Saint John the Evangelist School
Opening of School 2009
Office of the Principal

Greetings to all our St. John the Evangelist School Community, This very cool and wet summer has finally evolved into the typical weather with which we associate the month of August, and along with it the famous or infamous words “back to school”. The last weeks of June and the month of July seem to have passed quickly and we again find ourselves in the midst of preparations for the new school year.

The 2009-2010 school year will mark the completion of the first decade of this millennium. Indeed, this decade has seen great change in our world and St. John the Evangelist School is no exception. At this time last year, work was progressing at a frenetic pace so that the new gymnasium and parish center would be completed. Now, as we look around us, we see a vastly different school façade and surrounding grounds which will be in full service this year. It is an exciting time as the school, entering its 103rd year of operation, is poised to offer its most exciting academic year yet.Enhancements to the basic curriculum, a more thorough integration of technology and the advent of electronic report cards and grade book are the most salient enhancements in which the faculty has been engaged as we prepare to implement these new additions.

At the close of the last school year, I accepted the retirement announcement of Mrs. Rosemary Grady, our Director of Development. Mrs. Grady has served the school for the last eleven years. Mrs. Grady has given her heart and soul to our school and the fruit of her labor is evident in every room of the Little and Big Schools, from the largest projects to smallest touches, a job well done which has contributed greatly to the vitality of the school and community. One of her last projects has been the planning and securing of funds to construct the long awaited enclosed playground for the little school. We thank Mrs. Grady for her untiring service and wish her well as she begins her retirement. She will always be an indelible part of St. John School.

We look forward to this new school year, thankful for all that we can offer our students. While we are excited about the coming school year and the implementation of many new things, it will not be without its challenges. The effects of the sluggish economy have been far reaching and we, along with many other schools, must be vigilant, utilizing and in many areas conserving resources.

I am most confident, that despite these challenges, the fervor and dedication of our families, a hallmark of our school, will allow us to embrace this school year and make it the best and most productive ever. I look forward to meeting and greeting everyone on
the first day of school.

Sincerely,
John J. Petto, Principal