Dear Parents,

I hope you're enjoying the remaining weeks of summer vacation with your children! I've noticed that many stores have started stocking school supplies, so please take a moment to review your child's grade level school supply list. It's important to ensure they have everything they need before the first day of school.

I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of our "new parents" next Wednesday, July 26, at 5:30pm for New Family Night. This event is designed to help our new parents understand how the first few days of school work, provide information on ordering lunches and purchasing uniforms, introduce them to members of our parent leadership team, and explain how SJB makes Catholic Education affordable. Please note that this is a parent-only event specifically for parents new to SJB this year.

Greetings to all! I sincerely hope you are enjoying the summer and creating precious memories with your loved ones. On behalf of the esteemed faculty and staff at Saint John Bosco Catholic School, it gives me great pleasure to announce preliminary details regarding the upcoming 2023-24 school year.

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of not only our returning students but also 80+ new students as we warmly welcome them into our school community. I am delighted to announce that our enrollment has surpassed 435 students and continues to climb while maintaining a commendable 25:1 student-to-teacher ratio in grades K–8.

Dear Parents,

As we reach the end of another remarkable school year at St. John Bosco Catholic School, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and involvement in our vibrant community.

I am grateful for our exceptional teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to provide an outstanding education and adapt to new ways of teaching and learning. Their unwavering commitment to our students' well-being and academic success has been truly remarkable.

Dear Parents,

Today we celebrated our annual Recognition Mass for students recently receiving the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation at their respective parishes. These students are to be commended as they led our school Mass with humility and reverence. Although primarily third-graders, students from various grade levels were conferred these sacraments of initiation by Bishop Dolan and our own Fr. James.

I would like to thank Mrs. Samantha Monarrez and Miss Laura Jean Curley for diligently preparing each student for these important sacraments and building a solid foundation for their faith journey. And thank you to our second-grade moms for organizing and hosting the beautiful reception following Mass.

Dear Parents,

Today, our eighth-grade students marked the end of their time at Saint John Bosco Catholic School with a final Mass and consecration to Blessed Mary. The ceremony was a beautiful and fitting conclusion to their time at SJB. Afterward, the entire student body lined the courtyard to cheer the eighth graders during our traditional "clap-out" as they exited the school gates for the last time.

Later in the day, we will celebrate these students at the annual Eighth Grade Awards Banquet and Dance at the Foothills Golf Club, where we will recognize their achievements during their years at St. John Bosco.

Dear Parents,

As a Catholic school, we have the distinct honor of welcoming our students into the greater faith community by providing them with sacramental preparation as part of our curriculum. Sunday, April 23, Most. Rev. Bishop John Dolan presided over the St. Benedict Catholic Church Mass and conferred the sacraments of First Holy Eucharist and Confirmation upon our students.

The following week, our own Fr. James Aboyi conferred these same sacraments upon students belonging to Corpus Christi Catholic Church and presided over the Mass.

Dear Parents,

Please join me in congratulating the 7th/8th-grade girls’ basketball team on their championship win last night! They played with dominance against Christ Lutheran, winning 22-15. This victory is well-deserved and their achievement will now be added to the banner in the MPR.

We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes and all that they have accomplished this season. Their hard work and dedication have paid off and we couldn't be more thrilled for them. A big thank you to parent-coach Mr. Richard Barone for his dedicated coaching and guidance throughout the season. The team's growth, talent, and sportsmanship are a testament to his leadership.

Dear Parents,

As we plan for the upcoming school year, review feedback from parent surveys, and hold discussions with our faculty, PTO, and School Advisory Board, we have decided to implement a classroom fee of $100 per student one time annually. This fee will cover the various teacher gifts throughout the year as well as help fund our many class events and parties.

Traditionally, room moms have had the unpleasant task of asking for contributions from parents frequently during the year. We believe that implementing a one-time fee is a more efficient and effective way to fund these important events and activities. This will also reduce the burden on parents as they will not be pestered with requests to contribute multiple times throughout the year.

Dear Parents,

I hope that you had a blessed Easter with your loved ones. As we celebrate this season of new beginnings, reflection, and renewal, let us remember to strengthen our hope and faith.

As we continue through the academic year, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for your support and volunteerism. Your involvement is vital to the success of our school community, and we appreciate your dedication to our mission.

I am once again honored to announce significant achievements of two of our Jr. High students. Eighth-grader Jasmine Schlapfer has been named a 2023 recipient of the highly coveted Christian Service Award. This award is given to students who demonstrate exemplary Christ-centered behavior through volunteer service to their parish, school, and community. Jasmine displays a love and understanding of her Catholic faith and not only articulates a commitment to service but lives a service-focused life.