As the fresh Spring air wafts through the lingering remnants of the late Winter chill, thoughts about the coming Summer vacation fill the minds of students everywhere.  Teachers and school administrators, however, are already planning for the new school year that begins in August.

At Sts. Peter and Paul School, completion of programs already started and adding ones that could not start this year, churn in the minds of our teachers and administrators.  

Offering Spanish in the upper grades that will augment instruction now in place for grades K-4; expanding Student Council that began earlier this month for grades 6, 7, and 8; instituting the revisited dress code for upper grades; enlarging our library; starting the Great Books for Students program; initiating the new and accelerated Science and Math program; and making minor adjustments to the programs already begun -- are thoughts that are consuming our educational leaders as we approach the end of this school year.

Added to the excitement of what these new programs will provide for our students is the fact that nearly all our students have indicated they will be returning next year.  This means we will have about 15 or more students in all classes from grades K-8, notwithstanding any future changes.

Recently, we have been receiving inquiries from parents who want to transfer their children here.  Some have come to the school for visits; some have made inquiries through parents or teachers; while still others have sent us letters asking for additional information.  All this gives us even more faith that our school will continue to grow as we move forward with renewed vigor. 

We are pleased that we have several candidates for the fourth-grade position that will become vacant with Mrs. Holben's retirement.  Unfortunately, she had an accident several weeks ago and will probably not return for the rest of the year.  We are grateful that her first and only substitute, Ms. Cirka, was able to remain with us throughout.  Among the candidates who have applied are some who teach in other area Catholic schools.  Some applicants indicated they wanted to make the change because of the positive programming we are offering for next year.

All this can be attributed to one focus:  The unthinkable sacrifices parents and parishioners have made as commanded by God.  We know the Holy Spirit is guiding us through these troubled times and that our accomplishments are gifts from God as a reward for submitting to His will to save the precious jewel we all know as Sts. Peter and Paul School.

Our only payment to Him:  Continued prayer, love and service.  What a small price to pay for a bright future!