| In November of 2001, St Joe's parents
received a survey asking for comments to publish on the school's
website. This is a synopsis of comments parents shared on
those surveys.
Many parents:
· commented on the importance of the "strong
academic program in a Christian community;" the "challenging,
quality education" in a "nurturing learning environment"
that helps students become "very well-prepared for high
school". A variety of classes were singled out as particularly
valuable, including Religion, Peace and Justice, and Foreign
Languages. Some parents noted that the small school size,
the teacher-student ratios, and the junior high setting (two
grades only) were especially important to them.
· emphasized the importance of the Christian community
at St Joe's, a school that offers a "solid Christian
education for a very reasonable price" where "respect,
morals and values are emphasized" in a "safe, challenging
environment." A parent wrote, "Children this age
are questioning their own values and self-worth. A caring
and closely supervised environment helps them to make the
right choices." Another shared, "Students are treated
with respect and kindness, and are given responsibility."
Parents gave different reasons for enrolling their child(ren)
at the Catholic school: to "reinforce the Christian beliefs
and values in our home;" because "We got tired of
school dances on Good Friday;" because "our family
has been lax about attending Mass, so our child is benefiting
from your classes in Religion;" because it is important
to ground children in faith "in a society that overemphasizes
the importance of materials goods;" and more.
· appreciated the variety of extra-curricular activities
offered at St Joe's, including sports, cultural activities,
social events, and activities with teachers.
· applauded the dress code and higher "expectations
of the students' performance and behavior". One parent
praised the dress code as "respect with a little room
for emergent personalities."
· praised the teachers with words such as superb,
upbeat, professional, dedicated, caring, and accepting. Parents
note the teachers are "enthusiastic about teaching, supportive
to each student and creative in the way they teach."
They have respect for and "genuinely care about their
students". One parent wrote, "We have experienced
first-hand the commitment of Catholic school employees, and
we sincerely appreciate the sacrifices they make to educate
our children."
· Wrote about the impact St Joe's has had on their
children. According to their parents, at least some students
have "renewed enthusiasm for school" and "love
the school- don't want to miss a day!" One parent wrote,
"She has changed so much since she started at St Joe's.
She told me she loves to go to school. St Joe's has brought
out the best in my child." Another noted his/her student
is "self-confident, aware of others, and takes pride
in what he achieves …what St Joe's tries to instill
in each individual." Still another parent shared that
in just the first three months of the school year, St Joe's
accomplished more in improving his/her child's self-esteem
than the student's previous school did in six years. Another
parent shared that enrolling their children at St Joe's was
the "best thing we ever did."
One parent may have said it best: "St Joe's is like
a family."
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Previous parent comments from 1997:
"St. Joseph's Regional Jr. High is, indeed, a special
school.
We sent our son there because we heard lots of great things
about it. Now our son is graduating soon and our experience
has been all we had hoped for.
St. Joseph's is strong on academics while offering their
students unique cultural opportunities.
They have a caring, knowledgeable staff who know each student
individually.
St. Joseph's would certainly be a fine choice if one were
weighing where to send their child to junior high."
Daniel & Ellen Gregoire
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"When it came time for my children to go to junior high
school, I looked at all of Manchester's options. I chose St.
Joseph Junior High School because of the small class sizes,
the experienced faculty, and the safe and nurturing environment.
St. Joseph has done more than meet my expectations. During
the time that my children have attended St. Joseph, they have
matured as individuals and have defined their goals for high
school. St. Joseph has given them the skills and the self-discipline
to help them reach their goals."
Janina Stodolski
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