About Us

 

We believe that each child will be “Blessed in Spirit”. . . . .

         

 

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL HISTORY

 

             

 

St. John the Baptist parish was established in 1836, with the arrival of Father John Neumann as its first resident pastor.

Father Neumann arrived in this area on July 12, 1836, and took up his residence in Williamsville, while he served an area including North Bush and its environs. On his first visit to North Bush (July 20, 1836), he found a log chapel which had been built three years earlier. Seven months later, he moved here and took up residence at the home of Mr. John Schmidt. Eventually a rectory was built for him, and Father Neumann continued his priestly ministry in this area until 1840.

In 1849, the log chapel became too small to accommodate the people of the parish. Some of the people established a new congregation (St. Joseph's Parish), and others built a stone church (now the renovated St. John Neumann Chapel) on our triangle. The North Bush church was closed in 1892, and for a time it was abandoned and almost forgotten.

The rebirth of the parish began in 1927, when Father Charles Klauder was appointed as the second resident pastor. At that time there were very few children in this country area. These children were taken by bus to attend Mount St. Mary Elementary School. When the first section of St. John the Baptist School was completed in 1931, the enrollment was 200. Additions were made to the original building in 1940, 1949, and 1956.

During Father Klauder's pastorate, the parish steadily grew as the area was developed. The present church was dedicated on April 29, 1951. A new rectory and Klauder Hall were also added to the parish complex.

During the years when all school districts were experiencing peak enrollments, the registration in the school was approximately 1,500 students. At about the same time, other parishes and schools were established in the area. Over a period of time, the population trends changed and St. John's School experienced a decline in enrollment. However, it is again increasing on a yearly basis.

Bishop Bernard J. McLaughlin was appointed as the third pastor of the parish in January 1972. Bishop McLaughlin retired in 1988, at which time Monsignor Kenneth Menge was appointed as the fourth pastor until his death on January 26, 1998. Both pastors have generously supported the educational policies and the needs of the school. They have viewed the school as a vital part of the parish complex. In 1998 Bishop Henry Mansell appointed Father Richard Reina as fifth pastor to St. John the Baptist Parish. In 2009 Bishop Kmiec appointed Rev. Michael Parker as St. John’s sixth pastor. Today, the parish serves approximately 3,300 families.

Through our programs at St. John the Baptist School, we are making every effort to teach and reflect the values, principles and doctrines of Catholicism. These teaching permeate all aspects of education
as we attempt to meet the academic, emotional, psychological, athletic and social needs of each student from pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade.

The Sisters of St. Mary Namur have staffed the school since 1931 to 1997. Today the school is staffed by dedicated lay teachers.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

St. John the Baptist School follows the spirit of our founder, St. John Neumann. This heritage fosters curiosity, creativity and general love of education is an atmosphere that nurtures the students as individuals who are unique, respected and cherished. St. John the Baptist School is an enriching, challenging, caring community grounded in education based on faith in God, academic excellence, commitment to hard work, integrity of character and self-discipline.

 

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of St. John the Baptist School is developed in conjunction with the American Bishops' Pastoral, TO TEACH AS JESUS DID. As a Christian community, we emphasize the special mission of the Church, especially through education in the Catholic faith. Striving to fulfill the Gospel message, we work to build the dignity of each person by forming persons-in-community, the prime educational effort of the Church.

To this end, we emphasize the dimensions of message, community, and service.

"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (John 14:6)

"I am giving a new commandment to you now - love each other just as much as I
love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my
disciples." (John 14:34)

"You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and fittingly enough, for that is what I am.
But if I washed your feet - I who am Teacher and Lord - then you must wash each
other's feet. What I just did was to give to you an example: as I have done, so you
must do." (John 13:12-15)

Our philosophy is structured on the following fundamental principles:

• a solid course of religious and spiritual training
  
• an intensive approach to scholastic development and achievement
  
• a wholesome, firm discipline in class and in all activities of the school
  
• an extra-curricular program of cultural and athletic activities, closely coordinated with the contingent upon the spiritual, scholastic, and behavioral development of the student.

We, the parents, students, teachers, and staff will strive to create a Christian community, realizing that our example will influence others and assist them in becoming totally dedicated Christians committed to Christ and His Church.

 

GOALS

St. John the Baptist School strives to accomplish the mission of furthering Catholic Education within the framework of our stated philosophy.

• To this end, we commit ourselves to the following goals:
  
• To develop a sense of wonder at the beauty of God's creation.
• To encourage each child to accept himself or herself and others as unique children of a loving Father.
• To provide the opportunity for each child to acquire an excellent religious, academic, cultural, and physical education.
• To stress academic excellence consonant with the individual abilities of each child.
• To help students learn to make their own decisions and accept responsibility for their choices.
• To be mindful of those in need by encouraging self-sacrifice.
• To strengthen school ties with parents, the first and most important educators of their children.

For more about our school please visit our Prospective Families Portal.