The St. John School Parent Association facilitates, encourages and ensures ongoing community-building by providing activities, events, and service to the parish and school community. The Parent Association is a vehicle for supporting communication between home and school, offering a mechanism for education and serving as a structure for political action when needed. All parents/guardians of students attending St. John School are members of the Parent Association and are welcome to join meetings

  • ParentMap Talks kick off with The Holderness Family on 9/24

    Date: 09/24/2026 @ 12PM

    ADHD is Awesome: How to (mostly) Thrive with ADHD

    Speakers: Kim & Penn Holderness

    Talk Link: https://www.parentmap.com/talks/adhd-is-awesome-holderness-family/ 

    Registration:https://parentmaptalks.eventbrite.com

    Promo Code: Follow NewsViews

    Parenting a child with ADHD can be exhausting, frustrating and unexpectedly joyful — sometimes all before breakfast.

    The forgotten assignments. The emotional whiplash. The intense focus on exactly the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. Families living with ADHD know that the same brain that creates real challenges can also bring creativity, humor, energy and a distinctive way of seeing the world.

    In this lively and refreshingly honest ParentMap Talk, viral creators and New York Times bestselling authors Kim and Penn Holderness share what they have learned from living, parenting and working with ADHD. Both diagnosed with ADHD, they bring firsthand experience, plenty of hard-earned perspective and the humor that has made The Holderness Family a favorite of millions.

    Drawing from their book “ADHD Is Awesome,” Kim and Penn will unpack what is actually happening inside the ADHD brain, why common parenting approaches can backfire and how families can work with ADHD instead of constantly fighting it. This is not about pretending ADHD is easy. It is about understanding the hard parts, dropping the shame and recognizing the strengths that too often go unseen.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why the ADHD brain struggles to choose what deserves attention
    • How to reduce conflict around routines, schoolwork and everyday responsibilities
    • Ways to support emotional regulation without shaming or escalating
    • How to recognize and nurture the creativity, energy and strengths of an ADHD mind
    • What parents can do when the strategies that “should” work simply don’t

    Come for the tried-and-true strategies and stay for the stories. Reserve your spot for the live Zoom talk using promo code (Follow NewsViews) to attend for free — and get access to the recording to watch anytime.

    SPEAKER BIOS:

    Kim and Penn Holderness are award-winning content creators, podcasters and New York Times bestselling authors known for finding humor in the chaos of marriage, parenting and family life. Their videos have attracted millions of followers and billions of views, and the pair won Season 33 of “The Amazing Race.”

    Through their videos, podcast, books and live appearances, Kim and Penn help families feel understood, laugh at the hard stuff and find more workable ways forward.

    Their book “ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD” combines personal stories, research and practical strategies for people living with ADHD and the families who love them. Their newest book, “Get It Done & Have Fun!: ADHD Hacks for Awesome Kids,” will be released Sept. 29, 2026.

  • ParentMap Talks are Back this Year!

  • 9/4/26 PA Meeting

    PA Updates

    Welcome & Parent Association Overview (Liz & Stephanie)

    Welcome to a new school year! The Parent Association is here to build community, support the school, and serve as a bridge between families and the administration. Stephanie Glassburn and Liz Le-Johnson will be your co-chairs for the 2026-2027 school year.

    Every parent/guardian is automatically a member of the PA! There are many ways to get involved, meet other families, support the school, and earn volunteer hours. Getting involved in the PA is a great way to fulfill your Fair Share obligation. 

    Grade-Level PA Roles

    Sign up today! Each grade needs two volunteers in each of the following roles:

    PA Reps (Led by Stephanie Glassburn & Liz Le-Johnson)

    • This role does not need to be classroom specific. 
    • Organize three grade-level events throughout the year.
    • Take notes at monthly PA meetings.
    • Volunteer for at least one PA-led event planning committee.
    • Encourage others to volunteer. 
    • Serve as the point person between the PA and their grade-level team.

    Room Parents (Led by Ciara Byars)

    • Each classroom has one Room Parent.
    • Send weekly communications via email, WhatsApp, etc.
    • Collaborate with other grade-level PA volunteers.
    • Serve as the primary point person for their classroom.

