Feedback from our Community - 2008-2009 School Year
We are very pleased we chose St. Joseph of Cupertino. The teachers and parents are very friendly and there is a great sense of community. Our son has made many friends and we feel he is getting a wonderful education. The teachers are very approachable and it has been very easy to get in contact with them to discuss any issues. I would definitely recommend St. Joseph of Cupertino.
The Woodward Family
Grade 1
Saint Joseph of Cupertino School is truly our home away from home. It has families that are warm, wonderfully supportive of our work ethics and generous beyond all accounts of their time and talents. Our families are completely involved in each of their children’s education and work in partnership with us to achieve the common goals set by the Diocese of San Jose.
We are so lucky to have been here since 1981 when we began the Saint Joseph of Cupertino Kindergarten. Saint Joseph of Cupertino Church and School is our family away from home. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Mrs. Debbie Jio
First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Lynn Fuelscher
First Grade Aide
We are thrilled with our daughter’s progress, and she is only in kindergarten. How nice it was to hear all the things we have been saying at home, repeated at school. We now have another "partner" reinforcing things like respect, love, rules, learning, and God’s teachings. It’s not uncommon to hear her repeating "lessons" from school to her siblings. Now our two younger kids can’t wait to go to our oldest daughter’s school.
The Orr Family
Grade K
Being at SJC is like being with members of my own religious community. There is such a strong and abiding sense of collaboration and focus about the atmosphere here. Having begun a ministry here in 1991, I have had the privilege of watching such amazing growth in faith, spirituality, service and concern for the larger world about us and the joy of learning that our children and faculty/staff exhibit.
Sr. Dorothy Nolan
Math Intervention Teacher
Our family has been part of the SJC school community for 18 years, and we look forward with mixed emotions to our 4th and final SJC graduation this coming June. There are so many wonderful aspects to SJC. We chose SJC as the school for our children because it integrated the teaching and practice of Catholic values with a challenging academic program. We particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the whole family in school activities, as this helped us to get to know many families and make life-long friends for our children and for us. Each of our children were so well prepared by SJC to take on the challenges of high school. We also loved the SJC on-site extended care program which is such a safe and reassuring place to leave our kids when the need arose. Thank you so much, SJC.
The Campion Family
Grade 8 and SJC Classes of 1998, 2001, 2005
The partnerships of the students, parents, teachers, and administration create a healthy and happy environment at SJC. To teach at this excellent school is a blessing.
Miss Alison Larsen
Second Grade Teacher
We are appreciative of SJC for fostering a school community where children are given opportunities to accomplish their very best talents.
The Suwandi Family
Grade 4
Working for St. Joseph of Cupertino School is a dream job. It is a place where I can experiment with my teaching methods to aid my students as they reach for their fullest potential in the classroom. SJC has a vested interest of being on the leading edge of teaching and technology. Our students are digital natives and have been around technology all of their lives. The school gives me an opportunity to introduce technology like Digital White Boards, document cameras and LCD projectors to the classroom to help enrich the learning experience for the students and connect the lessons in classroom with their digital lives.
Mr. Michael Lee
Eighth Grade Teacher
Life is all about "choices" and so is education for your children. We are very blessed and pleased that we have chosen SJC. About two years ago, I vividly remember on the way to school on one cold winter morning, we were at the stop light and heard a very loud ambulance siren. The ambulance zoomed by next to us. My son (he was in 1st grade then), instead of covering his ears due to the loud noise, closed his eyes and put his hands together. I asked him what happened. He said he was saying a prayer for the people that were in the ambulance. He said his teacher taught him that. I was so touched and reassured that I had made the best choice of school for my children. In this fast-paced society, we rarely have time to think about others. SJC provides a strong spiritual and community-oriented environment on top of the challenging academic curriculum and excellent teaching staff. SJC is definitely committed to educating the "whole child" and prepares your child to succeed in the real world. The dedicated faculty and the warm, friendly parent community make SJC a special place to be.
