All About St. Peter School
Belief Statement
Saint Peter School is a faith community where students come to know Jesus Christ through the personal commitment and faith witness of a professional, skilled and dedicated faculty and staff. The members of Saint Peter faculty and staff believe that God created each person with purpose, dignity, and potentialities: spiritual, mental, social, emotional, and physical. In a faith community, through relationships with others, enhanced by solid academic training, students can become informed, contributing members of the world.
Saint Peter School staff believes that parents are the primary educators of their children. The school complements the family by building on the Christian foundation of responsible action, compassion for others, active participation in their society, and interest in life-long learning.
The existence of Saint Peter School provides an alternative form of education to public and other non-public schools. Saint Peter School encourages the students to excellence and to use their gifts to be of service to others.
Saint Peter School staff believes that parents are the primary educators of their children. The school complements the family by building on the Christian foundation of responsible action, compassion for others, active participation in their society, and interest in life-long learning.
The existence of Saint Peter School provides an alternative form of education to public and other non-public schools. Saint Peter School encourages the students to excellence and to use their gifts to be of service to others.
History
Saint Peter School opened in 1962 as an addition to The Church of St. Peter Parish with eight classrooms and 236 students. With enrollment increasing steadily, an expansion of facilities was necessitated. In 1966 the school was enlarged to sixteen classrooms, a multi-purpose room, a library, a staff room, and custodial facilities. The school continued to thrive under the leadership of Father Joseph Step, pastor from 1966-1986.
In 1985 Sister Annamae Murphy, principal of Saint Peter School from 1983 to1989, approached Father Step about the possibility of a kindergarten. Father Step and Sister Annamae collaborated with the Parish Finance Board to build the Father Step classroom addition, which included two kindergarten rooms, a music room, computer lab, faculty lounge, two lavatories, and offices for the principal and secretary and a conference room. Saint Peter School opened in 1986 with two full day kindergartens and classrooms in grades kindergarten through grade four full to capacity.
Father Joseph C. Step retired as pastor in October, 1986 and was replaced as pastor by Reverend Kenneth J. Wolnowski. Father Ken has continued the spiritual and educational leadership of Saint Peter Parish which was begun by previous pastors.
It became evident with the growing enrollment in the kindergarten classes that a preschool was also needed to accommodate the needs of the parents. In 1994, Father Wolnowski, Sister Laurie Divoky, principal, and the Parish Finance Board initiated plans for a preschool. Saint Peter Preschool opened for four and five-year olds in September, 1994. A three-year old program was begun in September, 1996. Initially, the preschool was located at Lorain Catholic High School for many years, but with the renovation of the parish facilities in 1999, the preschool moved to the East Wing of the parish rectory.
The entire school program is now on the same site with all classes, Pre-K through 8, often coming together to participate in school activities such as masses, assemblies, school celebrations, and more. St. Peter School currently houses 485 preschool through grade eight students under the leadership of Ms. Emily Fabanich, principal.
The parish celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2009 and Father Ken Wolnowski retired in June of the same year. His replacement, Rev. Craig Hovanec, was assigned as pastor of St. Peter Parish the same month.
In 1985 Sister Annamae Murphy, principal of Saint Peter School from 1983 to1989, approached Father Step about the possibility of a kindergarten. Father Step and Sister Annamae collaborated with the Parish Finance Board to build the Father Step classroom addition, which included two kindergarten rooms, a music room, computer lab, faculty lounge, two lavatories, and offices for the principal and secretary and a conference room. Saint Peter School opened in 1986 with two full day kindergartens and classrooms in grades kindergarten through grade four full to capacity.
Father Joseph C. Step retired as pastor in October, 1986 and was replaced as pastor by Reverend Kenneth J. Wolnowski. Father Ken has continued the spiritual and educational leadership of Saint Peter Parish which was begun by previous pastors.
It became evident with the growing enrollment in the kindergarten classes that a preschool was also needed to accommodate the needs of the parents. In 1994, Father Wolnowski, Sister Laurie Divoky, principal, and the Parish Finance Board initiated plans for a preschool. Saint Peter Preschool opened for four and five-year olds in September, 1994. A three-year old program was begun in September, 1996. Initially, the preschool was located at Lorain Catholic High School for many years, but with the renovation of the parish facilities in 1999, the preschool moved to the East Wing of the parish rectory.
The entire school program is now on the same site with all classes, Pre-K through 8, often coming together to participate in school activities such as masses, assemblies, school celebrations, and more. St. Peter School currently houses 485 preschool through grade eight students under the leadership of Ms. Emily Fabanich, principal.
