Principal's Page September 2021 - Growth Mindset: Thinking gives my brain a workout. School Theme We are God's Masterpiece School Virtue Unity ...
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Principal’s Page September 2021
Growth Mindset: Thinking gives my brain a workout.
School Theme We are God's Masterpiece
School Virtue Unity
Theme We are God's
Masterpiece
“For you are God’s
Masterpiece, created anew
in Christ Jesus, to do the I would like to extend a warm
good things he planned for welcome to everyone as we begin
you long ago.” the 2021-2022 school year.
EPHESIANS 2:10
The children are required to wear
masks until further notice. I want to
School Virtue reassure you that we will do what is
This school year, our school will be mandated to keep your child safe.
focusing on the virtue of unity. Unity You will be notified on the policies
helps us work and live together
as soon as I know what is going on.
peacefully. We feel connected with
each other and all living things. We
value the specialness of each person It is so exciting to welcome our 276
as a gift, not as a reason to fight or students , 19 teachers and 8 staff
be scared. With unity we accomplish members to our growing school .
more together than any one of us
could do alone.
This year proves to be another fun-
We will be practicing unity when we:
– Treat all people as members of one filled, learning year for our students
human family, with plenty of opportunities for
– See the gifts in differences, growing their faith and minds as we
– Solve conflict through listening and continue to work towards making
finding solutions, our school an amazing learning
– Care for the earth and all living
community.
things, and
– Act like a peacemaker wherever
you go.
Kimberly Stevenson kstevenson@jfkcatholic.com
John F. Kennedy Catholic School 724-225-1680
Here is a list of the teachers and staff. Email is the most efficient way of
communication unless a teacher provides you with another platform.
Teachers will respond to emails within 24 hours. Your patience is greatly
appreciated.
Staff Roster Grades Email addresses subjects
Father John Lynam jlynam@stjameswashpa.org Pastor
Kimberly Stevenson kstevenson@jfkcatholic.com Principal
Brianne Thomas bthomas@jfkcatholic.com Secretary
Laurie Bodart lbodart@jfkcatholic.com Advancement
Mrs. Janice Woods Preschool 4 jwoods@jfkcatholic.com 3 Full Days
Miss Anita DiPaolo Preschool 3 adipaolo@jfkcatholic.com 2 Half & 2 Full
Miss Natalie Wortman Kindergarten nwortman@jfkcatholic.com All subjects
Mrs. Carly Jowiakowski 1st Grade cjowiakowski@jfkcatholic.com All subjects
Miss Mackenzie Janda Kindergarten mjanda@jfkcatholic.com All subjects
Mrs. Anna Marie Bonner 2nd Grade abonner@jfkcatholic.com All subjects
Miss Maria Loftis 2nd Grade mloftis@jfkcatholic.com All subjects
Miss Hannah Brown 3rd grade hbrown@jfkcatholic.com All Subjects
Mrs. Rebecca Marchezak 4th Grade rmarchezak@jfkcatholic.com All subjects & 5th
Social Studies
Mrs. Paula Matthews 5th Grade pmatthews@jfkcatholic.com All subjects & 4th
Science
Staff Roster Grade Email addresses Subjects
Miss. Emily Janocha 6th Grade ejanocha@jfkcatholic.com 6th-8th Social Studies, 6th Reading &
HR Religion, Computers
Miss Amanda Codori 7th Grade acodori@jfkcatholic.com 7th & 8th Literature, 6th & 7th
HR Math, 6th Science, 7th Religion
Mrs. Darci Smith 8th Grade dsmith@jfkcatholic.com 7th & 8th Science, 8th Algebra
HR 6th & 7th Math , 8th Religion
Mrs. Joyce Bruno Middle jbruno@jfkcatholic.com 5th – 8th Grade English
School
Mrs. Brittney Swick K-8 bswick@jfkcatholic.com Gym
Mr. Anthony Tresky K-8 atresky@jfkcatholic.com Music
Ms. Bonny Sutton K-8 bsutton@jfkcatholic.com Spanish
Mrs. Amanda Tharp K-8 atharp@jfkcatholic.com Art
Facilities Update
If you driven past the school, you may have noticed numerous maintenance and
construction projects. When you enter the school, you will notice a complete
transformation of the classrooms. From floor to ceiling the rooms have been renovated.
