By Julie Delaney
Returning to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in my role as principal has been a very rewarding experience.
I began my St. Paul’s career in 1990 as a junior high science, social studies and religion teacher. The various administrators I worked with during my 18 years as a teacher at St. Paul’s inspired me to pursue an administrative degree and license.
The parish community and unique combination of innovative yet traditional education offered at St. Paul’s makes this school a great fit for me. This year I’ve discovered one of my favorite components of my role is reconnecting with our alumni including parents and grandparents of our current students, or meeting alumni in the community.
In keeping with the core components of Catholic values, academic excellence, family and stewardship, St. Paul’s has added and expanded some of its programs this year. We’d like to welcome a half-time guidance counselor, Jennifer Bakener, to our staff. Mrs. Bakener has enhanced our Olweus Bully Prevention Program and given our students and their teachers support in dealing with the everyday concerns children experience in a school setting. Our new Spanish teacher, Valerie Alves, is working with our kindergarten through eighth-grade students in an expanded Spanish program.
With the help of our Home and School Association, a grant from Scott County Regional Authority, the Hy-Vee Smart Board Contest and other funds, we have updated our technology to include 60 new laptop computers, a Smart Board, a Classroom Performance System (otherwise known as “clickers”) and various other technologies. I am proud to once again be a part of this strong community.
(Delaney is principal of St. Paul the Apostle School.)
