Class of 2018

St. John the Beloved School

Annual Report

2017- 2018

St. John the Beloved School

905 Milltown Rd. • Wilmington, DE 19808

www.sjbdel.org

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY, SERVICE, WORSHIP!

To Jesus through Mary

Class of 2018

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 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 diverse academic needs of students are met in a rich learning environment with a

challenging curriculum and dedicated teachers.

MIDDLE STATES

Accredited

NCEA Member

AMLE MEMBER

Class of 2018

.

Rev. Joseph J. Piekarski

Pastor

Page 1

September 2018

Dear Staff, Students, Families & Friends of Saint John the Beloved

School,

Like the familiar noun, Kindergarten, the German word of

“garden for the children,” Saint John the Beloved School is a

nurturing ground for God’s children. Over sixty years ago, the

Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia established at St. John the

Beloved School, an environment where children in the primary

grades can learn and practice Catholic beliefs, advance to their

fullest potential in academia and be able to compete in a social

atmosphere.

This ministry, developed and nurtured by religious sisters,

faith-filled laity and committed staff, was and still is sponsored

by the parents, guardians and benefactors who, through tuition

and fund raising, support our school. Of course, the parishioners

of Saint John the Beloved Parish have and continue to financially

subsidize the mission of our parochial school. The enclosed data

is important to measure the well being of our school. Fortunately,

it is very healthy.

What makes our school unique is the fact that we blend quality

education with moral fidelity. More than the solid basics, Catholic

Education establishes a rootedness in Christ that is essential to

keep our children strong for the diversity that await them. Together,

we continue to plant good seeds in good soil for a good future.

May God bless your goodness.

Class of 2018

St. John the Beloved School Serving 4 year old Early Childhood through 8

th Grade

905 Milltown Rd. • Wilmington, DE 19808 • 302-998-5525 A Catholic school in the Franciscan Tradition. www.sjbdel.org

Page 2

September 2018

Dear Friends,

Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you

nothing that you have received – only what you have given: a full

heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage…St.

Francis of Assisi

Celebrating our 60th

Anniversary this past year with Mass and a tour

of our school left everyone excited for the future. It showcased how

far we have come and how we will continue to grow. St. John the

Beloved is already one of the largest parishes in the Diocese with

one of the largest schools. Being a Blue Ribbon School award

winner proves that we are an educational leader .

Recognizing that our school was founded by the Sisters of St.

Francis, we have embraced the teachings and work ethic of St.

Francis of Assisi. As he said in the quote above, honest service,

love, sacrifice, and courage have become the driving force in

surviving and thriving. Our school is parent-based with the

steadfastness needed to continue and succeed. Along with our

parents, parishioners support and encourage us to grow and educate

generations of children.

St. John the Beloved’s 60th Anniversary was a truly memorable

event. God has blessed us and this was a time to thank Him and

everyone for all of the wonderful things that have happened to our

school. Let us remember our blessings as we move forward to

another 60 years!

Yours in St. Francis,

Richard D. Hart

Principal

Class of 2018

CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Celebrated monthly liturgies

Prepared second grade for First

Communion

Celebrated First Reconciliation &

Communion

Spotlighted a student choir and band

for liturgies

Participated in the Faculty Retreat

Day

Created a retreat experience for our

sixth, seventh, and eighth grades

Instructed Kindergarten in prayer

assisted by their eighth grade buddies

Recited the Rosary in October and

May as a school community

Participated in the Stations of the Cross

during Lent

Eighth grade performed Living Stations

School community honored Mary by

participating in a traditional May

Crowning

Students participated in a monthly service

project that benefited various

Organizations

Franciscan Award at eighth grade

graduation

Peacemaker awards awarded each

trimester to those who model our

Franciscan Values

Continued support to Neighbors to

Nicaragua

Participated in Diocesan Pilgrimage

Outreach events for Gr. 6-8

CURRICULUM

Recognized as National Blue Ribbon

School 2016

Adopted the new Star Testing program

– 1st to 8

th grade

Instituted an in-depth memorization

program for multiplication in grades

three through five

Google Doc school

All updated Curriculum has online

component

1:1 Chromebooks 5th – 8

th grades

Chrome Book Carts grades 2-4

Additional iPads for preschool and

primary grades

Expanded Reading Assist

Employed Instructional Coach – Mrs.