The Troyan Family
Grades 2 and 3
I’ve enjoyed teaching at St Joseph of Cupertino for the last 24 years. How can that be? I¹m not old enough to have taught for 24 years. Well, the answer is the students at SJC have kept me young! I¹ve found the perfect niche at SJC. I can share my love of the great outdoors, the human body and sports with the avid learners at St. Joseph¹s. Having taught at two other schools, I can attest to the fact that our students do SPARCCL!
Mrs. Lisa Wicht
Science and P.E. Teacher
Our children just love the staff and teachers at St. Joseph! As parents, it is our hope for all children to spend their most formative years, building a foundation for future personal success and achievement. We have found just this at St. Joseph. Not only are our children receiving a strong, academic education, but also a faith-based one, where prayer, spirituality, and gratitude are emphasized. We could not be happier!
The Nakamura Family
Grades 2 and 4
I feel very blessed to work at SJC. We have an amazing principal, a wonderful faculty and staff, remarkable students, and such supportive parents. There is a very long list of all the reasons I love SJC, but two reasons stand out the most to me.
First, I am amazed at how faith-filled and spiritual our school is. Being the Religion Coordinator for SJC, I can attest to how faith is a priority at our school, and how our faith is lived out each day through prayer and through service to those in need.
Second, it continually touches my heart to be part of such a loving and supportive community. I feel that SJC isn’t just a school, but we truly are a family.
As a part of the staff, I can sincerely say that I am so blessed to be part of this community. And as a parent, I can say that I can’t wait for my daughter to attend SJC!
Mrs. Shirlene Do
Religion Coordinator
We are so happy that we made the decision to send our daughter to SJC! She loves it and we, as parents, love it, too. The teachers are caring and nurturing. They really make learning exciting for the children with a fun and challenging curriculum. Our daughter felt comfortable and welcomed from the first day of school. She loves her 8th grade buddy, her classmates, her teachers, her classes ... and the great play structures! Ms. Lyons is an outstanding principal and exemplifies the SPARCCLS values every day, which is truly evident throughout the entire school. We so appreciate the community of families at SJC and feel like we're part of something very special.
The Smith Family
Grade K
Up until last May when I was married, I drove from South San Francisco to Cupertino everyday for one reason: to be a part of an extraordinary community. I adore being a part of a community of students, parents, staff and faculty who all work for what is best for each individual child. We are a community where decisions are made jointly through open, respectful communication by our principal, faculty, staff, student council, and school board. We all play an important role in which everyone feels a vital part of our community. Truly I believe that St. Joseph of Cupertino is an exceptional school. This is a direct result of our outstanding leadership. Even though I feel our school is exceptional, we never seem to rest on our successes. We all know that for our school community to thrive, grow and continue to serve all its members, we must be constantly vigilant and re-evaluate our needs and shortcomings. And this we do as a team always growing and striving to be the very best that we can be.
Mrs. Tricia Heissenbuttel
Fourth Grade Teacher
We love SJC because our son is obviously happy here, and we feel he gets personalized attention. Teachers at SJC are very professional, intelligent, and provide just the right combination of discipline and kindness. Special thanks to Mrs. Shiu and Mrs. Schwoob. I do feel we work like a team!
The Fleishman Family
Grade K
St. Joseph Cupertino School is an outstanding school in so many ways. Parents show they value Catholic education and are very supportive. Students themselves exhibit appreciation for their education and for all the people who work together to help them succeed. The support staff is composed of wonderful, caring individuals who work in harmony for the smooth operation of daily activities. And the faculty is an amazing group of qualified, dedicated, and caring professionals who all want the best for their students and are ready to "go the extra mile" to be helpful and supportive. It is an honor to be part of this faculty!
Ms. Sharon Peck
Third Grade Teacher
We truly appreciate SJC’s focus on developing a child’s entire character, not just his academic skills. SJC students develop not only into good students, but into good, conscientious people. We also value the family-like environment at SJC. We and our son feel like welcome members of a caring community. SJC provides all this along with excellent academics and activities.