    Hospitality Chairs (Aleah Valley & Dana Showers)

    • Each classroom has one Hospitality Chair.
    • Oversee teacher and staff gifts.
    • Coordinate voluntary contributions for class events.
    • Support Coffee & Donuts, the teacher/staff appreciation luncheon, and teacher birthdays.
    • Initial grade-level communication will include information about upcoming birthdays; check the Google Doc for early September birthdays.

    Classroom Auction Coordinators (Ainslie Clark & Courtney Blair)

    • Each classroom has one Classroom Auction Coordinator.
    • Serve as the main point of contact for Auction information.
    • Coordinate the class Auction package.
    • Facilitate the class Auction art project or appoint an Art Lead.
    • Auction Information
      • The Auction is a fully parent-led event and requires lots of support throughout the year.
      • Auction: March 12 at Fremont Studios
      • PK-5th Grade: Art Projects
      • 6th Grade: Photo Booth
      • 7th Grade: Wine Cellars
      • 8th Grade: To be determined

    Welcome Committee (Led by Jean Magbitang & Amanda Geismann)

    • Summer playdates were a success and brought together many new and returning families.
    • New families: Please find Jean if you have any feedback about your experience so far.
    • Looking for additional Welcome Committee members. Contact Jean Magbitang if you’re interested.
    • Next year’s Welcome Committee activities will kick off in the spring.

    ParentMap ParentEd Talks

    ParentMap will provide eight education talks throughout the year covering a broad range of topics.

    • Upcoming: ADHD is Awesome: How to (Mostly) Thrive with ADHD with The Holderness Family
      • Thursday, September 24, 12–1pm
      • Register for free using promo code STJCATHSCH to receive webinar details.
    • Register for the ParentMap series to receive information about upcoming talks.
      • Promo code: STJCATHSCH

    Website (Led by Gary Hurley)

    Interested in helping with the PA website or graphic design? Please reach out to Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org.

    • Look for updated PA information on our website. 

    Volunteer Recruitment

    Current top two volunteer priorities:

    • Back-to-School BBQ
    • PA Grade-Level roles 
      • PA Reps
      • Hospitality Chairs
      • Classroom Auction Coordinators 

    School Garden (Led by Meggie Richards & Kate DeMotts)

    • A WhatsApp group will be used to share garden needs and communicate with volunteers.
    • Ideas are being explored for formalizing garden roles and creating more opportunities for families to get involved.

    PA-Led & Supported Events

    The PA organizes several annual community events, including:

    • Back-to-School BBQ
    • Spirit Day during Catholic Schools Week
    • BINGO Night or Family Dance (alternating years)
      • This year, we will host a Family Dance in the Spring 
    • Other parent and family events

    The PA also supports many events led by other groups at school, including Endowment events, Grandparents Day, and general volunteer opportunities.

    The PA also provides Parent Education opportunities throughout the year.

    What to Expect from the Parent Association

    • Monthly meetings: Meetings are held in person, with notes shared through class parents and posted on the PA website.
    • Lots of volunteer opportunities: Many SUGs come through the PA. If you know of an opportunity or are looking for a way to get involved, reach out—we can help connect you!
    • Leadership support: The PA Leadership Team will work directly with grade-level teams to provide support as needed.
    • Community connection: The PA is one avenue for connecting families and parents with the school. We have a seat on the School Commission, work directly with the Admin team, and do our best to represent the collective ideas, interests, and needs of our community.

    Upcoming Events 

    Back-to-School BBQ

    Friday, September 11, 6–9pm on the St. John blacktop

    • Activities for the kids
    • DJ and dancing
    • Volunteers still needed for:
      • Playpit monitoring
      • Food/grill
      • Clean-up

    Please check out the Activity Support volunteer opportunities if you can help!

    Jog-a-Thon

    Friday, September 18

    The Jog-a-Thon is a fundraiser for all St. John students, Pre-K–8th grade. Students will run with their grades during designated times throughout the day.

    • PK–3rd Grade: Upper Loop/blacktop
    • 4th–8th Grade: Lower Loop/Egan Hall block

    Goals:

    • Raise $100,000 to support St. John School
    • Run a combined 1,000 miles
    • Volunteer! This is a fun and easy way to get in volunteer hours.

