Summer is in the air!   We are all so grateful for the sunshine but none more than our sixth graders who are at Environmental Science Camp this week.  They have been blessed with great weather for their hikes, field studies and outdoor fun. Next week, the eighth graders fly off to the other Washington, Washington, DC. Let us pray for safe travels and fine weather as they explore our nation's capital.

At this time of the school year I find myself looking backwards and forwards. I am evaluating the past school year (and the two years before this one!) and planning for next year.  Through individual discussions with the teachers, evaluations and surveys among them about teaching, standards, curriculum, faith formation and professional development, we look at how well we are doing, where improvement is needed and the goals and plans set for next year.  Here are some of our achievements over the past three years. We have

• aligned curriculum and implemented the Common Core State Standards
• updated assessments - we moved to the new ITBS norms and teachers rewrote end-of-year finals, and added a pre and post writing assessment
• opened up the Next Generation Science Standards
• deployed PowerSchool to the parents
• introduced and use iPads in the classroom
• helped students improve executive functioning through the use of the Habits of Mind
• taught an updated version of Second Step to help students improve social and emotional skills and we integrated the teachings with our Gospel Values
• early intervention is imperative so Mrs. McCarthy took on kindergarten students and we added more assistant time and assistants in the primary grades
• we formed a faith formation committee
• we pray together every morning and we added all school prayer services

Improving student achievement also means that you, the parents are involved. The quality of our program depends in large part on you doing your fair share. This year, the auction, scrip, and the Jog-a-Thon all met budget. The Parent Association had great speakers and celebrations. Our dedicated and talented faculty continued to go above and beyond for our children in all areas - thank you!  These successes are the result of your participation. Now we are planning for next year and WE NEED YOU! Think about where your talents are and how much time you can dedicate and commit to the success of St. John School, and call us! We will find you a spot!

Onwards and Upwards! Thank you for all you do,

Youth Group will provide the water and snacks!

Parents and students have been experiencing the frustration of near-gridlock traffic conditions on westbound 80th  for the last 2 weeks.  Vehicles needing to re-enter 80th after dropping off students are sitting through long waits to be back on their way. It's not clear what is causing this (construction on Holman Road? Light changes at 80th and Greenwood?). We have 2 crossing guards at 80th and 1st N. most days, and we are hard pressed to manage all the extra vehicles while getting pedestrians safely across.  The highest volumes tend to run between 8 am - 8:30 and 3:00 - 3:15.

Whatever the cause, it may help everyone get to school on time and reduce parental stress if they are able to:

• give yourself an extra 10 minutes in the morning to negotiate the  westbound backups
• park away from the school and walk with your students
• be careful crossing - wait for the crossing guard to give you the go-ahead

A little extra time may pay big dividends.

Margaret Kineman, St. John School Crossing Guard