The Garlepp Family
Grade 1
St. Joseph of Cupertino School is the best school that I have ever known. With great teachers and a good environment, my child has built up her skills in learning and improved her manner. Not only that, her faith in God is confirmed. This is an important thing with a Catholic family like us. It’s wonderful; that every child is cared for at SJC.
The Le Family
Grade 3
I am now half way through my fourth year as a full-time teacher here at St. Joseph of Cupertino and I still marvel at how lucky I am that I have this opportunity to touch the lives of my Advanced Math students. These children are interested, cooperative and hard working. I look forward to each day that I spend with them. I love it when someone says, “Oh! I get it!” And, I can’t begin to say all the things I have learned from them. I have also learned so much from the other teachers and staff here. They are supportive, encouraging, and full of great ideas to share with one another. This is a great job in a wonderful school. All of us – teachers, staff, students, and families are lucky to be part of this community.
Mrs. Donna Brock
Advanced Math Teacher
My husband and I are very happy that we chose SJC for our son, actually I should say that my son chose SJC. We narrowed down our selection to SJC which is our parish school and where my brother Macky is an alumni, and another parish school close to where I work. My son took the kindergarten testing at both schools within a week of each other. After both schools accepted him, we decided to ask him which one he liked better and he promptly responded, "St. Joseph’s." I asked why and he said he just liked the teachers more, they were kinder and more fun.
That made the decision a slam dunk for us. And since then, I would ask him at least weekly if not daily how he likes his school and he would say, “I love it!” I think that says it all. I really feel the love amongst the staff and the kids when I’m at St. Joseph’s, it’s almost palpable. Everyone is just so kind and eager to help, so in tough times like these when it takes so much to set aside the tuition money, I feel that the decision we made and sacrifice we are making as parents is definitely worth it.
Mary Ann Alvarez Cardenas
Grade 1
God led me here to SJC because He knew I wanted to be in a place where the children are loved by their dedicated teachers and all staff members. Every student SPARCCLS as bright as a shining star and I am honored to be here for them.
Mrs. Nancy Shiu
Kindergarten Teacher
As a full-time working mom it is so comforting to know, that while I am at work my daughter is safe with people I know so well and that care about our family. The education and teachers are the best at St. Joseph but what is priceless for me is the peace of mind I have from the family environment that is here at St. Joseph of Cupertino. I know I can call the front office and the ladies at the front will always help me with anything. I never worry about my daughter. This, along with the great teachers, is why we chose this school. The values taught here are ones you carry forever and the education is incomparable.
The Sanchez Family
Grade 5
We are a new family, just starting this year, but are so happy with our decision to move our children to St Joseph's! Of course we looked for a school with an academic and extracurricular program that would challenge our sons. But equally important was a Catholic environment teaching them core values, like respect and compassion. Here they are surrounded by sincere, kind, caring, role models. Children learn by example, children model what they see. So many schools use the buzz words "whole child" but for me, this is the first school I have witnessed that actually teaches to the whole child! We urge you to visit the school, attend a morning assembly, read a Principal’s newsletter, see and feel for yourself what makes SJC special. We are sure you will feel the same!
The Calvetti Family
Grades 1 and 4
Our family has been part of Saint Joseph’s of Cupertino since our older son joined Kindergarten in 1999. Our oldest son is now in 10th grade at Bellarmine, and Our youngest son will graduate from St. Joseph’s this year.
In their years at SJC, my sons had a great academic education in a safe and nurturing environment, which enabled them to grow both socially and spiritually. During this time, the SJC community of faculty, parents, and students was our extended family. We made many lifetime friends in the parish, the boy scouts, our volunteer community service at school, and the reach out programs.
We feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of this institution. It is with deep conviction that we recommend Saint Joseph of Cupertino School to you both for its excellence in education and for its family and community of friends.