    School & Class Incentives

    • School goal: $100K → Free Dress + cash-grabbing Gecko for the entire school
    • Top-selling grade: Silly String Showdown with the Principal and Vice Principal
    • Top-donating class: The class with the most donations by noon on September 16 gets to choose the 2026 Jog-a-Thon theme song.

    Individual Incentives

    • Prize Raffle: $150 in donations by 9/11 and 9/16
    • Springfree Trampoline Raffle: $200 in donations + an additional entry for every additional $100
    • Top Mileage Runners: Additional recognition/prizes

    Recess Monitors (Led by Malen Musgraves)

    Volunteers are needed to monitor lunchtime recess rain or shine. Please consider signing up to help!

    Admin Updates

    2026–27 School Theme

    This year’s theme is:

    “We are rooted in God’s love, called to make a difference.”

    School Families

    School Families are back this year! Each of the 23 families will include students from Pre-K through 8th Grade.

    This year, the school will also introduce the concept of siblings, pairing students from different grades—for example, 5th grade students will be paired with 2nd grade students.

    New Staff

    St. John has welcomed several great new hires this year, including:

    • New XDC Director
    • New Band Director
    • New Middle School Drama Director

    Lunchtray

    A huge thank you to Jon Grover for designing and rolling out the new hot lunch ordering portal, Lunchtray.

    Main Building Bathrooms

    The facelift of the main building bathrooms is complete and looks great! Thank you to everyone who donated to last year’s Fund-A-Need to make this project possible.

    Traffic & Drop-Off/Pick-Up

    Please be mindful of traffic patterns during drop-off and pick-up and be respectful of neighborhood parking.

    See the traffic patterns and map for more information.

  • The Family Tech Reset: Hope and Help for Rebuilding Connection

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Andrea Davis, educator and founder of Better Screen Time on May 12, 2026.  

    Link to this and all previous ParentEd videos: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways:

    “It’s never too early to start thinking about tech and never too late to backtrack.” 

    – Andrea Davis

    “I reserve the right to be wiser today than I was yesterday.”

    -Andrea Davis, when pulling back on anything (tech-related or otherwise) she previously permitted and changed her mind. 

    • Focus on developmental appropriateness: Technology evolves faster than research and regulations. The safest path for parents to take when introducing their kids to technology is a slow one. Consider your child’s developmental needs. Children still need the same foundations they always have: love, sleep, physical activity, learning, purpose, and good nutrition.
    • Worry less by being intentional: Parents can reduce anxiety around technology by:
      • Learning about the technology their children are using and the research surrounding it.
      • Creating a Family Technology Plan that outlines expectations and evolves as children grow.
      • Revisiting the plan regularly when new challenges arise.
    • Model healthy technology habits: Children notice how adults use technology. Communicate openly about your own screen use so it feels purposeful rather than distracting. It is useful to “live your tech life outloud” by communicating to your kids what you are doing, how much time it will take, and what will come next when you complete a task. Example: “I am sending a work email right now. It will take me 5 minutes. When I am finished, you can help me make dinner and we will spend some time together.” Also consider applying household technology rules to yourself as well. If bedrooms are screen-free for children, think about whether adults can model the same expectation. 
    • Think carefully about early technology exposure: Technology is reaching children at younger ages, including through AI-powered toys. Before introducing new devices or products, consider what technology is being used and how it may shape your child’s experiences and relationships.
    • Rethink screen time as a reward: Using screen time as a reward can unintentionally increase its perceived value and create more conflict around access. While it is reasonable to expect chores, homework, or responsibilities to be completed first, try not to position screens as the ultimate prize.
    • Introduce technology gradually: The best way to introduce your child to technology is to do it slowly and based on their development.
      • Think about your child’s emotional maturity and responsibility level. Bring your kids into the discussion to determine if they are ready. Use the “Am I Ready for a Personal Device?” assessment from Davis’ website. 
      • Avoid all or nothing thinking. Rather, use a smartphone stairstep approach, introducing the most basic technology first. Then, step up to the next level of technology based on need and developmental readiness. 
      • Similarly, social media should be introduced deliberately. Readiness varies widely from child to child.
    • Avoid group texts/chats as first exposure: Group chats are often a child’s first exposure to digital communication, sometimes before they own a phone, and occurring in 4th or 5th grade. This can create problems at home and at school. Instead, introduce one-to-one texting or small conversations before large group chats. 
    • Pick the right device for the job: The variety of devices available provides parents with the opportunity to pick the right device based on the need and their child’s development.
      • True brick phones offer talk/text but not group text or internet access. Example: Basic Nokia phone with SIM card and no data plan. 
      • Kid-focused smartphones with limits offer greater parental oversight built into the device. Examples: Pinwheel, Gabb phone, Bark phone
      • Smartphones paired with third party apps offer some parental monitoring. Examples: iPhone, Android phones. 
    • Set clear boundaries and hold them: Kids will push back on boundaries; your job as a parent is to keep the boundary. Explain expectations during calm moments, including why a particular limit exists and how it supports their well-being. As children mature and demonstrate responsibility, boundaries can evolve.
    • When problems arise, consider a reset: Sometimes families need to step back from technology they have already allowed. Common challenges involve social media, gaming, web browsing, and online sports content. If you need a tech reset, consider your child’s age (be more assertive with younger kids), your child’s temperament, and the relationship you have with your child. Rather than removing all technology at once, consider stepping back on level on the “stairstep.” When possible, offer a meaningful replacement. For example, if you take away Roblox, offer them a Mark Rober Build Box kit. 
    • Focus on the big picture: Conversations about technology should not only be about restrictions. Help children think about what they gain when they spend time on other activities—whether that is music, sports, creativity, friendships, service, or outdoor play. Talk openly about the persuasive and addictive design of technology, and invite your children into those conversations.
    • Prioritize sleep: Healthy sleep is one of the most important protective factors for children and teens. Establish technology expectations that support consistent, high-quality sleep.
    • Find support: Many parents feel pressure when it seems that other children have fewer technology limits. Building relationships with families who share similar values and expectations can provide encouragement and support. Consider hosting an event, surveying your friends, and talking about tech with people you meet. Technology challenges are easier to navigate when parents know they are not doing it alone. 

