The School received word late last week that it has been granted a full six-year term of accreditation by the Elementary Board of Standards and the Board of Directors of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). This term of accreditation carries with it a three-year on-site interim visit during which a representative of CAIS will assess our progress in areas to be addressed by the School’s Action Plan.
There is every reason to take both pride and satisfaction in accomplishing the work which led to this term of accreditation. Our accreditation reflects the appreciation and admiration for what we do at St. John’s, by a group representing the most accomplished and prestigious independent schools in California. The School has worked hard to reach the level of service, performance and achievement which it has; it is no small task to communicate who we are and what we do in a loose-leaf notebook and a four-day visit by six strangers.
The School has a most attractive physical plant, a vigorous and broad curriculum, and an engaged and happy student body. Each of these certainly contributed to our success in the accreditation process. But there can be no doubt that our faculty and staff are the heart and soul of our ongoing success. Every person who works at our School is here because of a vocational commitment to the growth and well-being of children. Every member of our faculty and staff understands that who they are is as important as what they do--that people and relationships are on a par with product and placement.
St. John’s Episcopal School is defined by the people who work here. Those people create the environment in which our students thrive. Our success in the accreditation process is their success, and the beneficiaries of that success are your children, our students.
School is winding down now and we know that it is a very difficult time to think about next year. But here we are, your Family Festival committee, asking you to do just that! We have been asked, “Why do you have to do this now?” Unfortunately, all of the planning for the event and all of the contracts for the rides, games and entertainment must be signed before the end of the school year. Our sponsors are an important part of this planning process and ensure that we do not incur debt for the school.
To date, we have had an incredible response from our St. John’s families and friends. Many of you have come forward and volunteered to either sponsor a ride or booth, or to volunteer your time on the day of the Festival. We have only a few more sponsorships available that we must fill. If you have not sponsored a booth or ride yet but would like to help, please give one of us a call. It takes many volunteers on the day of the event. So if you would prefer to volunteer your time, we are happy to add you to our volunteer list. Thank you again to all of our St. John’s families and friends that have already stepped up to help. Without your help and support, this event would not be possible. It is sure to be another fun-filled afternoon of entertainment, rides, games and prizes! We wish you all a fun and restful summer with your families and look forward to seeing everyone next year.
For more information, contact Lynn Wilkins at 589-5309, Marie Fintland at 459-2890 or Marsi Nickell at 459-0966. Your Volunteer/Sponsorship Form can be emailed to lwilkins8@cox.net.
Quote of the Week – "People may say, 'Life isn’t fair,' but life is fair if you enjoy the way you live it." Jerod Magazine
Sometimes we find ourselves envious of the person who always seems to get what he or she wants because of a winning smile or a charming personality. Sometimes we think that life just isn’t fair. Doors seem to open like magic for some people, opportunities come easily, and invitations are frequent. But here’s the deal, so listen up! If you want to be a real winner in life, you have to have much more than personality, because your personality will only take you so far. Listen to these words about what it takes to enjoy meaningful and long-term success: Personality can open doors, but character can keep them open.
One of the best ways to achieve the success you deserve is to consistently be a person who is honest, responsible and kind. Our character quote this week is from one of our own St. John’s 7th Grade students, Jerod Magazine, who says so perfectly, “Life is fair if you enjoy the way you live it”, which also means to live with not only the qualities that will open the doors of opportunity, but keep them open.
How Are We Doing?
Help us to communicate all of the important St. John's informtaion to you more effectively! Let us know your opinion by participating in our end-of-the-year Communications survey. Click here to take the survey now!
Save Time - Buy School Supplies Online by June 30
St. John’s is offering a special service to parents for purchasing Back-to-School supplies hassle free through Innisbrook. Each pack of school supplies is custom packed according to the exact specifications of our teachers in each grade. The best news is your school supply packs are shipped directly to your home in August, just before school starts. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. John’s! Order online by June 30th by following the instructions on the School Supply Sale Information Sheet, or visit Parent Resources at the St. John's website.
Calendar Reminder
The Student Store will be closed for 5th Grade Promotion on June 16th.
Class Assignments for 2010-2011
Your child’s teacher assignment or Middle School Section will be mailed to you on September 1, 2010. If you have an address change over the course of the summer, please notify the Registrar at registrar@stjohns-es.org.
