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> Home > Principals Page
Principal's Page
Sept. 1, 2010
Principal's Piece
Happy Second Week of School!
As I was walking through school the other day, I came upon one of our younger, new students standing in his classroom doorway, gazing up and down the hallway with wide eyes. He looked at me and whispered, "I can't believe this is my school!" His impressions certainly speak the positive, spirit-filled energy that permeates our community these days. We are alive with activities and in this week's eGazette, you will find important information on opportunities to become involved!
- Be sure to mark your calendar for our next Family Club meeting on Monday, September 27th 3:15.
- Save the date for our Jog-a-thon at Justin-Siena. The theme is "Twist and Shout". It'll be a day of running and 1950's fun on Thursday, October 7th!
- Don't forget to submit your contribution to the Annual Fund. Remember no amount is too small. 100% family participation opens the door to grant monies for our incredible facilities improvements.
Keep up the enthusiasm, share the spirit and remember that...
"We are one Body... One Body in Christ."
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
Principal's Piece
August 25, 2010
"We are One Body"
On behalf of the faculty and staff of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School, I formally welcome your family to the 2010-2011 school year. By now, you've heard enthusiastic descriptions of your child's first days of school and you've been given important classroom information from your child's teacher. We are blessed with many gifts at St. Johns; faculty and administration stability, dedicated Pastoral staff, steady enrollment, improved facilities and faith-filled families. At a time when our public counterparts are struggling, we are thriving.
You've been given much information in the past few days but I want to emphasize the many ways to stay informed at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Regular announcements will be posted on our school website (www.stjohnscatholic.org), classroom pages, in our weekly, electronic newsletters (the eGazette), through email "blasts" and in bimonthly Wednesday envelopes. You can reach the school staff either by phone or email and all contact information is available on our website. A family directory will be made available in the coming weeks.
As you heard at Open House, we are able to offer all that we do through active parent participation. There are many ways to become involved at St. Johns: committees, events and activities. Be sure that you've completed and return your Parent Participation Form. We will be contacting those who have not. We have immediate need for participants on our Faith Formation team, Public Relations committee, Technology Committee, Fall Fundraising dinner and Jog-a-Thon. If you are interested, let us know by sending a message to schoolinfo@stjohnscatholic.org.
Layering onto our bustling school year is the upcoming Capital Campaign which will bring us the most significant facilities renovation since the construction of the church in 1967. You will be hearing details about the project in the coming months. Of primary importance at this time is your participation in our Annual Fund. We must have 100% family participation in order for grants and major donors to consider our applications for funds. If you haven't done so already, please send your contribution to the school office. Remember, no donation is too small!
Again, I welcome you! I am absolutely joyful about our upcoming school year.
"We are One Body...One Body in Christ."
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
“With One Voice”
June, 2010
Dear St. John the Baptist Catholic School Families,
Welcome summer! I hope you are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying extra moments with your children. The halls at school are now quiet, but we’ll be busy at school in the next few days. Our dedicated staff will spend quality time planning 2010/2011 and, after the summer respite, we will look forward to another highly-focused, faith-filled academic year.
Before we hit the beach and pull out the sunscreen, I share several announcements:
· Congratulations, Graduates! Last night we celebrated the graduation of the St. John the Baptist Catholic School Class of 2010. They are a wonderful group of young persons whose intelligence, faith and friendships will carry them through life. I reminded them they are part of our family forever and welcomed them to visit us as they go and grow. Please keep them in your prayers as they transition to high school.
· Save the Date! Please save the date for our parent-only, Back-to-School Night on: Tuesday, August 24 beginning at 5:30pm. For our Spanish-speaking parents, I invite you to a reception from 4:30-5:30pm.
· Summer Communication: Our summer office hours are 8am -12pm, Tuesday-Thursday. Mrs. Giaquinto, Mrs. Saunders and Mrs. Sylvester will be checking messages regularly. Phone messages can be left at the school number: 224-8388. E-mail can be sent to: schoolinfo@stjohnscatholic.org
· School Web Site: Another important route of communication this summer will be our School web site. Please check it for the calendar, supply lists, summer homework, etc.
· Welcome New Families: I offer a special welcome to our new families who will be joining us in the Fall. If you haven’t already, you will soon hear from our Family Club to answer any questions and make sure your child(ren) are comfortable in their transition. You will soon see the blessing that is this community.
To our returning families, thank you for your on-going support and for the gift of your children whom you have entrusted to our care. We are in a tremendous place with an enthusiastic and dedicated faculty and incredibly supportive Parish and a clear focus on the beautiful Mission of our school.
Of course, our success is based on the valued partnership we share between home and school. Our dedicated faculty and staff, who view their jobs as their vocation, spend countless hours preparing for their precious time with their students. I thank them for all they give for the Mission of our fine school.
At this time, I am pleased to announce a 100% classroom teacher return rate for the 2010/2011 school year. Regarding our support staff, we will see changes in our Art and Library programs. Our Art teacher, Mrs. Gibbs, is moving on to other professional opportunities and our beloved Mrs. Boyce will be taking on the duties of Art teacher. Our Art program will continue without interruption.
We also offer our deepest appreciation to Mrs. Evans who will also depart from St. Johns. Mrs. Evans transformed our underutilized library into a vibrant, inviting space where literature is loved. Our Library program will be expanded into a full-time Student Resource Center that will be open for students daily, through lunchtime and afterschool. This programmatic change will continue our current library program, meet our need for additional student resource support and provide for additional activity options for students who desire quiet space during recess and lunch. The extended hours are an important option in our proactive awareness of the need to increase and improve positive social skill opportunities and anti-bullying activities and behaviors. The Library/Student Resource Center will be staffed by Mrs. Stephanie Ham who is fully credentialed, holds a certificate in Cross-Cultural Language Acquisition Development and has taken post-graduate courses in educational technology and serving students with special needs.
Our 2010/2011 school year staffing:
Principal: Nancy Jordan
Principal’s Assistant: Stephanie Saunders
School Secretary: Jennifer Giaquinto
Kindergarten: Mrs. Carole McClintick
1st Grade: Mrs. Samara Calforda
2nd Grade: Mrs. Celine Ford
3rd Grade: Sister Joyce Poeschl
4th Grade: Mrs. Suzanne Berube
5th Grade: Ms. Linda Lee
6th Grade: Mrs. Betsy Kiernan
7th Grade Homeroom, 7th/8th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies, Resource Support: Mrs. Julie Picard
8th Grade Homeroom, 7th /8th Grade Math, Science and Spanish: Mr. Milton Gallegos
7/8 Math/Resource Support/Library: Mrs. Stephanie Ham
Physical Education, 7th/8th Grade Religion: Ms. Michele DiMarco
Music: Mr. Tony Carlin
Extended Care: Mrs. Eileen Dehzad and Mrs.Nubia Kunst
Instructional Assistant K/1/Art: Mrs. Paulette Boyce
Instructional Assistant: Mrs. Katie Batt
Computer Lab/Science Lab: Mrs. Kristen Stiver
Bookkeeper: New Level Group (outsourced)
Bookkeeping Assistant: Denise Sylvester
In closing, I’d like to share with you our theme for the 2010/2011 school year. This year, we established that “With One Voice”, we thrive at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Next year, we will celebrate “We are One Body…One Body in Christ”. Watch for activities, events and assignments that connect us with the reality that, when we gather our unique talents, gifts, abilities, “We are One Body”.
Have a safe, relaxing summer and enjoy many faith-filled moments with your precious children. Return to us renewed and ready to accomplish the 2010/2011 school year.
With One Voice….We’ll Pass the Word Along…
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
Principal's Piece
5/26/2010
Dear St. John the Baptist Catholic School Families,
Each year, we make a conscious effort to keep our tuition accessible to all who desire a Catholic school education. Through organized development efforts and generous parent volunteer support, we are able to charge rates below the actual cost to educate, placing our tuition scale amongst the lowest in the Napa Valley.
