St. John XXIII Catholic School prides itself on its unique features
According to Dawn Pickerill, principal of St. John XXIII Catholic School in Middletown, St. John XXIII isn’t your average school. The school is able to offer amenities, classes and recreational opportunities that most schools of its size don’t provide.
The preschool-through-eighth-grade school serves about 450 students on its 17-acre campus, which includes a high school-regulation football and baseball field as well as a large playground and outdoor basketball courts. “We have large classrooms which are all air conditioned,” says Pickerill. “We have a dedicated science lab, music room, art studio and gymnasium.”
But it’s not just the facilities that set the school apart, adds Pickerill. The school is able to offer advanced math, like Algebra 1 and Geometry, to its students that is taught by a high school certified teacher. There is a Gifted and Talented program in the areas of Science and Language Arts, and Spanish is taught to all students starting in preschool and through their eighth-grade year.
“We have a full Intervention Team with three intervention specialists, a resource room teacher, a Title 1 teacher, a Speech and Language Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist, and a school counselor,” she says.
When it comes to technology, students have access to and the ability to learn about tech throughout their day. The school has a one-to-one device program for students in first-through-eighth grade that connects them to Google Classroom. Starting in fifth grade, students use OneNote, too. Another tech resource is the school’s Maker Space lab, which utilizes Lego Robotics and robots Dot, Dash and Cue.
“The Maker Space allows students to collaboratively solve real world problems and situations,” says Pickerill.
The arts are also emphasized at the school with a school band, annual musical, art club, choir and more for students to explore their artistic talents.
For those wishing to learn more about the school, St. John XXIII is offering an open house Sunday, Jan. 30, from noon to 3 p.m. At the open house, families can “not only see the facilities and the amenities we have to offer, they can also become familiar with our loving and caring climate and culture,” says Pickerill. Families must register for a time to visit ahead of time through St. John XXIII’s website.
“If you are looking for a change and a different educational opportunity than your child is currently receiving, please give us the opportunity to introduce you to St. John XXIII Catholic School. Most families who meet with us and tour the school, register and become part of our St. John XXIII family!” adds Pickerill.
