April at St. John’s: Pascha, Projects, and Spring Beginnings

School Newsletter

April 2026

April at St. John’s

April is a very full month at St. John’s. There is a great deal happening across the school right now, and much of it is hands-on. In every classroom, students are working on projects that require patience, effort, and follow-through as they prepare for our annual celebration and fundraiser on May 8.

One thing we value deeply at St. John’s is teaching children to see a project through from beginning to end. Whether they are building birdhouses, planting seeds, preparing handmade items, or helping with bee boxes, our students are learning that good work takes time. We want them to understand the steps, respect the process, and take pride in doing things well.

This time of year always feels especially rich. The season is changing, the energy around the school is building, and the students themselves have grown so much. They are not the same children they were at the beginning of the year. Their knowledge has grown, their maturity has grown, and it is a gift to watch that development.

-Betsy Dunaway, School Administrator

📅 What’s Coming Up in April

• April 5: Western Easter

• April 10: Holy Friday — No School

• April 12: Orthodox Easter (Pascha)

• April 13: Bright Monday — No School

• April 20–24: Standardized Testing — Students in grades 3–8 will complete spring testing this week.

BBQ & Country Store Fundraiser

Friday, May 8 | 5:30–7:30 PM

Our annual spring fundraiser is coming together. Students are creating items for the Country Store, including handmade coasters and wood projects, and helping prepare raffle items and sales.

This event brings the whole community together and supports the continued work of the school.

Purchase your BBQ Dinner tickets here.

Classroom Highlights

Preschool & Kindergarten

Students are fully embracing the shift toward spring—playing in puddles, planting seeds, and spending more time outside. Kindergarten students are creating handmade coasters that will be sold at the Country Store.

1st Grade

First graders have been feeding birds, designing rockets (in celebration of the Artimis II launch), and closely observing caterpillars as they begin their transformation. They also shared a special lunch together as a class.

2nd Grade

Students planted marigolds and are beginning to track their growth. They are also raising butterflies and preparing for more outdoor planting projects as the season changes.

4th Grade

Students are preparing for their first in-class debate, comparing Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Oz. They have completed their first five-paragraph essay and are continuing to build confidence in both writing and speaking. Later this month, they will attend The Singing Zoologist at the PAC. Be sure to watch for their beautiful gem baskets at our Country Store Fundraiser in May.

5th Grade

Fifth graders are continuing their hands-on building work, creating birdhouses from start to finish—cutting, drilling, sanding, and assembling each piece. These will be available at the Country Store fundraiser.

Middle School (6–8)

Students have completed their sixth novel this year and continue to move steadily through their reading. They are also working to sell school blankets to support their upcoming trip and have begun setting up bee boxes in Palmer in preparation for honey season.

Summer Program (June 8 – July 24)

Registration is open for students entering Preschool through 8th grade.

Program runs Monday–Thursday,

9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Before/after care available from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Weekly and single-day options available.

🔧 Reminders & Notes

Standardized Testing (Grades 3–8): April 20–24
Volunteer Hours: Help is still needed for the May fundraiser. Contact the office to sign up.
Spring Transition: Warmer days are coming, but students are still outside daily. Continue sending appropriate outdoor gear.
Summer Program: Registration is open for Preschool through 8th grade.
Hot Lunch: Preschoolers can now sign up! [Click here to access the form.]

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