SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST

Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Principal's Message

Dear Saint John School families,

Welcome back to our new school year. We hope you have had a restful and relaxing summer. We have been busy with several changes and improvements to our physical plant, academic offerings, and administrative functions during the summer. These changes reflect our school mission to provide students with an education program that focuses on their spiritual well-being, promotes service to others, and challenges them academically.

In the tradition of excellence at Saint John School, I am so pleased with our staff of returning and new teachers who have been working throughout the summer to provide your children the best education possible with curriculum mapping implementation for math, language arts, religion, science, social studies, and technology.

There are many new faces - please take time to welcome and get to know all of our wonderful staff. In this issue of the newsletter you will find a short bio and photo of our K-8 Saint John school faculty.

We are pleased and so thankful for a generous donation from a parent, which, in addition to the proceeds from last year's Jog-a-Thon, has resulted in a beautiful new athletic field, as well as a walking/running track, and new fence. We will also now deliver hot lunches down at the field this year thanks to additional infrastructure improvements.

We've continued to substantially upgrade our technology program, including the purchase of additional iPads, and a number of added curriculum applications such as Raz-Kids, Moby Max, and Learning A-Z. Our technology infrastructure will further accommodate more devices in the classrooms.

We are very pleased to introduce several curriculum programs this year that will enhance the academic, faith, and service opportunities for Saint John students. Students will benefit from our comprehensive K-5 writing program, a new STEM program in middle school, and our Faith in Action class, which combines middle school Catholic leadership with outreach opportunities for all our students.

We have continued to enhance parent and student communication through the implementation of School Speak and our enhanced newsletter format. School Speak is our new student data management program. Look for additional School Speak instructions and information in the next couple of weeks.

There are several reminders we don't want you to overlook during the first week of school. All grades will have the same 7:45 am starting time beginning this year. Dismissal time will remain the same as previous years. There is construction on Encinitas Blvd. so U-turns are not allowed for westbound traffic. Please factor in these changes to ensure your children arrive on-time for school.

We enthusiastically look forward to the 2014-2015 school year! As we continue to build upon and enhance the strong traditions of Saint John School, please join us in welcoming new families and staff members to our community. Peace and blessings to each of you in the coming year. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Dan Schuh, Principal

August 19, 2014

In This Issue

Teaching Staff Bios

NEW FIELD!

Our field got a makeover this summer! We are so excited and grateful for our beautiful new grass and running track, and upgrades to the fence. It's ready for students!

Important Reminders

NEW START TIME: 7:45 am

8/19: NEW PARENT MEETING at 5:00 pm

8/19: ICE CREAM SOCIAL at 6:00 pm

8/21 and 8/22: The first two days of school are minimum days with 12:00 noon dismissal

8/21: BOOHOO/YAHOO! parent gathering after drop-off

8/22: Beginning of the year PRAYER SERVICE at 11:20 am

Teaching Staff 2014/2015

Pre-Kindergarten

Annette Conrad - Our preschool director, Mrs. Conrad has earned Associate degrees in Human Development and Child Development. She holds a CA Site Supervisor Permit. She enjoys family trips, especially to the beach and desert. She also likes reading and doing crafts.

Danielle Rogers - Ms. Rogers joins us as a PreK teacher. She has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Development. She enjoys spending time with her family and directing children's choirs.

Giliana Karam - Ms. Karam holds a Bachelor's degree in Primary and Early Childhood Education from Pontifical Catholic University. She enjoys spending time with her family and teaching.

Kindergarten

Patricia Livingston - Mrs. Livingston earned her Bachelor's degree from San Diego State. She then earned her Master's degree in Education from University of San Diego. She spends her free time surfing, hiking and doing crafts.

Genna Ong - Mrs. Ong holds two Bachelor's degrees, Human Development and Interdisciplinary Studies in Education. She enjoys sports, crafts, and spending time with her family.

Tricia Potter - Ms. Potter earned her B.S. in Marine Ecology from Florida Atlantic University. She later went on to receive her Master's degree in Education from Antioch University. She is a fan of cycling, hiking, kayaking, traveling, reading, knitting, and volunteering at the Humane Society.

First Grade

Larissa Cruz - A graduate of DePaul University, Ms. Cruz earned her Master's in Education. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, doing crafts, and traveling.

Stephanie Tucker - Miss Tucker is an alumni of University of San Diego where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology along with her teaching credential. Her hobbies include running and watching football.

Second Grade

Lisa Palecek - Mrs. Palecek earned her teaching degree from San Diego State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being active.

James Preston - Mr. Preston holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from Cal Poly. He later went on to earn his teaching credential from National University. A guitar player, Mr. Preston enjoys sports like tennis and fishing. He also likes to travel.

Third Grade

Caroline Henderson - Ms. Henderson earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education from University of San Diego. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going to the beach, and exercising.

Donna Marrero - With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from Western Illinois University, Mrs. Marrero holds both a California teaching credential and Special Education credential. She spends her free time doing Jazzercise and researching new educational techniques.

