministry, and parish service. The religious education received at St. John School is a springboard for students to continue to be active Christians devoted to their faith.
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The administration and faculty are professional, qualified educators who strive to remain current and updated in the latest educational theories and practices. Collectively, the faculty has many years of teaching experience, and many have advanced degrees and teaching credentials from California and other states. New teachers attend the Archdiocesan intern teacher workshops and a new faculty orientation meeting given by the administration to provide valuable and necessary information. Mentor teachers are available to each intern teacher as an added resource.
The school administration, faculty, and staff are dedicated to the school's mission and philosophy. Yearly, the administration and faculty review and revise both the philosophy and mission of the school. The educational and professional goals are based on the philosophy as are the School wide Learning Expectations. The faculty retreat and the Parent-Student Handbook are also centered on the philosophy and mission of the school. All events at St. JohnÕs are planned with the ultimate mission of the school in mind — to educate the whole child to become an active Christian.
The school administration, faculty, and staff are committed to ongoing spiritual and professional development that ultimately will improve student learning. Faculty and administrators attend workshops, in-services, and classes that will strengthen their effectiveness as educators and some share their insights with their colleagues. Instructional management and curriculum development workshops are attended by all faculty. The faculty over the past 3 years has made tremendous progress on their commitment to technology training and integration. Many use their summer vacations to take classes, work at educationally related positions, read educational journals or participate in workshops. All faculty and administrators have received religion certification for the Archdiocese, and a few are Eucharistic ministers at school and in their own parishes. Throughout the year, prayer opportunities are available to the faculty, and the faculty members themselves plan the weekly faculty prayer. These efforts reveal the administration and faculty's commitment to ongoing professional and spiritual development.
A part time school counselor works with students and parents to address academic, social, or emotional needs. Every class has some children with special needs. Gifted students are offered a variety of enrichment activities to meet their needs. The teachers, our Special Needs Teacher, educational consultants, and parents work together to modify classroom structure for those students with attention difficulties or behavioral concerns. A part time Special needs teacher works with our students who are identified by the parents and or the teachers. The school discipline policy is consistent with the Christian principles of the school, which is outlined in the Parent-Student Handbook. Christian behavior is the ideal, and many teachers use positive reinforcement to achieve this goal. If problems occur, classroom teachers use verbal cues, time outs, contact the parent and/or issue a detention slip. A parent-student-teacher conference may be scheduled if behavior continues to be a detriment to the school environment. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations. Expulsion results from a final decision resting with the pastor and principal. Historically, few students have been suspended, very few have been withdrawn by the families and none have been actually expelled.
The Extended Care program meets the needs of working parents as it is opened daily from 6:45 AM to 8:00 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Since the school has a large plant, separate rooms are available for drama, guitar and keyboard classes. This year, 2004-2005, our newly hired Extended Care director has expanded the after school program to offer Gymnastics, Dance, and a foreign language. The Extended Care program also provides a separate track for our Jr. High Students. Our Jr. High students are able to be together as a group, spend time focusing on homework as well as social activities more geared toward their age and maturity.
St. John School has responded to the spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and psychological needs of young Catholics for 88 years and continues to foster growth in each child.
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CHAPTER FOUR
The management of St. John's school is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity for the financial statements of the School. The financial statements and the accompanying notes have been prepared by the finance committee in accordance with accounting principles and, in the judgment of St. John's, present fairly the School's financial position and results of operations.
The 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 schools authorization and are recorded properly to permit the preparation of financial statements. The school recognizes that even a highly effective internal control system has inherent risks, including the possibility of human error. However, the school believes that as of June 30, 2004 that the internal controls over financial reporting are in place and operating effectively.
Ken Willers, Principal
30-Nov-2004
The finance committee has prepared and reviewed the accompanying balance sheet of St. John's School as of June 30, 2004, 2003, and 2002 and the related statements of Revenues, Expenses, changes in fund balances, and the statements of cash flows, for the years then ended in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All information included in these financial statements is the representation of the management of St. John's school and S. John's parish.
A review consists principally of inquiries of management personnel and analytical procedures applied to the financial data. It is substantially less in scope than an examination in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, the finance committee does not express such an opinion.
Based on the finance committee reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Barry Gremban, Finance Committee Chairman
30-Nov-2004
Financially the school has made a tremendous effort to be fiscally responsible. The Advisory Board along with the Finance chair has lead the school through a process of Financial planning and Risk Assessment. The largest threat facing our school is reduced enrollment as a result of economic downturn, reduction in number of school age children, increased costs, personnel changes, reputation and parish relationship. After identifying the above causes the Advisory Board then discussed steps that could mitigate for the enrollment risks. Some steps listed were: establishing cash reserves, identify deferred maintenance, plan for capital improvements, assist families to find financial aid, focus on marketing, good communication with parents, and foster positive relationships with parish, community, and city leaders. As the Advisory Board moves into the 2004-2005 school year many of these mitigating strategies have been initiated.
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strengths. The classes are divided into block periods so each teacher has about 1.5 hours a day with their students. There is also a Fine Arts instructor who is hired to come in during the 2nd half of the year and work with students in developing a Fine Arts production, which is aligned to either the Social Studies or LA curriculum. The Fine Arts instructor works for 3 weeks with the Kindergarten through 2nd grade students, and approximately 7-9 weeks with the 3rd through 8th grade students. Parents are involved in helping with the sets, costumes and props.
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