St. Jude School Ready to Kick Off Exciting New School Year

When St. Jude School opens on Aug. 4, the students and teachers will be celebrating being together again with the theme “To Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.”

“Besides offering acts of service, we’ll be bringing back song and laughter and a sense of community and helping each other, celebrating with joy being together,” says principal Beth Meece.

In the wake of last year’s pandemic restrictions, the students and teachers were unable to celebrate Mass together. Social distancing required them to have several Masses with fewer attending each, and classes alternated weeks with virtual and in-person learning. This year, however, everyone can celebrate Mass together.

“We’re looking forward to building a sense of community and bringing back the joy that was somewhat missing,” Mrs. Meece says.

As the school year gets underway, the faculty and staff will be helping the students grow stronger in their faith. Students will be given concrete ways to apply their Catholic faith as they live it daily. They will receive opportunities to perform acts of service, as well as to show gratitude and celebrate all God has given them.

“We’re building on the parish’s theme of ‘Rebuild My Church,’” Mrs. Meece says. “We’ll find ways for families to rebuild as well, and bring faith to the forefront.”

St. Jude students share a spirit of joy and community with each other and their teachers.

As school life anticipates returning to normal activities, students who may have struggled with virtual learning have been attending summer school. Our lower grade teachers have been receiving training through the Orton-Gillingham method to help students with their reading and writing skills. A grant has made it possible for our teachers to receive support for helping ESL students, and another grant has enabled the school to upgrade its technology. In addition, progress is being made on the playground project.

Before the school year begins, students in the lower grades have been attending the “Jump Start” session.

“This weeklong activity gets them familiar with their teachers and gets them back into a learning mode as well,” Mrs. Meece says. “It’s a refresher.”

Support from our parish and parishioners is a vital community effort on behalf of St. Jude School.

“Faith isn’t something that can be compartmentalized,” Mrs. Meece says. “It has to be the [primary] aspect in all parts of life. This is where the sense of community is so important. Students see role models from the parishioners on weekends and see them living their faith. This will help sustain the students after their years here, as well.”

The students at St. Jude School are looking forward to attending in-person classes this upcoming school year.

As the school year gets under way, the faculty and staff will be helping the students grow stronger in their faith.

Enrollment at St. Jude has been ongoing through the summer. Parents interested in enrolling their children may call the school at 317-784-6828. With the expansion of the state voucher program, the tuition has been made more affordable.