Ms. I's Update
October 2025
St. John School - Empowering for Excellence
Dear St. John School community,
October has been a full and joy-filled month at St. John! Between Masses, field trips, athletics, and community gatherings, our campus has been alive with learning, faith, and connection- all grounded in our shared values of Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility.
This week we celebrated the Feast of St. Ursula on Wednesday and gathered for a school Mass today (Friday). St. Ursula, patron saint of courage and education, and St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursulines, remind us that true education forms the heart as well as the mind. Their example calls us to live with purpose, faith, and compassion. Thank you to all who joined us; your presence helps our students see that faith and family truly go hand in hand.
One of the greatest joys this month has been welcoming back so many of our alumni. We’ve had at least one visit each week, and several recent graduates have even volunteered on their days off, helping in classrooms and at school events. They truly can’t stay away! Their continued connection shows the deep sense of belonging that lasts long after graduation. A special shout-out to Axel (Class of 2027) and Dash (Class of 2023), who recently spoke at a 450-person gala in New York City benefiting the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation- a shining example of service and courage in action.
As part of our mission to prepare students for high school and beyond, I’ve been touring local high schools to stay current on their programs and expectations- ensuring that we are preparing our students appropriately. I’m proud to say that our Eagles are ready. Every school I visit tells me how much they love our St. John students, praising their kindness, confidence, and preparedness. Many of our graduates now serve as high-school ambassadors when those schools visit us- a true full-circle moment.
Earlier this month, I attended the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the University of San Francisco, where Dr. Salvador Aceves (SJS ’75) was installed as university president. Our eighth graders Gemma and Isis represented St. John beautifully by presenting the offertory gifts. I’m thrilled to share that Dr. Aceves will soon visit St. John for a Friday Mass, a campus tour, and a conversation with our students about faith, leadership, and education.
Thank you to all who attended our recent Moms and Dads socials. These gatherings help strengthen our community and remind us that joy, laughter, and connection are essential to who we are as a school. A heartfelt thank-you also goes to our coaches and parent volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to our athletic program. Watching our cross-country team at their first meet was such a highlight. A gentle reminder: the game is for the kids. Let’s continue to model sportsmanship, grace, and respect- our students learn far more from how we behave than from what we say.
Finally, a reminder that faith begins at home. Parents are their children’s primary educators- the first teachers of prayer, empathy, and compassion. Attend Mass together, pray as a family, and practice kindness in small, daily ways. When faith is lived at home, it takes deep root in a child’s heart.
As we look ahead to Spirit Week, Trunk-or-Treat, and All Saints Day, let’s remember that every word, every kind action, and every thoughtful choice matters. Together, following the examples of St. Ursula and St. Angela, we guide our students to live with faith, courage, and love. You’ll also find information in this newsletter about our safety and ICE protocol, which ensures the dignity and care of every child and family on campus.
With gratitude,
Ms. Iwaszewicz
Principal
Kindness, Respect, Responsibility
At St. John, Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility are not suggestions - they are expectations. These values guide everything we do and help our students become thoughtful, faith-filled people.
We know the world outside can feel unkind at times. The news is heavy, and there is a lot happening that weighs on both adults and children. That’s why it’s even more important that our school remain a place of safety, care, and goodness - a reminder that we can choose kindness every day.
If a problem arises, students must report it immediately to a teacher, Coach Z, Ms. Tom, or the office. We can’t help with what we don’t know. Please encourage your child to speak up early and take responsibility when needed.
Children are still learning impulse control - their brains are developing, and they will make mistakes. Our job is to help them grow through those moments, not let things fester or spiral. Let’s teach them resilience: not every disagreement is a crisis.
Our teachers are fantastic professionals who care deeply for your children and always act in their best interest. Disrespect or unkind behavior toward staff or others will not be tolerated.
Let’s also hold each other accountable with compassion. Parenting is hard. Teaching is hard. But together, grounded in faith and kindness, we can help our children thrive and face the world with courage and grace. 💙
🦅 Positive Behavior at St. John – PBIS and the Eagle Wing
At St. John, we believe that every child can learn, grow, and thrive when expectations are clear and consistent. This year we are expanding our PBIS – Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program across the school to help reinforce: Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility.
PBIS focuses on teaching, modeling, and recognizing positive behavior. Instead of waiting for problems to occur, we emphasize prevention, consistency, and encouragement. Students learn what these values look like in the classroom, on the playground, and in daily life.
To celebrate positive choices, we’re introducing the Eagle Wing system.
When students demonstrate Kindness, Respect, or Responsibility, they can earn an Eagle Wing- a reminder that good choices lift our community higher. Wings might be given for acts like helping others, showing leadership, or caring for our school environment.