The parish celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2009 and Father Ken Wolnowski retired in June of the same year. His replacement, Rev. Craig Hovanec, was assigned as pastor of St. Peter Parish the same month.
Faculty and Staff
Saint Peter School, PreK through 8, is staffed by 25 full-time teachers seven of whom have their Master's Degree. The principal has a Master's Degree in education with a major in administration, supervision and counseling.
There are full-time teachers in the specials areas of art, music, physical education, and computer. Seven teacher assistants work with the teachers. The school secretary and librarian work full-time.
The school employs five lunch/recess monitors, one Morning Care monitor, and three Extended Day Care staff.
Pastor -- Rev. Craig Hovanec
Associate Pastor -- Rev. Charles Henkle
Deacons -- Rev. Mr. Ralph Krupp and Rev. Mr. Jay Ogan
Admin. Assistant -- Sr. Annamae Murphy, SND
Principal -- Ms. Emily Fabanich
D.R.E. -- Sr. Rosemary Janezic, SND
Secretary -- Mrs. Marlene C. Karpinski
Librarian & Bookstore -- Mrs. Elaine Bruder
Instrumental & Vocal Music -- Miss Rebecca Gardner
Physical Education -- Mrs. Janice Jennings
Technology Teacher/Coordinator -- Mrs. Rosemary Deeks
Art -- Mrs. Melissa Hannan
Pre-K Director-- Mrs. Christina Hardway
Pre-K -- Mrs. Christelle Jacobs
Pre-K -- Mrs. Susan Zabrowski
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Lynnette Gilles
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Kimberly Foisy
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Christine Fenik
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Jennifer Emch
K-1 -- Mrs. Claudette Campana
K-1 Aide -- Mrs. Paula Bansek
K-2 -- Mrs. Marianne Bays
K-2 Aide -- Ms. Nancy Sedivy
1-1 -- Mrs. Rita Bubna
1-2 -- Mrs. Mary Clotz
2-3 -- Mrs. Melanie Barens
2-4 -- Mrs. Carol Hayward
3-5 -- Mrs. Adele Govoni
3-6 -- Mrs. Linda Soeder
4-7 -- Mrs. Barbara Pogachar
5-11 -- Mrs. Rebecca Brown
5-12 -- Mrs. Janice Thompson
6-13 -- Mrs. Denise Burns
6-14 -- Mrs. Trisha MacDonald
7-15 -- Mrs. Joanne Kincaid
7-16 -- Mrs. Patricia Nyari
8-17 -- Mrs. Dede Standen
8-18 -- Miss Kathleen Petro
Educational Assistant-- Mrs. Jennifer Sennhenn
Special Services Personnel
School Psychologist -- Mrs. Cynthia Leano-Sellers
Reading &Math Enrichment -- Mrs. Patricia Mott
Speech Therapist -- Mrs. Cheryl Cotton
Title I -- Ms. Melanie Smith
Clerk -- Mrs. Barbara Garcia
Nurse -- Ms. Mary Boros
Nurse Aide -- Mrs. JoAnn Nedwick
Intervention Specialist -- Mrs. Jenny Malloy
Maintenance Staff
Mrs. Denise Brusky, Supervisor
Mr. Allen Brusky
Mr. Jim Burns
Cafeteria Staff
Manager - Mrs. Jacci Schueller
Assistant - Mrs. Nancy Woltman
Assistant - Mrs. Denise Gonet
Noon Supervisors
Coordinator - Mrs. Anna Leibas
Mrs. Susan Lopez
Mrs. Alfonsia Donofrio
Ms. Cookie Villereal
Mrs. Jennifer Gober
Extended Day Care Supervisors
Coordinator - Mrs. Joanne Panzeter
Mrs. Dianna Schaefer
Mrs. Cookie Villarreal
There are full-time teachers in the specials areas of art, music, physical education, and computer. Seven teacher assistants work with the teachers. The school secretary and librarian work full-time.
The school employs five lunch/recess monitors, one Morning Care monitor, and three Extended Day Care staff.