There are new smart boards, white boards and bulletin boards in the classrooms. Several of
the classrooms have new desks and chairs. The computer lab has been set up on the first
floor and has new tables and laptop computers. The lab has been moved to the 3 rd floor and
has been air conditioned. A book room, teacher’s work room, and staff lunchroom have
also been added or renovated.
This project would not have been possible with out extremely generous gift left to the
school by Thelma Sontag for building upgrades. Rick Bell served as the project manager
volunteering his time this entire summer from start to completion. Rick’s wife Jan, and
parents Matt Douglas and John Rieg played a major role in helping with this project. Thank
you for your dedication and hard work.
I would also like to thank the parents, teachers, and staff who volunteered through out the
summer. Together we can do amazing things!
We now look forward to phase II of the renovations, new windows and air conditioning. It is
extremely important for us to continue to fundraise and volunteer for school events.
Remaining financially strong will keep the school moving in a positive direction.
It is with great pleasure that I announce the hiring of new faculty
members who will join our JFK family this school year. These talented
teachers look forward to becoming part of our community and working
with our students. We are delighted to welcome them to our JFK Catholic
School Family.
My name is Amanda Codori and I am so excited to be teaching at JFK! I
graduated from Westminster College with a degree in Elementary Education in
2005, and I earned my Master's Degree in Reading and Language Arts from
Duquesne University in 2007. I have been teaching for 15 years, including 13
years at Holy Trinity/Archangel Gabriel School. I will be teaching 6th and 7th
grade math, 7th and 8th grade reading, 6th grade science, and 7th grade
religion.
Hi everyone! My name is Maria Loftis, and I am a new 2nd grade teacher at
JFK! This will be my first-year teaching, and I cannot be more thrilled to begin
the school year. I graduated from Saint Vincent College in 2020 with a
bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Disabilities
Studies. This past year I obtained a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy
from Slippery Rock University. In my spare time I love to spend time with my
family, friends, and fiancé, bake sweet treats, and binge-watch Netflix series.
Hello! My name is Mackenzie Janda and I am going to be teaching kindergarten for the
2021-2022 school year! I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in
April 2019 with my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I am currently
attending California University of Pennsylvania to obtain my Master of Education
degree, with my anticipated graduation date in December 2021. I was the Building
Substitute at Trinity West Elementary School, then accepted a Long-Term Substitute
position as a kindergarten teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. Outside of the
education world, I am the majorette instructor at Ringgold High School. In my free time,
I love to read books, spend time with my family and friends and try new restaurants in
Pittsburgh. I am so excited for this upcoming school year at JFK!
Hi families! My name is Carly Jozwiakowski and it is my first year at JFK! Since
graduating Clarion University with my early childhood degree I have taught
four years of kindergarten and pre-kindergarten and two years of upper
elementary. I am so excited to be teaching first grade. Besides teaching I love
to do anything and everything that keeps me busy. I love traveling and being
outside to snowboard, hike, boat, and explore. When not traveling, my
husband and I love to have our family and friends over. I am looking forward
to another year of getting to know amazing kiddos!
