News
St. Joan of Arc students thrive in their Blue Ribbon
school's family atmosphere
Jerri Donohue
Chagrin Falls
Nobody at St. Joan of Arc School in Chagrin Falls is singing the blues these
days. Their favorite tune now is "A Blue Ribbon Song" written by teacher Christine
Elliott to celebrate their award from the U.S. Department of Education.
St. Joan of Arc students consistently excel on national standardized tests. When
principal Shelley DiBacco lists the school's many bonuses, which include an automated
library, 30 laptops on a mobile cart, and a SMARTboard in each classroom, she
also credits her teachers for providing a nurturing environment conducive to
learning.
COURTESY ST. JOAN OF ARC SCHOOLStudents celebrated with faculty and staff their well-deserved Blue Ribbon Award this year.
"[It's] their commitment and their teaching strategies that are evidenced
in the students' high scores," DiBacco said.
Elliott, who teaches fourth grade mathematics and social studies, agreed.
"We help them to grow strong intellectually as well as in their faith," Elliott
said.
DiBacco cited her teachers' long dedication to the school as a factor in
building its sense of community. Elliot and a colleague were teaching there
35 years ago when DiBacco, too, was a teacher at St. Joan of Arc. Most of
the others are long time members of the staff and DiBacco has been St. Joan
of Arc's principal for 14 years.
Student Council President John Gudz transferred to St. Joan of Arc as a fourth
grader when Sts. Cosmas and Damian School closed. Now in eighth grade, Gudz
said he made an easy transition. "My favorite thing about Joan of Arc is
the whole school is a close knit community and everyone is very friendly
with each other," Gudz said. "An example is how kind the teachers are to
the students. They're very willing to help if someone needs help."
He said students pick up the behavior their teachers model. He often sees
students helping one another with homework as they wait for choir practice,
whether or not they're in the same grade.
Only 185 children currently attend the school, whose graduating classes usually
number fewer than 30 students. DiBacco said that graduates' speeches typically
refer to the closeness that developed among classmates.
"They fight like brothers and sisters and they love like brothers and sisters,"
DiBacco said.
Because of the school's low enrollment, most children can identify all the
others by name, possibly because they hear DiBacco greet each one that way
at the school entrance every morning. The students also recognize classmates'
grandparents and extended family.
"It's very much a family atmosphere here," Elliott said.
DiBacco praised parents for their participation in the school community.
During the popular "Dads Do Lunch," for example, fathers serve the meal,
monitor the tables and share lunch with their children once a month.
Gudz described a beloved tradition in which the studentsCone from each grade
levelC lunch at round tables for special occasions such as Catholic School
Principals Appreciation Day.
"We share a meal together as a school family," he said. One such luncheon marked
St. Joan of Arc's Blue Ribbon designation; another takes place during Catholic
Schools Week.
The school further fosters a sense of community by pairing grades for special
endeavors. During Advent and Lent, for example, partner grades work together
once a week to prepare breakfast for parishioners and to entertain them.
The whole school supports service projects such as the Autism Walk-a-thon
or collections for Chagrin Falls Food Pantry and West Side Catholic Center.
DiBacco said St. Joan of Arc's school family has enjoyed a "Blue Ribbon high"
since receiving its Blue Ribbon designation. In November, she and two teachers
traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept the award in a ceremony at the Omni
Shoreham Hotel. Upon their return, she showed the award to each class and
then displayed it on a table in the main hall, along with framed letters
of congratulations from Bishop Lennon and others.
During a subsequent pep rally, students filed into the auditorium as the
school orchestra played "Crusaders White and Blue," the school song composed
by band director Dan Anderson several years ago. An eighth grader costumed
as Joan of Arc in armor escorted DiBacco onto the stage, then students in
grades six through eight performed cheers they had prepared. Elliott distributed
lyrics to "A Blue Ribbon Song" so the crowd could sing along.
After the rally, the PTO gave t-shirts to students and staff commemorating
the Blue Ribbon honor. The entire school will don them for Spirit Day and
other events.
For their celebration, parents munched on bleu cheese, Brie topped with blueberry
chutney and other theme appetizers during an evening reception. Video of
the award presentation played on a continuous loop.
Still celebrating, St. Joan of Arc plans a Mass of Thanksgiving. The annual
casino night fundraiser has been dubbed "A Rhapsody in Blue." In addition,
students will deck themselves out in blue accessories one day of Catholic
Schools Week. For a school-wide "Snow Fun Day," each class will build a
snowman and adorn him in blue.
DiBacco said receiving the Blue Ribbon designation has been both an honor
and a morale boost.
Christine Elliott agreed.
"We've always known our school is a school of excellence," Elliott said.
"But it's nice to be recognized."
Donohue is a freelance writer.