Pastor -- Rev. Craig Hovanec
Associate Pastor -- Rev. Charles Henkle
Deacons -- Rev. Mr. Ralph Krupp and Rev. Mr. Jay Ogan
Admin. Assistant -- Sr. Annamae Murphy, SND
Principal -- Ms. Emily Fabanich
D.R.E. -- Sr. Rosemary Janezic, SND
Secretary -- Mrs. Marlene C. Karpinski
Librarian & Bookstore -- Mrs. Elaine Bruder
Instrumental & Vocal Music -- Miss Rebecca Gardner
Physical Education -- Mrs. Janice Jennings
Technology Teacher/Coordinator -- Mrs. Rosemary Deeks
Art -- Mrs. Melissa Hannan
Pre-K Director-- Mrs. Christina Hardway
Pre-K -- Mrs. Christelle Jacobs
Pre-K -- Mrs. Susan Zabrowski
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Lynnette Gilles
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Kimberly Foisy
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Christine Fenik
Pre-K Aide -- Mrs. Jennifer Emch
K-1 -- Mrs. Claudette Campana
K-1 Aide -- Mrs. Paula Bansek
K-2 -- Mrs. Marianne Bays
K-2 Aide -- Ms. Nancy Sedivy
1-1 -- Mrs. Rita Bubna
1-2 -- Mrs. Mary Clotz
2-3 -- Mrs. Melanie Barens
2-4 -- Mrs. Carol Hayward
3-5 -- Mrs. Adele Govoni
3-6 -- Mrs. Linda Soeder
4-7 -- Mrs. Barbara Pogachar
5-11 -- Mrs. Rebecca Brown
5-12 -- Mrs. Janice Thompson
6-13 -- Mrs. Denise Burns
6-14 -- Mrs. Trisha MacDonald
7-15 -- Mrs. Joanne Kincaid
7-16 -- Mrs. Patricia Nyari
8-17 -- Mrs. Dede Standen
8-18 -- Miss Kathleen Petro
Educational Assistant-- Mrs. Jennifer Sennhenn
Special Services Personnel
School Psychologist -- Mrs. Cynthia Leano-Sellers
Reading &Math Enrichment -- Mrs. Patricia Mott
Speech Therapist -- Mrs. Cheryl Cotton
Title I -- Ms. Melanie Smith
Clerk -- Mrs. Barbara Garcia
Nurse -- Ms. Mary Boros
Nurse Aide -- Mrs. JoAnn Nedwick
Intervention Specialist -- Mrs. Jenny Malloy
Maintenance Staff
Mrs. Denise Brusky, Supervisor
Mr. Allen Brusky
Mr. Jim Burns
Cafeteria Staff
Manager - Mrs. Jacci Schueller
Assistant - Mrs. Nancy Woltman
Assistant - Mrs. Denise Gonet
Noon Supervisors
Coordinator - Mrs. Anna Leibas
Mrs. Susan Lopez
Mrs. Alfonsia Donofrio
Ms. Cookie Villereal
Mrs. Jennifer Gober
Extended Day Care Supervisors
Coordinator - Mrs. Joanne Panzeter
Mrs. Dianna Schaefer
Mrs. Cookie Villarreal
Special Services
An Extended Day Care Program both in the morning and afternoon, provides working parents an opportunity to enroll their children in a safe and caring environment before and/or after regular school hours.
The school maintains two mobile units and is serviced with additional help through the Auxiliary Services Program:
A Reading/Remedial Specialist
A Speech Therapist
A School Psychologist
A Title I Teacher
An Intervention Specialist
A full-time Clerk
A Registered Nurse
A Health Aide
Saint Peter School is accredited by the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association and follows the curriculum guidelines as outlined by the State of Ohio and by the Diocese of Cleveland. An accelerated Foreign Language/ Literature/ and Mathematics program for grades seven and eight is in place for those who would benefit from further challenge. This enables Junior High students to graduate from the eighth grade with one year of French and Algebra already completed.
The school maintains two mobile units and is serviced with additional help through the Auxiliary Services Program:
A Reading/Remedial Specialist
A Speech Therapist
A School Psychologist
A Title I Teacher
An Intervention Specialist
A full-time Clerk
A Registered Nurse
A Health Aide
Saint Peter School is accredited by the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association and follows the curriculum guidelines as outlined by the State of Ohio and by the Diocese of Cleveland. An accelerated Foreign Language/ Literature/ and Mathematics program for grades seven and eight is in place for those who would benefit from further challenge. This enables Junior High students to graduate from the eighth grade with one year of French and Algebra already completed.
The School Day
School Day
Starting Time: 8:25 a.m. First Bell
8:30 a.m. Classes begin
2:30 p.m. Classes dismissed
2:00 p.m. Early dismissal 2nd Tuesday of each month
Emergency Closing
Call the school, watch local TV stations or listen to radio station WEOL 930 AM for closing announcements. When Lorain City School District is closed or delayed St. Peter School is closed. St. Peter School may close even though Lorain City Schools may not be closed.
