SAINTS PETER & PAUL SCHOOL

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
FIVE ALUMS IN THE JR. HIGH CONTINUE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

We continue our tribute to those teachers and staff members who have returned to their alma mater as a sign of their faith and dedication to the ideals of Catholic Education.  Today we look at those who work in the Jr. High, the motivation behind their career choice, and their efforts to ensure that the education offered children at Saints Peter and Paul School today continues to exceed their own experience.

Our school secretary since 2008, Kathy Jordan Lesnik thrives on the fact that no two days are alike.  "It's great to see so many parents, students and teachers drop by the office every day, and fortunately, its nearly always for something good and positive."  She added, "I see first hand that our teachers do more than teach or focus on grades.  They are caring, loving, and willing to put in extra time to help their students succeed."  Not only were she and Jane Moylan classmates, but Kathy also had two girls who followed her to Saints Peter and Paul....Liz '92 and Natalie '93.

Like Karen Domagola, Pat Mahoney tired of her business career and pursued her teaching credentials.  When the opportunity to student teach at her alma mater presented itself in 2004, she jumped at the chance and a year later joined the faculty full-time due to her emotional ties to the parish and school.  Today she is the lead teacher in our accelerated program having designed the curriculum for both the Lit Plus and Writer's Workshop
S itting L-R: Liz DeYoung, Ruthy O'Malley, Katie Paski.  Standing L-R:  Pat Mahoney, Kathy Lesnik

classes.  "It's challenging being the only teacher in this program, but both programs continued to be well received," she noted. Among her personal satisfactions with her work environment is "Sharing laughs, tears, frustrations, and celebrations with my peers and enjoying a personal bond that I never felt in the business world."  She also enjoys seeing all facets of a student's life.  "Each year, whether it's the school play, athletics, the school paper, academic competitions or the Literary Debate, our students excel.  They receive a well rounded education here and are more than prepared for whichever high school they attend."

Technology and Religion teacher, Ruthy Cooper O'Malley is impressed with the incredible talent, dedication, and effort displayed constantly by her peers.  Although Catholic School employees make financial sacrifices, she feels that she, and her colleagues, are doing the will of God.  Having her own boys, Joe '17, Max '19, Sam '22, and Leo '24, educated here, she thanks God that "the education offered today is outstanding both academically and spiritually."  She is grateful that the teachers here see working in a Catholic school as a ministry. "There is no question in my mind that God has had a hand in bringing all of these outstanding educators together to spread his word."

Katie Zavodny Paski had taught at Our Lady of Peace (Darien) when she heard of a Jr. High Language Arts opening at her alma mater.  "I immediately phoned Mr. Glowaty asking for an interview, and now I am in my seventh year teaching 7th & 8th grade English here."  She is also in her first year as assistant principal.  She likes the changes that have taken place since her graduation such as the Finance Class taught by classmate Tommy Walter, but is pleased that traditions such as the Washington trip, Spirit Day, May Crowning, and Fun Fair remain a school staple.  Part of her motivation to continue in Catholic education is hearing from alumni
who share their appreciation as to how well she prepared them for the academic challenges of high school.

Liz Scanlon DeYoung, the youngest alum on our faculty, she has vivid memories of her days at SSPP. "It seems like just yesterday when I was attending May Crowning, going to school dances, celebrating Lenten prayer services and singing "waiting by the window," and playing Sink the Bismark in gym class," she enthusiastically recalled.  Like Mrs. Paski, she
  also began her teaching career in Catholic education elsewhere.  "My first position was at St. John the Baptist (Winfield) and then I transferred to St. Walter's (Roselle) before learning of Mrs. Gensler's impending retirement and returning to 'my home' last fall and help create wonderful memories that I enjoyed."  She cites Senora Gensler and Senora Fey, her two Spanish teachers. Mrs. DeYoung doesn't hesitate to share that the best part of her job is when

 students come to class and she hears "Yes!" when they find out what they'll be doing for the day. 

 

It is worthy to note that every respondent listed technology as both a strength and a boon to their teaching.  Spanish teacher Liz DeYoung, for example, said that her students love taking a virtual tour to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.  Jane Moylan observed that students today are becoming increasingly digitally literate at a younger age.  Mrs. Paski is impressed with the Smart Boards, Elmos, Kindles, IPads, and lap tops that are plentiful throughout both school buildings to facilitate learning, and technology teacher Mrs. O'Malley, understands that one of her roles is to help ensure the children have the basic computer skills they need to compete in today's workforce.  


Several teachers also acknowledged their career path was influenced by a special teacher they had during their formative years with us.  For Jane Moylan it was Sister Shawneen who made everyone feel important even if they lacked the talent or ability of their peers.  Katie Paski speaks highly of her 3rd grade teacher Dee Dee McGowan who made learning fun.  Pat Mahoney was impacted by the month she spent with former 3rd grade teacher Maura Gleason, prior to student teaching, which gave her the desire and confidence she needed to pursue her new career. I can't thank her enough for her wisdom, patience, and dedication to her profession", she went on to say. Ruthy O'Malley loved her second grade teacher Barb (Quain) Sullivan for teaching her the true presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  Mrs. DeYoung noted the great impact of both sixth grade teacher Claudia Cassells and Spanish teacher Sue Gensler due to their enthusiastic approach in the classroom.  Kathy Lesnik shared that her daughter, Natalie, had such a positive experience with her second grade teacher Nancy Fliss that she became a teacher herself.  Dorothy Miller, former Social Studies teacher will always be remembered by Sharon Larson for her infectious enthusiasm, patriotism, and love of country.  Amy Dickerson always looked forward to coming to school thanks to her third grade teacher, Candy Kane, who always challenged her to do her best and whom she, in turn, wanted to please.

"We are blessed to have such a wonderful and dedicated teaching staff at Saints Peter and Paul School," remarked principal Karen Meskill.  "To have so many alumni choose to return to their elementary school to teach is amazing and a testament to their belief in the quality Catholic education and spiritual development that occur at Saints Peter and Paul every day."


Volume 4, No. 19

February 10, 2017




Our 24th annual Auction, our largest fundraiser of the year, promises to also be the social highlight of the season. It's not to late to join in on the fun and bid on some wonderful items.


 February 25, 2017 
Embassy Suites


ANNUAL FUND DRIVE

Have you made your tax-deductible Annual Fund donation yet? We're 20% of the way to
achieving our goal.  
 
All gifts matter!
 Click here to make your donation online. 
     
   
  SSPP Trivia   
         
 
When our school was founded in 1853...
 
...students who had a cold didn't use a
Kleenex when they sneezed because the first Western facial tissue wasn't introduced until 1924 and was originally marketed as a way to remove cold cream or makeup ( it had been in use for centuries before in Japan). It was designed as a disposable substitute for face towels or cotton wool.
 
 
DO YOU WANT TO APPEAR IN THE NEXT ALUMNI BRIEFS? 
 
We are anxious to find out what's new in your life and share it with your fellow alums in an upcoming edition of the 'e' Blue and Gold.  While it may not seem special or interesting to you, your former teachers and classmates would love to hear about you.

Please take some time to share information about your college, degree, job, family, and children and we'll be proud to share your successes with the Peter and Paul family.

Either mail in this form or send your news to fglowaty@sspeterandpau 
lschoo.com

Name_____________
Graduating Class____
Address___________
Cell Phone_________
News_____________
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Is you class ready to celebrate its 10th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 40th, or 50th anniversary of their graduation, we'd love to host it on campus.  Call (630)718-2134 for more information.

Saints Peter & Paul School
Advancement Office 
5 N. Brainard St. 
Naperville, IL 60540 
    1-630-718-2166