My name is Jack Turner, and I have been attending St. Josaphat School for the past eight and a half years. I started going to this school when I was only four years old, and now, as a seventh grader, have had the privilege to enjoy this school for all of its worth. Over those years, this school has successfully taught me many things, including building my character, teaching me about my faith, and developing my social skills. All my teachers have both effectively taught me, and left everlasting impressions as kind and caring individuals.
Looking back to my earlier years at this school, I recognize that one of my favorite aspects of the younger grades is the multitude of activities one can take part in. During kindergarten, Ms. Wolff was my teacher, and I remember having always been so eager in the morning to get to class as I would get to spend time playing with my friends. Everyone would complete their morning worksheet and immediately rush to the toys area where we would get to play with legos, board games, and other fun activities. In those early days, I also learned to love all the music activities Mr. Acker, our music teacher, has encouraged at school, including singing and musicals.
Now a seventh grader, there are even more opportunities for extra-curriculars, enrichments, and sports. Some I’ve really enjoyed are: cross country and a group called: Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). While participating in cross country, I got to talk and socialize with my friends while being pushed to learn how to run long distances. I improved my initial time for two miles by over two and half minutes by the end of the season. When it comes to extracurriculars, FBLA is definitely one of my favorites. It is an extracurricular run by Mr. Eshagy and Ms. Donnici, two fantastic teachers. It teaches kids how to navigate the stock market, advertising, and plenty of other know-hows needed for becoming a business leader later in life.
Lastly, in French class we often have events like Manie Musicale, which is a French song tournament that we get to make brackets for and pick our favorites while expressing our opinions in French. In science class we have a “lab” every week in which we conduct experiments. Recently, we used microscopes to analyze specimens, which helped my class and I learn about how scientists use tools like microscopes to solve real life problems.
Academically, this school has excelled in each and every subject it teaches, including meeting each age where they are at as they learn about God. Overall, this school and parish community has made a big impact on my life. It has prepared me academically in every subject, and has informed me on how to be kind, respectful, and caring towards others around me. I don't think I could’ve asked for a better school to attend. Thank you, and welcome to our Catholic Schools Week Mass!