That said, it takes many hours of time and talent given by you, our dedicated parents, to make our school exceptional. All St. John families are required to serve a minimum of 30 volunteer hours per school year, spread among the areas listed on the attached Volunteer Commitment Form. This letter is in regards to the 2010/2011 School Year.
The 30 volunteer hours are to be donated as outlined:
- 10 hours to our St. John the Baptist thrift Store, "The Church Mouse" which we anticipate opening in the coming months.
- 10 hours to one or more of our major fundraisers as outlined on the Volunteer Commitment Form.
- 10 hours to any of the other opportunities as outlined on the Volunteer Commitment Form.
Please complete the attached form and return it to the school office by Wednesday June 9, the last day of school. Those forms that are returned by this date will be eligible to participate in a drawing, on the last day of school, for a night at the beautiful Westin Verasa, Napa.
To ensure effective and accurate tracking of your volunteer hours, you are required that you complete a Volunteer Timesheet each time you volunteer. Copies of this form are available from the school office or from Event or Committee Coordinators. It is your responsibility to complete one of these forms each time you volunteer and submit it to the school office for tracking. Hours are tracked from September to June.
Those who serve as an Event or Committee Coordinator will satisfy their volunteer hour requirement.
Please know that if your family does not meet the minimum requirement of 30 volunteer hours, your tuition rate will be re-structured to reflect the actual cost of educating your child of $6,631.00.
If your family is new to our school or have questions with regards to any of the events, please visit our website, click "School Life" and click on "Family Club". You'll find activity and contact information for folks who can answer your questions.
I am so grateful for all you bring to our community. Our school is vibrant due in part to your shared gifts and talents. Let us welcome the 10/11 school year with equal enthusiasm.
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
School Principal
Volunteer_Commitment_Form.pdf
Volunteer_Committment_Form_-_Explanation_of_Opportunities.pdf
Principal's Piece
05/12/2010
Principal's Piece
First Communion, Kindergarten Mother's Day Luncheon, the Crowning of Mary, Track and Field Events, Graduation Activities, Library Book Fair, Visual and Performing Arts Recital, Teacher Appreciation Week, Field Trips to Angel Island, San Francisco Chinatown, Oakland Zoo, Ropes Course and Jack London State Park... Whew! These are just a sample of the many activities that have engaged our students, just in April and May. This community is incredibly vibrant thanks to the efforts of so many.
As I mentioned in our last eGazette, one branch of our school support involves our Development Committee, a subcommittee of our School Council. The Development Committee organizes the fundraising efforts for our school through a comprehensive Development Plan. The Development Plan enables us to keep tuition reasonable and our program accessible to all who desire a Catholic education for their child.
This year, we were required to strategically fill the void left by the absence of the Gala by increasing participation in all other efforts and exploring innovative means of support. This careful planning enabled us to stay on budget with all fixed operating costs plus advance our state-of-the-art technology program, provide additional classroom support materials, fund critical instructional assistant positions and offer important co-curricular experiences such as the April technology workshop.
Today, I ask you for your participation in the Family Pledge program. This is our annual fund which serves to fill the gap between charged cost of tuition and actual cost to educate. You were asked to participate when you completed your 09/10 registration form.
It is absolutely critical that we achieve 100% participation from every major stakeholder group in our school: Staff, School Council and Families. To date, we have a 32% participation rate from families, bringing in a total of $15,000. We are below our goal of 100% participation rate and $20,000. It is imperative that you contribute, no matter what amount. There is no gift too small. 100% participation better positions us to apply for grants and major gifts. We can't achieve our goal without you! Please consider an offering of any amount and place it in the envelope provided in your Wednesday Envelope. Thank you to those who have already participated.
As we wind down the year, we have much to be thankful for at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. God has truly blessed us with a dedicated staff, committed families and precious students. Enjoy the many activities Spring offers us. Summer will be upon us before we know it.
With One Voice... We'll Pass the Word Along.
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
April 28, 2010
The days are getting longer, bed times later and weekends bursting with activities. Spring brings the excitement of outdoor adventures and minds wandering to vacation. Our school community is busy as ever, but also trying to offer a balance of activities to help sustain us through the remainder of lessons in and out of the classroom.
This week we gather on Friday evening to enjoy art and personal performances at the Spring Fine Arts Recital and celebrate the First Eucharist with our Second Graders on Sunday. Next week brings athletic endeavors with the Twilight Track Meet on Friday and Petanque Tournament on Saturday. There are many parents volunteering to bring these opportunities to our children, strengthening our community and creating new friendships along the way.
Also, hard at work is our Development Committee, a committee of the School Council, which designs and coordinates the fundraising efforts of the School. The Committee oversees the Fund Development Plan which includes the Scrip Program, Jog-a-thon, Crab Feed and other fundraising activities. The success of these activities has lightened the efforts this spring. There is no Gala this year, but other volunteer opportunities exist to support a Food and Wine Pairing event and Spring Scrip Drive which both take place in May.
Finally, as we enjoy the bounty of spring activities, I thank you for being ambassadors of St. John the Baptist Catholic School, informing friends who may be interested in joining our School community for the 2010-2011 year. We are still accepting applications in many grades and particularly encourage incoming Kindergarten Families to call or visit the school while we are still in session.
I appreciate the generosity of so many parents who keep our School environment thriving. Thank you for your continued investment of time, energy and talent in our children.
With One Voice.. We'll Pass the Word Along.
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
April 14, 2010
Principal's Piece
Facebook, My Space, Chat Roulette, Cyber-bulling, Pocket-calling... St. Isidore of Seville?
Technology! Where does a parent begin?! There is so much to know but the minute we've mastered the latest buzz words, new lingo appears. Responsible technology use is a topic I discuss several times each year and this week we had the opportunity to host a nationally-renowned speaker on responsible technology use. Mr. Richard Guerry, founder of "The Institute for Responsible Online and Cell-Phone Communication" (http://www.iroc2.org/), spoke with our parents on Monday night and our 5th through 8th grade students on Tuesday morning. Through web site links and several, astounding true stories, Mr. Guerry provided a critical message: Every action you take with any electronic device is public and permanent. Further, it's wiser to be proactive than reactive. By learning how to be "digitally conscious", our students can make educated decisions which will protect them. Responsible technology use is important for all of us to consider - no matter the age of our children. In fact, Mr. Guerry's presentation inspired several of us adult attendees to consider how safely we navigate the technology scene!
As a Catholic School, we have the obligation to weave our faith into this on-going conversation with our children. Do our digital activities represent who we are in Christ? Can we explain to our children that our church is "in touch" with such modern experiences as technology? It may come as a surprise that there is a Patron Saint of Students, Computers and the Internet. St. Isidore of Seville (560-636 AD) was canonized in 1598 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1722. He achieved tremendous academic success, authoring numerous works including an encyclopedia, dictionary, religious books and history resources. He furthered the study of law, medicine and languages and played a prominent role in the beginnings of representative government. In other words, St Isidore continually advanced his knowledge of the world and furthered movements in education, just as we are called to do in raising our children.
Thank you to Mrs. O'Brien, Mrs. Stiver and our Family Club, for bringing this timely presentation to us this week.
With One Voice...We'll Pass the Word Along. Be cyber-safe!
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
April 2, 2010
Dear St. John the Baptist Catholic School Families,
Blessings on you and your family during this most holy week of our liturgical year. During the upcoming days, we recognize the suffering, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ –that which defines us a Christians. Each year affords us the opportunity to reflect on our own faith and the growing, innocent faith of our children. In addition to inviting you to attend any and all of our Holy Week services at St. John the Baptist Catholic School, I share with you important school activity information.
Holy Thursday: Our Faith Formation team, along with our 7th grade class, has prepared a unique presentation for the student body to demonstrate the Last Supper and Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet. We would love for you to attend: Today, Thursday, 4/1 at 11:30am in our church.
Lenten Banks: Please return all Lenten banks to the parish office during this week.
No Extended Care today, Thursday, 4/1
Thank you: Thank you to Mrs. Franzino for providing breakfast for the staff this morning. We are well-nourished!
