Our Mission:
We, the community of St. John the Baptist Catholic School, 
will grow spiritually and academically in accordance with God's will.

2018-19 School Theme:
"Do small things with great LOVE." 
                                                     -Blessed Mother Teresa 
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What an amazing first month of school we've had! It's been a pleasure having students back in our classrooms and filling our hallways with so much energy and happiness!

This time of year is always busy, but it's also a special time of year for our school community. Our teachers and students are working hard to prepare for two favorite Parish and school events. Grandparent's Day is Friday, October 5th and our annual Fall Festival event is Sunday, October 7th. We are looking forward to...
  
                                                        
                                                                 Read Monahan's Letter
 
 
Welcome New Staff
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Fr. Tim Danek
Assistant Priest
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Mrs. Monica Stryker
Choir and Band Teacher
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Deb Walton
Director of Marketing
 & Development
 
Academics
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STJB Scores Above National Average in Standardized Testing

Each spring St. John's students in third through eighth grade take a national standardized test called the Iowa Test of Basic Skills [ITBS]). Results from this test show how our students perform academically compared to other students across the nation who take the same test.

We are excited to announce that once again St. John's students tested higher than the national average in every subject for the 2017-18 school year.

"We are proud of these results," said Linda Monahan, St. John's Principal. "Our consistent high scores are a true testament to the exceptional academic preparation our students receive at St. John's school." 
CTCT-20180828_220509 Our Future Is Bright!
 
Our pre-school program continued to grow this year. St. John's now offers two half-day classes, three days a week, for three-year-old children.

The Pre-K 3 program introduces letters and numbers, develops fine motor skills, as well as social and emotional skills. Free and structured play is also integral to the program which encourages children to explore and develop their sense of  curiosity. Pre-K 3 is taught by Miss Christie Owens.

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The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
 
Our secon d grade class is learning about the butterfly life cycle. Each student was given a butterfly to name and now will be observing what happens through each phase of the cycle. 



Butterfly Life Cycle

The Butterfly Video
Watch the video and observe the amazing butterfly and its life cycle process. 



Video footage captured by Mrs. Sandy Rhoades
 
Awards & Achievements
CTCT-20180917_215829 8th Grade Float Wins Trophies

Congratulations to our 8th grade class for winning three trophies in this year's Harvest Festival Float Competition:
          • Grand Overall
  • King & Queen's Choice
  • Best Use of Corn
 
Faith & Service
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Servant Leadership
Our eighth grade students were recognized at a "Servant Leadership" ceremony this month. During the ceremony, each class
shared specific examples of how the eighth graders can demonstrate their leadership at school. 
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Outdoor Religion Class
Our third grade students spent a religion class outdoors admiring God's beauty and exploring how God "made something out of nothing" -- creating the earth.


Ks Meet their
K's Meet their Buddies" Video
The Buddies Program

Last month the Kindergarten class met their eighth grade "Big Buddies" for the first time. Throughout the year, buddies will spend time together in the classroom each week.

By the end of the school year a special relationship and bond will form between the buddies. 
 

 
Cardinal Athletics
Cardinals Volleyball Season

Our 5/6th and 7/8th grade girls volleyball teams are having a great season. With just a few games left in the season, both teams are looking ahead to tournament play (which closes out the season next month).

Team Standings:
5/6th Grade: 4 wins, 1 loss
7/8th Grade: 4 wins, 3 losses


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7/8th Grade
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5/6th Grade
 
CTCT-20180924_132504 Registration for Boys and Girls Basketball 

Registration for boys and girls 4th - 8th grade basketball is now open. The season begins in November! 

For more information or to register your child, click on the link below.

 
Activities & Clubs 
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Art Club -  Primary students 
Art Club Grows in Popularity

In its second year at StJB, after-school Art Club is growing in popularity with parents and students. Art Club creates a positive and engaging environment that helps children explore their creativity. The art classes encourage children to imagine, feel and express themselves.

Classes are taught by StJB Art Teacher Mrs. Debi Baumert and meet on Tuesdays from 3:15 - 4 p.m.
 
September Art Class (Primary, K-2nd grade)-- Class Completed
October Art Class (Intermediate, 3rd-5th grade) -- Openings for two students (contact Mrs. Baumert at [email protected] to reserve space.)
November Art Class (Junior High, 6-8th grade) -- Openings currently available.
 
Cardinal Supporters
CTCT-20180924_133009 Gaga Pit Added to Playground

When the doors open at STJB for recess, students of every grade head straight to our new gaga pit, thanks to an Eagles Scout Project.

The gaga ball pit and two benches (also in the playground area) were donated to the school by Eagle Scout Reese Kostszewa, who built the pit and benches. We are extremely grateful for his generous gift.

What is Gaga Ball? 
A decades-old playground and camp game, many believe gaga ball originated in Israel. The ball is dropped in the center of the pit to begin the game. Then, children chant "ga-ga, ga-ga." Gaga means "touch, touch" in Hebrew. Often called the "the great playground equalizer,' gaga ball doesn't require a strong throwing arm, fast legs or a superb hand-eye coordination. The game is a kinder and gentler form of dodge ball.
 
Alumni News
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Second Annual Corn Hole Tournament

Our StJB Alumni Association will host the second annual Corn Hole Bean Bag Tournament on Saturday, October 27 at 1 p.m. on the St. John's grounds.

Registration is $50 per team and includes two meals and two koozies. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place teams. 

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit St. John's school. The event is open to  the public. To register for the tournament, click on the link below or email us at [email protected]
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(L - R) Madelyn , Ethan and Coy
The StJB Tradition

Three kindergarten students are second generation legacy students of St. John's  school. Legacy students are those students whose parent or parents are alumni of the school.

Madelyn Vinduska -- Madelyn's dad is Joe Vinduska (StJB Class of 1996)
Ethan Owens -- Ethan's mom is Christie Owens (Class of 1994)
Coy Nielsen -- Coy's mom is Jill Nielsen (Class of 1997)

LET US KNOW -- Is your grandson, son, granddaughter or daughter a SECOND OR THIRD generation StJB legacy student? If so, we would love to hear from you -- contact Deb by email at [email protected].

 
Special Events
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Fall Festival
Church of the Holy Spirit's annual Fall Festival is Sunday, October 7th. There are many ways you can support this fundraising event. Please consider giving your time, talent and treasure. 

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Grandparent's Day
Our students and teachers have been working hard and preparing for Grandparent's Day --Friday, October 5th. The celebration begins with Mass at 8:10 a.m., followed by a special program by students in the gym and a classroom project to conclude the day. School will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

 
School Calendar
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School Calendar of Events

Don't miss out on activities and important events at StJB or Church of the Holiday Spirit.