Each month, Eagle Wings will be celebrated schoolwide. A special thank-you to Ms. Abbie, our Resource Teacher, for reviewing PBIS with staff and helping to design this program. Schoolwide recognition begins in November, and we can’t wait to see our students soar.
💬 Communication, Respect, and Responsibility
As a reminder, St. John is not an open campus during school hours. For safety, please schedule meetings in advance rather than walking directly to classrooms. Emails are welcome, but please understand that teachers respond as soon as they are able- immediate responses are not always possible.
If you have a concern, contact your child’s teacher first and schedule a time to talk. Going directly to the source builds trust and understanding. Let’s avoid rumor or speculation- communication works best when it’s direct, respectful, and solution-focused.
Our teachers are dedicated professionals who give their all every day. Please support them by modeling the same Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility we ask of our students.
❤️ Faith and Community
A huge thank-you to our PTG Board for hosting a wonderful October meeting with excellent attendance! The behind-the-scenes work that goes into every event and fundraiser is seen and deeply appreciated. Thank you also to our Room Parents for your leadership and for promoting a positive, faith-filled community built on Christian values. We still need volunteers for Trunk-or-Treat- please consider helping! These events happen because of your support.
🌻 Faith in Action: Ofrenda and Vocational Awareness
Next week, our school ofrenda will be displayed at the front of the school in honor of All Souls Day. Families are encouraged to bring photos of loved ones to include. This sacred space honors those who have gone before us and reminds students that prayer and remembrance are powerful acts of love.
In November, we’ll also celebrate Vocational Awareness Week with a “Lunch with a Purpose” series—inviting priests, sisters, and religious brothers to share their vocations with our students. If you have a favorite priest or sister in your parish, please connect them with me! We’ll welcome my friend and classmate from St. Mary’s, a Dominican brother, as well as members of the Ursuline Sisters, who will join us to talk about their lives of faith and service.
🦅 Supporting Every Eagle
📚 Academic, Behavioral & Student Support
Many parents have asked for a clearer picture of all the supports we provide for students—so here it is! At St. John School, student success grows from strong relationships, collaboration, and faith-filled care. This year, we’ve strengthened our Resource and Support Programs so every Eagle receives the guidance they need to thrive-and to be well-prepared for high school success.
Ms. Abbie - Resource Teacher
Provides push-in and pull-out support in literacy and math, leads small groups, and helps teachers use data effectively while guiding PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) across the school.
Ms. Boyer - Volunteer Literacy Interventionist
A retired teacher and former Catapult Learning specialist who volunteers on Mondays and Fridays to support early literacy and writing in the lower grades.
Collaboration, Scheduling, & Professional Growth
Teachers meet regularly in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) by cluster groups (TK–2, 3–5, 6–8) and as a whole staff to review student success, data, and instructional alignment. We continually refine and align schedules so students are pulled at appropriate times and classes stay coordinated when students “float” between groups.
-
Grades 3–6 share aligned math blocks for flexible grouping.
-
6th and 8th grade math classes are split for differentiated pacing and enrichment.
-
Study Hall and free after-school tutoring are offered weekly for added support.
We also benefit from strong Archdiocesan professional development, which provides ongoing training and collaboration focused on teacher goals, areas of growth, and professional interest.
New Teacher Mentoring
All new teachers receive structured mentoring that includes classroom observations, collaborative planning, and regular check-ins with experienced colleagues and administration to ensure confidence, consistency, and growth.
Homeroom Teacher Care
Our homeroom teachers go above and beyond each day- offering walks to regulate, breathing breaks, quiet spaces for studying or test retakes, and 1:1 support when needed. These daily acts of care often go unseen but make a world of difference for our students’ confidence and well-being. Teachers will also be intentional about communicating these supports with families so you can see the depth of care happening each day.
Counseling & Behavioral Support
Ms. Tom, our counselor, provides individual and small-group support focused on emotional wellness and resilience.
Coach Z, formally trained as a behavior interventionist, assists daily with proactive classroom strategies, transitions, and positive reinforcement.
Classroom & Creative Support
Ms. Hansel (Fine Arts) and Ms. Ellie (Extended Care) support classrooms throughout the week, offering creativity, structure, and calm. Ms. Ellie is also pursuing her teaching credential, a wonderful example of our homegrown talent.
We’re also thankful for our ICA student aides and parent volunteers, who help with reading groups, recess, and classroom activities.
Together, this dedicated team—teachers, staff, and families—works intentionally to ensure every student receives the academic, emotional, and spiritual foundation they need to thrive now and succeed in high school and beyond. 🦅
St. John School
Instagram: stjohn_sf
Email: officesj@stjohnseagles.com
Website: stjohnseagles.com
Location: 925 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
Phone: (415) 584-8383
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnSF/