S T. J OS EPH SC H O O L ST UDE NTS, FACULT Y AND STAF F
Gear Up for a
NEW YEAR L
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ast year, the COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous challenges for schools across the nation. Now, our students, faculty, and staff are excited to return for 2021-22, excited for the many possibilities that come with a new school year. Principal Mrs. Amy Makruski joins in the excitement for the new school year. In particular, she is excited to be welcoming two new permanent staff members — already familiar faces at St. Joseph School, both served as substitutes in the last school year. Ms. Alicia Werner will be teaching physical education for kindergarten to eighth grade. Mr. Justin Bilewicz will be the full-time art teacher. “We are very happy to welcome them both back as permanent parts of the St. Joe’s family,” Mrs. Makruski says. While we welcome our newest teachers, we also look forward to the many opportunities on offer to students as an Ohio-designed STEM school, with an emphasis placed on science, technology, engineering, and math. Faculty incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math across all curricula, and the school emphasizes the use of technology to enrich learning. Last year, students took on standalone STEM projects, but there was not much room for collaboration due to COVID-19 protocols. This year, we hope students have the opportunity to work together more across classes and grade levels. Collaboration is one of the “Seven STEM Habits of Mind” along with resourcefulness, resilience, curiosity, reflection, open-mindedness, and ethical continued on page 7