2010-2011 School Year Information
Parents of students in Kindergarten – Grade 7 received important information regarding the 2010-2011 school year. This packet was sent only to students that have returned a School contract for 2010-2011.
Make sure to complete the information, and return it to the Admissions Office before the last day of school.
Don't Forget Your Bibles!
For the 2010-2011 School Year, all Third and Fourth Grade students must have the “Big Red Bible." Purchase from the Student Store for $19.61 (includes tax) and Bible Tabs.
For the 2010-2011 School Year, all Sixth and Seventh Grade students must have the “Teen Devotional Bible." Purchase from the Student Store for $24.87 (includes tax).
St. John's Logo Items Now On Sale
Buy remaining St. John’s logo wear for 20% off, but only until the end of the year!
Save now on uniforms for next year. As St. John's transitions to our new uniform provider, Dennis Uniforms, we are pleased to offer 20% off NEW (not used) inventory from our previous supplier. There will be a two-year overlap of styles as we phase in the new uniform stock. Sizes and quantities will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
For your convenience, you may download the Inventory Sale Order Form. Complete the order form and email it the School Store at sstore@stjohns-es.org. You’ll be contacted with availability and pricing information, and orders will be availale for pick-up within two business days. Orders will be accepted until Noon on Friday, June 11th. Make sure to jump on this sale before the school year ends!
Buy Your 2010-2011 Yearbook Ad Space Now
If you are interested in purchasing advertising space in the 2010-2011 Cardinal Yearbook for your incoming K-7th Grade student, please complete the General Yearbook Ad Space Order Form. For incoming 8th Grade students, send your son/daughter off to high school with a special message from you in their final St. John’s Yearbook. Complete the Yearbook Ad Space order form to reserve your space in the 2010-2011 Cardinal Yearbook. You will be sent a confirmation letter at a later date. The letter will include a template for the size ad that you purchased, and instructions on how to complete your ad.
Nurse's Corner
End-of-the-Year Medication Pick-Up
If your child has medication in the Nurse’s Office, please pick up and sign out all medications on June 16th and 17th. Please, do not pick up meds before June 16th and 17th, as your student is still in school and may need their medication.
Only an ADULT may sign out medications. Medication will not be given to the students to transport home. Medications not picked up by 1:00 p.m. on June 17th will be discarded. (Exception: Meds left at school for use during Summer School will not be discarded).
Middle School End-of-Year Field Trips
Student’s prescription medications will be sent from school for the Middle School field trips in the Field Trip First Aid backpacks. However, since the students will be enjoying different areas of the amusement parks, their Inhalers and EPI PENS will be distributed to them on the bus, so they will have them on hand should the need arise to use them. It is a good idea to go over the instructions of how to use these medications if it has been a while since your student has used them independently. Students will be notified that there will always be a chaperone in a specific park location with the First Aid backpack to assist them if necessary. Parents should pick up all medications and containers from the Middle School chaperones at the end of these field trips.
Summer School Medications
If your child will be attending Summer School at St. John’s, please leave their medication(s) in the Nurse’s Office until Summer School has ended. Please note that expired medications are not acceptable. If your child will require medication at school during Summer School, please contact us as soon as possible.
Thinking Ahead for the 2010-2011 School Year
All students having medications at school are required to have the appropriate forms filled out and signed by their doctor every year. If you know your child will need medication next year, please complete the paperwork with your pediatrician over the summer. The medication authorization form is attached and is also available on the School’s website, www.stjohns-es.org, under Campus Resources → Nurse’s Office → Download Forms at the bottom of the page. The authorization is valid only for one school year, so it must be renewed annually.
There is still room in Preschool Summer School, "Summer Adventures." Session 1 is July 5th-16th, and Session 2 is July 19th-30th. Complete the Preschool Summer Adventures Registration Form here.
Summer Session Registration Continues!
Please get your forms with class requests in as soon as possible! Each form is date stamped upon arrival; the earlier you register, the more likely you are to get your first choices of courses! We look forward to seeing you this summer. Click here for our Summer Session brochure. Click here for our Jumpstart Kindergarten forms and Cardinal Camp forms. Summer Session begins July 5th!
Jumpstart Kindergarten is Filling Up Fast
Please get your registration forms into Mrs. Bonhall as soon as possible. If you're considering this program for your soon-to-be Kindergarten student, sign up now before all the spots are gone! Click here for our Jumpstart Kindergarten forms.