Transportation
Bus service is available from the school districts of Amherst, Vermilion, and Lorain City. Please call your local school board for information.
Uniforms
St. Peter School uniforms may be purchased through Schoolbelle's. The website for contact is http://www.schoolbelles.com The school code is S0059. For Gently Used Uniforms call Diane Zaleski at 440-282-5379 or Patty Tillman at 440-233-5234.
Starting Time: 8:25 a.m. First Bell
8:30 a.m. Classes begin
2:30 p.m. Classes dismissed
2:00 p.m. Early dismissal 2nd Tuesday of each month
Emergency Closing
Call the school, watch local TV stations or listen to radio station WEOL 930 AM for closing announcements. When Lorain City School District is closed or delayed St. Peter School is closed. St. Peter School may close even though Lorain City Schools may not be closed.
Transportation
Bus service is available from the school districts of Amherst, Vermilion, and Lorain City. Please call your local school board for information.
Uniforms
St. Peter School uniforms may be purchased through Schoolbelle's. The website for contact is http://www.schoolbelles.com The school code is S0059. For Gently Used Uniforms call Diane Zaleski at 440-282-5379 or Patty Tillman at 440-233-5234.
Academics
CURRICULUM
The curriculum at St. Peter School includes all of the subjects required by the State of Ohio and the Diocese of Cleveland:
Religion
Language Arts (Reading, Phonics, English, Literature, Spelling, Handwriting)
Mathematics
Social Studies (American HIstory, Ohio History, Ancient Civilizations)
Science/Health
Music
Physical Education
Art
Technology Education
Other areas of enrichment include:
Pre-Algebra (Gr.7) and Algebra (Gr.8)
French (Gr.7-8)
Instrumental Music (Gr.5-8)
Remedial Program
Enrichment Program
Speech
Geography Bee, Spelling Bee, Young Authors, Yearbook, Student Government,
Future Catholic Teachers Club, Photography Club, Art Club, Storytelling Club
St. Peter students participate in various Music and Art contests, as well as academic competitions
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued four times a year. Interim reports are issued at the mid-quarter and reflect the students' achievement, effort and conduct at that point. St. Peter School uses the Diocese of Cleveland Grade Scale which is as follows:
A=Superior (100-93%)
B=Above Average (92-85%)
C=Average (84-74%)
D=Below Average (73-60%)
F= Failing (59-0%)
HONOR SYSTEM
Scholastic honors are distributed each quarter with the report cards for Grades 4 to 8.
The Honors Policy is based on a total of eight grades:
Seven of the grades are from the academic areas of Religion, French, Math, Spelling, English, Social Studies, Science/Health
In Grades 5 through 8, the final grade category is generated from the combination of Music (25%), Art (25%), and Physical Education (50%)
In Grade 4, the final grade category is generated from the combination of Music (20%), Art (20%), Computer (20%), and Physical Education (40%)
Computer grades will be given in grades K - 4. In grades 5-8, the technology grades are integrated into classroom subjects.
The method used to determine honors is: total points divided by the number of subjects.
First Honors 4.0-3.8
Second Honors 3.79-3.5
Third Honors 3.49-3.0
The curriculum at St. Peter School includes all of the subjects required by the State of Ohio and the Diocese of Cleveland:
Religion
Language Arts (Reading, Phonics, English, Literature, Spelling, Handwriting)
Mathematics
Social Studies (American HIstory, Ohio History, Ancient Civilizations)
Science/Health
Music
Physical Education
Art
Technology Education
Other areas of enrichment include:
Pre-Algebra (Gr.7) and Algebra (Gr.8)
French (Gr.7-8)
Instrumental Music (Gr.5-8)
Remedial Program
Enrichment Program
Speech
Geography Bee, Spelling Bee, Young Authors, Yearbook, Student Government,
Future Catholic Teachers Club, Photography Club, Art Club, Storytelling Club
St. Peter students participate in various Music and Art contests, as well as academic competitions
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued four times a year. Interim reports are issued at the mid-quarter and reflect the students' achievement, effort and conduct at that point. St. Peter School uses the Diocese of Cleveland Grade Scale which is as follows:
A=Superior (100-93%)
B=Above Average (92-85%)
C=Average (84-74%)
D=Below Average (73-60%)
F= Failing (59-0%)
HONOR SYSTEM
Scholastic honors are distributed each quarter with the report cards for Grades 4 to 8.
