Principal’s Welcome

Keara DeMaio

Principal

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February 2026 · Monthly Letter

Dear Saint John the Apostle School Community,

With cold temperatures and snowy days, February has tested our endurance. Yet resilience has been on full display at Saint John the Apostle School. Despite the weather, our students, faculty, and families have continued to celebrate, learn, and work hard together, grounded in faith and united by purpose.

One blessing that has stood out to me this month is the growing partnership between our parents and faculty. This collaboration strengthens every aspect of our school and reflects our shared commitment to supporting our students academically, socially, and spiritually.

As we prepare our hearts for the Lenten season, our students will be focusing on the pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Students will attend weekly Mass with their class, and they will both lead and participate in weekly Stations of the Cross services. These experiences help deepen their faith, encourage reflection, and remind them that resilience is strengthened through prayer and service to others.

Academically, our students are thriving, and this proud principal has much to celebrate. Our math teams continue to excel, with our 6th grade math team currently in first place in the tri-state division of the Catholic Math League, with just one test remaining. Individually, 8th grader Maya Czarnota is ranked third place nationally, and 6th grader Elijah Garcia is first place in the tri-state division. In literacy, our 3rd grade class advanced to the state finals in a reading competition, a testament to their dedication and hard work.

During the month of February, Winter MAP Growth testing was administered. Using this data, teachers are adjusting students’ individual learning plans in IXL to support personal growth, strengthen skills in targeted areas, and build confidence. MAP Growth reports will be sent home with report cards at the end of the trimester.

Safety remains a top priority at Saint John the Apostle School. At the start of 2026, we were grateful to learn that our school was awarded $200,000 through the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program, allowing us to make meaningful security enhancements across our campus. In addition, the Archdiocese is supporting our school with a $46,000 SEGA grant to assist with window repairs and replacements, further strengthening the safety and integrity of our facilities.

Our Parent/Faculty Guild continues to work tirelessly to support our community both financially and academically. This is especially evident in the new student-led digital newsletter, produced each month through the combined efforts of parents and faculty.

Parent-driven programs have also expanded opportunities for our students this year. The Robotics Club, Bracelet Making Club, STEM Club, Mind Vibes Club, our safety grant initiatives, and the expansion of our music program to include an instrumental component all began as parent ideas and were supported by teachers. This collaborative spirit truly sets Saint John the Apostle School apart, and I am deeply grateful to the parents and staff who volunteer, fundraise, chaperone, and give so generously of their time.

One of the most joyful moments this month was our Sweetheart Dance for the younger grades, a Valentine’s celebration led by Student Council and a first for our school. My favorite part was watching our students step onto the dance floor and embrace the joy of the moment. This was a reminder to me that resilience is built not only through hard work, but also through shared joy.

This week, I also had the pleasure of accompanying our middle school students to Manhattan for lunch and a Broadway performance of The Outsiders. With many parents and staff in attendance, our students represented Saint John the Apostle School with polite behavior and strong enthusiasm, making it a day filled with learning, community, and pride.

Even in the coldest months, the warmth of our school community shines brightly. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and commitment to our mission. Together, we are forming resilient, faith-filled students prepared to grow, lead, and serve.

With gratitude,
Keara DeMaio
Principal, Saint John the Apostle Catholic School

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
— Proverbs 15:13