Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist:
John Shanahan, St. Paul School Principal

When Father Ralph and Father Chuck asked me to write about St.
Paul School in the February 1!" weekend’s Pastor’s Pen column, I
felt very honored and excited to reach out to the parish members
in this special space in the bulletin. Being a public school principal
for 30 years and a public school teacher for ten years, and now a
principal of our parish school, I believe I have a unique perspective on education. Our public schools in this area are known to be exceptional, but now as your principal I would like to tell you what
makes St. Paul School special.

St. Paul School offers a faith
based education that combines the Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence. We work with the parents in the faith formation of their children that is incorporated during the school day. Students plan and participate in the Friday Mass liturgy. Older students buddy up with the younger children to acclimate them to the reverence of the Mass.
This faith
based desire is coupled with a common goal of a true family atmosphere. All families know one another. Children feel safe to be themselves, so that by eighth grade they have formed a confident and self
assured self
concept to approach high school with strong values and understandings of their own purpose. Parents often say that they cannot imagine a better environment for their children to spend their very formative years. It is the families that make the
school special. 
We set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed. We provide a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture, and life with art, music, physical education, library,
computers, Spanish, and an award winning band. We follow the Wisconsin state standards which are blended with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Curriculum and Exit Expectations. This coupled with
our smaller class sizes allow for the teachers to provide more individualized instruction and conferring with the students and provides the ability to move students through the curriculum more quickly.
The richness and depth of the children’s thoughts and dialogue enable the students to delve deeply into the content. 
At St. Paul School we use technology effectively to enhance our education. We use Chromebooks, laptops, mini
IPads, SmartBoards, and hand held devices to research, create, write, communicate, and explore all subject matter. We are appreciative of the donations and
gifts that make all of this possible.
We instill in students the value of service to others and respect for others. There are countless opportunities for students to participate in activities to help the world in which they live. The students are immersed in a culture of respect of self and others. The fifth through eighth grade buddies helping the kindergarten through fourth grade is a daily occurrence in the classrooms and the playground. This all prepares students to be productive citizens and future leaders. Opportunities for public speaking at church and in other school venues create confidence and leadership skills. 
St. Paul School has cultivated a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring, and effective. Teachers receive regular in
service on faith
based instruction through the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
focusing on the Bible, the Mass, Catholic history and Catholic teachings. Regular in
service in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and technology keep teachers current in the field of education.

We thank the members of the St. Paul Parish community for supporting our school and continuing to see the value Catholic education provides to the young people and families of our parish. We ask
for your continuing prayers. God Bless St. Paul Parish and School.
John Shanahan