“Read, Write, Learn” Student Newspaper: A couple of weeks ago, several students organized School Newspaper. Rather than describe it, I invite you to read their first edition which I’ve attached to this message. Great job, students!
Health Care Reform Bulletin: Attached you will also find an important announcement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Get "2.1Certified" - An Educational Opportunity in Digital Technology:
Do you or your child use Facebook? Myspace? Twitter? or YouTube?
Do you or your child use a digital camera, cellphone, webcam, or do you or your child text message?
St. John the Baptist Catholic School invites you to attend a digital technology event!
Attending this event will make you part of the rapidly growing number of "2.1Certified" individuals guaranteed to receive the information necessary to understand how to proactively avoid making a life altering mistake with any form of current or future digital technology.
Workshop Details:
For: All Community Members (Adults Only - students in grades 5-8 will be given an age appropriate presentation on Tuesday, 4/13)
When: Monday, April 12, 2010 (Take note! This is the day we return from Easter break!)
Where: Justin-Siena High School library
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Contact: Cindy O’Brien cindyobrien@sbcglobal.net
Justin-Siena High School Sponsors Napa Premiere of Documentary Film Race to Nowhere on April 19th :
Justin-Siena High School will be sponsoring the pre-release premiere of Race to Nowhere, a documentary film by director Vicki Abeles, presented at the Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa, on Monday, April 19th at 6:30 pm. There will be a discussion with the director after the film.
President Robert T. Jordan is encouraging community members to attend the screening of this important documentary, "We are pleased to sponsor this premiere to help raise awareness in the community about the new pressures faced by students in America today. It is important to begin dialogue about the health, safety and well-being of today's youth, and to understand how life has changed for young people preparing for a successful adulthood. As a college preparatory school, we are proud to ignite this dialogue by sponsoring this event."
The documentary was an Official Selection of the 2009 Mill Valley Film Festival, the 2010 California Independent Film Festival, and the 2010 Sonoma International Film Festival. Race to Nowhere has been deemed, "Another Inconvenient Truth" by the George Lucas Education Foundation and Edutopia, as well as, "A must-see documentary," by Patrick Bassett, President of the National Association of Independent Schools. The film's website, www.racetonowhere.com, offers more background about the making of the documentary and additional reviews.
This premiere will be open to all members of the public. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door. Tickets can be ordered online at:
http://rtnnapavalley.eventbrite.com/
9. Spring Recital: All students who submitted an "Intent to Participate" form for the Fine Arts Event to be held on April 30th will be bringing home a "Participant Confirmation" letter today, Thursday, 4/1. This letter contains some important information. If your child does not bring home a letter and is planning to participate (instrumental solo, vocal solo, group vocal piece, or art in the exhibit) please contact Debbie Zeller as soon as possible (dbzeller@gmail.com). Have a wonderful Spring Break! - Mrs. Zeller, Mrs. Hirsohn, Mrs. Gibbs & Mrs. Jordan
10.HOLY WEEK AND TRIDUUM: Please consider attending any of these beautiful services recognizing this Holy Week. Of special significance, is the baptism and confirmation of Mr. Paul, father of Madison and Jacque at the Easter Vigil.
Thursday April 1 7:30am Tenebrae
7:00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper (bilingual) followed byAdoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Midnight
Friday April 2 GOOD FRIDAY 7:30am Tenebrae
Noon Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
5:30 pm Seven Last Words of Jesus, with Veneration of the Cross and Communion (English)
6:30pm Live Dramatization of the Stations of the Cross (JESED), followed by Veneration of the Cross in the
church (Spanish)
Saturday April 3 7:30am Tenebrae
2:00pm Rite of Preparation of Elect
7:00pm Easter Vigil Mass (bilingual, followed by special hospitality to welcome our Neophytes)
Sunday April 4 10:00am Mass (English), Noon Mass (Spanish)
On behalf of the faculty and staff of St. John the Baptist Catholic School, I wish you a meaningful Holy Week, joyful Easter and relaxing break. We are thankful for the presence of your children and rejoice in the blessing of our faith-filled school.
With One Voice…We’ll Pass the Word Along.
In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal
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