The time is always right to do what is right. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A parent recently inquired, “My child keeps talking about Soaring Eagle awards; what are they?” When students are observed demonstrating the Schoolwide Learning Expectations, they may receive an award that looks like a business card. Students bring the card to my office and place it in a special jar. Each week a number of these cards are selected. These students’ names are announced, and they are awarded a ‘golden soaring eagle’ pin.
Now you might ask, what are the Schoolwide Learning Expectations? You can find more detail on our website, but in brief, students are expected to be Christ-centered, active learners and empowered disciples, living the school mission at all times. I am delighted to announce that many students receive Soaring Eagles.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2023 is Academic, Faith, Leadership, Value: Catholic Schools Always Reaching Higher. Across the nation, Catholic Schools will celebrate during the week of January 29. Our schools have seen increased enrollment over the past two years, and St. John is no exception; we have been a stronghold of academic and Catholic education for one hundred years! Come to the Open House on January 29 and walk through the school’s history and achievements.
Speaking of enrollment, the State of the School presentation is around the corner. Remember, you must attend either virtually on January 24 or in person on January 26 in order to re-enroll. And speaking of attendance, Assistant Principal Kelley and I counted a cumulative 650 days of absences due to travel in the first 12 weeks of school alone! That is over three full school years of missed academic time. Teachers have expressed concern about how the missed school days impact academic progression and the extra work involved with catching students up upon return. Please carefully consider the impact these travel absences may have on your child.
Tomorrow is Blue Friday for the Seahawks. Students may wear Seahawks-color tops with school uniform bottoms. Good luck Seahawks!
We encourage you all to be empowered as Dr. Martin Luther King was – do what is right!
Bernadette O’Leary