Ryan

Established weekly Activity Period

for Middle School

FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS

New Carpets Gr. 6-8

Painted all Gr. 6-8 classrooms

Replaced ceiling tiles in Gr. 6-8

MAINTENANCE

Stripped and waxed all floors

Area Carpets Cleaned

Highlights Accomplishments 2017 - 2018

Page 3

Class of 2018

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Raised over $11,900.00 for various

Charities including Penna Strong

Foundation, Red Nose Foundation,

Salvation Army & Catholic Relief

Services (Hurricane Relief)

Easter Baskets for Ministry of Caring

Raised money for Clean Water/SJB

Outreach

Memorial donations made to recently

deceased members of our school

family

Raised over $20,000.00 during

Walk-a-Thon..

STUDENT ACTIVITIES, ATHLETICS

EXTENDED CARE & SUMMER

SCHOOL

Hosted Art Fairs in January and April

Received first and/or second place by

several athletic teams in all sports

Fourth grade hosted Career Week

Annual Christmas concert K – 3rd

with school Choir.

Middle School trips for Character

Education/Leadership & Team-

Building

Band Recognition – Jazz Fest at U of

DE, Superior Performance at the

National Catholic Band Association

at Villanova

Soccer Shots

TECHNOLOGY

IPADS – ECP through 2nd

grade

Upgraded technology curriculum

School Messenger Broadcast System

Web-based curriculum for Math,

Science, Social Studies, Reading &

Vocabulary

Smart Boards in all classrooms

Gr. 5-8 One to One Chromebooks

Chromebook carts in Gr. 2-4

ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITIONS

Received acceptances of all Graduates

into a High School of their choice

17 students received thirty

scholarships to various High Schools

Celebrated the life and retirement of

1 teacher – Mrs. Gerry McGivney

Eighteen 8th grade students received

U.S. President’s Award for

Educational Excellence

Honors Awards and Breakfast of

Champions

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION/

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Finances the following after school

programs: Italian Club, Science

Explorers, Math Leagues, Science

Olympiads, It’s Academic, Jr. and Sr.

Chess Club, Soccer Shots, Discover

your Palette

Coordinates Recess Volunteers

Breakfast with Santa and Santa’s

Secret Workshop

Walk-a-Thon

Grade Level Socials

Father/Daughter Dance

Mother/Son Event

Family Night Bingo

Multiple Business Take-Overs

Family Movie Night

PARENT PARTNERSHIP

Special Persons Week

Coffee and Conversation with the

Principal

4th grade Career Week

Page 4

Class of 2018

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

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

Page 5

Class of 2018

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 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.

The U. S. Department of Education awarded St. John the Beloved Catholic School with the 2016 National Blue

Ribbon. This award is given to the top 50 private schools in the nation who achieve and maintain high academic

levels in Reading and Math for 5 years.

Page 6

Class of 2018

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 raised over $11,900.00 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.