I have been an educator for more than 21 years. I recently received the 2021 Golden Apple Award. I have spent the last 16 years teaching Middle School math, science, literature, and religion. I have a B.S in Psychology from Bethany College and M.S. in Education from Duquesne University. My vocation began at my first teaching job at St. Agatha’s in Bridgeville. After St. Agatha’s, my husband was transferred to Georgia where I taught for three years in a public school. After taking several years off to raise my two boys I returned to teaching at St. Joseph’s in Coraopolis. When the school closed, I was offered a job at Archangel Gabriel, formerly Holy Trinity School, where I had the pleasure of shaping minds and faith for 13 years. Teaching middle school allows me to prepare my students for high school as I watch them blossom into young well- rounded adults rooted in their faith. I am excited to be joining JFK this year as a member of the Middle School Team as the 8th grade homeroom teacher! I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade science as well as 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math. Hello! My name is Brittney Swick, and I am so excited to be teaching at JFK. I currently live in Washington with my husband and two boys. My oldest is attending kindergarten at JFK this year! I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from California University of Pennsylvania, as well as my Master's Degree in Special Education. I had the pleasure of teaching first grade at Evans City Elementary in the Seneca Valley School District, as well as Special Education at both Carmichaels Elementary School and Agora Cyber Charter School. For the past fifteen years, I have taught dance classes to students ages 3-19 at Dance With Me by Sisters 3. In addition to dance classes, I also received certification and coached a successful Crossfit Kids training program. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family and being active. We love to travel, especially to Disney! Hola! My name is Bonny Sutton, and I am honored to accept the position of Spanish Teacher at John F. Kennedy School. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Language Study from the University of Pittsburgh, with a concentration in Spanish and German, including certification in Spanish K- 12, and a Master’s degree in Education, from Grand Canyon University. My teaching history includes over 18 years of Spanish instruction from elementary to the college level. I understand that the teacher is only as successful as their student. My goal and passion, is to instill the essential multicultural academic skills to be successful in today’s global society.
Mr. Tony Tresky is entering his first year as Music and Band Teacher at JFK. He is a proud graduate of Bishop Canevin High School and Slippery Rock University. Mr. Tresky is an active musician and educator in Western Pennsylvania, most recently teaching at Karns City Area High School as a substitute music teacher. Currently, he is also the Director of the Marching Crusaders at Bishop Canevin. Mr. Tresky’s lifelong passion for teaching originates from his Catholic faith. Outside of teaching, Mr. Tresky enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with family. He is a parishioner of the Church of the Assumption in Bellevue, PA and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Hi! My name is Amanda Tharp and I am so excited to be the art teacher at JFK. This is my second year teaching and I absolutely love my job. I graduated from Carlow University in 2015 and am certified to teach art from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Art has always been a passion of mine and I cannot wait to share that with the wonderful students here at JFK! My name is Natalie Wortman, and I am thrilled to be part of the John F. Kennedy Catholic Community! I come to JFK from State College, PA where I briefly worked as a Pre-K teacher before filling the role of 1st Grade teacher, and eventually Kindergarten teacher. I grew up in the Catholic school system, and it brings me great joy to return to my Catholic School roots as an educator. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing piano, and reading anything that helps me learn and grow. I am excited to announce that Becky Papson will be returning as the moderator of PJAS and Karen Paletta will be the school librarian.
JFK Dismissal for Kindergarten -8th Grade
Remember buses and vans are the 1st to line up. After these vehicles and the
students cross the street, you will be signaled to drive up the street. Remember to
have you letter displayed on the dashboard.
RUPLE LANE
M K
L
Z
W Parking
I V
Lot
Codori/Wortman
D Brown
D H S
E
L J L
E Smith Janocha/Wortman E
E M
F T
G U
E
N
Jozwiakowski Loftis T
D P A
C R
Church R
Y
Porter/ Janda Matthews
A M
B O
Bonner Marchezak
Congratulations
Miss Janocha & Mrs. Smith for being chosen as one of 8 Diocesan educators to receive the
Golden Apple Award. The Golden Apple Award recognizes teachers' excellent performance in
the classroom, church and community. Each educator will receive a monetary prize, thanks to
the generosity of the Donahue Family Foundation.
Featuring New Curriculum
We have updated several of our textbooks this year. These curriculum changes will
increase rigor as well as incorporate technology within the curriculum. We
purchased Glenco Algebra and Pre-Algebra for 7th & 8th grades. We added the 6th
grade Social Studies books to complete the program 6th- 8th grades. We have also
purchased new Religion books Pk – 8th grade.
