St. John the Beloved School - Wilmington, DE

Dynamic growth and progress are key expectations for administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community supporters of St. John the Beloved (SJB) Catholic school in Wilmington, Delaware. As leaders in instructional technology, SJB teachers and students continue to practice and advocate 1:1 student engagement utilizing Chromebooks, iPads, classroom computers and the computer lab. SJB innovations in technology include use of Google Apps for Education (GAFE) and individual Chromebooks for students in grades 4-8. Younger children learn with iPads and all classrooms are equipped with Smartboard technology. The school continues to invite all Delaware teachers for presentations and collaboration on innovative instructional strategies: Chromebook Conferences and Teacher Tech Tuesdays. More importantly, commitment to student growth is a top priority at SJB. As student populations change, SJB adjusts to accommodate students at every learning level. Although SJB generally enjoys above average standardized test scores, an Academic Support Team including the school counselor, an instructional coach and a Reading Assist coordinator collaborate to provide guidance and appropriate interventions for student success.

Student Leadership and Service are also hallmarks at SJB. Student leaders are trained in the "Servant Leadership" model that is consistent with Franciscan values. More than collecting and giving to those in need, students along with their parents can be found on the scene where action is required: nursing facilities, soup kitchens, food banks, and day care centers. The expectation is that SJB graduates are not only successful academically, but also are confident young people instilled with Christian values of integrity, compassion, and resilience.