The Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (MAEOE) recently recognized Saint Peter's School as a new 2024 Maryland Green School.    

Maryland Green School certification is awarded to school’s that demonstrate and document a continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental management practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development opportunities, and community engagement into their daily operations. The award signifies a school’s commitment to developing stewards of the earth and reducing the school’s impact. 
“Saint Peter's is proud to be the first school in the Archdiocese of Washington to receive this recognition. Stewardship of our planet aligns with the tenets of our Catholic faith,” said Ms. Lauren DeZinno, Saint Peter’s Principal.  

Parent volunteer, Mrs. Margaret Giron, spearheaded the effort to become a Green School. Starting in 2021, Giron collaborated with faculty members Mrs. Kelly Nichols and Mrs. Kim Caldeira, parent volunteers, and the Student Environmental Club, to plan and implement practices that promote stewardship of our earth.  
Over the last two years, all grade levels have participated in environmental projects. Activities have included creating eco-friendly cleaning products, campus and community trash clean-ups, recycling drives, building bird and insect habitats, a Walk N’ Roll to School Day, using and maintaining outdoor learning spaces, and planning, designing and installing a rain garden.  

“With all the scientific data we have today, integrating environmental awareness and stewardship into as many aspects of our curriculum across the board is simply responsible education. Being good stewards of the Earth aligns with tenets of our Catholic faith and beliefs. It was an honor to collaborate with students, teachers, and our community to achieve this award. We look forward to continuing these hands-on activities, engaging our students and the Saint Peter’s community to live up to MAEOE’s goals and objectives,” said Mrs. Kelly Nichols, Faculty Green Team Lead and 2nd Grade Teacher. 

“It has been a delight to see the spirit of stewardship taking root in our students. As Catholic Christians, our faith reminds us of our responsibility to care for the Earth, which is our common home and the inheritance we share with all of humanity. Even with all the distractions of modern life, our students' love and concern for our environment remains a vigorous source of inspiration to the adults in our school community,” said Mrs. Kimberly Caldeira, Environmental Club Lead and Middle School Science Teacher. 
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MAOEO established the Maryland Green School Program in 1999 to allow schools and their communities to evaluate their efforts in environmental sustainability. There are 654 active Maryland Green Schools, 34% of all Maryland schools. According to MAOEO, this network of Green Schools is significantly improving the environment at schools and in the community by reducing and managing waste, energy, and water. 

By Erin Pant

Saint Peter’s School’s spring production of “The Little Mermaid JR.” made a splash, transporting audiences into a magical kingdom under the sea.   
 
Eighty students brought the classic fairy tale to life with outstanding vocal performances, lively choreography, vibrant costumes, and enchanting sets. “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl,” were a few standouts from the twenty-nine musical numbers performed.    
 
Drama Director Mrs. Phyllis Bottegal was thrilled to bring “The Little Mermaid JR.” to the stage, noting the many valuable lessons it has to offer. One of the biggest lessons is to never give up on your hopes, wishes, and dreams.  
 
The spring production is a culmination of months of practice. 
 
“We begin in September with auditions. We then hold callbacks. Our students fill both front and back of the house roles. They are actors, stage crew, lights, microphones, sound, props, costumes, makeup, ushers, and spotlight workers,” said Bottegal.  
 
The students attend rehearsals twice a week where they learn the blocking, music, and lines. 
 
“My goal is to provide the students with an opportunity they may never have the chance to do once they go off to high school. Over the course of the year, I see the students build their confidence and learn to work and support one and other as a team,” Bottegal also said.  
 
Producing the play is also a team effort on the faculty side. Mr. Nguyen, the music director, helps with choreography and sound. Mrs. O’Keefe assists with costumes, props, and the set. Mrs. Pak manages the makeup. Mrs. Hauge oversees the finances and creates the printed program and Ms. Gallagher serves as the producer handling a variety of important tasks including purchasing, and communication between the parents, students, and administration. 
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“Our students did an amazing job. I love seeing how each year the students work so hard and are so proud of themselves and the accomplishments they have done. It’s so eye opening for them to see how we begin and end, with a great show each year,” said Bottegal.  
 
Mrs. Bottegal is already looking forward to next year, which will mark the 25th anniversary of Saint Peter’s School Drama Program. “I tell the students that being in drama opens a world of opportunities for them. It helps them to build courage, self-discipline, and teaches them to use their voice so that they will be heard.” 

​On the fourth Friday of Lent, Saint Peter’s School participated in a school-wide Day of Service. All students donated items to support the day. In the morning, students in Grades 2 to 5 assembled sandwiches for Martha’s Table, while students in Grades 6 to 8 assembled care packages for the Montgomery County Family Justice Center. Grades PK to 1 created cards to go with the care packages. The school donated more than 200 sandwiches to Martha's Table and 60 care packages to Montgomery County Family Justice Center. 
 