Recess & Cafeteria Volunteers
Parent Responsibilities &
Communication We need 2 volunteers for outdoor
recess and 1 volunteer for the
cafeteria. You must have your
In order to keep the lines of clearances to volunteer.
communication open between Procedures:
home and school we will be using Buzz in at the main door wearing a
various avenues for information. I mask if required.
understand that everyone is busy,
but it is important to read the You will report to playground area.
Teachers will bring out the class.
emails, Comet and the Principal’s There will be 2 classes at a time
Page. They contain important outside.
information. They will have designated play areas.
Someone will come to get the
students for lunch.
The process will then be repeated.
A Birthday Cake in a Bag
I was talking to a local food bank worker, and she explained the heart-rending situation that
they see all the time; families barely scraping by who cannot afford to do anything special
for their kids’ birthdays. As a parent, it broke my heart. Can you imagine staring at the
calendar hoping you’ll have enough just to feed your kid on his birthday and wishing
desperately that you had a way to make the day special? There is something we can do. A
glimmer of hope and caring in a seriously sad situation. A Birthday Cake Bags filled with the
basic items that make up a birthday celebration.
The school will supply a plain white bag which your child can decorate at home as well as
make a birthday card. It should be signed a JFK Student.
Please fill the bag with a box of cake mix, a can of icing, and a box of candles. On the
month of your child’s birthday there will be a specific Friday designated to bring in the bags.
The students will take them to mass and Father will call them to the front of the church.
The bags will be placed in bins and Father will give the students and staff who have
birthdays that month a special birthday blessing. The bags will be distributed to the
Washing County Food Bank, St. James St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. If you know of
anywhere else, we can donate these bags, please let me know. The August and September
Birthday Cake Bags should be brought to mass on September 24th.
Recess & Cafeteria Volunteers
We need 2 volunteers for outdoor
Parent Responsibilities & recess and 1 volunteer for the
Communication cafeteria. You must have your
clearances to volunteer.
In order to keep the lines of Procedures:
communication open between Buzz in at the main door wearing a
mask if required.
home and school we will be using
various avenues for information. I You will report to playground area.
understand that everyone is busy, Teachers will bring out the class.
but it is important to read the There will be 2 classes at a time
emails, Comet and the Principal’s outside.
Page. They contain important They will have designated play areas.
Someone will come to get the
information. students for lunch.
The process will then be repeated.
John F. Kennedy Mission and Belief Statements Mission Statement Our mission at John F. Kennedy Catholic School is to cultivate God’s love through our faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ while emphasizing service within the community. We provide a relevant 21st Century Education that empowers students to lead and become lifelong learners. John F. Kennedy Catholic School is a member of the South kindergarten Regional Catholic Elementary Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh serving children in Preschool through Eighth Grade. Belief Statements We believe every child can learn and reach their full potential by recognizing individual learning styles and abilities. We believe in a partnership with the Church community and the promotion of faith development of our students and their families. We believe in a Christ-centered education through scripture study, sacramental preparation, daily prayer, and cross-curricular instruction. We believe in providing a safe, positive, and nurturing school environment. We believe in effective communication with students, families, and the Church community. We believe in serving the local and global communities by demonstrating Gospel values. We believe in modeling our Catholic faith through interactions with students and the school community by demonstrating Gospel values. We believe in celebrating student successes.
Profile of a Graduate
A graduate of John F. Kennedy Catholic School will demonstrate success as a 21st Century Learner and
academic excellence by continuing to be
Responsible global citizens
Creative problem solvers
Critical thinkers
Effective communicators
Resourceful collaborators
A graduate of John F. Kennedy Catholic School will demonstrate spiritual growth by continuing
Ongoing faith formation and maintaining a personal relationship with God
To attend mass and receive the sacraments
To respect all stages of life
To model Christ-like behavior
To evangelize by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ
To prayerfully discern God’s plan for future vocation
A graduate of John F. Kennedy Catholic School will demonstrate service to others by continuing
To model respect and have compassion for the dignity of all individuals
To be an active contributing member of society
To take responsibility for their individual actions
To embrace and welcome ethnic diversity
To lead with spiritual integrity
To be mindful of the needs of othersYou can also read