    Additional resources

    Popular ParentMap articles:

    Resources from speaker Andrea Davis:

  • Decoding Boys: Supporting Our Sons in Rapidly Changing World

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Dr. Cara Natterson, pediatrician and bestselling author, speaks on April 22, 2026.

    Link to this and all previous ParentEd videos: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways:

    • Prioritize Open Conversations: There is an urgent need to empower boys through the same level of open conversation recently focused on girls to address concerning trends in their self-image, mental well-being, and academics.
    • Recognize Early Puberty and Behavioral Signs: Puberty is starting earlier for boys, typically around ages 9-10, and parents should be aware that mood swings during this time. Boy puberty is often manifested as intense rage, but also as withdrawal into silence, which is overlooked.
    • Take an Active Role in Sexual Health Education: With the average age of first pornography exposure at 12, parents must overcome their own awkwardness to become primary educators on healthy relationships and safe digital habits.
    • Utilize Connection Strategies: To avoid triggering shutdowns, parents should use “side-by-side” positioning (like talking in the car), or while giving a foot-rub before bed time – as face-to-face engagement can feel too intense. Parents can also engage by learning to like their teen’s hobbies like video games. Using humor especially if you are the “butt of the joke” is helpful in building vulnerability.
    • Focus on Individual Strengths and Mentors: For boys struggling in traditional school settings or with social withdrawal, parents should be relentless in finding outside areas such as clubs or hobbies or even starting a small business where their specific temperaments and strengths can blossom.

    Additional resources

    ParentMap
    Join the ParentMap community for expert parenting tips and tools to support your journey.

    Popular ParentMap articles:

    Resources from speaker Dr. Cara Natterson:

  • ParentEd Wine Down 🍷

    ParentEd Wine Down – April 30th at 6:30 PM in Egan Hall

    Join us at the PA-hosted ParentEd Wine Down event.  We will highlight three of the speakers from this year’s ParentMap talks focused on Social Emotional Learning and Educational Technology (no need to watch in advance).  We’ll share clips from the talks then will break up into small groups for a guided discussion.

    If you’re interested in learning more about the ParentMap talks in advance, links to the PA website with information on the key points and links to videos are below.

    Please consider joining us to connect with other St. John families while exploring practical ways to support your child’s growth and success.  

    If you’re interested in joining, please RSVP here to help us with setup plans.  RSVP not required to join.

