Our goal at St. John the Evangelist School is to provide our students with a well-rounded, quality education and an environment where students feel good about themselves and excited about the opportunities for personal growth provided for them.

Academics

Students receive daily instruction in Religion, Reading, Mathematics, Language, Spelling, History and Science. Students receive weekly instruction in Music, Physical Education, and Art. Grades K-6 receive weekly instruction in Computers. Textbooks are chosen and occasionally to best suit the Benchmarks of Instruction compiled by both the Diocese of Lansing and the Jackson Catholic School consortium.

Spiritual Growth

Students have frequent opportunities to celebrate the Sacraments. Students attend Mass once a week and are involved in special parts of the Liturgy as a class. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at least twice each school year. In addition, the students participate in a variety of prayer services, including daily prayer in their classrooms, Stations of the Cross, the Living Rosary, May Crowning and First Friday Adoration.

Report Cards

The use of a grading system with report cards at St. John's is for evaluation and growth . Each student's degree of responsibility and ability is defined in a measurable way. This not only provides a means of accountability, but also serves as a valuable indicator of overall progress of the individual, the class, and the total academic program.

We believe God has created each child individually and given him special talents and abilities. (Matthew 25:15) It is our desire to teach each child in such a way that he can fully develop these abilities. In most cases, a child's ability is equivalent to his grade level placement. In some cases however,a child's ability may be above or below his actual grade level. In such a situation, options for either remediation or acceleration will be coordinated between teacher and parent.

Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine week grading period. All Final grades are recorded on the student's permanent record.

Testing

St. John School participates in standardized testing approved by the Diocese of Lansing. Fourth and sixth graders presently participate in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Also, our fifth graders participate in the National Catholic Education Association's Religion Assessment.

Homework

Each day, students will list their assignments for each subject area in their assignment book. The child is to bring the assignment book home each day to be reviewed and signed by a parent.

Ample time will be provided within the school day for a child to complete that day's work. Any work not completed during the day will be highlighted in the assignment book and will be sent home as homework to be completed and turned in the next morning . Also, if a need exists for extra drill practice, remediation, or enrichment, homework will be assigned and listed in the assignment book. Parents are asked to review time required for completion of such an assignment will be kept at a reasonable level. Work not turned in by the specific deadline will be considered late. Studies will not receive full credit for late assignments.

Normally, homework is not given over vacation periods.This extra time spent with a child is an opportunity for parents to become aware of the curriculum and their child's mastery in each area. Through working closely to together parents and students can find new areas of communication concerning concepts and issues raised throughout the school day.

Each student is responsible for his/her completion of homework assignments. When absent the student must see the teacher for assignments missed. In the case of and absence of more than one day, the parents should see the teacher for assignments missed. In the case of an absence of more than one day, the parents should arrange for make-up work to be sent home on the second day. The student will be given a reasonable amount of time to make up the work missed, not to exceed twice the number of days missed. For example, if one day is missed the work must be made up within two days. Work, tests, and projects assigned before the absence must be turned in or taken on the day of return.

School Supplies

A school supply list is sent home in early August for the current school year and in June for the following school year. It is necessary to replenish these supplies throughout the year.

Communication

It is extremely important that ongoing communication takes place between school and home. Some of the more formal methods of communication include:

Steps To Take If You Have Concerns:

To discuss your concern with the teacher or staff member, please call the school office and make an appointment.

Open House- Parents have an opportunity to meet the teachers and support staff in the first month of the school year at the annual Open House. A handout is given that evening to explain each grade's curriculum and expectations.

Newsletter- A parent newsletter is distributed every Thursday to the oldest child in the family. PLEASE check your child's book bag and/or folders for this weekly newsletter.

Parent-Teacher Conferences- Annual parent-teacher conferences are scheduled after the first report card. Any further conferences would be held at the request of the parent or teacher, as needed. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher whenever there are questions regarding their child's progress.

Testing

St. John School participates in standardized testing approved by the Diocese of Lansing. Fourth and sixth graders participate in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Also, our fifth graders participate in the National Catholic Education Association's Religion Assessment.

"St. John School guarantees every student will be successful when they walk through our doors".