St. John the Baptist School faces its future with the same dedication and faith in God as did those parishioners who established it in 1952. We continue to live the educational philosophy of Monsignor Paul Koscielniak, the pastor who spearheaded the effort to build the school. Monsignor Paul felt that school is an extension of the home and as such St John's School would provide a setting of love and concern for each student.
Under the guidance of Sister Mary Francis, who was the first principal and served at St. John's from its opening day until 1957, the school began a tradition of teaching values, truth, and concern for others that is still the pillar of a St. John's education.
St John the Baptist
Newest addition completed 2001.
Flag erected and dedicated in memory of September 11, 2001. |
|
When the doors opened on September 2, 1952 424 students were greeted by 6 Sisters of the Order of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio and one lay teacher. These seven dedicated women graduated the first class of 29 eighth graders in June, 1953. The children flourished under the skilled teaching and loving guidance of the sisters. A foundation in the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic continue to serve the alumni well.
In 1956 an auditorium/church, 9 classrooms, and a library were added. At it's peak in 1960 St. John's served 1032 students in 19 classrooms. The faculty was made up of 12 sisters and 6 lay teachers. The average class size was 57. In the days of the Sisters who worked for a stipend and who could maintain discipline with a look class size was not an issue.
Throughout the years a kindergarten program was added and space was reallocated for a computer lab, science lab, AV center, before and after school child care, and a youth room.
When the convent was closed the Sisters moved into their own apartments and three of them continued their ministry to the children of St. John's School. Sister Gratia worked in the AV center and Sister Mercedes continued to tutor students until they returned to Sylvania. Sister Gwendolin became principal in 1982 and brought the JOY (Jesus, Others, You) philosophy to the school.
In 2001 the convent was razed and replaced with a modern parish center connecting the church and school. The addition includes office space, an art room and a band/choir room used by both the church and school.
In 2003 Sister Gwendolin retired ending the long history of service by the Sisters of St. Francis. Mrs. Sue Clausen joined the faculty as principal in September 2003.
St John's currently serves 440 students in grades Kindergarten through eight with an average class size of 25. The faculty is made up of all lay teachers who continue in the spirit of the founders of St. John's by focusing on faith formation and self-respect as the foundation of a well-rounded education.