     

  • 3/20/26 PA Meeting

    PA Updates

    Bingo Night (Maile & Stephanie)

    • Bingo tickets are currently on sale as a “Grown Up Sign-Up Party” through the Online Auction bidding site. 
    • Kick‑off planning meeting: Wednesday, March 25 at 8:30am in the Parish Admin Building.

    PA Meetings

    • Only two PA meetings left for the year!
    • Looking for note takers for the final two meetings—please sign up if your grade has not yet participated.

    Auction Updates (Ainslie & Courtney)

    • Auction is one week away!
    • Online Auction
      • Opens Sunday, March 22 at 12pm
      • Closes Thursday, March 26 at 10pm (earlier close time is new this year)
    • Volunteer needs remain—please help fill open slots.
    • Dessert Dash:
    • Christmas Trees:
      • Donations still needed. Goal: 20 trees. Trees will be returned following the auction. 
      • Auction team can coordinate pickup.
    • Kids Art:
      • Great items this year! Includes chess boards, giant Connect Four, textured art.
      • All items will be included in the silent auction (none will go to live).
    • Raffle Tickets:
      • Families must return all sold and unsold tickets.
      • Return by Friday for Free Dress.
    • Fund‑A‑Need:
      • Goal: $100K to fund main building bathroom refresh.
      • Includes new acoustic ceilings, paint, redesigned stalls for privacy, and mirrors.
      • Project planned for June–August, pending fundraising success.

    Overall Auction Goal: Over $350K, as in past years.

    Welcome Committee (Jean)

    • First committee meeting held March 19.
    • Very positive feedback on current onboarding experience.
    • Buddy Family Program is top priority; sign-up link is live and will be included in classroom emails.
      • Greatest volunteer need: Pre‑K and K buddy families.
    • Welcome Happy Hour: May 21
    • Summer Playdate Schedule:
      • June 20
      • July 11
      • July 25
      • August 8
    • Planning a Buddy Family training session to clarify roles and provide resources.

    Parent Map (Alev & Reagan)

    • March Talk: The EdTech Wake-Up Call
      • Recording and key takeaways are available on the PA website.
    • April Event:
      • The Boyhood Crisis with Richard Reeves
      • April 22, 12–1pm (Zoom; registration required)
    • Save the Date:
      • Thursday, April 30, 6:30–8:30pm
      • Community Parent Ed evening event
      • Details forthcoming.

    Volunteer Recruitment (Lauren)


    Continuing to address volunteer shortages. Exploring partnership with the Parish to help recruit more families—especially those declaring in‑parish tuition rates. Planning a Volunteer Fair at the Fall Curriculum Night, similar to the Catholic Schools Week model. Aim is to reduce barriers and make volunteering easier to navigate.

    School Garden (Meggie & Kate)

    • Following February’s successful cleanup, students are returning to the garden.
    • Recent & Upcoming Activities:
      • March 19: 6th graders planted blueberry bushes donated by Swanson’s Nursery.
      • March 26: Kindergarteners will plant snap peas.
      • Week of March 30: Goal to bring 2nd graders to make daffodil bouquets (TBD).
    • Will reach out to room parents as volunteer needs arise.
    • Planning to restart Grow Together Day (Wednesdays or Thursdays after school, 3–4pm).
    • Garden community updates shared via their private FB page:
      https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1X877x6p8s/?mibextid=wwXIfr


    More information about summer garden support opportunities will be provided next month.

  • The EdTech Wake-up Call: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Jared Cooney Horvath, Ph.D.- director of LME Global – speak on March 10, 2026.  

    Link to this and all previous ParentEd videos: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways:

    The “Inverse Correlation” Rule: Both international (PISA/TIMS) and US data (NAPE) show a direct correlation between increased classroom technology and dropping test scores. High-tech usage is linked to a performance gap of up to two grade levels compared to analog-heavy schooling, as technology often introduces a plateau in reading and math skills.

    The Empathy & Resonance Factor: Humans are biologically “wired” to learn through empathy. In-person learning allows for a “transpersonal resonance” where a teacher and student’s physiologies—including breathing and brain patterns—synchronize. This biological connection helps students push through the “struggle” of learning; technology cannot replicate this, contributing to high dropout rates in online-only environments.

