Some of the highlights during the month of March are listed below:

• March 7th- Staff from St. Luke’s was here for a Read Across America Celebration!  Volunteer Readers visited grades PreK-4th. Thank you to the Volunteers from St. Luke’s who spent their time reading Dr. Seuss to our students in celebration of Dr. Seuss' Birthday and the Read Across America program!

• The students participated in Stations of the Cross this month. There are symbols of Lent all around our school.



• This month, parents were given a special opportunity to experience the beautiful Stations of the Cross for the first time during student drop-off. The framed pictures, a generous gift from the Mummey family (Mr. Glenn Mummey and Dr. Cristin Weicker), were thoughtfully displayed, offering a moment of reflection and connection for families as they began their day. As time goes on, both parents and students will have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the Stations of the Cross more deeply. While the morning is just a brief "drive-by" experience during student drop-off, the presence of the framed pictures will serve as a continuing reminder for families to reflect on the powerful journey of Christ’s passion. As they visit the stations in the days to come, the deeper meaning and significance of each moment will likely resonate more, allowing for moments of personal prayer and contemplation.

• Mission Project Update: The St. Jerome's SOUPer Bowl was a huge success! First of all, the school collected a total of 876 food items, which was 166 more than last year! Way to go everyone! The winning class, who received dress down passes, with a total of 230 items donated was Grade 2 Gold- Mrs. Roberts Class! Congratulations, and Thank You to all for your kindness and generosity!

• This year, we are encouraging students to pray for each other with a simple activity. Students and staff were given a cross to color and decorate. Then, they put their names on the back. At Ash Wednesday Mass, everyone picked up a cross on their way out and were asked to take home the cross they chose and place it somewhere that it will be seen daily during Lent. Every day we are to pray for the person who made the cross.

• Our students participated in Ash Wednesday Mass to begin the Lenten season. Thank you to Father Finlan, Father Minner and Deacon Girard for being with us. Thank you also to Dr. St. Pierre, Superintendent and Mrs. Rolston, Assistant Superintendent for visiting SJRS.

• Father Zelonis blessed an image for us during Mass. It’s an image of Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, donated by the D’alessio family from Wilmington, Delaware. The image now hangs on one of the walls in our school.

• On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, SJRS students got to hear from a very special guest, Jessy Severino. Mr. Severino spoke to the students about St. Joseph’s virtues and he invited them to be like the great saint. Mr. Severino is a husband, father of 3, licensed social worker and a youth group leader. Thank you Mr. Severino for sharing your love of St. Joseph with us! Thank you also to Mrs. Fitzpatrick for organizing such a great day for all of us! Everyone enjoyed a special dessert at lunchtime too!

• We celebrated the Confirmation of our 8th Grade students who are parishioners at Saint Richard’s Parish, All Saints Parish, Saint John XXIII Parish and Saint Joseph of the Panther Valley Parish. Congratulations to all the students who received the sacrament!

Looking ahead:

• Please check the April calendar for all important dates. We have also sent home a copy of the updated yearly calendar with changes due to unused snow days.

• Financial Aid for 2025-2026 School Year opened on January 3rd. It closes May 3rd. Be sure to apply before it closes.

• 8th Grade Graduation is scheduled for June 2nd at 6:30pm. More information for families will be sent home soon.

• Scholarship Applications- To request an application for the Kremer Scholarship (for low-income families- for a family of 4 or less, the household income amount is less than $65,333. That number increases by $11,226 for each qualified dependents over the number of four residing in the household) please email Mrs. Smarr at dsmarr@sjrschool.com. The school will need everything completed and returned by Friday, May 1st.

• Race for Education – May 5th (Rain date May 8th)

This is a major fundraiser for SJRS and we are asking every family to participate and share the link for the event to be successful. This helps to keep the cost of tuition down. Many people do not mind sending a donation to the school. It is a wonderful way to ask people outside the area to support the school. For your convenience, here is the RACE FOR EDUCATION link that you can share with friends and family who want to donate online.

Christian of the Month

The Christian of the Month Award recognizes students who display good character on a consistent basis and serve as student role models throughout the month. Students are nominated by their teachers based on the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Students chosen to receive this award will be acknowledged for their accomplishment in the monthly newsletter. Students will receive a dress down pass, Christian of the Month Certificate and Applebee's certificate. The students will be recognized in the monthly newsletter.

This month's Christian of the Month for Preschool is Fynnley Christman. Fynnley has grown so much academically, socially and spiritually throughout this school year. He is kind, compassionate and always trying to help out any way possible. He loves coming to school to make new friends and also enjoys coloring and drawing pictures for them as well. Fynnley likes to run and play tag outside on our field.  He is the oldest sibling in his house and truly loves his brothers. During his spare time, Fynnley also likes to play basketball with his family. The growth Fynnley has shown makes him very deserving of this award. Congratulations, Fynnley!