Page 7

The Eagles Club

Student Council Officers

Flag Football

Class of 2018

SJB BENEFACTORS

Page 8

Soaring Eagles $1,000 +

Anonymous

BLACK & GOLD CLUB $500 - $999

M/M Scott Denbow

M/M R. Mac Lennan

EAGLE’S NEST $150 - $499

Mr. Stephen Camoirano

Dr./M Michael Guarino

M/M J. Jelenek

M/M D. Murray

M/M S. Oldiges

Ms. M. Kathleen Phillips-Giles

M/M M. A. Stimmel

FRIENDS OF ST. JOHN’S $1 - $150

M/M C. Allen

M/M J. F. Allen

M/M Gary Anderson

M/M M. Antonio

M/M Anthony Arcaro

M/M Robert Armstrong

Dr. B Aungst

M/M R. Badillo

M/M Paul Bailor

M/M Keith Baker

M/M Anthony Battisto

M/M Robert Battisto

M/M Dominic Berlingieri

M/M Michael Berry

Mr. F. J. Berry

M/M Fred Bogucki

M/M G. Boniface

M/M Robert Bors

Ms. Denise Boyle

M/M James Brady

M/M Richard Britt

Mrs. LuAnne Broccoli

M/M William Brown

M/M Clifford Buchan

M/M M. Buckery

M/M Robert Burns

M/M B. Bushong

M/M J. Butler

M/M R. Caldwell

M/M Roger Campbell

Mr. Francis Caputo

Mrs. L. Caulklins

Mrs. C. Chalfant

M/M Chancey

M/M T. Chapman

M/M S. Coen

M/M C. Cohill

M/M D. Connolly

Mr. James Connor

M/M Raymond Cook

M/M L. Correale

Dr. Cecil Coutinho

M/M E. Coyle

M/M S. Cristello

M/M T. T. Crkvenac

M/M John D’Souza

M/M M. Darby

M/M Larry Davis

M/M Christopher Devlin

M/M Thomas Devlin

Mrs. Margaret Donlan

M/M R. Donofrio

Ms. P. Donovan

M/M K. Dove

Mrs. E. Dudzinski

M/M Edwin Eilola

M/M John Ewasko

Mrs. M. A. Farraye

M/M Claude Faulkner

Miss Barara Faupel

M/M David Feick

M/M S. Fisher

M/M G. Fleming

M/M W. Flowers

Mrs. R. Forese

M/M James Forester

M/M M. Foy

M/M John Franklin

M/M V. Fritton

M/M B. Gabel

M/M Philip Gamgort

M/M D. Gazia

Gittens/Scantleburg

Mrs. E. Goode

Miss Carolyn Gray

Mrs. C. Grindel

M/M Anthony Gruszczynski

M/M S. Guariano

M/M E. Halton

Mrs. L. Hand

M/M R. F. Handlin

M/M T. Harach

Mr. Richard D. Hart

M/M B. Hawthorne

M/M Thomas Henaghan

M/M Frank Herkes

M/M Lawrence Hewes

M/M D. Hohman

M/M S. Hwang

M/M Paul Jann

M/M J. Jeker

M/M Emerson Johns

M/M P Johnston

M/M T. Kamenitzer

M/M M. Kavanagh

M/M P. Kennedy

Class of 2018

Page 9

M/M Joseph Knotts

Ms. L. Kohl

M/M James Kohler

M/M Edward Kowalski

M/M Gary Kozielski

M/M F. J. Kurzeknabe

M/M Michael Laukaitis

M/M G. Lawville

Mr. Matthew Lennon

Ms. A. Levonevskaya

M/M Edward Logue

M/M Dominic Maida, Jr.