    The “Home Analog” Pivot (Buy a Printer): One of the most immediate strategies for parents is to buy a printer. Because the brain uses spatial memory (remembering exactly where a word was on a static piece of paper), reading on a shifting digital screen essentially “dumps” an entire memory system. Printing out homework and readings restores this 3D location-based learning.

    AI as an “Expert Tool,” Not a “Learning Tool”: AI is primarily a productivity tool for experts who already have the foundational knowledge to vet its output. For a novice student, offloading cognitive effort to AI reduces the mental “struggle” necessary to wire the brain’s neural connections. True expertise is built through “desirable difficulty,” which AI often bypasses.

    The 50-Minute “Deep Work” Strategy: To combat multitasking—which forces the brain into an automatic “muscle memory” mode rather than deep recall—parents can suggest a deal: Two 25-minute sessions of focused, offline study with a short break. This 50 minutes of focused work results in up to 60% better retention than four hours of multitasking.

    Handwriting as “Thinking”: Unlike typing, which is fast and often leads to verbatim transcription without processing, handwriting is a slower, deliberate act of composition. It forces the brain to process meaning and depth while writing, leading to more “durable” and transferable knowledge.

    The Power of Parental Advocacy: In an increasingly digital landscape, parents play a vital role in ensuring a balanced approach to education. By requesting objective data on student performance and advocating for the continued use of proven analog methods, parents can help schools maintain a focus on the deep, focused thinking that traditional tools provide.

    Additional resources

    ParentMap
    Join the ParentMap community for expert parenting tips and tools to support your journey.

    Popular ParentMap articles:

    Resources from speaker Jared Cooney Horvath, Ph.D.:

  • 2/27/26 PA Meeting

    PA Updates

    Engagement Reset

    We are entering the busiest part of the school year, and participation in PA activities has dipped. Many SUGs and volunteer opportunities are going unfilled. Please help spread the word—this work is part of our Fair Share commitment.

    • Bring a friend to volunteer!
    • Share ideas to reinvigorate our community.
    • Looking to fill specific gaps—your feedback is welcome.
    • Special need to focus on Coffee & Donuts. It is a great community-builder. Involve your kids to greet and help serve!

    BINGO Night – Save the Date & Auction Item

    April 24, 7pm in Egan Hall

    • Sign-up party will serve as this year’s auction item hosted by PA.
    • Karaoke, yummy snacks and drinks will be included!
    • Email the PA if you’d like to join the planning committee, which will start up in mid-March.

    Middle School Play: A Wrinkle in Time

    • Performances are this weekend!
    • A special dress rehearsal performance was held for students on Thursday.
    • Tickets will be available at the door (earlier communication stated otherwise; the online portal is now closed).
    • Gift bags available to support the Drama Department.

    Auction Updates (Ainslie, Courtney and Chris)

    • Four weeks to go!
    • Ticket sales remain strong.
    • The Camp Host table plan is popular—only three Camp Host spots left.
    • Volunteer SUG links will be promoted soon.
      • Dessert Dash returns to its classic format. Sign up here!
      • Set-up/Clean-up: Fremont Studios requires a 12‑hour volunteer window.
      • Decor donations needed: artificial Christmas trees (lights optional), old-fashioned canteens, hurricane lamps, and more.
    • Raffle tickets went home last Friday.
      • Sell/return your tickets for Free Dress on Auction Day!

    Hospitality (Aleah & Liz)

    Coffee & Donuts Check-in

    When volunteer slots are not filled, parish staff must cover—often on their days off. Please encourage families to sign up, ideally with a buddy. Sign up to support Coffee & Donuts here!

    Additional ideas raised:

    • Ask classes directly for support.
    • Possibly tie participation to luncheons (half of a class for one week, half for another).
    • Class Grade Level reps to take a more active role in recruitment when their class hosts.

    Upcoming Hosting Dates:

    • 4th Grade – March 1 – Coffee & Donuts 
    • 1st Grade – March 8 – Coffee & Donuts 
    • 3rd Grade – March 15  – Coffee & Donuts 
    • 7th Grade – March 18 – Teacher & Staff Luncheon

    Welcome Committee (Jean)

    • First meeting of the year: Thursday, March 19 (tentative)
    • Will write welcome letters to new families.
    • Planning four Saturday morning summer playdates.
    • Recruiting committee members—please share via room parent communications.
    • Buddy Family volunteer sign-ups launching soon.