START Program Summer Sessions
The Orton-Gillingham based language instruction will be offered this summer as a remediation course designed to close the gap in reading and prepare for the new school year. Scheduled Group Sessions determined by entry grade level for the 2010-1011 year or Individual Sessions by appointment. All sessions are held at the School. Register by July 15th; sessions start in August. To learn more, or to complete your application, click here for the START Program Summer Series form.
Congratulations to the students who earned their Principal Award. Click here to view the Principal Award Winner List.
Last Day of School Celebration
On Thursday, June 17th, from 8:00a.m. to 12:00 noon, Kindergarten through Fifth Grade students will be enjoying activities throughout the campus. There will be no extended care available, but lunch will be served before dismissal. It is a free-dress day, please make sure to wear your tennis shoes!
Honor your Eighth Grade graduate with an engraved paver outside the Chapel or in the Memorial Garden! Leave your mark on St. John’s with a paver engraved with your special message that will be enjoyed for years to come. To purchase a paver for your special graduate, please complete the Paver Form and return it to the Development Office by July 1 for summer 2010 installation.
Our Amazing Volunteers
Thank you to the Seventh Grade parents who carry on the St. John’s tradition of decorating and serving for the Eighth Grade Baccalaureate Luncheon, and their help to create the beautiful arches for Commencement. We so appreciate your help with this, and the graduates and families all thank you:
Michelle Beamish, Virginia Belmont, Christy Holland, Kristen Lanham, Andrea Levey, Michele Merritt, Kathy Miller, Jackie Pinner, Shelley Scifres, Amy Skenderian, and Becky Williams.
8th Grade Rock Stars!
Many thanks to all of the Eighth Grade parent volunteers who helped to make our celebration dinner/dance such a special evening for our students. An evening such as this is created through the help of so many willing parents. It was a wonderful evening, and lasting memories were made for all of our students! We would also like to thank the Guazzos for the delightful food that was prepared for this event. It was all delicious and added to the festive spirit of the evening.
Special thanks to the following Eighth Grade parents for all of their time and effort:
Kehau Alvarado, Cindy Angelich, Jennifer Carlson, Dianne Castner, Mike Castner, Susan Center, Winnie Cheng, Penny Cotner, Yolanda Desper, Chuck & Denise Fischer, Susie Jezierski, Trisha Kingsley, Karen & Randy Meech, Manaz Mehr, Sonia Pletke, Gerald Reed, Wendy Ruiz, Angela Shu, Kathy Swannie, Teresa Walsh, DeeDee & Bill Welch, Paige Whelan, Dan Whelan, Becky Williams, Karen Willis, Mary Wiser, and Kim & Steve Zaccagnini.
Special Thanks
We would also like to thank Julie Johnson for all of her artistic help! We appreciate her special vision!
Athletics
Summer Sport Camps
This summer, Basketball, Volleyball and Flag Football camps will be offered. Details and registration forms for each camp can be found on St. John's Summer Sport Camps page. Submit completed forms to Coach Bryan Winn in the Athletic Department. For questions, or to sign up right away, please contact Coach Bryan Winn at (949) 858-5144, ext. 261, or bwinn@stjohns-es.org.
Summer Cheer Camp at SMCHS
Complete your Summer Cheer Camp form to take advantage of the Early Bird Registration.
We couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you to all our volunteers for helping to create ease and safety for our students during morning carpool drop off. We appreciate your dedication to cheerfully greeting our students each day:
Keri Lynn Baert, Maria Barrera, Dehlia Beltran-Kahl, Andrew and Karen Guth, Nancy Hayden, Tammi Hebnes, Tammy Horton, Laura Leventis, Karen Long , Martha McShane, Kevlin Molkara, Christine Perucci, Patti Smith, Ron Thommarson, and JoEllen Wilson.
Helping Hands Ministry
If you or someone you know is struggling and in need of meals, or help coordinating play dates and carpools, our new PTF Helping Hands Ministry would like to help. Please contact Mrs. Christy Wrightson at wrightsons@cox.net or at 292-7702. If you are in need of prayer, or would like to send in a prayer request, you may contact our Chaplain, Mrs. Patti Peebles, at ppeebles@stjohns-es.org or at 858-5144, ext. 226.
