ASHTABULA —
The Board of Directors of Ss. John & Paul School has approved a new name for the school — St. John School.
The new name becomes effective July 1, according to a news release issued by the school Thursday.
The change reflects the legacy and history of the school. In 1953, when a Catholic high school opened in Ashtabula, it was named St. John High School. At that time there were three Catholic elementary schools in the city — St. Joseph, Mother of Sorrows, and Mount Carmel. In 1989, the three elementary schools merged into one — Ashtabula Catholic Elementary School. When the elementary school and high school merged in 1997, the K-12 school was named Ss. John & Paul.
All of the schools in the system are being consolidated at 7911 Depot Road in Saybrook Township, beginning with the 2012-13 school year.
“Although the school has been Ss. John and Paul for the last 15 years, many people still refer to it as St. John,” said Sister Maureen Burke, president. “The move to a new location signals a new chapter in the history and tradition of Catholic education in the Ashtabula area. Moving on also involves maintaining a rich and storied history including the legacy of St. Joseph, Mother of Sorrows, Mount Carmel, St. John High School, and Ss. John and Paul School. We have been entrusted with a legacy that must not only be maintained and preserved but expanded and deepened. As a student commented, the name is not as important as who we are and what we represent. We are Heralds now and forever.
“Throughout the years, the school has retained its commitment to fostering scholarship, faith and leadership. The family spirit, the importance of tradition and the commitment to the young people of the area have allowed for the preservation of Catholic education in Ashtabula. It is a proud history and we embrace it as our legacy for the future,” Burke said.
St. John School is accepting applications for students entering pre-school and grades K-12. The pre-school has a 3- and 4-year-old program for both two and three days a week. Kindergarten is a full-day program. Students in grades pre-K through 12 have opportunities for music, art and other specialized curriculum programs. Online classes are offered for high school students, and there is a one-on-one computer option for students in grades seven to 10.
St. John serves students from throughout the county with busing provided by local public school districts.
For more information about the school and for application materials please contact Mary Ann Hartwell at 997-5531 or email the school at maryann.hartwell@neomin.org.
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