Fourth Grade

Amanda Askelson - Ms. Askelson likes to rock climb, run, be outdoors, spend time with her family and her new puppy. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in math along with her teaching credential from University of San Diego. Ms. Askelson is looking forward to her upcoming marriage in October.

Haley Mendes - Formerly Ms. Cox, Mrs. Mendes was wed this past summer. She is a graduate of University of San Diego. She holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a multiple subject teaching credential. Her hobbies include surfing, running, traveling, hiking, and teaching.

Fifth Grade

Anna Heinz - Ms. Heinz earned her Bachelor's degree in English from UC Davis. She earned her Master's in Education from the University of Mississippi. She enjoys reading, shopping, going to the movies, hiking, teaching, and trying new restaurants.

Karen Miller - Mrs. Miller holds a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and a Master's degree in Education from USD. She enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the Chargers!

Sixth Grade

Kevin Markovich - Mr. Markovich is an alumni of UCSD where he earned a Bachelor's in Sociology and a Master's in Education. Hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and participating in sports fill his free time. Mr. Markovich will be teaching 6th grade language arts, literature, social studies, and religion.

Karen Rack - Ms. Rack holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in math as well as a teaching credential. She earned these from University of San Diego. She uses her free time to swim, bike, hike, be outdoors, and spend time with her family. Ms. Rack will be teaching 6th grade math and science as well as religion.

Seventh Grade

Gena Heins - Mrs. Heins earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies. She holds a multiple subject credential with a supplementary authorization in Science. Hiking, canoeing, painting, drawing, dancing, singing, exercising, and walking with her husband and dog are some of the the things she likes to do in her spare time. Mrs. Heins will teach 7th and 8th grade science, 7th grade religion, and STEM class to 7th and 8th grade.

Brian Mariano - Mr. Mariano will be teaching 7th grade language arts, literature, social studies, and religion. He has a Bachelor's degree in History along with a teaching credential. He is an alumni of UC Riverside and Cal State San Marcos.

Eighth Grade

Jenae Labrie-Smith - Mrs. Smith is our 7th and 8th grade math teacher. Graduating from UCLA and SDSU, she has a B.S. in Kinesiology and a California teaching credential. Mrs. Smith enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping. She also enjoys reading.

Sarah Lovin - Ms. Lovin has attended USD, UCSD, and participated in the Notre Dame ACE program. She earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in history and has a multiple subject teaching credential. When she is not planning her wedding for next June, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, and camping.

Support Staff & Specialty Teachers

Theresa Coyle - Mrs. Coyle is our Director of Curriculum and Professional Development. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Special Education from Rhode Island College. She enjoys reading, running, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Laura Wilczek - Ms. Wilczek earned a Master's degree in Education from the University of Notre Dame. She earned a second Master's in Reading Education from Vanderbilt University. Ms. Wilczek is our new Education Specialist in our Resource Center. Her hobbies include reading and watching movies. She also enjoys meeting new people.

Teresa Roberts - Mrs. Roberts has a Master's degree in Theology and a B.A. in Journalism from UC Berkley. She also earned her teaching credential from Cal State San Marcos. She enjoys competitive basketball, backpacking, hiking, reading, writing, and spirituality. She will be teaching our new middle school course, Faith in Action, as well as journalism, and P.E. to middle school girls.

Feather Gentry - Ms. Gentry is a graduate of CSU Chico, CSU Northridge, and University of St. Mary's. She earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies, a M.A. in Curriculum and Assessment, and a CA multiple subject teaching credential. Ms. Gentry is our Technology Coordinator, teaches Technology to grades K-8, teaches journalism, and is our Student Council Advisor. he enjoys traveling and has been to several countries including Israel and Italy. She also enjoys photography.

Zach Jones - Coach Jones earned a B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in physical education from SDSU. He will be teaching PE in grades K-5 along with PE to our middle school boys. We will also serve as our athletic director. His hobbies include camping, hiking, surfing, biking, ocean swimming, gardening, snowboarding, and playing various musical instruments.

Cara Llamas - Mrs. Llamas is our new Spanish teacher for grades 3-8. She earned a B.A. in Modern Languages from Cal Poly and a M.A. in Teaching Foreign Languages from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her 1 year old. She enjoys poetry, playing and watching basketball, and playing with her 2 dogs.

Ann Heller - Ms. Heller teaches music to grades K-8. She earned an Associate's degree. She enjoys playing music, spending time with her 2 daughters, and traveling.

Leslie Grubb - Mrs. Grubb joins the Saint John staff as our middle school art teacher. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA. She also has a Master's degree in teaching from SJSU as well as a Master's in Holistic Health. She enjoys art, painting, walking her dog, reading, listening to music, and attending sporting events.

MISSION STATEMENT

St. John School, a Christ-centered environment, empowers our children to gain a thorough understanding of the Catholic faith, achieve their highest academic potential, and share Christ's love through Christian action.