Faculty answers to parent questions

Prospective Parent Question:
What makes learning at your school different from other schools that I am looking at for my child?

Response from Alina Best, 1st grade teacher:
I asked myself a similar question when considering whether to accept a position at this school or teach in a public school. What did I see that made St. John the Baptist standout as special? I saw a small, nurturing community that would help me succeed, support me as I grew, and value me as an individual- the same things I imagine you are looking for in a school for your child. Since my arrival, I have been touched and inspired by the commitment to service, to community action, and to excellence in education I see every day.

Teachers here are dedicated to providing students with the best education possible, and instilling the values of compassion, social justice, and tolerance through practice and example. I'm thankful to be in a place where I'm welcomed, accepted, and where I have a chance every day to work with such an excellent team of teachers.

I know that a private school is a big financial commitment, but St. John the Baptist is not just a great school. It is a community of faithful people committed to the education and success of each individual child as a whole person. I'm glad I chose to be here, and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have as you consider your options.

Prospective Parent Question:
How will my child be cared for at your school?

Response from Mary Hoag, 2nd grade teacher at the school:
Rest assured that your child’s safety and well-being are a chief concern at St. John the Baptist. Your child will be greeted by a teacher or the principal at the school door in the morning. Children are escorted to playground for dismissal and personally handed off to a parent or caregiver. Teachers and parents help in cafeteria and at recesses to insure safety and security. As faculty we make every effort to develop a self-controlled learning environment that provides a warm and open atmosphere for your child to learn and grow at SJB.

Prospective Parent Question:
I want my child to receive an education that is grounded in the Catholic faith. How much more will my child receive in terms of an education in the Catholic faith at St. John the Baptist?

Response from Delphine Busch, technology teacher at the school:
Students attending St. John the Baptist Catholic School spend their day immersed in Catholic values. Our Mass is the work of students under the supervision of religion teachers. Daily prayer is student-centered as students lead our prayer over the intercom system. Students have formal religion classes throughout the school week. The Catholic faith can be incorporated into other academic classes. For instance, when discussing health, we consider the God given gift of our bodies. In English classes, we encourage students to write about the saints and Catholic teaching. Students in the computer lab learn to paraphrase using latest encyclicals of the Holy Father. Discussions about faith are always welcome and integral to our learning in every subject area. Discipline and conduct are framed in Catholic moral values. We also have service projects to help us answer the call to be a people of God seeking social justice.

Prospective Parent Question:
I want a great education for my child. From your perspective as a teacher, what makes St. John’s a great educational value for my daughter?

Response from Ashley Moschetti, 5th grade teacher at the school:
Community, community, community! In the 5th grade, a community mindset is part of classroom expectations. Students learn that the world does not end outside of St. John’s, and helping your desk neighbor or your home neighbor is not a question, but a way of living as Jesus did. At St. John’s, we are fortunate to celebrate our faith and perform actions like Jesus. I feel the utmost confidence sending my students out into the world. With the ability to separate right from wrong and their faith foundation, they provide me with confidence that they will make a difference in the world and are the hope we need for the future. Community is stretched far beyond the norm and as a teacher I feel truly blessed to be part of such an amazing place.