2 minute read
Parent Profile: Spencer Family
by EaglesSJE
Peter, Evan, Ava and Jenny Spencer
The Spirit of Community
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“The culture of parental support and participation is part of what sets St. John’s apart and laid the groundwork for the school to have the resources needed to succeed - especially during unexpected events like the pandemic,” says Jenny Spencer.
She and her husband, Peter, play an integral role in the school community, with Jenny having served as Co-Chair of Celebratio for two consecutive years and is the acting President-Elect of the Parents’ Club in 2020-'21.
The Parents’ Club has long been an important part of the St. John’s community. For many years the Parents’ Club has served the school through both fundraising and community spirit.
“The Parents’ Club is made up of every parent in the school. Its Board of Directors works diligently to foster the spirit of community among all parents, members of the faculty, and SJE administration,” explains Jenny. “We work to ensure the children have an incredible educational experience combined with fun and engaging activities that are supported by both the parents and faculty. Through numerous volunteer opportunities, all members of the Parents’ Club come together to make that happen for our kids.”
“The shift to having school fundraising planned and run internally by St. John’s administrators – with the help and participation of many parents as well - has provided a more streamlined experience,” Jenny says. “There’s more clarity now. All donations now go to the Eagles Fund, and it all goes to benefit our children. Now the Parents’ Club can squarely focus on enhancing the children’s experience.”
The reward for involved parents such the Spencer’s continues to be in the resources the Eagles Fund provides for teachers and scholars - including their two St. John’s students, Ava (5th grade) and Evan (3rd grade).
Peter cites the ClearTouch devices as some of the most impressive technology items bought with Eagles Fund dollars. He is proud that donations made to the Eagles Fund were able to fulfill every item on the Teachers’ Wish List. Additionally, the staff positions supported by donations have been extremely impactful. “We love Ronnie [Williams], Amy [Patenaude], and Sharon [Weaver],” Peter adds, referring to the three new positions created in 2020-'21 to address children’s needs. “Just knowing we now have a nurse and a school psychologist on staff to address our kids’ physical and mental health and Coach Ronnie as a mentor, especially to the boys - has had a huge impact during the pandemic.”
Jenny is looking forward to serving the school as President of the Parents’ Club in the 2021-'22 school year. We can count on the Spencer family for their continued support of St. John’s for years to come. They have seen first-hand the impact that involvement in our wonderful community has on the lives of our children.