Erik Lutz is Kindergarten Blue's March Christian of the Month. Erik is a quiet and polite boy. He always uses his best manners when interacting with others. Erik cares about his classmates and is kind to everyone in our class. He is often the first to help out both children and adults without being asked. Erik tries very hard in everything that he does in school. He often raises his hand in class to answer questions and shows great effort with his schoolwork. When he is not in school, Erik is an active athlete. He plays Tamaqua soccer, biddy baseball, and does basketball skills and drills. In his free time, Erik loves tools, building, and helping his family with yard work. He loves dogs and enjoys playing outside. Erik is sweet and caring both at school and at home. Way to go, Erik!

Jaxon Loprete is Kindergarten Gold’s Christian of the Month for March! Jaxon is always ready for a great day of school. He is very sweet and caring to his friends and always makes everyone feel included. He loves answering questions in class, especially math, participating in all activities and being a helper to his teachers. Jaxon is constantly giving his best effort. He has shown himself to be very trustworthy and honest as well as hard working. He is very respectful to his friends and teachers and sets a good example for others. Outside of school, Jaxon loves baseball and soccer and playing video games with his two brothers. Great work, Jaxon!

Congratulations to Jocelyn Parrish for being named First Grade Blue Christian of the Month! Jocelyn stands out for her organization, kindness, and helpfulness. She has a big heart for animals and enjoys spending time at horse camp and taking horseback riding lessons. Additionally, Jocelyn is a member of the SJR CYO Cross Country team. Keep shining, Jocelyn, and thank you for being a wonderful example to us all! 

Sianna Labert is Christian of the Month for First Grade Gold. Sianna comes to school with a very positive attitude and is always ready to learn. She brings so much fun and love to the classroom. Sianna works hard and always puts her best effort into her classwork. Outside of school, Sianna is a very loving, kind and caring little girl who loves to dance, sing and have fun! She loves to play Mario Kart. Sianna has the biggest heart and is a fierce protector of her older brother Able. She works to help him learn new things, especially words. He is non-verbal and autistic, but she helps him navigate the world. Sianna loves drawing, coloring, being outside, swimming and camping. When Sianna grows up, she wants to be a nurse to help people are sick or hurt. Congratulations, Sianna!

The Christian of the Month in Grade 2 Blue is Radly Ahearn. Radly is kind to others. He is a responsible student. Radly jumps in to help whenever someone is in need. He shows compassion to others. He takes his schoolwork seriously and always tries his best. Outside of school, Radly plays Little League. He loves riding his bike outside. Radly has the biggest heart and is the Best Big Brother ever. Congratulations, Radly!

The second-grade gold Christian of the Month for March is Aurora Pedersen. Aurora is a good student and a hard worker. She enthusiastically contributes to class discussions and always tries her best. Aurora is kind to her classmates and respects the adults with whom she interacts. When she is not in school, Aurora plays volleyball and takes karate where she earned a purple belt with white stripes. She has also been playing the piano for three years. Aurora is smart and funny. She loves hover boarding, bike riding, swimming, and drawing. Aurora is a great sister and is dedicated and kind and loves helping others.

The SJRS Christian of the Month in 3rd Grade Blue for the Month of March is Julia DiLisio. Julia is a well-rounded student who demonstrates a growth mindset. She shows this by having her materials ready to go and sitting quietly to show she is ready to learn. She is present and punctual when transitioning to a new task throughout the school day, and shows integrity by always completing her assignments in a timely manner. Julia strives to be respectful and caring to those around her, oftentimes asking Mrs. Gulla if there is anything she could help with. Outside of the classroom, Julia spends her time playing the piano and dancing at Faberge Follies Dance Studio. Her family and friends admire her caring, loving, and helpful qualities. Thank you, Julia, for displaying good character and serving as a role model. We are very proud of you!

The Christian of the Month for 3rd grade for the month of March is Raegan Breiner. Raegan is in Girls Scouts, and jazz and lyrical dance. She also plays basketball for SJR CYO and a Narrow Valley League. Raegan loves to play teacher (thanks to the amazing teachers in her life for being such an inspiration) and has her very own classroom at home. In the classroom, Raegan is always smiling and works hard to do her best. She is kind, helpful, and respectful. Congratulations, Raegan! 

