PARENTS

St. John XXIII Catholic School (SJ23) is blessed with a giving and involved parent community. Our parents are the heart and soul of our school culture and the engine driving our high academic and spiritual standards, family enrichment events, co-curricular clubs, and overall vision of our school.

SJ23 parents show their children they are interested in their day-to-day school life and value our larger school community by helping with homework, volunteering in the classroom, sharing a hobby or skill, coaching a sport, attending school events, and by volunteering their time to make our school community better.

To learn more, read our Parent Student Handbook or log into SchoolSpeak, our parent, teacher and student portal.

“The decision to send our children to St. John’s began as a tradition passed down from our parents but evolved into a way of life we felt could not be fulfilled through other academic avenues. Having been members of the St. John’s school family for the past 12 years, we can attest to the dedication of the faculty, administration, and staff in offering the very best combination of academic and religious education for our children. In addition, the school’s family atmosphere offers abundant opportunities for caring collaboration with other families who share our same values and faith. At St. John’s, Catholic values are woven into ALL aspects of school life, each and every day, continuously strengthening both the moral and spiritual growth of our children. For these, and so many other reasons, our family joins the many others in treasuring the St. John’s school community.” — Mike & Alison Didier

SCHOOL CLOSURE INFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS:

We are here to help! If you are struggling to find fun ideas to keep your child(ren) busy while at home, please feel free to reach out to us and/or your student’s teacher(s) any time! You can also follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with current events and circumstances. We post different tips, information, projects, crafts, and at-home activities to keep them…and you entertained daily.

March 19, 2020: THOUGHTS, PRAYERS AND UPDATES DURING THE EXTENDED CLOSURE

LETTERS, RESOURCES & INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:

Parent Guidance for Online Learning

1. Have a designated area for your child’s online instruction and classwork. Provide space where your child will not be disrupted by other activities. The space should be well lit with a desk or table and chair. The monitor should be at eye level and the student’s chair should offer acceptable back support. Lying on a bed makes it difficult to remain focused and attentive. The space should be stocked with adequate school supplies. Online learning should never occur in a bathroom.

2. Students should have appropriate and dedicated technology to use during realtime online learning. A laptop or desktop computer should be used instead of a cell phone. It is a good idea (if applicable) for the parent to keep your child’s phone during the online school day. Please notify your child’s teacher if you are having difficulty with your personal devices or your school-owned device.

3. Create a schedule for independent learning with set breaks. These breaks should include physical activity without the use of screens. Parents must set parameters for gaming and video watching.

4. Since many of our students find fulfillment in school sports and extracurricular activities, it is important that they find non-school activities. We recommend that students build or create something new or discover a new hobby.

5. This is an opportunity for students to learn other life skills. We recommend they learn to do laundry (if this is a new skill), cook a meal, yard work, clean their closets and drawers, create a budget, and organize the basement.

6. As we know, the closing of schools is aimed at decreasing the spread of the COVID-19 disease. While your child(ren) should not feel they are in Quarantine (this is NOT a punishment for them), this is also not an opportunity to gather with peers in larger groups.

7. Recognize that online education is “real school”. This requires that students demonstrate independence and maturity to enter in class daily (according to the teacher’s schedule) and not engage in side chats with friends.

8. Parents should review SJ23 expectations for online learning (Acceptable Use Policy) with their child(ren).

9. Instruct your child(ren) that anything they say online could be recorded. They must be thoughtful about their classmates and refrain from making offensive or inappropriate comments.

GENERAL UPDATES TO FOLLOW:

Child Care Program

Before and after school child care is available to all registered SJ23 preschool through 6th grade students. Learn more about our Child Care Program.

Home & School Association

At SJ23, we have an involved, parent-run Home and School Association that coordinates the majority of our family and student enrichment programs, teacher appreciation events, parent events, school clubs, and fundraising. This group is passionate about our school, and the entire school community benefits greatly.

We are able to offer family events like the Fall Spooktacular, Mother/Son Bowling, Father/Daughter Bowling, and Breakfast for Baby Jesus because of our dedicated parent base.

SJ23 parents, in conjunction with parish and alumni volunteers, also organize and run all of our school fundraising events that are so vital to a thriving school environment. Many, many parents are needed to successfully run events such as The Key Event (our annual dinner and auction), flower sale, Soles for Catholic Education, and the Student Artwork Raffle Calendar.

Funds raised from these programs help offset operating expenses, keep tuition rates manageable, and support our wonderful student, faculty, and family programs. Although these events are called “fundraisers,” they are so much more. They are fun events that build family, community, and friendships.

Consider volunteering and sharing your talents and make some great friends along the way. Every family is asked to volunteer throughout the school year and support our fundraising programs. Volunteerism is the heart of our vibrant and enthusiastic family community. We appreciate the time and efforts of our parent, parish, and alumni volunteers!

To become a volunteer, please call 262.284.2441 or contact us.

School Closing Information

SJ23 is included as part of the Port Washington/Saukville School District for any weather closings. Tune into Fox6, TMJ4, and Channel 12, AM 920 The Wolf, FM 106.1, Newstalk 1130 WISN, V100.7 Jams, Oldies 95.7, and 97.3 Radio Now.. Click Here for More Information on School Closings.