Dear Parents,

Fall has finally arrived, bringing cooler weather and festive décor across campus. It was wonderful to see our students’ excitement at last Wednesday’s first pep rally of the year. A special thank-you to our amazing Student Council for their leadership and enthusiasm in planning and leading such a fun, energizing event—what a joyful start to the season!

I also extend heartfelt thanks and congratulations to our student-athletes and the generous volunteer coaches who give their time and talent. You represent SJB with faith, respect, and pride:

• 5th/6th Grade Volleyball Team — Coaches: Leslie Maxwell, Meghan Sterkowitz, and Lisa Artiles
• 5th Grade Football Team — Coaches: Rob Minnitti, Darin Osmundson, and John Oddonetto
• 7th/8th Grade Volleyball Team — Coaches: Erica Seidel and Jen Villalba
• 7th Grade Football Team — Coaches : Marc Rivas, Tim Wiering, and Brian Lira

As fall continues to settle in, we invite everyone to the St. Benedict/St. John Bosco Harvest Fest on Sat, Oct 25 at 5:00pm—a family-friendly evening of fun, food, games, and community spirit!

I’m delighted to share joyful news: the Arizona Department of Education contacted me to announce that St. John Bosco will receive the first Arizona Blue Ribbon award on Wed, Nov 12, recognizing our students’ achievement in the top 15% statewide. By God’s grace, this aligns with the previous national qualifications for the National Blue Ribbon. We are blessed to be the last Arizona private school recognized as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School and the first to receive the Arizona Blue Ribbon, the only private school in Arizona to hold these distinctions for 2025. Thank you for your prayers, support, and dedication—this is a community accomplishment!

With gratitude and tenderness, we also share a heartfelt thank-you and farewell to our beloved Nurse Jean. For many years, she has cared for our students with exceptional skill, compassion, and a mother’s heart. As she begins a new chapter in her journey, we thank God for the countless ways she has blessed our community and the loving example she has set for all of us.

Please keep Nurse Jean and our school community in your prayers during this time of transition. While we search for a new school nurse, Mrs. Molina and I will oversee the Health Office. We are grateful that all faculty and staff are CPR- and first-aid-trained to continue ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making St. John Bosco a place where children learn, lead, and serve. I look forward to seeing you at Harvest Fest!

Joyful Blessings,
Jamie Bescak, Principal

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