Create

Some may think that the goal of our core commitment “Create” is to urge students to advance in their artistic talents. While this is encouraged, we also want students to use their creativity to make the world a better place.

Americans are notorious for inventing some of the world’s most useful and important items (e.g. the light bulb, airplane, personal computer). In this age of technology, companies are always looking for the next big thing. My hope is that this will come from a St. Paul’s student who was told throughout their schooling that they could create anything they put their mind to.

Second Graders show off their recent inventions

Grandparents Day

The saying "it takes a village to raise a child" is especially appropriate today because it was Grandparents Day. This day should really should be called "VIP" Day because our school was full of very important people in the lives of our students. Feelings of joy, excitement, and pride showed on the face of every student as their toured their "VIP" around.

Grandparents play a vital role in the life of a child and they all provide our school with a lot of support. We are lucky to have so many grandparents that help our school in a variety of ways. Some make financial donations to get our school going strong, some come and read with students, some are there when we have a sick student who needs to be picked up, some drop off their grandchildren every morning, and some are just there when a child needs them. No matter the capacity, it is always appreciated. That is why we have Grandparents Day each year -- it is our small way to say thank you!


If you are a grandparent who would like to attend next year but did not receive an invitation in the mail, please send me an email (gbucsko@sp-academy.org) with your name and the name of your grandchild so that I may add you to our list.

Teacher Evaluation

One of the best ways we can demonstrate the power of lifelong learning to our students is by our teachers modeling this for them. One way this happens at St. Paul’s Academy is through teacher evaluations.

I conduct at least one formal observation and evaluation of each of our staff members each year (along with frequent informal observations throughout the year). The purpose of formal evaluation is to ensure that our teachers truly fit the vision of our school. We want our students to have the best education possible; which means we also want top quality staff members.

Unlike public institutions that may formally evaluate new staff members but then decrease their oversight as teachers receive tenure, we look at staff members each year and provide constructive feedback to him or her. We then send our teachers to workshops, purchase different books or programs so they can improve weaknesses and heighten their strengths. We only want top-tier teachers.

You may think this is a stressful process for teachers, but most of them relish the opportunity to show off their great teaching and diverse skill sets.


Observing our staff reinforces how proud I am of our school. St. Paul’s Academy is truly a special place to learn. We have fabulous, talented teachers who model lifelong learning by being willing to grow and expand their knowledge just like they ask students to do.