    ParentMap ParentEd Talks (Stephanie, standing in for Alev & Reagan)

    • Check out the recording and key takeaways from February’s talk on the PA website:
      From Blowups to Breakthroughs: A New Way to Navigate Anger in Kids with Renee Jain.
    • Next event:
      Tuesday, March 10, 12–1pm
      The EdTech Wake Up Call: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids with Jared Coomey Horvath.
      Highly recommended!

    Volunteer Recruitment (Lauren)

    • Seeking new ideas to encourage broader volunteer participation.
    • Tracking volunteer opportunities via a tagged spreadsheet—suggestions welcome!

    School Garden (Paul, standing in for Meggie & Kate)

    • Ongoing work continues. Meggie and Kate are doing a wonderful job increasing student involvement.

    Admin Updates (Abby and Paul)

    • Huge thanks to Stephanie, the Valleys, and the entire team supporting the MS play production, A Wrinkle in Time. The updated format—more inclusive and aligned with electives—has been a success. The play is largely student-driven and volunteer-directed.

    Parish Opportunities

    • Stations of the Cross: 12:45pm on March 13, 20, 27
    • Friday Stations & Soup Suppers: March 6 and March 13
      (Sign‑ups forthcoming)

    Morning Drop-off Reminder

    Do not drop children off before 8:05am—there is no supervision before this time. The first bell rings at 8:20am. Please remind other families.

    Hot Lunch (Paul)

    • A parent volunteer may take over lunch ordering (TBD in March).
    • Reviewing the cost structure of lunches—expect a likely price increase next year.

    Admissions Update (Jonna)

    • All grades are full except incoming 1st grade.
    • Teachers participating in training with BBHS principal on ethical use of AI in learning/instruction.
    • March 6: Staff retreat focused on bringing students closer to God.
    BINGO IS BACK!

    BINGO IS BACK!

    April 24, 2026

  • From Blowups to Breakthroughs: a New Way to Navigate Anger in Kids, with Renee Jain

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Renee Jain – founder of GoZen – speak on February 10, 2026.  

    Link to previous ParentEd videos: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Reframe All Feelings as “Useful”

    We often try to suppress “bad” emotions like anger or anxiety. Instead, teach your children that every feeling carries a message.

    • Anxiety is a protective mechanism.
    • Anger often signals a perceived injustice.
    • The Goal: Don’t just try to “calm them down” (which can feel coercive); help them understand what the emotion is trying to tell them.

    2. The “Upstairs” vs. “Downstairs” Brain

    Using basic neuroscience helps kids understand why they lose control. When a child is in a “distressed brain” (the fight-or-flight center), they physically cannot access logic or reasoning.

    • The Tip: Save the “life lessons” and logic for later. In the heat of the moment, focus solely on safety and regulation.

    3. Move Teaching “Outside the Moment”

    Most parenting techniques (like deep breathing) fail because we only suggest them when the child is already exploding.

    • The Strategy: Use “Reset Reboots” or family meetings during calm times to plan what to do when things get heated.
    • For Teens: Discuss how they want to “show up in the world” when they aren’t currently slamming doors.

    4. Respond, Don’t Just “Stay Calm”

    Surprisingly, a parent being perfectly “robotic” and calm can sometimes escalate a child’s anger because they feel unheard.

    • The Adjustment: Aim to be responsive, not reactive. Validate the magnitude of their feelings (e.g., “I can see how much this hurts right now”) so they feel seen, while still maintaining your boundary.

    5. Prioritize Skills Over Consequences

    When a child hits or screams, they are struggling with a lack of regulation skills.

    • The Filter: Ask yourself: “Does this consequence build a long-term skill, or does it just teach my child to fear my reaction?”
    • The Focus: Focus on teaching the skill of self-control rather than just quashing the behavior.

    6. The Power of “Parental Self-Compassion”

    Your children will eventually adopt the “inner voice” they hear from you. If you shame yourself for losing your cool, they will learn to shame themselves too.

    • The Practice: When you mess up, model self-forgiveness. Say, “Mom isn’t perfect, and I’m working on my patience too.” Witnessing your self-compassion is the best way for them to learn to regulate their own shame.

    Additional Resources from ParentMap:

    Resources from speaker Renee Jain: