In response to the School Survey conducted at the start of the year, a series of meetings has addressed promoting St. John’s School. One of the finest results of these meetings has been the “positive buzz” shared by participants. Parents, teachers and administrators working side by side have pulled together to help St John’s grow, prosper and improve.

At the HSA meeting on November 9th the School Survey results described six areas of commendation and four areas of recommended improvement for St John’s. The areas of commendation were: The Principal and Staff; School Philosophy & Christian Atmosphere; Christian Formation Program; Instructional Program; Service Programs; Relationship with the Parish & Community. The four areas of improvement include: improving Internal Communications; Marketing/Fundraising; creating a Welcoming Atmosphere; updating Instructional Methods. Sr. Kathleen is already looking at instructional methods and has made that a standing agenda item for the monthly faculty meeting. The remaining three areas, improving Internal Communications, and Marketing/Fundraising, creating a Welcoming Atmosphere, were the spark for these various meetings, and for the positive buzz that’s pulsing through the corridors, the pews, and the parking lot.

Results are starting to happen! Among them:

• This electronic newsletter was designed to build links of communication within our school, keep parents informed of what is happening, and provide a forum for our more “seasoned” parents to share the wealth of their experiences with others. Kate Campion and Lynn Muldoon are the editors of this community effort.
• An improved school website is being investigated. While we currently have a page on the parish website, and a page on the Middle States webpage, a more user-friendly, resourceful design is our hope. Noelyne Alzona is spearheading this effort.
• The Second Annual St John’s Ceili will be held on Saturday, March 18th as a fundraiser for the school. Last year’s ceili was both fun and successful, raising over $4,000, and we hope to beat that goal this year through ticket sales and the ever-popular wine raffle that night. Denise Culkin and Lynn Muldoon are the chairs for this event, and Sheryl Kreischer is chairing the wine raffle.
• A Marketing Plan is in the design stages under the direction of Dan Campion. Input from parents at the various meetings on the “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” is the foundation for the plan.
• Open House, our annual day to attract new families into St John’s was expanded this year, resulting in over twice the number of visitors through our doors on January 26th than attended last year.
• New Fundraising ideas for both the short and long term…The upcoming Ceili, a new mulch sale this spring, “Dream Dinners”, next year a possible flea market, a wine tasting event, and a casino night. We’ll need your help!
• Peg Daly has taken the lead on the “Welcoming atmosphere” topic and will work to find ways to help new students and families become integrated into the school community.

While our school is not perfect, and our resources are not limitless, certainly our blessings are. It has been refreshing and energizing to be a part of a positive force, a responsive, creative and proactive effort to tackle the challenges that face our school. If you haven’t done so yet, join our efforts, and feel that positive buzz!