Mr. Joseph Maier

Mr. Frank Maiorano

M/M J. Malloy

M/M A. Manganiello

M/M W. Marino

Mrs. Tammy Markey

M/M Henry Markiewicz

Ms. Zanaida Martinez

Dr. Sarah Marvian

Ms. T. Masella

M/M K. McBride

Mr. W. McCord

M/M F. J. McDonough

Mr. J. McGorry

M/M C. Mealey

M/M David Mennard

Mr. T. Milowicki

Ms. J. Minchini

M/M D. Moore

M/M R. Moore

Ms. P. A. Moriello

Mr. W. J. Mousley

Mr. R. Myers

M/M J. Nacchia

M/M Michael Newell

Dr. John Nicoll

Mrs. Etta O’Connor

Ms. C. O’Connor

M/M M. Oleck

M/M T. Oliver

M/M Joseph Palese

Mr. D. Palese & LaBarge

Ms. S. Panico

M/M D. Paoli

M/M J. Pennisi

Mrs. J. Person

M/M D. Peters

M/M F. Dale Phillippe

M/M J. Piacentine

M/M Richard Piekarski

M/M M. P. Plouffe

M/M M. Porter

M/M R. Protas

Mrs. Dalton Pyle

M/M James Quattro

M/M Stephen Quindlen

M/M D. Quinn

M/M John Raniszewski

Mrs. M. A. Rapposelli

M/M Mario Renai

M/M J. Rich

M/M John Roberts

Mrs. D. Roberts

M/M D. Roberts

M/M Gary Roser

M/M F. G. Rossell

Ms. J. Rowan

M/M Alfred Rubini

M/M F. W. Sadowski

M/M M. Samson

M/M P. Saponaro

Dr. Francis Sarro

Ms. L. Sarro

Mrs. Charles Saunders

M/M James Sayers

Mr. Andrew Saypack

Mr. David Schiavello

M/M H. J. Schneider

Mr. Henry Scubelek

Ms. Sharon Simon

M/M J. Sklodowski

M/M M. Smith

M/M M. Solomon

Mrs. I. Squire

M/M E. St. Amand

M/M Ronald R. Staib

M/M Tarcisio Stella

M/M E. Stephenson

Mr. G. F. Strusowski

M/M T. Sullivan

M/M Edward Swarter

M/M S. Szczepanek

M/M R. Szewczyk

M/M Royall Thompson

M/M Ed Thompson

M/M J. Tierney

M/M R. Toto

Miss Carol Vautrin

Mrs. Helen Vible

M/M Robert Wagner

Ms. Mary Wallace

Ms. J. Walls

M/M William Wanex

Ms. L. Watkins

Ms. Patricia Weaverling

M/M M. Welsh

M/M Cecil Whitfield

M/M Paul Wilkinson

M/M D. Williams

Ms. Margie Willmann

Mr. Frank Wolf

M/M Stephen Ziejewski

Class of 2018

Graduates

Instruments of Peace Class of 2018

St. John the Beloved School sent off sixty-three

graduates of the Class of 2018. Our graduates

apply to and attend a variety of Catholic & Public

High Schools throughout Wilmington. All of our

graduates achieved entrance into a high school of

their choice and have truly emerged to exceed all

expectations. Forty-nine or 77%, of our graduates

are attending Catholic school while fourteen, or

23%, are attending public or charter high schools.

17 of our graduates achieved a total of thirty

High School scholarships.

Eighteen of our graduates received the Presidential

Award for Educational Excellence.

Number of

Graduates

Catholic High Schools

20 St. Mark’s High School

13 Salesianum School

6 Padua Academy

2 Archmere Academy

7 St. Elizabeth High School

1 Blessed Trinity, GA

Number of Graduates Public /Charter High Schools

4 Delaware Military Academy

3 Charter School of Wilmington

2 Tower Hill

1 John Dickinson High School

1 Newark Charter

1 Red Lion Christian Academy

1 Tatnall School

1 Warren Technical, NJ

Number of

Scholarship/

Grant

Winners

Scholarship/High School

12 St. Mark’s High School

5 Salesianum

5 St. Elizabeth High School

3 Archmere Academy

3 Padua Academy

1 Tatnall

1 Ursuline

Page 10

Class of 2018

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 2018 established a

strong bond with first-graders at Wilmington’s Shortlidge Academy. A fall and spring visit enable

both groups of students to engage in academic and socialization activities. The students wrote to

each other between visits, and eight-graders presented their young friends with books and classroom

supplies on their last vist to Shortlidge.

Page 11

CLASS OF 2018

Class of 2018

School Administration

August 31, 2018

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

Page 12

Administration

6%

Operation of

Facility

6%

Fixed Charges

20%

Student

Services

8%

Capital

Expenses

1%

Personnel/

Instruction

59%

St. John the Beloved School

Financial Statements

Revenues

Expenses

Class of 2018

St. John the Beloved School

Financial Statements

Page 13

Class of 2018

August 30, 2018

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:

2018 2017 School Equipment $ 4,830 $ 5,816

Technology 20,337 29,696 Property Improvements 26,582 50,687

Total $ 51,749 $ 86,199

Statement of changes in the Restricted Fund Balance

Donor

Donation

Restricted for:

Balance

at

June

2017

Restricted

Donations

collected

Released

from

Restriction

Earnings

Balance

at

June 2018

Development Fund

Academic/Capital

Improvement

$ 344,860

$ 49,980

$ 0

$ 9,194

$ 404,034

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. 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 2017-18 Campaign, 222

pledges were received with a total collection of $ 4,432.00 . Company matching gifts were a part of this total. Thank you to

everyone who participated. May God bless you for your generous spirit!

