Sarah Pasela – Biology, AP Biology, Honors Capstone, and Human Body Systems

Ms. Pasela loves the people at Saint John’s Prep. For her, the best part of teaching at SJP is the close-knit community of students, fellow teachers, staff, and families. Her passion for biology shines through in her teaching. She believes that seeing each student as an individual is key, whether they pursue science in the future or not. Ms. Pasela’s love for hands-on learning is evident in her classroom, where lab activities foster curiosity and exploration. She is also committed to incorporating real-world issues, like immunology, to make lessons relevant and engaging. Her connection with students goes beyond the curriculum; she deeply values the opportunity to know each student as a whole person, not just as a learner, but as an individual.

“Because we are such a small school, I get to know my students deeply. I can tell when they are having a bad day or when they haven’t gotten enough sleep. After teaching in a much larger system, I am so grateful for the class sizes I have here. Students have taught me that we each have our own unique light inside of us.  My job, and it is the best job in the world, is to help young people figure out what that light is. It isn’t always what your friends are doing or what your parents expect. It is wonderfully exciting to help young people find that spark.”

Sean Jacobson – Middle and Upper School Band, Middle School Choir, and Jazz Ensemble

Now in his second year at SJP, Mr. Jacobson has spent a total of 11 years teaching music. The students’ inquisitive and creative spirit, combined with supportive colleagues, makes teaching at Prep feel special to him. Mr. Jacobson is also a performer himself, and he believes staying active as a musician not only hones his craft but also provides relatable insights to share with his students.

He’s particularly moved by the transformation he witnesses in students over the years, from beginners to confident musicians. He finds it rewarding to watch students progress, mastering instruments and discovering their own musical voices. Mr. Jacobson also values Prep’s A2E program, as it challenges students to think critically and present their creative projects with maturity.

“As a relative newcomer to Prep, one of the things that struck me as unique to Prep is the maturity and rigor that we expect of our students. Students aren’t “just” students in our curriculum—they’re scholars, researchers, artists, and creators. This was particularly evident to me at the first A2E Scholarship Day last May. Listening to students’ expert presentations on topics and questions they selected and researched individually; watching them give expressive, artistically mature musical performances; seeing their original artwork displayed and reading about their reflective thought and process behind that work all made the day feel truly inspiring, and demonstrated how special what we do here is. As faculty, we place high-level expectations on our students that challenge them to think, do, and be beyond what most middle- and high-school students are called to, and time and time again, they rise to the occasion.”

Kris Fremo – Upper School Visual Arts

With 27 years of experience at SJP, Mrs. Fremo is passionate about guiding students through the creative process. She fosters a classroom environment filled with open dialogue and reflection, allowing students to express their thoughts and motivations behind their art. Mrs. Fremo’s teaching philosophy centers around skill mastery as a pathway to creativity. She encourages personalization in projects, helping students develop unique artistic voices. One memorable moment in her career is guiding students through the challenge of centering clay on a pottery wheel. The joy of mastering this physical skill brings pride and fulfillment to students, and Kris treasures witnessing these moments of accomplishment.

“Students have taught me that there is more than one way to solve a problem. Sometimes students respond to tasks in ways I would never have imagined. All of the different approaches over the years have helped me expand how I think about successful outcomes. There is a wild beauty in the many and varied solutions that students generate in approaching a visual task.  Our students inspire me every day, and I think they teach me as much as I teach them.”

Matt Young – Algebra 2 and AP Calculus

In his fourth year at Prep, with a total of 13 years of teaching experience, Mr. Young finds the SJP community’s dedication to student growth truly inspiring. An avid woodworker, Mr. Young applies lessons from his craft—patience, attention to detail, and learning from mistakes—to his teaching style. Mr. Young values seeing students grow academically and personally throughout their time at Prep. He appreciates the way the math department encourages not just academic success but also persistence and dedication. One memorable experience involved helping a student realize that their hard work, rather than just the final grade, was the most valuable part of the learning process.

“The most rewarding part of working with students at Prep is seeing how much they grow. In the math department, we are lucky because we typically get to teach students multiple times throughout their time at Prep. I love how this allows me to get to know students really well and to see how they grow over the years. I once worked with a student who had their heart set on getting a specific grade. This student was the hardest-working student I have ever worked with, and yet they were so focused on the end result (the grade) that they did not see the value and impressive nature of how much effort they were putting toward understanding the content. For a time, whether or not this student would receive the grade they wanted was up in the air, and eventually the student recognized that it was the amount of growth they had created, and not the end result, that was the most important. This recognition was HUGE for this student, and they did end up receiving the grade they had hoped for. How about that?!”

Saint John’s Prep: Growing & Going Beyond

At Saint John’s Prep, the Fine Arts, Science, and Math departments are more than academic disciplines—they are interconnected pathways that encourage exploration, creativity, and personal discovery. Our liberal arts approach ensures that students don’t just learn facts or formulas; they learn how to think critically, draw connections between subjects, and approach problems with curiosity and confidence. Whether performing music, creating visual art, investigating scientific questions, or tackling complex math concepts, students at Prep are empowered to explore the world through multiple lenses and develop a well-rounded understanding of themselves and their studies.

In our classrooms, students are more than just learners—they are innovators, creators, and deep thinkers shaped by an education that values both depth and breadth. We are proud to offer an environment where young people are encouraged to be their best selves, guided by teachers who are dedicated to making a positive impact every day. The diverse perspectives and skills our teachers bring to their roles make Saint John’s Prep a truly exceptional place to learn and grow. .

We would love for you to see our teachers in action! Schedule a tour below and check out before coming for a campus visit.

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Kelly Fitch – English

Ms. Fitch has been teaching at Saint John’s Prep for an impressive 18 years. She teaches American Literature for 10th graders, AP English for 12th graders, and the Honors Capstone course for seniors. One memorable teaching moment for Ms. Fitch was guiding her 10th graders through memoir writing, where several students, even those who didn’t consider themselves writers, produced beautiful and thoughtful pieces. To keep students engaged, Ms. Fitch treats them like family, building connections through honesty, humor, and genuine conversations. Her approach to teaching is shaped by her experiences as a parent of three children, which helps her understand the diverse ways students learn. Ms. Fitch’s favorite part of teaching at Prep is watching her community of learners grow throughout the school year. She finds joy in the personal connections she builds through small class sizes and one-on-one instruction.

“Creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel known, loved, and cared for is possible because my class sizes are small. I am able to really get to know each student. It starts with visiting with them. That’s it—visiting. I do this quite a bit, whether it’s before the bell rings or when students are engaged in small group work. There’s also the “Dear Ms. Fitch” letters. ?”

kami roth – spanish and global studies coordinator

Ms. Roth is in her first year at Saint John’s Prep but brings 12 years of teaching experience to the community. As the Director of Global Studies and Spanish teacher, she is passionate about fostering cultural awareness and creating hands-on learning experiences. Ms. Roth’s own travel experiences enrich her teaching, allowing her to make lessons relevant and engaging for her students. One of the unique aspects Ms. Roth highlights about the Prep curriculum is the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in cultural experiences, such as language exchanges and global studies projects.

“The best part about teaching and working at SJP is that the students are so incredibly kind and caring. At Prep, we get to do some really cool things that aren’t available at other schools, like provide multiple exchange opportunities, have student travel options, and go on amazing educational field trips. For example, local students love being able to interact with international students who attend our school and who speak the language they are studying here at Prep. There are so many opportunities for our students to become more culturally aware and genuinely practice what they are learning in the classroom out in the real world.”

RObert Erickson – English

With 34 years at Saint John’s Prep and 38 years of teaching experience overall, Mr. Erickson is a cornerstone of the English department. His teaching is enriched by his love of British literature and film, which he weaves into his classes, including the school’s first film studies course. Mr. Erickson values the strong sense of community at Prep, supported by caring administrators, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students. Mr. Erickson particularly enjoys the interactive learning experience of his English 9 class performing the play Twelve Angry Men each spring. Through these immersive activities, students gain a deeper understanding of literary themes and group dynamics.

“I look out of my classroom window and can see a groomed walking trail through beautiful woods. I also see a pristine lake, which has a historic chapel on the opposite shoreline. I can walk out of my classroom and in a few minutes be in the Learning Commons at Alcuin or the coffee shop. If I’m hungry, I can eat at the Refectory on campus, which has a vast buffet, or go to the burrito bar at Sexton Commons. How many schools have woods, water, trails, and a wonderful university at their doorstep? I can walk the halls of our school and encounter citizens from over a dozen countries. Again, what school has that? These are elements you can rarely find anywhere in the world and certainly nowhere else in Minnesota.”

Yahui Shi – chinese

Known affectionately as “Shi Laoshi” by her students, Ms. Shi has been teaching Chinese at Prep since 2021. Her love for travel and global experiences shapes her approach to language instruction. Ms. Shi tailors her teaching to meet each student’s needs, from foundational language skills for beginners to advanced conversational practice. She believes that connecting language learning with real-life experiences helps students retain knowledge and stay motivated. Ms. Shi encourages her students to become global citizens and critical thinkers through immersion.

“My students have taught me the importance of being creative in my teaching. They inspire me to find new and engaging ways to make learning Chinese fun, whether through music, games, or hands-on activities. I incorporate outdoor and experiential learning by taking students on field trips to places like the Chinese and American Friendship Garden, where they can experience Chinese culture firsthand. After the visit, we enjoy authentic Chinese food, allowing students to connect language learning with real-life experiences.”

Aspire to Excellence (A2E) Curriculum: A Unique Learning Experience

What makes Saint John’s Prep truly stand out is the A2E academic program. It allows students to dive deeply into subjects they are passionate about while maintaining a well-rounded liberal arts education. From rigorous research projects to hands-on cultural explorations, the program fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

Our teachers at Saint John’s Prep go above and beyond to make learning meaningful, relevant, and engaging. Their dedication and passion create a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to grow both academically and personally. We are grateful to have such talented educators guiding the next generation of leaders. .

Interested in learning more about to student-focused learning?

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Sarah Gainey – 6th Grade Science and Math

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Ms. Gainey brings a wealth of knowledge and a love for the natural world to her classroom. One of her favorite activities is the ‘Spring Sanity’ competition, where students track signs of spring around campus, combining scientific research with outdoor exploration. Ms. Gainey’s passion for nature and her supportive teaching approach make her a favorite among students. Now in her third year at Prep, Sarah believes that creating a safe space to make mistakes is key to fostering a growth mindset among her students.

“I work really hard to make sure students know my classroom is a safe place to make mistakes and mistakes are something to learn from. At the beginning of the year, we keep track of every mistake I make, and after every 10 mistakes, I give students a treat. After about 50 mistakes (which doesn’t take that long ?), we have a discussion about why we kept track of my mistakes, polite ways to point out someone else’s mistakes, and ways to be okay with making mistakes. It sets up our classroom with a growth mindset for the rest of the year.”

Jeff Kirchoff – Middle and Upper School English

Having taught for over a decade in higher education and now in his second year at Prep, Dr. Kirchoff values the supportive environment and inquisitive students that make the school special. One of his most popular projects is the banned books unit, where students analyze the controversial topic, build websites, and share their own perspectives. Dr. Kirchoff is continuously inspired by his students’ creativity and willingness to explore complex issues. He approaches his classes with a commitment to individualized feedback and hands-on learning.

“Building relationships with my students beyond the classroom – and making myself approachable for them to do the same – is what really makes the Prep experience unique. I also coach Knowledge Bowl and regardless of whether we are in the classroom or playing Knowledge Bowl, I work to help students learn, engage, and share their thoughts. I pride myself on giving meaningful and individualized feedback; I check in with students on a regular basis and always circle back to questions they have. Just as our students are learning, I’m still learning as a teacher. Students are wonderful about giving respectful feedback, which absolutely improves my teaching.”

