# School Experience *School Experience* ## When you walk through our halls, you'll feel the warmth that makes St. John's special. Students greet their teachers with genuine smiles and approach each day with curiosity and enthusiasm. Our family atmosphere isn't just something we talk about—it's something you can see and feel from the moment you step on campus. ## A Typical Day **Morning Arrival** Each day begins with a warm welcome. Teachers greet students at their classroom doors, and you'll often see older students helping younger ones settle in for the day. This natural mentoring happens organically in our small school community. **Academic Time** Learning at St. John's is hands-on and engaging. Small class sizes mean teachers can adapt their approach to each child's learning style, whether they're visual learners who love art projects or kinesthetic learners who think better when moving. **Chapel Program** Every Wednesday, our entire school community comes together for chapel. These 30-minute gatherings include age-appropriate spiritual reflection, student performances, and values education that welcomes families of all faith backgrounds. **Lunch & Recess** Students enjoy family-style lunches together, learning table manners and social skills while building friendships. Outdoor recess gives children time to play, explore, and burn energy on our playground and in our organic garden area. **Afternoon Learning** Afternoons often include our enrichment programs—arts, science experiments in our dedicated lab, or time in the organic garden where students learn about plant biology while growing vegetables for the school lunch program.   ### School Culture & Environment **Community Values** - **Respect**: For classmates, teachers, and the learning environment - **Kindness**: Acts of compassion that happen naturally throughout the day - **Responsibility**: Taking ownership of learning and helping others - **Integrity**: Doing the right thing even when no one is watching **Conflict Resolution** When disagreements arise—and they do, because children are still learning—our teachers guide students through peaceful problem-solving. Children learn to express their feelings, listen to others, and find solutions together. **Celebration & Recognition** We celebrate achievements large and small. Academic growth is recognized alongside acts of kindness, artistic creativity, and leadership. Our goal is for every child to feel valued for who they are. ### Communication with Families **Regular Updates** Teachers communicate regularly through GroupMe, sharing updates about classroom activities and individual student progress. You'll never wonder what your child is learning or how they're doing. **Parent Involvement** Parents can volunteer in classrooms, assist with field trips, or help with special events. Many parents tell us that being involved at St. John's helps them feel connected not just to their child's education, but to the entire school community. ### Before & After Care **Extended Day Program** Our before and after care program provides a safe, nurturing environment with homework support, recreational activities, and healthy snacks. Students can arrive as early as 7:00 AM and stay until 6:00 PM when needed. ### Health & Safety **Wellness Programs** Our comprehensive wellness approach includes age-appropriate physical education and health instruction through our PE program, while our organic garden teaches children about nutrition and healthy eating habits. **Safety Procedures** We maintain a secure campus with controlled access and comprehensive safety protocols. All visitors must check in at our main office, and our staff regularly practices emergency procedures.