St. John School - Watertown, Connecticut

Julie McCarthy

Having been in education for more than 20 years now, and hearing from a parent of a child that attended this school how unprepared they are to provide quality instruction to students that do not fit their mold is very concerning. Children learn in different ways, and when I child is not progressing socially, or academically, it is the obligation of the school to create opportunities for this child to be successful. Yes, it absolutely is a lot of work for a teacher to create lessons that meet different learning styles, track interventions and frequency of behaviors being exhibited that may be disruptive to the learning environment. It is our obligation as educators monitor, track and adjust our instruction to meet the needs of all our students. Too often, we look for reasons to criticize the child for off task behavior, not following directions, or inability to meet the criteria for learning placed on them by “rules.” Certainly, all students should be accountable for the choices they make, but it is our job to give them choices instead of requirements. When a child struggles to meet expectations places in a classroom environment, it is imperative that the focus be on proactive ways of improving our instruction to meet the needs of our learners, and not on the child’s inability to meet them. Many times, children who are “acting out” are bored and unengaged in the learning process. Taking the focus off the behavior and onto the instruction necessary. Building relationships with kids is important, especially those students that are struggling. Having honest conversations with them about what is needed from them and why and allowing them to openly express what they need and why, can often lead to resolve. Students are not perfect, nor are teachers, or administrators, but working together towards a common goal is essential. That is not what happened here, and that needs to change.

Ash A

My child loves it here shes very happy. Dont let NEGATIVE reviews on here turn you away. They are very welcoming to ALL, regardless of your religion, race or gender. Their school work is challenging but definitely great so children have expectations for school, kids are taught to love one another thru prayer, and following gods word. My daughter was in public schools and were happy we switched to catholic!

Benita Gaston

Mainly I'm posting this review because this information wasn't available when I searched for school reviews, it would have saved my family from the undue stress, harassment, and discrimination, my son experienced while attending St. John's the Evangelist school, Watertown CT.

The demographics should speak for itself, racial sensitivity courses are needed for the lack of diversity within it's faculty, also there is no diversity present within the upper grades among the students. With younger students arriving from different cultures, the older teachers need updated trainings, there is absolutely no cultural competency present here.

Teachers here need to take courses to develop their cultural awareness, which will give them tools and new approaches to cater to a multicultural and ethnically diverse group of students. Also To learn new approaches to education that can be applied to culturally diverse classrooms.

Mrs. Robert, Mary Lou Iannone, Susan Porter, & Hamour, did not have much experience with relating to other cultures. When they could not relate to my son, they sought to label him, referring him to special education- when it was really a cultural mismatch between my son and Robert, as he was the only student of color in her class.

Without building relationships or understanding children you can't teach them. She seemed to be afraid of him, once accused him of theft, when proven it wasn't him- did not apologize.

Mrs. Robert began with her biases the very first day of school. At this time my son was just a first grader, this was his very first experience with primary education. It should have been a wonderful experience, instead Mrs. Roberts antics caused him to constantly wonder why he received more correction than his classmates. The adult educators in this Christian school created an emotionally unhealthy, educationally neglectful, relationship and environment for my son.

He wasn't allowed an adjustment period as all of her other rambunctious 1st graders were. In her eyes he couldn't get anything correct. His behaviors were always more harshly judged.

Currently I am investigating a civil rights violation with the Civil Liberties Union, and NAACP, quite frankly this is what occurred here. For this to be a Catholic institution, it's quite hypocritical, not reflective of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My lovely boy is now in a multicultural school and is thriving!! Until present, not one bad behavior report, not one complaint from his more than capable, experienced, teacher!! Present are teachers from all walks of life, a melting pot, as in the world around us. This was a situation which could have scarred him for life. Thank God he has resourceful parents who are aware of institutional labeling, and cultural prejudices.

I see the two Catholic schools within this town are merging, SJS and Mary Magdalen. One can only presume due to low enrollment. Perhaps the schools can be saved with more recruitment, multicultural enrollment, and a *diverse faculty.

Special note**
This is our personal experience with this school, we had a very aggravating two years here. Before writing this review I waited to see how my son was doing in his new school as well as his first marking period grades to be absolutely certain of our allegations against SJS.
This review is genuine.

Veronica Summerfield

Kindness, character, discipline and respect are important at St. John School. A small school with a warm school community, rigorous curriculum and innovative programs which prepare students for high school and beyond. Such a great school experience!!

Diane Gugliotti