Though we have been blessed with glimpses of summer, learning is still going strong at St. John! MAP testing has been going well, and the results will help teachers evaluate academic growth during the year and pinpoint what each student needs in order to learn best moving forward.
With MAP testing completed tomorrow, students in first grade can now focus on Habitat Week. They are excited to share what they have learned about their habitats! Please visit the Habitat Week post for more information.
Our teachers’ talent and dedication are large drivers of students’ continued academic growth. The school has been blessed over the years to have little turnover in our teacher ranks. One of our strengths is the longevity of our staff. We are pleased to welcome two talented teachers to the team. Stephen Bretz has thirteen years of middle school teaching experience. Having taught social studies, language arts, math and technology, his “goal is to help students during their middle years to grow as individuals within the context of the classroom educational standards. This is a pivotal time in their life as they develop skills and character to prepare them for high school and beyond.” Mr. Brezt will teach Middle School Social Studies and take on an eighth grade homeroom. We are happy to welcome back Mr. Stinebrickner! “Mr. S” taught 5th grade at St. John for two years and prior to that was an elementary, middle school teacher, and coach, at St. Alphonsus. Mr. Stinebrickner will teach Physical Education for all grades.
To continue to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students, please follow CDC and Washington State Department of Health guidelines for schools. The guidance continues to mandate the use of well fitting face coverings for all school personnel, students, and visitors in school settings. This includes the school student loading/unloading area on 79th St.
I end this letter with sad news from our faculty: the beloved husband of Mrs. Diane Crockett, Business Manager, passed away early this week. Mrs. Crockett is on leave. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Teachers will be gathering Friday morning before school in prayer to remember Steven James Crockett. To honor Mr. Crockett, we will collect donations for the World Wildlife Fund during Habitat Week.
In Christ,
Bernadette O’Leary
