St. John Catholic School: Investing In Our Children’s Future Through Education And Community

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For a parent in today’s world, it’s easy to feel bombarded by the sheer volume of decisions you have to make for your children. Whether finding the best pediatrician, choosing the role of technology in your household, or assessing the risks of a global pandemic — decision fatigue as a parent is a real thing. But for many of our school parents, the choice to send their child to St. John Catholic School was an easy one, as soon as they stepped through the door.

“Initially, I feel like it was a lot of the non-Catholic types of things that drew us to St. John’s,” says Elise Enterkin, parishioner and school parent. “We are Catholic, but it wasn’t necessarily the religious aspects that initially drew us to the school. It was the small class sizes and individualized attention. I really liked the community feel of the school

“Being inside the school — being able to see it with my own eyes — the kids all seemed happy and well-adjusted,” she adds, recalling her first visit to the school.

Today, Elise serves as the President of the Home and School Association, as well as on the School Advisory Council. Her children are in third grade, first grade, and pre-K.

Parishioner Kristen Bierschenk and her husband, David, have a second-grader and kindergartener at St. John’s. Over their four years of having children at the school, Kristen and David have found St. John’s to be an even better fit for their family than they initially expected.

“We knew we wanted to send our children to St. John’s because we wanted them to have the experience of a Catholic education,” she says. “But St. John’s has been a great blessing to our family in ways we didn’t necessarily anticipate.”

“It’s definitely the people — the teachers, the staff, the families and the students,” David says. “We have made so many great friends through St. John’s.”

The sense of “family” found at St. John School is one of the things that makes it unique.

“Every teacher and staff member truly cares about your children and their growth — not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and spiritually,” Kristen says. “When you are there, you feel part of a family — a family that genuinely cares for your children and family, and will go above and beyond to help your child, wherever they are at.”

“Every kid is different and every kid has their needs they bring to the table, but the teachers just seem to meet them where they’re at and work with them,” Elise agrees. “I just feel that my children are so loved and accepted for who they are.”

Being a part of the community at St. John’s School also means that students are in an environment that strengthens their foundation of faith for years to come. From weekly school Mass to class service projects to praying together and for each other, our beliefs are interwoven into the fabric of everyday life and learning at St. John’s.

“I look at it as an investment in their future,” Elise says. “I hope they build that foundation in their elementary and middle school years, because, at some point, you are going to encounter people who don’t have the same belief set as you, and they will be strong enough in their faith and morals and ethics that they keep that compass.”

And, in many cases, that growth in faith doesn’t remain at school but also enriches family life at home.

“The kids bring home what they learn and we’ve had many good family discussions about our faith,” David says. “The kids sometimes ask the most unique questions that inspire thought and reflection.”

“It is such a blessing to see how St. John’s has nourished the faith life of our children,” Kristen says. “It always touches my heart when our kids come home telling us something they learned about Jesus or asking to pray for a classmate. This is really at the heart of why we choose Catholic education.”

The Bierschenks encourage other families to consider St. John Catholic School for their children. Amid these uncertain times, the community has been a reminder to remain grounded in faith.

“Despite the unprecedented challenges and uncertainty this past year has brought with the pandemic, our kids have experienced a great source of constancy and support from the school,” Kristen says. “St. John’s School always has a way of coming together, even in the hardest times.”

“St. John School is a loving and nurturing environment for children,” David adds. “When you drop off your kids at school, you know they will be in a positive, enriching, and loving environment. You know the teachers and staff love the kids and will do anything they can to ensure the kids are a success. You know they will grow academically and in their faith.”

The school families also express gratitude to the members of our parish community who have generously and faithfully supported our school and children, especially in challenging times.

“The school is the biggest ministry of the church — it is an extension of the church,” Elise says.

“We are so blessed by the support that our church community and its parishioners provide to our school — they play a huge role in serving the school with their time, talent and treasure,” Kristen adds. “St. John School would not be where it is today without the support of our church community!”

If you would like more information on St. John Catholic School, please visit www.sjcs-ok.org. If you’re interested in volunteering and finding out what tasks you can complete for our teachers and staff from the comfort of your home, please contact the school office at 918-336-0603. You can also reach out to Home and School Association President Elise Enterkin at 904-654-5904.