Post on 21-Aug-2021
ANNUAL REPORT
SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL | 2019–2020
MISSION STATEMENT Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we commit ourselves to learning, proclaiming, and living the Good News
of Jesus Christ. We strive to educate and develop all for Catholic leadership in the church and community,
enabling one another to serve with compassion, courage, and competence.
2019–2020 School Board MembersBill DelVescovo
Jen Doran
Sr. Regina Elinich, IHM
Dr. Roe Fulmer
John Furgele
Rev. Michael J. Gerlach
Bob Hallinan
Michael Jackson
Carol McCarry
Michael Parsons
Dr. Mary Sinnott
Paul Smyth
Laura Techtmann
Sr. Eileen Tiernan, IHM
Kim Delaney Tobin
Therese Waters
Emily Zuber-Grubb
2019–2020 Home and School Association Officers
Jennifer Burpoe
Karen Cleary
Kristen Cline
Katy Coley
Megan DelFra
SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 1
Dear Parents, Parishioners, Alumni, and Friends of Saints Simon and Jude School,
On behalf of Father Gerlach, our priests, sisters, faculty, staff, students, and School Board
of Saints Simon and Jude Parish School, I wish to extend to you my sincere and heartfelt
gratitude for your support and generosity to our third Annual Fund Campaign.
Without a doubt, we will all remember our 2019–2020 school year as we live through the
challenges of Covid-19.
When a state mandate closed our school for in-person learning on March 13, our dedicated
faculty implemented an eLearning plan to continue to provide for the education of the
children. March 16 onward saw teachers, parents, and students working diligently throughout
the third trimester using various virtual platforms to ensure learning continued.
During the summer of 2020, an eLearning Task Force convened and met weekly to strengthen and improve SSJ’s eLearning plan,
as well as prepare for the safe reopening of school in September. Our reopening plan offered the option of in-person as well as
virtual learning. As we continue to follow the protocols and mandates of the Pennsylvania and Chester County Departments
of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Archdiocesan guidelines, we strive to remain open for the
entire school year. Changes have been made in schedules and routines, and the teachers and children are adjusting to what is
being termed the “new normal.” The smiling eyes on the children’s masked faces on the first day of school were a joy to behold.
There was no doubt that the children were very happy to return to school.
The donations received through our Annual Fund provided for the additional technology equipment that was purchased and
other safety materials. Individual desk barriers, face masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes were all purchased.
We truly appreciate our faithful donors and are happy to welcome first-time donors. We do realize that many donations were
made with great sacrifice and for this we are extremely grateful.
Saints Simon and Jude Parish School has a strong tradition of academic excellence, a vibrant Catholic identity, and an
awesome spirit. It brings us great joy to see many of our SSJ alumni now enrolling their children in our National Blue Ribbon
School of Excellence. With your continued support and generosity, SSJ will continue to thrive as it offers a Catholic education
for the children of West Chester. You are truly a blessing to all of us now and for all those yet to come.
Be assured of our prayers of gratitude for each of you.
May God, the Giver of all good gifts, bless you abundantly.
Gratefully,
Sister Regina Elinich, IHM
Principal
LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
2 | SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL
Dear Parishioners of Saints Simon and Jude,
The 2019–2020 school year started off with all the normal goals, challenges, and opportunities
as any other school year. However, in March of 2020, the school had to close to in-person
educational activities. The 2019-2020 scholastic year has been a testament to the dedication
of our school’s leadership, the IHM sisters, and the teachers at our school.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, they worked tirelessly to ensure the integrity of our
children’s Catholic education – despite many challenges. Working with families during the
initial phase, the curriculum continued to be delivered in new and innovative ways that many
of us could not imagine initiating. Yet, they did. Their tenacity, dedication, and courage are
nothing more than heroic.
Throughout the summer, the school’s leadership worked with the School Board and the Chester County authorities to develop a
plan for the safe return to in-person education in the fall. The leadership succeeded with the help of parents, teachers,
and parishioners.
As you will see in this Annual Report, through the pictures and reports, the students continue to thrive in their Catholic education
— not just academically but also socially and spiritually. During the pandemic, all children are challenged with developing their
interpersonal and social skills.
The school’s plan continues to keep the children and the teachers safe and engaged. Our teachers and parents are our real
heroes – they never faltered in their dedication to the mission of the school and the parish. At the behest of Father Gerlach,
the School Board approved a monetary gift for our returning teachers.
I believe it is important for Saints Simon and Jude parishioners to understand that all of you are part of this success story.
Without your support, the school could never have afforded to purchase and put in place all the necessary equipment and
infection control policies to ensure safe reopening. There are many schools throughout the region not as fortunate. Yet with your
support in the Annual Fund, the school leadership accomplished their mission. On behalf of the Board, we are deeply grateful
for your dedication to the mission of the school and our parish community.
I pray that you and all you love are safe, and will stay the course, as we make our way through this challenge. Your faith and
dedication is a testament that, with God’s help, we can succeed. God bless you all.
Mary Sinnott, PT, DPT, M.Ed
Chair of the Board
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 3
Congratulations to SSJ’s Class of 2020! We thank you for your leadership during the 2019–2020 school year!
We know you leave SSJ with lifelong friends and fond memories, especially of your 8th grade year filled with wonderful events and traditions. We realize that the spring wasn’t exactly as you expected because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we are proud of your resiliency. You accomplished so much during your time at SSJ. We wish you all the best in your high school years and beyond.
Congratulations to ten members of the Class of 2020 who received scholarships to Archdiocesan high schools or private Catholic schools. We are proud that 31% of the students qualified to sit for the Connelly Foundation’s esteemed Neumann Scholarship exam, and one member of the class was awarded this four-year scholarship to the Archdiocesan high school of her choice.
CLASS OF 2020
Class of 2020 High School Selections
• Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
• B. Reed Henderson High School
• Bayard Rustin High School
• Bishop Shanahan High School
• Devon Preparatory School
• Malvern Preparatory School
• Salesianum School
• West Chester East High School
4 | SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL
SSJ’s Historic Flip to eLearningAs the number of coronavirus cases increased worldwide in the winter of 2020, the majority of teachers and students at Saints Simon and Jude School remained cautiously optimistic.
There was concern and many prayers for the health and safety of the people in our community and around the world. Teachers reminded students to wash their hands thoroughly and for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song.
On Friday, March 13, with speculation about a school closure, SSJ’s faculty continued to put the students first, teaching as if it were a typical day. When Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf later announced that all K-12 schools would be closed for 10 business days effective Monday, March 16, our teachers and students quickly prepared for “eLearning” in their homes.
On that Friday, the students in our after school CARES program went outside with sidewalk chalk.
“Dear SSJ, may your prayers stop the virus.”
“Dear SSJ, I will miss being in school. I will pray for everyone to be safe.”
On Monday, March 16, for the first time in the history of Saints Simon and Jude School, our eLearning program began.
“As luck would have it, in the months previous to the closure, the faculty had been asked to devise a plan for holding virtual classes during snow days. This preparation allowed us to pivot fairly quickly to a distance school model. Even so, the learning curve was sudden, steep, and at times utterly overwhelming.
Compelled by circumstance, we all had to become tech experts! We spent hours each day digitizing our lessons, managing students in video conferences, and navigating a mind‑boggling array of new electronic resources. Each new tech tip and trick was like gold! It was indeed a trial by fire, but the end result was the development of an entirely new set of teaching skills to suit the demands of eLearning. In many ways, the experience was invigorating and confidence‑building. I’m proud of our performance under such challenging circumstances.”
(Bernadette Langdon, SSJ Faculty Member)
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 5
During our eLearning days, everyone tried to remain optimistic and have some fun along the way. We had a Virtual Spirit Week on Facebook. Our Student Council promoted “Fun Fridays” with a Crazy Hat Day, Bring your Pet (live or stuffed animal) to “School” Day, SSJ Spirit Day, Philly Sports Logo Wear Day, and Summer Days.
On Spirit Day, the traditional Teachers vs. 8th Grade Volleyball Game couldn’t be held in person, so our Student Council created a fun video! Other videos created during our eLearning days included a “Hello from Teachers and Staff” for the students and a “We Miss You and Thank You Teachers” from the students.
During the quarantine, the SSJ Parent Peace Committee also brightened the days for all SSJ families! They put #SSJSTRONG hearts in their yards and mailed them to families who live in apartments.
After the 10 day closure was extended again, and again, and eventually through the end of the school year, it was tough on everyone.
There was disappointment with the postponement of many traditional SSJ events, but the silver lining was that our PreK and kindergarten students had outdoor closing ceremonies and the SSJ Class of 2020 was able to graduate in person on Wednesday, June 10, with Covid-19 protocols in place.
The resiliency and faithfulness of the SSJ community helped us navigate many difficult days and will continue to carry us through the pandemic.
6 | SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL
A New Playground for SSJ’s Little ExplorersIn September 2017, Saints Simon and Jude successfully opened our Little Explorers Preschool program for 37 three-year-old and four-year-old students.
To improve upon the program, SSJ’s School Board and administration saw the need for an age appropriate playground to allow the students to expand their relationships; focus on health and exercise; and provide an outlet to “Explore!”
The School Board’s Facilities Committee worked with school leadership to make the playground a reality. In addition to preparing the physical site, they needed to secure permits and financing.
A generous donation from the Tobin family, paired with donations to the school’s Annual Fund, helped to pay for the landscaping, equipment, fencing, sign, security camera, and other fees.
All the hard work paid off and, in September 2019, SSJ’s youngest students were beyond excited to see and explore their new playground.
On Thursday, November 21, Saints Simon and Jude held a beautiful blessing of our Little Explorers Preschool Playground in memory of Catherine Mae Tobin.
Father Gerlach presided over the blessing surrounded by the 3- and 4-year-old preschool children, members of the Tobin and Delaney families, Sr. Regina Elinich, SSJ Seminarians, and other friends.
Saints Simon and Jude would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Tobin family for their partnership in this effort.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14.
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
Arcana Enterprises, Inc.
DNB First
Pennsylvania Machine Works, Inc.
Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company
Joseph and Jeanne Andronowitz
James A. Barrow, Jr.
William and Linda Benecke
Joseph and Kathleen Kelley
Gregory and Remy Lehman
Thomas Mallon
Joe and Renee McGillian
Michael and Jennifer Miley
John Muth
Michael and Christine Parsons
Kathleen E. Thornton Education Trust
Rob and Mary Jane Wermuth
Harold and Maureen Zuber
THE GIFT OF TUITION ASSISTANCESaints Simon and Jude School is committed to providing a quality education for all families who wish to send their children to a Catholic school. Therefore, tuition assistance is available from funds raised through the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) Program and SSJ’s Catholic Education Fund.
EITC assistance is distributed through BLOCS (Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools) and the Chester County Foundation for Catholic Education. Thanks to the generosity of many donors, more than $164,000 was awarded to 57 students for the 2019–2020 school year.
Additional awards totalling $7,220 were also given to families who suffered financial hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These were made possible by the BLOCS Emergency Scholarship Fund and the SSJ Catholic Education Fund.
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
8 | SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL
SUMMARY OF GIVING & FINANCIALSThe 2019–2020 fiscal year certainly had its challenges as the first major pandemic in 100 years hit our country, and forced the first
closure of Saints Simon and Jude School since it opened in 1962. Our school administration, teachers, and parents banded together
to help our students finish the school year virtually, while continuing to provide the best education possible under these new and
challenging circumstances.
Despite the fact that our school leaders and teachers performed exceptionally well during these tough times, Saints Simon and Jude
School could not escape the financial impact of the pandemic. While our tuition income was in line with the budget, other income
sources (Annual Fund, CARES, Cafeteria, Facility Rentals, etc.) were all negatively impacted in the 2019–2020 school year. Due to
these declines, the school had to rely on increased parish support to meet expenses. The school did apply for, and received,
$320,279 through the government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). These funds helped offset some of the declines in income
and allowed for the continued payment of expenses, including faculty and staff salaries and benefits.
In the 2019–2020 school year, SSJ’s School Board continued to oversee the school’s finances in partnership with the Parish Finance
Council. It is the School Board’s goal to create a stronger, fiscally independent school and decrease parish support. The parish
historically has been very supportive of our school and plans to be in the future. The School Board will continue to develop programs
to increase enrollment, retention, and fundraising which will help us rely less on the parish subsidy in order to sustain operations.
Since our 1st Annual Fund launched in the 2017–2018 school year, the campaign has become the school’s third-largest source of
income, after tuition and parish support. Other school needs are covered by grants, support from our Home and School Association,
revenue from our before- and after-school CARES program, and other sources.
With the launch of our 1st Annual Fund campaign in 2017, the first school Endowment Fund was also established to further ensure
a quality Catholic education for many years to come. At the end of the fiscal year, the Endowment Fund had a balance of $60,850.
Each school year, 10% of Annual Fund proceeds will continue to grow the Endowment.
Special thanks to all our partners in education.
Grants & Technology Fund Support
• Chester County Foundation for Catholic Education
• Connelly Foundation
• PHLY Foundation
• Kathleen E. Thornton Education Trust
SCHOOL REVENUETuition: $1,490,804
Parish Support/PPP: $539,214
Annual Fund: $142,000
Fundraising: $50,940
Other School Income: $47,916
TOTAL SCHOOL INCOME: $2,270,874
SCHOOL EXPENSESSalary and Benefits: $1,726,241
Maintenance and Utilities: $328,967
Administration/ Instructional Material: $127,714
Professional Fees: $56,775
Insurance: $31,177
TOTAL SCHOOL EXPENSES: $2,270,874
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 9
Saints Simon and Jude School is sincerely grateful to our donors who supported our 3rd Annual Fund. Through your generosity, we raised more than $142,000!
The success of the Annual Fund made an immediate impact on the school budget and helped with the many needs of our school. Ten percent of the funds raised were contributed to our school’s Endowment Fund.
Donations to the Annual Fund helped support:
ANNUAL FUND
Classroom Technology
• STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) project supplies
• Chromebooks, carrying cases, licenses, and software
• Discovery Education Streaming
• Option C Information Management System
• Classroom printers and ink
• Technology support
• FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Club fees and supplies
• FIRST Tech Lego League Club supplies
Instructional Materials
• Textbooks, religion books, and library books
• Science lab supplies
Financial Aid
• SSJ Catholic Education Fund
Student/Faculty Enrichment
• The Explorer student newspaper
• Buses for events
• Courses/workshops for faculty
• First in Math and KidBiz/TeenBiz online programs
• Registrations for National Spelling Bee and IHM Math Contest
• Little Explorers Preschool Playground
Fine Arts Programs
• Spring Musical supplies
• Concert Choir expenses
• Music supplies - sheet music and instruments
• Art supplies
Security
• New classroom doors
10 | SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL
Joseph and Bridget Carr
Jerry and Amy Cassidy
Thomas and Barbara Cassidy
Peter and Meghan Castagna
Ralph and Liz Celidonio
Dean and Theresa Cipriano
Drew and Kathi Clapham
Gene and Karen Cleary
Kristen and Nate Cline
Armand and Nancy Coco
Kevin and Katy Coley
Linda Collins ‘84
Matthew Cordes
Leonard and Isabell Crandley
Anthony and Phyllis Creato
William and Maria DeFeo
Terence P. Delaney
Mike and Megan DelFra
Bill and Ann DelVescovo
Robert and Jeannie DelVescovo ‘89
Michael and Alex DelVescovo ‘97
The Demaioribus Family
James Dengler
Camillo and Joanne DiLallo
Charles and Donna DiValerio
Timothy and Megan Donnelly
Vincent† and Helene Donohue
James T. and Jennifer Donohue ‘86
Greg and Jen Doran
Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Dunleavy
Karen Dysleski
David Fallis
Peter and Peggie Federico
Kathleen Fey
Andy and Peggy Anne Fox
Christina Frey ‘92
Roe and William Fulmer
John Furgele
Ginny Gatt
Brendan and Tessa Genther ‘92
Lee and Anne Marie Gerhart
Rev. Michael J. Gerlach
Mary Glynn
Joan Goettel
Joseph and Linda Angelozzi
Michael, Jennifer, Sean, Ryan,
and Liam Appaneal ‘16 ‘19
Faith Aquino
Mariann Baltrusaitis
Douglas and Patricia Barrett
Douglas Barrett III ‘20
Edward and Nancy Barsa
Sara Beard
James and Ramona Beehler
William and Linda Benecke
David and Denise Booth ‘79
Robert J. Bozzelli
Thomas and Adriana Bradley
Michael and Linda Bray
Kathleen Breslin
Earl and Lorie Brown
George and Maureen Brown
Joseph and Carol Brumfield
Frank and Michelle Bruno
Michael Bucci
Tom and Alise Capista
Joan Capoferri
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!Following is a list of donors who contributed to the Annual Fund July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
ANNUAL FUNDDONOR LEVEL$10,000 or more: 4
$5,000 – $9,999: 3
$2,500 – $4,999: 2
$1,000 – $2,499: 15
$500 – $999: 17
$250 – $499: 18
$100 – $249: 79
$1 – $99: 48
TOTAL DONATIONS: 186
† DeceasedThe Saints Simon and Jude School 8th Grade Christmas Pageant is an SSJ tradition.
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 11
Joseph and Jean Gothie
Susan Hagan
Christian and Celestine Hagerty
Chris and Theresa Hagman
Mark and Lynne Halligan
Bob and Elizabeth Hallinan
John and Jen Hannah
Mark and Marty Harris
John and Karen Hockenberry
Georgia Horwatt
Richard and Arlene Hunsinger
Dorothy Janssen
Gordon and Carol Jefferes
Jim and Lynda Johnson
David and Kathleen Joslin
Colman and Julie Joyce
Mary Jo Kalinowski
Joe and Kathy Kelley
Gary and Annette Kelly
Michael and Carol Kempski
Daryl Kezell
Angela Knapp ‘00
Nancy Knapp ‘71
Charles and Sally Krakora
Mary Lammert
Matt and Lisa Lammert
Charles and Kathleen Lawson
Luvimino and Luz Lim
Ronald and Deborah Listwak
Louis J. Ludovico
Dennis Maglio
Brenda Mahan
Janice Mancuso
Stephen and Jean Mapa
Tyler and Alyssa McAllister
James and Carol McCarry
Mary Ann McCarry
Dave and Megan McConlogue
Mary Ann McNeff
John and Margaret McNicholas
Gloria McNutt
Michael and Jennifer Miley ‘90
Phillip and Marie Miraglia
Joseph Mullin
William and Denise Mullray
Tina Mulvena
Mike and Hope Murphy
Charles Murray
Conor and Theresa Murray
Steven and Elizabeth Mynaugh
Charles and Christine Naber
Arlene Nizzardi
Sr. Jeannine Norton, IHM
Matthew and Julie Norton
Maureen J. Notebaert
Joe and Betty O’Leary
Patricia A. Oswald
Douglas and Karen Owens
Dave and Peggy Owsik
Joseph and Lucille Pardo
Mary Pellegrini
Charles and Beverly Petka
Harriet T. Phillips
Andrew and Mary Anne Pimley
Ronald Poliquin
Mary Ann Popma
Joseph and Lisa Quintiliani
Cathy Randazzo
William and Patricia Reilly
M.M. Reitman
SSJ’s 6th‑, 7th‑, and 8th‑grade students are “Buddies” with kindergarten, 1st‑, and 2nd‑grade students and enjoy spending time together during the annual Walk‑a‑Thon, school Masses, and other special events.
SSJ students and CYO athletes had a fantastic time representing the parish by walking in the West Chester Halloween Parade.
12 | SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL
Lorraine A. Revello
John and Maureen Rizzo
Chad and Maria Rolston
Jeremy and Kris Ross
Bill Ruhl
Francis and Maria Salandria
Nicholas and Elaine Salladino
Russ and Pat Schiela
John and Joan Schneberger
Gerald and Vicki Sexton
Rosemary Shea
Mary Sinnott
Sisters of IHM SSJ Convent
Eric and Madelyn Smith
Steve and Ginny Snow
The Sollecito Family
Ed and Agnes Speer
SSJ Faculty 2019–2020
SSJ Home and School Association
SSJ Knights of Columbus Council 11564
Larry and Carol Stetzner
Judy Summers and Sister Amy
Vincent and Mary Taddei
Christopher Taylor ‘78
Alison Nicole Tegler ‘16
Riley Elizabeth Tegler ‘17
Tom and Colleen Tegler ‘86
Edward Thornton
Ann Tozer
Harry and Agatha Tyler
Jack and Betty Anne Uebele
Mark and Sarah VanBelle
Kathryn Vandenberg
John and Bonnie VanGrinsven
Stephen Van Newkirk
Renee Vengilio
Pauline Volz
Patrick and Marian Walsh
Susan Walsh
Joe† and Therese Waters
John and Maureen Whoriskey
Theodore J. Williams
Andrew and Karen Willis ‘82
Patricia Witt
Raymond and Mary Wolfe
Joanne Woutersz
Kevin and Kristen Zimmerman
Emily Zuber-Grubb ‘95
Hal and Maureen Zuber
IN HONORAll the Heroes
Cloeter Kids
Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sr. Eileen Tiernan
IN MEMORYDavid Beard
Lillian Rose Donahue
Vincent Donohue
Vincent T. Donohue & Terrence J. Donohue
Frank W. Janssen
Helen T. Murray
Nuns & Teachers in My Life
Ann Ruhl
Anna and Joseph Schneberger
Jesse V. Silvano
Albert W. Tegler Jr.
Gerald Tozer
Claire Van Newkirk
Joanne Van Newkirk
Joe Waters
Rosemary Watters
MATCHING GIFT COMPANIESAbout Feet Podiatry Center
AXA Foundation
Bank of America
Creative Operating Agency, LLC
CTDI
EO Habhegger Co., Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Vanguard
† Deceased
SSJ salutes the 2020 cast and crew of Shrek Jr. Although the “show did not go on” in the spring; your hard work, faith, and talent will always be remembered.
2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT | 13
Phone: 610-696-5249
Website: school.simonandjude.org
Email: ssjschool@simonandjude.org
6 Cavanaugh Court
West Chester, PA 19382
Support the SSJ Annual FundGifts to SSJ’s Annual Fund support the many priorities of our school, provide financial aid, and help grow our Endowment Fund. Gifts can be made through June 30, 2021, by check or online at school.simonandjude.org/annual-fund.
Priorities for the 2020–2021 campaign:
• Technology – SSJ’s technology needs are greater than ever as we offer in-person and virtual school options during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have expenses related to new equipment and Chromebook upkeep for students in kindergarten to grade 8 who have school-issued one-to-one devices. Other needs include new classroom SmartBoards with interactive displays. SSJ also continues to integrate STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into its curriculum at all levels from preschool to grade 8.
• Student/Faculty Enrichment – Student enrichment includes online KidBiz/TeenBiz reading and IXL personalized learning programs. Faculty members take advantage of many professional development opportunities throughout the year.
• Fine Arts Programs – SSJ’s fine arts programs help students enhance their creative problem-solving skills, as well as out-of-the-box thinking. All art supplies are provided by the school for hands-on weekly lessons.
• Instructional Materials – SSJ does not receive government funding for religion books and other extras, such as library books. Many other materials are used on a daily basis, including science lab supplies.
• Maintenance – To maintain a pleasant and safe environment for our students, SSJ invests in upkeep and improvements of our school building and surrounding property.
• Security – The security of everyone at SSJ is a priority. Each school year, there are security upgrades and enhancements based on recommendations from our Security Committee. To ensure the day-to-day safety of our school community—and to follow Covid-19 protocols—we have increased expenditures on equipment and cleaning supplies.
• Financial Aid – SSJ’s goal is to provide a quality education for all families who wish to send their children to a Catholic school. We provide financial assistance to all families who qualify.
Matching GiftsMany companies will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Inquire with your company to help double your gift to Saints Simon and Jude School!
Support EITCBusinesses and individuals in Pennsylvania can receive up to a 90% tax credit by donating through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. By directing tax dollars you are already paying, you can help provide a quality education for children who otherwise would not be able to afford it.
Support SSJ EventsJoin us for many fun and supportive Home and School Association events throughout the school year. SSJ’s Night at the Races also supports the many priorities of our Annual Fund.
Planned GivingGifts may be donated to Saints Simon and Jude School through a will or trust. In addition to providing this meaningful gift, there are possible financial and tax benefits for you and your family.
For more information about ways of giving, contact our Advancement Director, Jennifer Appaneal at 610-696-5249, Ext. 241, or advancement@simonandjude.org.
Thank you for your support!
THE MANY WAYS OF GIVING
SAINTS SIMON & JUDE SCHOOL6 CAVANAUGH COURTWEST CHESTER, PA 19382
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