Connections
Uniting alumni, friends, and families of
Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School
October 2020
Learning Support Program Begins
We are excited to announce the opening of a Learning Support Classroom. Mrs. Megan Rheiner runs the classroom along with the support of our current IU staff. This is Mrs. Rheiner's eighth year teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and second year at PJP. She earned her Bachelor Degree from West Chester University and her Masters of Education and Reading Specialist Certification from Cabrini College.
The Learning Support Program offers the opportunity for students to receive specialized instruction in small group settings and individualized instruction including those students learning virtually. The focus of the instruction is on Language Arts and Math, but will also include support as needed for other content areas and guidance.
The program is being offered to students who have been referred to by their teachers and IU staff. Mrs. Rheiner is working closely with the students' parents, teachers and administrators to ensure the student's educational plan is being met.
Our goal is to be a guide and support for students to reach their full potential and having a Learning Support Program at PJPII will help achieve that.This progam was made possible through the generosity of a grant by the Office of Catholic Education.
Christmas Arrived Early!
Adhering to our health and safety protocols while providing additional recreational fun during recess, the school purchased a set of
color-coded, age appropriate play equipment for each classroom cohort. Funding was provided by the generous support of PJP II school families and friends. Many thanks to Mrs. Scangarella and Mrs.Wentzel who did the leg work in ordering, assembling and pumping air into the equipment. It was truly the best early Christmas gift ever!
Troop 4113 Unveils Bronze Award Project
Members of Junior Girl Scout Troop 4113 have started working on their Bronze Award project, the highest level award for Junior Girl Scouts, by constructing a gaga pit for fellow students. A kinder version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam ball and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running and jumping while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees, using just your hands. The last one left is the winner. With the help of Mr. Saunders and Mr. Kerr, the girls have completed the construction portion of the project. Final steps will be to stain it, add a protective layer on the wood surfaces, possibly add turf to the bottom, post rules for playing the game and voluneer to teach campers enrolled at PJPII"s Community Summer Camp. Led by troop leaders Jennifer Saunders and Heather Smith, the troop includes Savannah Saunders, Kylee Smith, Ashley Poling, Catilyn Conwell, Cecilia Massaro, Eleanor Lauchlan, Ella Verguldi, Leah Daily, Michaela Otieno, Olivia Nerozzi, Sarah Leahey, Tessa Scangarella, and Zoey Seeker. Congratulations and thank you Troop 4113! What a tremendous accomplishment and beautiful addtion to our campus! To view more photos of the construction phase: Troop 4113 Bronze Award Project
Students Celebrate First Friday Mass
While things look a little different, Pope John Paul students are carrying on the tradition of gathering for mass on First Fridays, Holy Days and other worship services. In partnership with Father Fitzpatrick and the staff at St. Peter Church, mass is being celebrated twice on First Fridays instead of once so that students can maintain all social distancing and safety protocols at church and during transitions. At this time, we regretfully cannot accommodate seating for friends and families and remain safely distant, however, we do look forward to welcoming everyone back to join our school masses as soon as the Pandemic is over.
Students Honor Mary and our Patron Saint Pope John Paul II
Students gathered to celebrate the Living Rosary to honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, in a special way. Students prayed a world mission rosary holding flowers with different colored ribbons representing different parts of the world. Kindergarten and 8th graders formed the Rosary outside, circling the statue of Pope John Paul II while prayers were recited and broadcast throughout the school. The celebration concluded with the children singing The Threshold of Hope(written by former music teacher Pat Lamb) in honor of our patron, Saint Pope John Paul II, whose Feast day is October 22. View the Living Rosary here.
Full STREAM Ahead!
Did you know that we offer STREAM classes for sudents as young as 3 years of age? This month students in our PreK-3 and PreK-4 program learned that wind is moving air. They made simple windsocks with straws and streamers and tested them in front of a fan. Then they went outside with Mrs. Wentzel to see how wind moved the streamers. They learned that the lighter the streamer, the faster they moved and the faster the wind moved, the more the streamers moved! Kindergarten students are learning about why and how things balance. They learned that things that are wide at the base balance better, and that sometimes, the wind can make it hard to balance light things. They also spent some time balancing themselves and even apples on their heads! To learn more about our Early Childhood and Kindergarten programs, schedule a tour today!
Little Saints Academy is in its third year offering year round quality child care for infants and toddlers beginning at 6 weeks of age. The infant center is designed to guide children through age appropriate play, social emotional interaction, movement, sensory experimentation, exploration, discovery, music and oudoor gross motor skills. Our Toddler 1 and 2 year programs build on this foundation and transition children to group and center based activities with a focus on individualized learning. In addition, toddlers have opportunities to practice self-help skills to prepare them for preschool. To learn more about our Little Saints Academy Child Care program or to schedule a tour, visit our website .
PJPII SPECIAL EVENTS
Virtual Silent Auction & Trivia Night
This year's Silent Auction will kick off virtually on Monday, November 9 and close on Saturday, November 14 with a fun-filled Family Trivia night, all from the comfort of your home! To preview items or purchase trivia tickets, click on the button below to enter our auction website. More items are being added daily!

Take a break from cooking ALL DAY! Harry's Hotdogsand Zing in Sadsburyville have graciously offered to sponsor a Dine and Donate ALL DAY on Saturday, November 14 so you can have fun bidding and playing trivia. Twenty percent of all checks will be donated to PJP. Many thanks to Harry's Hotdogs and Zing for their generosity!

We are still accepting items for our auction including retail and local restaurant gift cards, themed baskets, electronics, tools, professional services, sports memorabilia and vacation homes. Your support is greatly appreciated. Email pjp2auction@gmail.com or call 610.384.5961 with any questions.
POPE JOHN PAUL II REGIONAL CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL