St. John's Receives Recognition in Two Venues
St. John’s Receives Award Celebrating Success for Children
St. John’s Parish Day School is a recent recipient of the award Celebrating Success for Children. The award is issued to organizations and people who make a difference in the lives of children. The award is issued and presented by the Howard County Office of Children’s Services. Headmaster, Stephen Harrison, Lower School Director, Tiffany Rath, and Judy Robbins, Early Childhood Director attended a celebration and awards ceremony on April 29, 2010. Way to Go St. John’s Parish Day School and their entire staff and many thanks to Mrs. Norma Richardson for nominating our school!
St. John’s Receives Green School Status Renewal and Award
Mrs. Schoenhut recently received this notification from Ryan Pleune, Director of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education regarding our reapplication for Maryland Green School status. The extensive reapplication portfolio for St. John’s PDS was meticulously compiled and submitted for the school by Carrie Pirie, mother of Ava Pirie, Grade 4. A grand thank you to Mrs. Pirie, Mrs. Schoenhut, Mrs. Klingaman, the students, and all of the many, many others who have contributed so much to make this Green School designation a reality for St. John’s! Mr. Pleune’s letter follows:
"Far away there in the sunshine,
Are my highest aspirations.
I may not reach them,
But I can look up and see their Beauty,
Believe in them,
And try to follow them"
Louisa May Alcott - (1832-1888)
Good Morning … [Mrs. Schoenhut}, On this early, foggy and rainy morning I sit here staring at your wonderful portfolios that represent "souls" work of high aspirations. I never knew there were so many people in one state that were engaged in such amazing things with their students, teachers and community to form a life changing culture of education at their school or learning center. Thank you for inspiring me to rise with you. I could not wait any longer than the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day to let you know that St. Johns Parish Day School has been approved by a reviewing committee of over 36 environmental education leaders in the region to be given a 2010 Maryland Green School/Center Award. We will be giving out the awards during the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit on June 4th at Sandy Point State Park, so please do everything you can to be there in person with up to 40 of your most dedicated students.More formal recognition will follow this short email including a phone call, a letter to your principal, an official invitation to the Maryland Green Schools Ceremony and a press release to submit to your local papers and news agencies. However, I wanted you to know on this pivotal day that you and your education community have contributed in a significant way to what one of my teachers, Joanna Macy, describes as "The Great Turning". The work you have done will make our world a better place because you have changed the culture of learning in and beyond your neighborhood and now you serve as an example for others to follow your high aspirations.
Thank you and congratulations, Ryan Pleune, Director of MAEOE and MD Green School Coordinator
Posted by: Stephen Harrison on May 6th, 2010