Fourth Grade's Christian of the Month for March is Katerina Kirk. In school, Katerina is helpful, kind, and hardworking. She is an active participant in all her classes, with an ever-present raised hand. She goes out of her way to help her friends and her teachers, many times without even being asked. Outside of school, Katerina has many hobbies and pastimes she enjoys. She takes piano and clarinet lessons, plays soccer, basketball, and is in swimming, where she has two medals in the championship, and she will be starting gymnastics again soon. Katerina is also an altar server at her church. When she is at home, Katerina loves art, baking and singing. She also helps take care of her five fish and her younger sister. Congratulations, Kat! We are all so proud of you! 

Brayden Slane is Fifth Grade Gold’s Christian of the Month for March. Brayden is a very dependable and helpful student. He enjoys helping his teachers and classmates when needed. Brayden is an active member of St. John XXIII parish, where he altar serves regularly. Brayden also enjoys taking lessons in piano, percussion and in the past trumpet. He also participates in the theatre program at the Tamaqua Community Arts Centre, where he just completed his third play, Beauty and the Beast. Brayden enjoys being with his friends, swimming, playing board games and spending time with his sister, Brenna. Congratulations. Brayden! 

Rylan Marcin is the Christian of the Month for Grade 5 Blue. At school, Rylan is a

good-natured, polite, and respectful student. He consistently shows genuine kindness and

consideration for other students in class and demonstrates reverence during prayers and at Mass. Rylan is always willing to share his imaginative mind and his gift of creativity with others through his drawings, artwork, and storytelling. Rylan is an aspiring lawyer who is always up for a good debate at home. He enjoys swimming, scootering, and gaming. He is helpful around the house and takes pride in caring for his kittens, Cloudy and Coal. Each year, he looks forward to spending his summer vacation with his family at the Jersey Shore. Congratulations, Rylan! We are proud of you!

Avery Fuhs is the 6th Grade Christian of the Month. Avery is a conscientious student in class. Her work is always done neatly and promptly. Avery is a consistent honor roll student. She is respectful and polite to both her classmates and faculty. She enjoys art and drawing. Outside of school, Avery is a member of the St. Jerome Regional JV Volleyball team. She likes to be outside and is looking forward to camping this summer. Congratulations, Avery! 

Lainey Fenkner is 7th Grade Christian of the Month. Lainey is respectful, courteous, and polite when interacting with the faculty and staff as well as her fellow classmates. Lainey completes her work in a timely manner. She always displays a positive and cheerful attitude and loves to lend a helping hand. Lainey loves animals and hanging out with her friends and family. Congratulations, Lainey!

Ella Bones is the Christian of the Month in 8th Grade for March. Ella displays her Christian values at school by always being courteous to faculty, staff, and her peers. An enthusiastic student, she is one of the first to raise her hand to answer questions in class. Her favorite subject is Math. Ella is involved in the school community. She is the Student Council Treasurer and serves on the Mission Committee. Outside of school, Ella is passionate about dance and is currently in her 9th Year at Dance with Kim School of Performing Arts Impact Dance Team. She is also a proud member of the Tamaqua Blue Waves Swim Team, the SJR CYO Volleyball team, and Marian Catholic Jr. High Track Team. At home, Ella enjoys spending quality time with her little sister, Adalyn, and her puppies Archie, Ozzy, and Robyn. Her parents say Ella incorporates God into every aspect of her life. Congratulations, Ella!

Saint Jerome Regional School

(2024-2025 2nd Trimester Honor Roll List)

Grade 5

Distinguished Honors

Kameron Kohler, Blaise Kopp, Emily Lutz, Wyatt Morris,

Brayden Slane, Peter Young, Joshua Zawisza

First Honors

Adalyn Bones, Brielle Hannis-Miskar, Aneesa Howay,

Racquel Kondertavage, Jackson Nothstein (not pictured),

J. Brayden Sanzi, David Smith, Gabriel Van Norman,

Janna Varner, Landen Yanett

Second Honors

Adora Farra, Madison Greene, Piper Hayes,

Robert Paton, Aidan Sabol, Henry Sockwell, Luke Stoves

Grade 6

Distinguished Honors

Aiden Barrett, Gavin Lutz, Rebecca Wippel

First Honors

Avery Fuhs, Brianna Heater, Nicholas Zawisza

Second Honors

Gabriel Degler, Logan Miller, Kendall Peiser

Grade 7

First Honors

Evrett Angelo, Addison Engleman, Avion Graham Cruz,

Alex Lin, Gianna Osenbach, Lillian Porambo, Bella Sanfilippo,

Gavin Woodring, Luke Young

Second Honors

Allison Brutto, Lillian Gallagher, Peyton O’Brien, Lillyana Zeiders          

Grade 8

Distinguished Honors

Ella Bones, Andrew Mummey

First Honors

Gia DeCosmo, Conner Giannelli, Carly Green, Kylie Kisenwether,

Grace Shamany, Abby Upanavage

Second Honors

Viktoriya Chepelska, JoElle Currie (not pictured), Gabrielle Feller,

Levi McCullion, Nora Nothstein, Maiya Vavro, Adam Zawisza

2025 BISHOP'S CATHOLIC SCHOLAR AWARD WINNERS

We are very pleased to share our SJRS 8th grade students who have been selected to receive the 2025 Bishop’s Catholic Scholar Awards. Each of these students will receive a $1,000 scholarship as they continue their education at one of our Diocesan Catholic High Schools next Fall. The following SJRS students have been selected as the Bishop's Catholic Scholar recipients:

Madison Antolick

Ella Bones

Kylie Kisenwether

Reagan LeClair

Levi McCullion

Andrew Mummey

Brody Peiser

Alexander Stoves

Roy Sword

Abby Upanavage

Adam Zawisza

The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown, will host this year’s Bishop Scholarship Award Ceremony at Bethlehem Catholic High School on April 26th. Congratulations!

Please Help Saint Jerome Regional School Keep Tuition Cost Affordable

Throughout the year you will be receiving information about the various fundraisers through the school and the Home and School Association. The reason we have fundraisers is to keep tuition costs down. The actual cost of education of each child in our school is over $6500.00. As you know, tuition is much less than this. The fundraisers help us make Catholic Education available to more children. 

We do not have mandatory fundraising at Saint Jerome Regional School because it is our hope that every family will do everything possible to support our efforts, not because they must, but because they want to participate and because they care about the future of this school. Thanks for joining the effort for the sake of our children!  

Gift Certificates and Scrip Certificates           

These are great ways to help with tuition costs. If you have any questions, please call the office. Many people are saving hundreds of dollars in tuition by purchasing certificates. Certificates are sold from the school office daily during school hours and scrip orders are taken on Tuesdays. No Scrip orders on April 15th.

Tuition Chance

This year we will again sell tuition chances to help you win money toward your tuition bill. The chances are $1 each, and paper slips are in the family envelope. If you want to purchase the chance, fill out the slip and enclose money in an envelope marked tuition chance. This is not a fundraiser. All money collected will be awarded to the winning student’s tuition account. If your tuition is fully paid, credit will be applied to next year’s bill. The winner for March is Ayden Ondrus in Kindergarten. The amount of tuition credit is $145. Thank you to all who took chances. Slips are enclosed for next month’s drawing which will be on April 22nd.

Home and School News

2024-2025 Home and School Officers 

President- Kathy Reaman

Vice-President- Kelly Kisenwether

Secretary- Megan DeAngelo

Treasurer- Billie Jo Wetterau

Coordinator of Fundraising Activities- Karen Weicker

Coordinator of Outreach- Maria McGinley and Emily Hadesty

Email: hsa@sjrschool.com

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more pictures and happenings in our school!

Your Tax Dollars can help SJRS 

Everyone has to pay taxes and typically your tax dollar’s fall into four main buckets; Welfare, Infrastructure (roads), Prison Systems, or Public Schools. The great thing about joining our program is it allows you to direct your tax dollars to St. Jerome Regional School. Donors are able to make a direct impact to their community through their tax dollars; they can come into your school any day and see the people they are impacting. For additional help, please see the flyer below.

The faculty, staff and administration ask for your continued prayers, support, cooperation and dedication to Catholic education. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the school office at 570-668-2757. We will be happy to help you! Thank you for being part of the SJRS Family! Thank you for all the sacrifices you make to send your child to this school! In order to save time and money, we will continue to use email to communicate with you. If you have an email address, please check it and look for our messages. If you are not receiving our e-newsletters, please send a note to the office to be added to the email list. 

Let Us Pray

Let us place our lives in the hands of our God who loves us

unconditionally and who calls us to life.

May his peace live in our hearts and shine through our actions so that

others may come to know him

and turn their hearts toward him.

Lord, give us the grace to live every day of this Lenten season

guided by your great commandment of love ~

love for you, love for others and love for ourselves.

AMEN.

Let us pray for:

Our school family

a Special Intention

Your continued prayers, support, cooperation and dedication to Catholic education.

Your continued kind words toward each other.

Our SJRS Faculty and Staff, our Home & School Association officers and members, our lunch aides, those who work at our fundraisers, the cooks and bakers and those who support our school in any way. Your dedication and sacrifices, commitment and sharing of your time, talent and resources is a source of inspiration to us. We thank God for the gift of each one of you and we ask Him to continue to bless you and your efforts as you help to make SJRS – simply the best.

This is a special place because you are special people. 

Our community and neighbors.

Email your prayer requests to altssj@ptd.net or send a note to the office.

We will list the names that you would like us to pray for in our monthly newsletters.