Carlee Biechler – 6th Grade Language Arts, Social Studies, and Writing

Ms. Biechler, now in her fifth year at Prep, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Differentiated Instruction. She emphasizes the importance of building a welcoming classroom environment through Benedictine Values and community-building activities. One unique project in her class involves creating clay petroglyphs, blending art with social studies to deepen students’ understanding of history. Ms. Biechler’s dedication to fostering connections and hands-on learning makes her classes memorable.

“SJP has many wonderful traditions and special events throughout the school year. A favorite of mine is our middle school walk to the chapel on Lake Sagatagan in the fall. Students eat lunch by the chapel and spend time walking on the beautiful trails on campus. The 6th grade class also has a tradition of making vegetable soup at the start of the school year, using veggies from our school garden.”

Bob Ellenbecker – Middle School Science, Physical Education, and Electives

A veteran teacher with 27 years at Prep, Mr. Ellenbecker’s hands-on, experiential approach to education keeps students engaged and curious. Whether they’re conducting outdoor science experiments or testing their problem-solving skills with the infamous ‘sludge test,’ Mr. Ellenbecker’s classes are always active and innovative. His love for nature and his commitment to real-world learning have made him a beloved figure in the Middle School community.

“For me, nature is a big part of keeping students engaged in and excited about coursework. I like to keep it hands-on and experiential. Whether it’s simply getting outside for a change of scenery or to hug a tree (yes, seriously), or studying experimental science, working on outdoor skills, or learning about ancient and modern technology, I work to get students to be truly immersed in the world around us. The students here have taught me many things as an educator, but above all that I need to keep challenging myself to stay abreast of the latest information. I’ve learned to never stop learning.”

Ashleigh jude – Middle school Math, STEM, Cooking + Crafts Elective

With a background that blends creativity and a passion for math, Ms. Jude is in her fourth year at Prep. Known for encouraging students to push past their fear of math, Ms. Jude creates what she calls ‘mathterpieces,’ blending math with art to make the subject more approachable. Her flexible and imaginative teaching style empowers students to think critically while having fun with challenging concepts. Ms. Jude’s enthusiasm for teaching math in unconventional ways has sparked a love for learning among her students.

“We haven’t yet trademarked the statement “Keep the Middle School Weird,” but we should!  We are so fortunate to be able to create the curriculum the way it best supports the needs of our student population, and we are so lucky to be able to do these “weird” but very unique things within our courses, across courses, and sometimes just for fun.  For example, they have the ability to take the lecture from theology, transfer it into social studies, and then create a beautiful piece of artwork that ties it all together. Where else do students get to do that?!”

Celebrating a Passionate Community

The Middle School at Saint John’s Prep thrives because of its teachers’ dedication, creativity, and willingness to embrace new ideas. These educators not only teach academic concepts but also cultivate a sense of curiosity and community. Through hands-on projects, outdoor activities, and interdisciplinary lessons, they inspire students to learn, grow, and think differently. It’s teachers like Mrs. Gainey, Mr. Kirchoff, Ms. Biechler, Mr. Ellenbecker, and Ms. Severson who make Saint John’s Prep a truly special place to be. .

Interested in to Saint John’s Prep?

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The thought of sending your child to a Catholic school, when your family practices another faith, might be scary. You might also have some questions about what the experience would look like for your child.

With the help of our current families, we’ve pulled together a list of frequently asked questions that you may have as a non-Catholic family considering Saint John’s Prep.

Do you still have questions? Are you ready to learn more? Fill out the form below to schedule a visit with the ������ Team!

Request a Tour

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These qualities of an effective leader are not innate, but rather, skills that are honed in over time. And the foundation of all of these skills is curiosity.

What Is Curiosity?

Curiosity is an eagerness to explore, discover, and gain a better understanding of the world around us and the people in it. Fortunately, it’s a quality that children have in abundance! 

And while it’s tempting to believe that our natural curiosity decreases as we age, that’s actually not the case. As we move into adulthood, we have as much, , curiosity — just about different things. 

Why Is Curiosity Important to Learning and Leadership?

Curiosity inspires us to think outside of our own experiences and drives us to seek explanations for things that are confusing or beyond our understanding. It rewards us for being open to new ideas and gathering different perspectives. It helps us imagine new ways to solve problems, and it helps us see things not just as they are but how they could be. 

As educators, we get to see the correlation between curiosity and learning every day we’re in the classroom! When our students are driven to ask questions, getting answers to those questions is a rewarding experience that we hope leads to a lifelong love of learning. 

Open-mindedness, problem-solving, perspective, and vision…these are also important leadership qualities! And educators are not the only ones who see a direct parallel between curiosity and leadership. In fact, Forbes Magazine recently published an article about how curiosity is now viewed as a by thought leaders across various industries. 

Why Curiosity Appears To Fade as Children Age

Humans are naturally curious, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stifled. Some schools may unintentionally do this by not allowing students to explore topics that interest them or putting a singular focus on grades or test scores. Encouraging conformity and discouraging challenging conversations are also common at many K-12 schools — public and private. 

Children are very perceptive. If they are punished for asking questions and rewarded for simply repeating answers that have been given to them — and there’s little room to explore different viewpoints or explore what makes them unique — they might not express as much curiosity in the classroom or at home. But curiosity can always be encouraged if it’s cultivated and given room to grow. 

At Prep, our teachers welcome tough questions! We believe it’s one of the biggest reasons why our students are so engaged in what they’re learning that they can’t wait to discuss it further with their peers or with their families at the end of the day. 

How To Develop Leadership Skills and Encourage Curiosity

It’s never too late to reignite a spark of curiosity. In fact, many of the following tips are just as helpful for parents as they are for students! 

Model Curiosity

You and your child may have different hobbies and interests, but talking about what makes you curious and what you enjoy learning about is a great way to model curiosity. Share what makes you curious and the topics you’re interested in, and ask open-ended questions, like “How would you solve that problem?” or, “What would you do if…?” 

As a parent, you will always be your child’s . So even if your child’s school isn’t able to provide all of the , you can still make your home a safe place to explore different cultural traditions and have open conversations about religion, philosophy, and opposing world views.

Take Advantage of Local Resources

Science museums and cultural festivals provide amazing opportunities for children to explore and get more immersive, hands-on experiences. If you have a local arts scene, take them to an art show or a play! Unlike TV or movies, your child can take a more active role as an audience member and choose which characters to focus on at any given moment.  

Reading books is a great way for children to imagine themselves in another person’s shoes and be exposed to cultures and ideas that open up entirely new worlds of questions. Many local libraries also offer programs that cater to a variety of interests, like arts and crafts, STEM topics, music, storytelling, cultural heritage, wellness, and more. 

Get Outdoors

It’s almost impossible to quantify when it comes to the development of young minds. At Prep, we are truly fortunate for our shared with Saint John’s University. Depending on the time of year, you may find our teachers holding their classes outside or students reading in the woods. Nature provides unlimited opportunities for discovery, inspiration, and exploration. So whether your child prefers nature walks or spending time in a local park, there are endless ways to encourage their curiosity — right outside your door.

Support Your Child’s Interests

Your child may express excitement about a certain topic only to lose interest after a short time. That’s okay! However, we understand that when it comes to , the , other , and special interest clubs, parents also want their children to stick with an activity that allows them to develop some of their unique gifts. 

Most families don’t have unlimited time and resources, but we also believe it’s important to try new things at every age. We will often encourage our students to join an athletic team or try a new activity because it gets students out of their comfort zone. If they discover a new talent, all the better! If your child tends to , encouraging them to participate in activities they aren’t immediately good at can help them build resilience and focus on incremental improvement.

Don’t Focus Solely on Achievement

There are many inspiring quotes about learning from mistakes, but we love this quote from Irish writer James Joyce: “Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” Watching your child make a mistake — even a minor one — can be hard for parents. But as long as that mistake won’t jeopardize their long-term health or their ability to find a rewarding career, it will help them learn. Additionally, allowing your child to make mistakes also shows them that you’re confident in their abilities to correct them. 

That’s important because leaders who are too afraid to make mistakes aren’t effective leaders. Not surprisingly, James Joyce isn’t the only successful writer, artist, athlete, or business leader to credit their mistakes for their eventual success. Former CEO of IBM Thomas J. Watson said, “You can be discouraged by failure, or you can learn from it, so go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because that’s where you will find success.”

Why Are Leadership Skills Important?

While we believe in the importance of developing the entire person, as a prep school, we are ultimately tasked with helping our students succeed in the next phase of their educational journey. For our students, that’s typically attending a college or university. 100% of our students who apply are accepted to a college or university!

Leadership skills are , and not because every child is destined to become an entrepreneur or a CEO. College admission professionals look for leadership experience because it suggests that a student is likely to be confident in their abilities and possess communication and collaboration skills needed to be successful. It also suggests that a student has developed a greater understanding of some of their and has found ways to overcome them. 

Leadership experience, when paired with strong test scores and academic performance, quickly paints a picture of a student who’s highly likely to succeed at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world.

Our Commitment to Developing Leadership Skills

As an arts and sciences world school in the Catholic Benedictine tradition, call us to be respectful and inclusive inside and outside the classroom, and they guide everything we do. However, you don’t have to be a person of faith to attend our school. In fact, the majority of our students don’t identify as Catholic. Our teachers are free to discuss different faiths and philosophies and other challenging topics, and if you were to walk our halls, you might be surprised at the level of creativity and self-expression you’d find. 

While is something we’re known for, we believe one reason you’ll frequently find our former students at is that we offer a number of ways that students can develop and demonstrate their leadership skills. 

Our students are encouraged to form their own special interest clubs — with the help and mentorship of our staff. In the past, these clubs have focused on anything from tea appreciation to classical music, and their longevity or “success” isn’t nearly as important to us as the experience our students receive in creating, leading, and participating in them. Our campus also houses the new Benedictine Leadership Center, which provides resources, space, and additional support to students who want to, for example, organize a food drive to support the local community. 

Ultimately, parents are going to be the single biggest influences in their children’s lives. But if you’re interested in the opportunities a prep school can provide, we encourage you to . You also might find one of our recent blogs especially helpful. 

Click the link below to access it! 

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You have an incredible amount of power to help your child achieve the academic success they need to find meaningful and rewarding careers. But parenting children today can also be extremely challenging. 

Should you ever doubt your power to shape your child’s life for the better, we’ve compiled a few statistics to help restore your faith, along with tips to help you set your child up for success. 

The Importance of Parental Involvement

At Saint John’s Prep, we are incredibly fortunate that our parents are invested in their children’s education. We get to see on a daily basis what a difference it makes. 

Not all parental involvement is the same, and there’s no reason for busy parents to feel bad if they don’t attend every school function, every practice, or every game. 

Creating a nurturing home environment that supports learning than showing up for school events. 

10 Parent Strategies for Academic Success

Every child is different, and many will have additional needs, including in the classroom and on standardized tests. But our faculty and staff have compiled a helpful checklist for parents to support their children’s education.

Every child is different, and many will have additional needs, including in the classroom and on standardized tests. But our faculty and staff have compiled a helpful checklist for parents to support their children’s education.

1. Get To Know Your Child’s Teacher and ������ School Staff

Attending parent-teacher conferences is always helpful, but your school might provide more ways that you can get to know your child’s teacher and how you can best support what they’re doing in the classroom. 

For example, at Prep, we have a portal to help facilitate ongoing conversations between parents and teachers, coaches, and advisors and help families keep track of upcoming events. We are also able to offer more counseling resources than many schools, so we can offer more specialized mentorship to help students with academics, mental health, and college planning. allows all of our staff to get to know our students very well, and we’re happy to say that our Prep families often check in outside of conference times to make sure their children are engaged with their coursework. 

If your child works closely with a coach, a school counselor, or an advisor, these staff members may also have valuable insight about and where they may need additional support. 

2. Ask How Your Child’s Doing in School

Children sometimes behave differently with their teachers and their peers than they do at home, and we understand that the question, “What did you learn at school today?” doesn’t always produce the exciting conversations parents are hoping for! 

At Saint John’s Prep, it’s a frequent treat for us to see our students talking amongst themselves about what they just learned in class. If you’re not sure how your child is actually doing at school, you can certainly ask them, and you should always feel free to ask your child’s teachers. We encourage our Prep families to email a whenever they have a question. 

When we advise parents to get curious about how their child is doing in school, we aren’t simply referring to the grades or scores they achieve. We take a and believe that learning shouldn’t just be about test scores. We believe that education is a lifelong gift that should serve the entire person — cognitively, academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

We believe that it’s very important for our students to be engaged in what they’re learning, and if they’re not, we’ll typically offer them additional materials or learning opportunities that may reawaken their natural curiosity. As parents, you can do the same. Every child will have their favorite and least favorite subjects, for example, which is why we try to offer some in middle school and upper school, along with for our students to absorb subjects that have a reputation for being dry. 

3. Help Your Child Develop Time Management Skills

As children enter their high school years, many will need additional help developing time management strategies that work for them. Here are a few things we’d recommend: 

• Encourage your child to stick to a routine, which will be different on weekdays and weekends
• Suggest using a tool — either paper or electronic — to simplify scheduling and meeting deadlines
• Help your child break down more complex tasks into smaller, easier portions so they can make steady progress towards their goals
• Try to eliminate distractions (including over-booked schedules) as much as possible during times when your child may need help focusing on a task
• Encourage your child to identify what that gets in the way of starting or completing tasks, and what helps them stay on track
• Respect their need to take breaks
• Refrain from nagging your child repeatedly to finish a task, but set clear, responsible expectations and enforce consequences when they’re not met

4. Be Supportive and Curious About What Your Child Is Learning

Not every parent who has had the fondest memories of their middle and high school years, and that’s often why they are seeking something different for their child. We are pleased to be able to provide something that we feel is an exceptional learning experience, but, as stated earlier, parents are their children’s most powerful role models. 

If you demonstrate a positive attitude about education and display some curiosity and enthusiasm about what your child is learning, it will be very impactful. That also means making sure your child has the time, space, and any additional resources they may need to complete their homework. We encourage our parents to provide our students with additional guidance about their assignments but refrain from providing answers.

5. Help Your Child Prepare for Tests

Life will never be without stress, and while we certainly don’t teach just for high test scores, learning how to properly prepare for a test will help your child succeed in college and beyond. We help our students throughout their time with us, and we believe it’s perhaps the single biggest reason that our alumni so often tell us they felt better prepared for college than their peers. 

Good time management skills go a long way with helping students prepare for exams, but you can also ask your child what types of questions might be on the test and offer a few pointers, like answering easier questions first and returning to tougher ones later so they don’t feel stuck. Also, encourage your child not to cram too much the night before the exam. can affect their ability to concentrate the next day and are associated with decreased academic performance. Instead, encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep the night before an exam and eat a healthy breakfast. 

6. Be Open To Trying New Things

This one can be more challenging for adults than it can be for children! At Saint John’s Prep, we encourage our students to try . Sometimes, our students will discover a talent they never knew they had, and sometimes it’s just a great reminder that we all have to do things that we aren’t naturally good at. The ability to stay focused on incremental improvement instead of, say, winning, is an important life skill.

John C. Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author, coach and speaker, put it like this: “If we are growing, we are always going to be outside our comfort zone.”

Trying new things doesn’t have to be expensive. In Central Minnesota, we have a huge variety of trails and lakes to explore. If you haven’t paddled a canoe, gone inner tubing, taken an art class, or tried your hand at disc golf, pick one and give it a go! 

7. Know When To Step In (and When To Step Back)

There are many things we do at Prep to help our students learn to solve problems for themselves, both inside and outside of the classroom. But if your child doesn’t feel safe at their school, that’s a good time to step in. 

If your child feels unsafe, it can have a on their academic performance. If your child is being bullied at school — or there are other factors that lead them to feel unsafe — let your school know. You might also try encouraging your child to self-advocate with a trusted adult in the building. However, if you’ve already tried these solutions, and your child still isn’t getting the nurturing, supportive, and safe environment they need, you may want to explore . 

On the other hand, if you find yourself being “the enforcer” when it comes to making sure your child completes their homework, you might want to step back. Researchers have found that the more parents nag their children about upcoming deadlines, the more children will struggle with self discipline and accountability. 

8. Don’t Discourage Play

We offer our students more time at lunch and recess than many schools do, and our indicate that building a little downtime is highly beneficial. We always try to make learning as fun and engaging as possible, but our human brains get tired, and sometimes we all do better after a good break! 

Video games, TV, and other activities are fine in moderation. After all, play is one of our first forms of learning, and as we go throughout our lives, play can boost creativity and leadership skills and help us get out of our comfort zone.

9. Explore School Offerings

Participating in school activities and clubs are a great way for your child to explore their interests. But have found more to love: Participating in school activities has been shown to increase engagement and feelings of attachment to a school and decrease the likelihood that a child will want to drop out. 

You might be surprised at the activities your school offers! For example, at Prep, our students can start their own special interest clubs. In addition to music and theater, offers classes in drawing, painting, and ceramics, as well as photography and video production. Our students also have opportunities to , participate in community service activities, and more.  

10. Foster Lifelong Learning

The world is a giant classroom, and everyone in it can be a student and a teacher. If you have access to a great library or museum, try to make time to explore it with your child! 

The great outdoors is also a wonderful place to learn, which is why many of our classes take place outside. Children who spend more time in nature show with what they’re learning.

What Is Academic Success?

This may seem like an odd topic to end on, but it’s one we spend a lot of time thinking deeply about at our school. 

We will always be proud of our role in helping young people get accepted into in the world. On paper, that’s exactly what we’re here for! But we believe that, ultimately, true academic success is about giving our students the tools they need to lead happy, purposeful, and fulfilling lives. And at least according to our Prep families, that’s exactly what we do. 

If our school may be a good fit for your child, we’d love to meet you! We offer multiple ways to visit our campus throughout the school year, and we are also happy to create a customized experience for your child.

The post 10 Ways Parents Can Support Academic Success appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

After careful curricular review and in-depth discussions with our faculty, along with guidance from selective colleges and universities across the country, we have made some strategic changes to our curriculum. These changes will provide every student with more opportunities to pursue college-level courses at our partner institutions — the —  as well as AP courses and other learning opportunities.

Our new Aspire to Excellence (A2E) curricular framework is a pathway that contains many new approaches for our school. It is also fully aligned with and is informed by the Catholic Benedictine values and traditions we hold dear. Starting in 9th grade, our students will experience this newly enhanced curriculum that reflects our ongoing commitment to create, recognize, and celebrate learning.

The Seven Foundational Learning Goals

All curriculum at Saint John’s Prep rests on the same foundational learning goals, and A2E is no exception. These seven goals define the curricular and co-curricular experience we provide and represent our pledge to students and families:

1. EXCEL ACADEMICALLY

Learning and growth are the key components of student work and life at Prep. Our students engage in wide-ranging work in a well-rounded college preparatory program that is grounded in the liberal arts. We encourage students to strive toward excellence by taking ownership of their own learning as they develop their own unique talents and passions to help them reach their fullest potential.

2. GROW SPIRITUALLY

We believe that spiritual reflection and growth are vital to a student’s personal formation. Students are provided with opportunities to reflect on their spirituality as they work to understand how prayer, work, service, and play are integral to strengthening faith.

3. DEVELOP SOCIALLY

We focus attention on our needs as humans to live in a community with one another, and provide opportunities to through co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

4. SERVE COMPASSIONATELY

The Benedictines commit themselves to bringing people together in a community to support one another and the world. Our students reflect this commitment by using their talents and energy in service to the common good. Through unique service opportunities, students are able to recognize injustice, grow in empathy, and take action to create a more just world.

5. THINK CREATIVELY

We believe that all students are bestowed with the gift of creative expression. We take tremendous pride in providing opportunities for students to express their creativity in every discipline.

6. EMBRACE DIFFERENCE

The Benedictine tradition of hospitality and respect reminds us that we are called to be welcoming to all. We provide our students a wealth of opportunities to discover their own identity, while encountering values and cultures distinct from their own.

7. ENGAGE GLOBALLY

At Saint John’s Prep, students are given learning opportunities that help them experience global cultures on campus and through . By engaging with the world at large, our students are encouraged to develop their awareness of social responsibility as well as a greater sense of the world and their place within it.

THE A2E Curriculum

The A2E curriculum will offer students a wealth of opportunities to put their foundational learning goals into action, and is designed to help them succeed at world-renowned institutions of higher education. The curricular framework in which they will operate will have three key components:

Foundation Curriculum

This curriculum consists of the minimum graduation requirements as laid out in the Student/Parent Handbook. Our graduation requirements exceed for graduation and are consistent with admission requirements at more selective colleges and universities. At this time, no changes have been made to our foundation curriculum.

Academic Distinctions

Students will have numerous opportunities to achieve distinction in any of Prep’s eight academic disciplines: English and literature, visual arts, performing arts, social science, physical and natural sciences, mathematics, world languages, and theology.

To earn academic distinction in these disciplines, students must do the following:

• Complete four merits beyond minimum graduation requirements in a particular discipline. Merits can be earned through additional coursework, experiential learning activities, and other co-curricular activities as outlined by each academic department.
• Attain a GPA of 3.50 or higher within a discipline during junior and senior years.

These requirements are designed to be somewhat flexible, and allow students to choose a path to success that best suits their learning styles, talents, and interests. For example, a student who has a talent for creative expression might earn merits through tutoring in our Writing Center, publishing their own work, participating in our 1000-page Summer Reading Challenge, performing in the orchestra, and the like.

A student with a talent for science and mathematics might earn merits through an independent math project, taking calculus or statistics at one of our , taking additional advanced classes, earning an exceptional score on an AP-level exam, et cetera.

We are tremendously proud to provide our students with such a variety of ways to challenge themselves, explore their passions, and earn these distinctions in a way that fuels a lifelong desire to learn and grow.

Honors

Honors is our highest level of distinction for students who demonstrate exceptional academic and intellectual depth and achievement. To graduate with honors, a student must obtain the following:

• Three disciplinary distinctions
• A faculty-advised Senior Capstone based on a combination of research, original coursework, writing, and presentation
• An honors-designated knowledge and truth course
• A composite GPA of 3.75 or higher during junior and senior years

What Can Saint John’s Prep Offer Your Child?

While Saint John’s Prep is dedicated to constantly evaluating our academics and identifying ways we can offer students more, much of what we have to offer will never, ever change. Located on 2,900 acres of woodlands and wetlands that inspire curiosity and kinship with nature, our campus also has state-of-the-art fine arts and athletics facilities. Beyond rigorous academics, we believe that a student who is well-prepared for college is also one who understands their skills and passions, and who has the maturity and discipline to succeed in the path of their choosing.

If you’re curious about what , there’s no better way to find out than to . You’re welcome to explore our beautiful campus and get a feel for our tightly-knit community. We’ll provide plenty of opportunities for your child to make new friends, sit in on classes, and connect with members of our faculty.

The post Saint John’s Prep Welcomes a Newly Enhanced Curriculum appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

If you’re considering making a change in your child’s education, or you’ve already made the decision to switch schools, a good next step is to determine which school will be the right fit for you.

Factors to consider when switching schools

To find the best fit for your child, consider the following questions:

What priorities are important to you?

It’s important to find a school that aligns with your . Are strong academics the most important aspect to your child’s education or are there other areas that are just as important, such as the arts or athletics? Maybe you want a more holistic approach to learning that focuses on your child’s moral foundation. Taking the time to prioritize your needs before you meet with new school administrators will help determine if your priorities align with the school’s mission and offerings.

What is the school’s approach to education?

A premier education offers experiences that nurture curiosity and expand horizons. When choosing a school, it’s important to ask questions beyond what they offer. For example, how do they challenge and engage students to reach their fullest potential? How do they help? What are the class sizes? What are students’ ACT scores? How will the school develop? Do they actively promote values-based principles such as respect, empathy, and inclusion? All of these areas contribute to the holistic student experience. 

How will your new school address your child’s unique needs?

Every child has different strengths and weaknesses. You’ll want to ensure the school you choose will offer . What areas of education does your child excel in? Conversely, what areas do they struggle with? And how will the school address each of these areas?

What type of sports, arts, and other co-curricular activities are available?

Many learning opportunities happen outside of the classroom. When searching for a new school, ask:

• What types of activities does the school offer to provide?��
• What opportunities are available?��
• What are available? Are these activities only available to top athletes or are they inclusive to everyone with an interest? Are there costs to joining each activity or are they all-inclusive with tuition? Are practice schedules set in stone or are they flexible?��
• What does the school provide that teach students to see the world in new ways, develop teamwork and communication skills, and?

Are there restrictions on when you can make the switch?

Sometimes, the need to switch schools may require your child to transfer mid-year, mid-semester, or even at a time in-between. Find out if the new school is flexible on when the transfer occurs or if they have set entry times.

Making the switch

Once you’ve made the decision to switch and have decided which school will best meet your child’s needs, there are certain steps you can take to help ensure a successful transition.

At Saint John’s Prep, we have four simple steps to make your student’s transition a success.

1. .
2. or.
3. .
4. Unlock a world of imagination, creativity, and discovery at Prep!

Want to know more? to learn how Saint John’s Prep empowers students to thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

The post Switching Schools: How to Know if a School is a Good Fit for Your Child appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

While it seems like a goofy storyline, it gave Saint John’s Prep students a chance to remove themselves from the seriousness and challenges of the past few years and to focus on something they love: .

James and the Giant Peach production

Our production of James and the Giant Peach featured 18 students in acting roles, 14 students in stage crew roles, and 23 students performing in the orchestra.

“We chose James and the Giant Peach because a lot of our consistent actors were seniors who graduated last year,” said Jeff Engholm, Music Teacher at Saint John’s Prep. “This production has a smaller cast list, plus it adds a lighthearted storyline to our lineup of recent musical selections, some of which had more serious undertones.”

In the past, our theater department has put on musical productions of:

• Into the Woods
• Fiddler on the Roof
• Mary Poppins
• Les Misérables

And for Spring 2023, the Saint John’s Prep theater program will put on a production of Footloose.

An opportunity to learn from professionals

A little-known fact about Saint John Prep’s theater department is that our production staff is made up of many working professionals. A few weeks before the opening performance, professionals in sound, lighting, costuming, and music join the students to support the production and encourage students in their roles.

Through this arrangement, professional musicians play in the pit during each performance and are a wonderful resource for our orchestra students to ask questions of and learn from. Tech professionals help train up our students in charge of lighting and sound, and then hand students the reins for the live performances. And every participant benefits from having ; , Theater Director; and , OSB, Theater Director leading music and production, as all of them have a professional background in the performing arts.

While the students host several run-through performances at Saint John’s Prep for the nearby elementary schools, each of the larger performances takes place at the This not only gives Saint John’s Prep the space needed to accommodate the large number of attendees but also adds a level of professionalism that encourages students to do their best. It’s also an opportunity to go out into our community and showcase talented students.

Making the fine arts accessible to all grades

Our annual Fall Play and Spring Musical productions are open to middle and upper school students. Participating students meet every day after school to learn their lines, get off book, and begin to focus on choreography, blocking, and practicing with props. For students in the pit, music rehearsals start a few weeks after the actors begin learning their parts.

In the past, some students have participated both in acting and in the pit. “We like to help students get involved in all areas of the play that interest them,” said Engholm. “If we can give them the chance to participate in both the acting side and the music side, then we do what we can to make that possible.”

While Saint John’s Prep encourages students of all abilities and skills to try out for the Spring Musical, some performances have limited roles to fill.

“Some years we can’t take every student who is interested in being part of the production in an acting role,” said Engholm. “We encourage those students to enroll in our acting or creative theater courses. For musicians, we have a jazz program, chamber choir, and traditional band/orchestra and choir options for them to develop their skills. Nearly every time, they come back having practiced and are able to perform in the next production.”

Encouraging a future in the arts

At Saint John’s Prep, we don’t just believe that the fine arts are important — we consider them essential to a well-rounded education. As a result, we have an arts requirement in order for our students to graduate. This means that students take a minimum of one semester of a fine art each year in upper school, though many of our students choose to enroll in more.

Every fine arts course that a student successfully completes contributes toward a fine arts distinction upon graduation. Students can also earn credits toward this distinction through opportunities outside of the classroom, including experiential learning and internships.

Because of our unique focus on the arts, many of our students have gone on to pursue theater after they graduate. In fact, we have several alumni studying musical theater, and one alumna is working in New York starring in off-Broadway shows.

See Saint John’s Prep for yourself

Sometimes the best way to find out if Saint John’s Prep is a good fit for your family is in person. Schedule a visit and see all that awaits you and your student.

The post 2022 Spring Musical Recap: Benefits of Music and Theater in Education appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

What Is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a teaching methodology that helps students understand their emotions and demonstrate empathy for others. With more emotional awareness, and a greater ability to manage stress, students are better equipped to make responsible decisions, achieve their goals, and build better relationships. According to the , SEL consists of five core competencies:

• Self-awareness — the ability to identify and assess your thoughts and feelings and how they affect your behavior.
• Self-management — the ability to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
• Social awareness — the ability to empathize with others and engage in ethical behavior.
• Relationship skills — the ability to communicate, listen, validate others, resist social pressures, and resolve conflicts.
• Making responsible decisions — the ability to make good choices about your behavior, including social interactions.

Top Stressors for Teens

Young adults have difficulty handling stress of any kind. Even though a parent might not understand why a math test seems far more stressful than, say, shouldering a mortgage and caring for a high schooler as well as an aging parent, . To put it simply, stress is more stressful for young minds. Stress also has a negative impact on decision-making, resulting in poor decisions and potentially risky behavior.