Page 14

St. John the Beloved School

Financial Statements

Class of 2018

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

571 569 555

#

Children 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

1 6,446.00 6,516.00 6,648.00

2 10,901.00 11,727.00 11,964.00

3 13,838.00 15,636.00 15,948.00

Page 15

Class of 2018

Partners in our Mission

Fun & Fitness Walk-A-Thon

The Home and School Association along with the Education Committee hosts this event. This will be our 5th

Walk-A-Thon. 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 student about the importance of health and fitness

Menu for Success You’re invited! Coffee Conversations with the Principal are scheduled for November 14

th at 7:45, 1:00 & 6:00

and February 20th at 7:45, 1:00 & 6:00. 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 Event, Family Night Bingo 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.

Page 16

Class of 2018

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 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 2017-18 Home and School Board

members are:

Fr. Joseph Piekarski, Pastor

Mr. Richard Hart, Principal

Jennifer Robart, Co-President

Kristina Santora, Co-President

Tina Nolte, Vice-President

Liana Ayotte, Secretary

Maria Garber, Treasurer

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, 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 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.

Page 17

Class of 2018

Page 18

Class of 2018

S J B

Page 19

Dream It…Believe It…Achieve It…

DigiGirlz

Digi-Girlz The Year of Multiples – Twins and Triplets

Class of 2018

Students Achieving Excellence

All students in grades Kindergarten through eighth participate in yearly nationally normed academic testing. Prior to this school year, our students completed week-long Terra Nova Testing. The results from the 2017 Terra Nova are listed on the next page.

Our annual testing program is currently in transition as the Diocese of Wilmington has initiated use of Renaissance Flow 360. This is a comprehensive assessment and instruction program for students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Through periodic assessment – four times per year (September, December, March 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 four 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.

Class of 2018

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 2017. (+/- shows points above national average for SJB students.)

GRADE READ

CMPS.

LANG.

CMPS.

MATH

CMPS.

SCIENCE SOCIAL

STUDIES

SPELLING TOTAL

SCORE

2ND SCORED

ANTICIPATED

DIOCESE

80 (+30)

78

81

N/A

69 (+19)

74

79

83 (+33)

67

78

72 (+22)

70

81

67 (+17)

68

74

73 (+23)

78

79

3RD SCORED

ANTICIPATED

DIOCESE

81 (+31)

84

81

79 (+29)

80

80

69 (+19)

77

76

76 (+26)

74

80

84 (+34)

77

79

75 (+25)

69

70

80 (+30)

82

79

** 4TH SCORED

ANTICIPATED

DIOCESE

84 (+34)

79

83

82 (+32)

79

81

79 (+29)

77

73

84 (+34)

74

76

80 (+30)

74

80

68 (+18)

67

70

84 (+34)

81

82

5TH SCORED

ANTICIPATED

DIOCESE

88 (+38)

88

84

84 (+34)

86

82

92 (+42)

87

82

81 (+31)

79

76

82 (+32)

82

77

70 (+20)

75

71

87 (+87)

87

82

6TH SCORED

ANTICIPATED

DIOCESE

87 (+37)

86

84

86 (+36)

84

83

85 (+35)

83

77

87 (+37)

78

76

86 (+36)

78

77

83 (+33)

73

74

89 (+39)

87

83

**7TH SCORED

ANTICIPATED

DIOCESE

90 (+40)

91

81

92 (+42)

89

88

91 (+41)

90

85

83 (+33)

88

75

88 (+38)

87

81

84 (+34)

76

78

93 (+43)

91

87

8TH SCORED

ANTICIPATED

DIOCESE

90 (+40)

86

87

93 (+43)

85

87

88 (+38)

86

84

87 (+37)

77

77

85 (+35)

80

79

81 (+31)

77

79

91 (+41)

87

87

** 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.

Class of 2018

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 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 apititude: 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 texts

book series have been upgraded. This year, the faculty and staff reviewed a number of potential new math

series for the school. A new math program started 2015-16.

St. John the Beloved School achieved reaccreditation with distinction in November 2015 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 the

school counselor.

St. John the Beloved School attainded National Blue Ribbon status in November 2016.

“Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ~St. Francis of Assisi

www.sjbdel.org