Why Give?
Why give? Tuition alone cannot cover the cost of educating our students. Like other private schools, we rely on the generosity of the Saint Joseph Academy Community to help maintain and improve our school. Currently 12% of our budget is derived from our fund-raising efforts. The key to our continued success is the participation of all our families doing what they can to make Saint Joseph Academy a great school for kids.
Development News
17th Annual Gala An Enchanting Night "Under The Sea"
April 27, 2010 - Over 200 people enjoyed a fun-filled evening in the Siena University Fieldhouse last Saturday night at the Saint Joseph Academy Gala. This year's event featured a theme of "Under the Sea" and included a clam dig for prizes, three tables of silent auction items, a treasure chest raffle for a vacation on Anna Marie Island in Florida, and an 11-item Live Auction. Attendees enjoyed tropical drinks and danced to the Jimmy Buffet-style music of the Paradise Band. Announced at the Gala was a scholarship fund set up to honor current principal Patricia Fischer, O.P., who is celebrating her 50th year as an Adrian Dominican Sister. All proceeds of the Gala benefit the children by keeping educational quality high and providing financial aid to those who need it. Thank you to all the Gala Committee members who gave us a terrific event!
Phone-A-Thon Begins at Saint Joseph Academy
February, 2010 - Many volunteers, including parents, staff, and Adrian Dominican Sisters are working under the direction of Erica Duquette to connect with SJA Alumni this spring through the school's first ever Phone-A-Thon. This event replaced this year's Annual Appeal letter and is receiving a terrific response. All donations help bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of providing an excellent education for our young students. Alumni have been generous and especially enjoyed the convenience of giving on-line via the school's new PayPal account.
"Golfing For Gadgets" A Success
September, 2009 - A good crowd turned up for St. Joseph Academy's first golf outing at Lenawee Country Club on Sunday, September 13. Participants played a four-person scramble in the beautiful fall weather and then enjoyed a steak dinner. The event raised over $8,000 for technology in the classrooms.
SJA Receives Best Buy Grant
March 3, 2009 - Saint Joseph Academy announced today that it has received a $3,000 Teach Award from Best Buy Co. Inc. for integrating interactive technology into its classroom curriculum. Money from the grant will provide the school's computer lab with new equipment, including color printing and podcasting capabilities, that will enhance student learning. "Our students will be able to extend their technology learning opportunities because of this grant," said school webmaster Sheila Wathen.
This year, Best Buy Teach Awards, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, have been given to more than 460 schools to sustain or enhance existing educational programs. "Teachers are finding creative ways to engage students by using technology hands-on we want to support their efforts by helping them enhance or expand these programs," said Paula Prahl, senior vice president public affairs, communications, public affairs, and corporate responsibility, Best Buy Co. Inc. "We know that schools are the cornerstones of these communities where our employees, customers, and their families live and work."
Since 2003, the Best Buy Teach Awards Program has rewarded schools that creatively integrate interactive technology into their curricula. Over the past five years nearly 6,000 schools nationwide have received $17 million in Teach Awards in Teach Awards, reaching 1.5 million K-12 students. All accredited, public and private nonprofit elementary, middle and secondary schools are eligible.
New Director of Marketing and Development Hired
February 27, 2009 - Please welcome the newest member of St. Joseph Academy, Erica Duquette. Erica joins the SJA staff this week as our Development and Marketing Director. She is enthusiastic and eager to learn about our school and the greater Lenawee Community. Previously, Erica ran her own business as a successful consultant to political candidates in Ohio, managing campaigns, organizing fund-raisers and training volunteers. She is from the Toledo area and attended Catholic schools through high school. Her degree is from Miami University of Ohio with a focus on Public Relations. During high school, Erica volunteered for a semester at a Montessori school in Sylvania, so she is familiar with the Montessori philosophy and materials. For now Erica will be sharing an office with webmaster Sheila Wathen on the 1st floor--stop by to say hello!
Brazeway Donates to SJA Kitchen Project
October, 2008 - Three refrigerators were delivered recently to St. Joseph Academy, courtesy of Brazeway. Two of the refrigerators will be used in the newly renovated kitchen at the school. The other will be used for the school's after school care program. Thank you to Brazeway CEO Stephanie Boyse for coordinating this generous gift!
Sister Mary Faith Glendening Scholarship Fund Created
May, 2008 - Saint Joseph Academy and Montessori Children's House announce a new scholarship fund established to honor the memory of Sister Mary Faith Glendening, OP, who passed away on January 20th of 2008. During her long history of service, Sister Faith taught high school students at St. Joseph Academy and also brought her many gifts to the people of St. Joseph Parish. Donations to the Sister Mary Faith Glendening Scholarship will help families with tuition assistance and make it possible for more students to experience the outstanding educational opportunities of St. Joseph Academy and the Montessori Children's House. Response to the scholarship fund has been wonderful--for more information, please contact Sister Pat Fischer at 517-263-4898 x33. April 2008