According to the , there are six common triggers of teenage stress:

• Academic Stress
• Social Stress
• Family Discord
• World Events
• Traumatic Events
• Significant Life Changes

Stress will always be part of life, but some people handle stress, as well as other emotions, better than others — a trait often referred to as . In our society, we often treat emotional intelligence like it’s a quality someone either has or doesn’t, perhaps because of the word “intelligence.” Basic intelligence, , probably can’t be taught, but skills and knowledge certainly can. In the past, most schools didn’t concern themselves much with teaching soft skills, but they probably should have.

The Exponential Benefits of Social-Emotional Learning

At, we believe that social-emotional skills are important building blocks to helping students become their best selves, interact and problem solve with others, and manage challenges. In fact, solid social-emotional skills can have a powerful snowball effect throughout life.  

When people of any age feel like they belong, they’re less likely to experience , , and they. More specifically, a student who feels less stress is able to absorb more of the information given to them in a classroom, which makes it much easier for them to perform well. When they perform well throughout middle school and high school, they’re better prepared to do well in college, throughout their careers, and are ultimately better suited to take on leadership roles.

At Saint John’s Prep, we see this phenomenon time and time again, and scientists and employers observe it as well. According to the , stronger social-emotional skills result in decreased bullying behavior and drop-out rates, and increased academic development. These important soft skills are perhaps even more important later on in life, as 79% of employers say that SEL skills are the most important qualities for success.

Our Social-Emotional Learning Program

Because strong social-emotional skills offer exponential benefits, our classrooms incorporate SEL early and often, beginning in middle school and continuing throughout upper school. Let’s explore how the SEL curriculum is integrated into each learning group in more detail.

Middle School SEL

In grades 6 – 8, our teachers coordinate lessons throughout the year to focus on communication, conflict resolution, compassion and empathy, self-awareness, self-management, overcoming academic personal challenges, setting and accomplishing good goals, resilience, and decision-making skills. While these valuable lessons are incorporated into our regular classroom activities, at Saint John’s Prep, we also provide additional opportunities to focus on SEL.

Group Sessions

To set our youngest students up for success throughout their time with us, all of our 6th graders go through small group sessions with counselors to learn critical SEL skills like perspective, healthy relationships, resiliency, respect, and time management. Additional groups are organized in grades 6 – 8 to include other topics, like making friends and communication skills.

Life Skills Curriculum

Thanks to a generous grant, we are able to supply our middle school students with special life skills curriculum. This valuable coursework uses guided lessons, group work, and traditional classwork, and focuses on self-image, self-improvement, making good decisions, dealing with difficult emotions, resisting peer pressure, and gaining assertiveness and self-advocacy skills. This curriculum also outlines the risks associated with alcohol, smoking and drugs, and encourages critical thinking skills.

Retreats

We plan several middle school retreats throughout the year to foster a deeper sense of belonging. Students can work on soft skills, like being a good listener, but they can also apply what they’ve learned in order to build valuable connections and trust in their community.

Upper School (High School) SEL

Social-emotional skills are further refined in upper school where students can practice them more organically in the context of committees, sports, and leadership groups. Our students are also provided plenty of opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in their daily classwork, as we encourage respectful debate and productive communication during group work, and provide opportunities for students to display critical thinking skills.

Our students typically begin applying their SEL skills immediately, and can see how these lessons benefit their academic performance as well as their relationships with others. However, upper school is typically where our students begin to use these skills to evaluate how they can be successful throughout their lives, and how they might make a positive difference in the world around them.

It is a continual source of joy to watch our students reach a point of maturity where they think deeply and often about how they want to contribute to their community and their world. In our experience, instead of being fearful of college and the many career paths open to them, our students typically have the self-awareness to understand their talents and passions, and genuinely look forward to what lies ahead of them.

������ SEL Opportunities at Saint John’s Prep

Tip Sheets

We frequently send out tips through our parent/student portal so parents are informed about the valuable SEL skills their students are learning, and support this valuable curriculum at home. In the past, we have sent our resources around maintaining a growth mindset, dealing with anxiety, managing stress, self care, and embracing a healthy (non-perfectionist) mindset about achievement.

Staff Relationships

Because we are a smaller private school, our staff is able to connect with students more closely. Teachers can respond to individual student needs, and are allowed the creative freedom to tailor their curriculum to what students are experiencing. 

For example, during political times of year, our staff is free to take additional time to teach students better debating skills, and can come up with new activities in the classroom to practice those skills and discuss different worldviews and perspectives. We’re also able to connect students with school therapists or community resources; we recognize some needs are better fulfilled outside of the classroom.

Diversity

We are honored that our school attracts students from all over the world. But our diverse student body also provides valuable opportunities to practice SEL skills. We believe that exposing students to different viewpoints at a relatively young age is critically important and prepares them to have constructive discussions about difficult topics like race and different religious perspectives. We support our students’ natural curiosity and encourage these conversations. We also help our students learn to navigate these topics appropriately, and always with respect.

SEL in Public Schools

that soft skills should be taught in schools. However, unlike subjects like history, geography and math, mastering soft skills requires far more resources and individual attention than most public schools are able to give. 

We are very respectful of the difficult work public schools are called to do, and the education they are able to provide given the many challenges they face. But public schools simply don’t have the resources to work on character development the way a private school can. Additionally, private schools like Saint John’s Prep have the freedom to fine-tune and quickly adjust their curriculum to reflect what their students are experiencing.

SEL Reflects Our Values

We are very proud to share that many of our beloved Benedictine values are simply SEL concepts expressed in a different way. For example, the principles of Benedictine hospitality encourage warmth, acceptance and joy in welcoming others. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence form the foundation of Benedictine wisdom. And the key to unlocking all of these strengths can be found in the development of empathetic, mindful listening skills.

Should you , you will find it to be a very warm and welcoming place, where our students and staff are free to speak their mind, diversity is celebrated, and creativity is always honored and respected.

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