The Hakim Family
Grade 8 and Class of 2007
I have been so happy with our decision to send our son to SJC. In addition to the necessity of good academics, I have been very impressed with the way in which Ms. Lyons shares her faith and shows the children how it applies to their lives during morning assemblies. I have also been surprised by how the buddy system really is as wonderful as I was told it was. I have been amazed by the respect and care my kindergartener has received from the 8th graders.
The Fernandez Family
Grade K
SJC provides a good foundation and stepping stone to higher education and personal development. Your children can get involved with and participate in various different activities such as: Academic Decathlon, sports activities, musical band, play acting, singing, building good relationships with young and old (nurturing buddies), building confidence thru public speech, student leadership, community service.
The Patel Family
Grade 6 and SJC Class of 2008
As a member of the SJC faculty, I wake each morning with the knowledge that I am part of a very special community. SJC is a community which sparccls with a love for learning, life, and one another. What a great place to be.
Mrs. Deborah Miller
Fifth Grade Teacher
SJC’s commitment to our children never ceases to amaze and impress me. The attention of Ms. Lyons and her staff are not only focused on ensuring that our kids get a great academic education, but that they also learn the skills necessary to mature into ethically strong, confident and well rounded young adults. It is this holistic attention to our children’s growth that is truly outstanding. Keep up the great work!
The Shiu Family
Grades 3 and 5
Five years before my son was born, I anticipated that St. Joseph of Cupertino School would be the school of our choice. While attending mass at SJC, it often allowed me to get a sneak peek at the advantages and benefit’s the students received.
Today, my son is in the 4th grade and I am pleased and proud of my decision in selecting SJC. I believe that SJC fosters a well balanced curriculum that cultivates each student, to assist with their intellectual, physical and moral capabilities with instructions grounded in religious values. At SJC, you feel a sense of pride and ownership not to mention the teamwork collaboration among administrators, faculty, and parents for the school’s common good.
The Hawley Family
Grade 4
Our family is very grateful for Saint Joseph of Cupertino. Our son is graduating this year, so sadly it will be our last. St Joseph has provided a place for all three of our children to feel safe, while encouraging them to be themselves. They have grown up to be wonderful caring individuals. The concept of a well rounded child is truly taken to heart by all the teachers and staff. Our children grew up knowing that everyone knew them and most importantly loved them. We can honestly say that our children's experience at Saint Joseph gave them the security and confidence to excel not only academically but emotionally. Our college graduate, our sophomore and now our eighth grader recognize and appreciate this! As our children move on to new experiences, our family will always appreciate and love our second home, St Joseph of Cupertino School.
The Gonzalez Family
Grades 8 and Class of 2001 and 2007
St. Joseph of Cupertino School is like no other. It is truly a special place that stands out from the rest. Having taught at two other Catholic schools and a handful of public schools, once I came to SJC it became clear to me that St. Joseph’s School is an extra special place. SJC has become my home away from home and the entire school community has become a family to me. Now that I have been teaching at St. Joseph’s for six years I can truly say that SJC is a top-notch school and a top-notch family!
Mrs. Christi Schwoob
Kindergarten Teacher
We transferred to SJC just after Thanksgiving. As a new family we have been welcomed warmly. I have “yard duty” one day a week and have been so impressed with the way all the children play. They respect each other, everyone plays well together and they have fun. Academically, this is a great place to be – it gives my son the challenge he needs. Moving to SJC was a GREAT decision for us.
The Martin Family
Grade 7
Two and a half years ago, our sons started at St. Joseph of Cupertino School after moving from the East Coast. At that time, I wrote a testimonial stating my amazement at how the faculty, staff and parents integrated strong academics, spirituality, and community service into the curriculum. And guess what? It’s still true! Year after year, this school seems to maintain its high academic standards, while actually emphasizing Christian values in relationships at school and in the greater community. I still recommend this school!
The Masri Family
Grades 3 and 6
Feedback
from the 2007-2008 School Year