The Honors Policy is based on a total of eight grades:
Seven of the grades are from the academic areas of Religion, French, Math, Spelling, English, Social Studies, Science/Health
In Grades 5 through 8, the final grade category is generated from the combination of Music (25%), Art (25%), and Physical Education (50%)
In Grade 4, the final grade category is generated from the combination of Music (20%), Art (20%), Computer (20%), and Physical Education (40%)
Computer grades will be given in grades K - 4. In grades 5-8, the technology grades are integrated into classroom subjects.
The method used to determine honors is: total points divided by the number of subjects.
First Honors 4.0-3.8
Second Honors 3.79-3.5
Third Honors 3.49-3.0
Extratcurricular Activities
Music Program
Beginning Band (Grade 5)
Intermediate Band (Grade 6)
Advanced Band (Grade 7-8)
Junior Praise Choir (Grades 3-8)
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Sports
Basketball (Grades 4-8)
Football (Grades 5-8)
Volleyball (Grades 4-8)
Track (Grades 4-8)
Cheerleading (Grades 4-8)
Altar Servers
Boys and girls are eligible to enroll at the 5th grade level
for serving at Eucharistic Liturgies.
Student Government
Student Government is open to junior high students as officers and one representative from each homeroom, all grades.
It provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Safety Patrol
Students in Grade 6 may participate in the school safety patrol
and learn responsibility as crossing guards.
WSPS-TV
WSPS-TV is St. Peter's closed-circuit television station which broadcasts announcements each morning. Students learn the roles of anchor person, prayer leader, meteorologist, and how to operate a camera. Crew positions are open to all students in grades 2 through 8.
Future Catholic Teachers of America
FCTA is open to all students in grades 6 through 8. The club meets monthly and learns about various aspects of teaching. Members are assigned to classrooms where they assist teachers with grading papers, designing bulletin boards, tutoring and more. Applications are available each May for students interested in participating in the following year's club activities.
Photographers Club
Composed mainly of Junior HIgh students, members of the Photographers Club use digital cameras to photograph various school events for use in the school yearbook, websites, and more.
SPS Storytelling Club
The SPS Storytelling Club, coached by Mrs. Govoni, is for all K-8 students interested in sharing stories and learning skills to captivate audiences. Students may join any time. Meetings are hel on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 2:30 - 3:15.
As one of a number of storytelling groups in Lorain County, SPS Storytelling Club members are invited to Second Saturday Storytelling at Amherst Nordson Depot. There they are coached by Mrs. Donna Marie Kuczynski, a gifted storyteller and coach extraordinaire.
Scouting Program
Daisies
Brownies
Girl Scouts
Boy Scouts
Cub Scouts
These are active programs emphasizing service, citizenship,
international friendship and character.
Beginning Band (Grade 5)
Intermediate Band (Grade 6)
Advanced Band (Grade 7-8)
Junior Praise Choir (Grades 3-8)
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Sports
Basketball (Grades 4-8)
Football (Grades 5-8)
Volleyball (Grades 4-8)
Track (Grades 4-8)
Cheerleading (Grades 4-8)
Altar Servers
Boys and girls are eligible to enroll at the 5th grade level
for serving at Eucharistic Liturgies.
Student Government
Student Government is open to junior high students as officers and one representative from each homeroom, all grades.
It provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Safety Patrol
Students in Grade 6 may participate in the school safety patrol
and learn responsibility as crossing guards.
WSPS-TV
WSPS-TV is St. Peter's closed-circuit television station which broadcasts announcements each morning. Students learn the roles of anchor person, prayer leader, meteorologist, and how to operate a camera. Crew positions are open to all students in grades 2 through 8.
Future Catholic Teachers of America
FCTA is open to all students in grades 6 through 8. The club meets monthly and learns about various aspects of teaching. Members are assigned to classrooms where they assist teachers with grading papers, designing bulletin boards, tutoring and more. Applications are available each May for students interested in participating in the following year's club activities.
Photographers Club
Composed mainly of Junior HIgh students, members of the Photographers Club use digital cameras to photograph various school events for use in the school yearbook, websites, and more.
SPS Storytelling Club
The SPS Storytelling Club, coached by Mrs. Govoni, is for all K-8 students interested in sharing stories and learning skills to captivate audiences. Students may join any time. Meetings are hel on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 2:30 - 3:15.
As one of a number of storytelling groups in Lorain County, SPS Storytelling Club members are invited to Second Saturday Storytelling at Amherst Nordson Depot. There they are coached by Mrs. Donna Marie Kuczynski, a gifted storyteller and coach extraordinaire.
Scouting Program
Daisies
Brownies
Girl Scouts
Boy Scouts
Cub Scouts
These are active programs emphasizing service, citizenship,
international friendship and character.