Students began the day in the Parish Hall listening to special guest speakers. Mrs. Linda Ruszkowski from The Academy of the Holy Cross spoke about the many ways in which she has served communities and the importance of serving others. She discussed how when we all work together on something, we can be much more powerful than when we work alone. Next, Father Emanuel Magro discussed the works of mercy we are called to complete.  
 
In the afternoon, students prayed a Living Rosary together. Grades 2 through 8 concluded the day attended Stations of the Cross. Sixth grade homeroom teacher and middle school department chair, Ms. Gallagher, coordinated the Day of Service for Saint Peter’s School. She said the goal of the day “was to aid in forming our students' Catholic Identities and to deepen their understandings of how and why we should participate in works of service as Catholics.” 

By Jane Bornhorst
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In February, the Saint Peter’s School “Green Team” worked with students to beautify the school and to provide habitats for small creatures. Parent volunteer, Margaret Giron, and middle school science teacher, Mrs. Kim Caldeira, led the activities.

The Green Team and the Environmental Club for 4th-8th graders, teaches students about ways they can be eco-conscious and increase their classmates’ awareness of the environment around them, the impact they have on it, and how they can become responsible protectors of God’s creations.

Recently, Saint Peter’s School kindergartners created insect hotels, man-made habitats for insects that help them survive in the wild. The students used natural materials to construct them. 

Remi, a kindergartner, said she enjoyed making a tiny home for ladybugs.

First graders built bird houses and decorated the roofs with finger paints. Taylor Fahey said she enjoyed decorating the project. “We got to hang them up for birds to live in,” she said. P.E. teacher Mr. Rob Carlsen assisted in hanging the habitats.

First grader Logan said, “We painted our house a bunch of colors – green, orange, and white.”
Connor Kelley also enjoyed working to build and paint the houses. “I am going to look for mine on the back field. I hope a bird lives there”.

Another recent project led by the Green Team was the painting of colorful steppingstones for the school’s rain garden, created by the Environmental Club earlier in the school year. The garden reuses rainwater and decreases runoff. Creating an attractive outdoor space helps students to appreciate their environment, explained Marget Giron, leader of the Green Team.

This spring, the club is applying for the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Maryland Green Schools Certification. This program gives students educational opportunities that empower them to make changes to reduce environmental impact, practice environmental stewardship, encourage sustainability, and foster environmental literacy.
MAEOE Maryland Green Schools benefit from the instructional support and partnership of Green Centers and Green Leaders. Green Schools have access to an extensive network of partners in their community and statewide resources.
 

By Dora J. Gomes
 
Saint Peter’s School is participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the very first time this year. A healthy competition like the spelling bee is a thrilling and motivating way for students to improve their spelling and vocabulary. The competition began with students from grades 2-8 participating in spelling bees in their individual classrooms. Winners from each classroom then advanced to participate in a school-wide spelling bee held on February 23rd.

The students and teachers were tremendously excited about the contest. The fourteen spelling bee participants took the stage and were celebrated and cheered throughout the competition. After several exciting rounds, seventh grader Su Hlaing became the school champion, and fifth grader Otto Raedeke was the runner-up. Su will go on to represent Saint Peter’s School in the Scripps National Spelling Bee regional competition at Landon School in Bethesda, MD, on March 7.

Sixth grader Dominic said the spelling bee was a great learning opportunity for him and for his classmates.
Third grader Kavi loved having a spelling bee at school, “I had a fun time participating and it's something we can now look forward to each year.” 

The coordinator and initiator of the event, fourth grade teacher Mrs. Eunice Pak, said the contest exceeded her expectations. "My hope from the beginning was for the spelling bee to be not only an academic motivator but also to encourage the students to participate in a fun, healthy competition. I am grateful to our principal Ms. DeZinno for embracing the idea and for her support in making this happen for our school.”
Mrs. Pak especially thanks Ms. Gallagher (middle school English teacher and department chair), Mrs. Caldeira (middle school Science teacher), Mrs. Cotter (school librarian), Mrs. Bottegal (drama director), and Mr. Nguyen (music teacher) along with all the other teachers, students and parents who helped to make the event successful. 

By Erin Pant

Right before Christmas break, Saint Peter’s third graders were busy reading and replying to the latest letters from their pen pals. With each letter that arrives, they learn a little more about their pen pals, who are third grade students at Saint Elizabeth School in Rockville.

Saint Peter’s third grade teachers, Ms. Deoudes and Mrs. Bieberich introduced the pen pal project last year when Ms. Deoudes, who previously taught at Saint Elizabeth School, saw an opportunity to keep in touch with former students while providing an engaging way for the students to enhance their writing skills.

Throughout the school year the students exchange letters with their pen pals a total of four or five times.

“The letters are usually centered around the upcoming holidays. We encourage students to ask a lot of questions, so they get to know their pen pals. We also encourage describing fun events we have here at Saint Peter’s,” said Deoudes.

The project allows the students to practice writing skills, particularly letter writing, while also improving their communication skills.
 
“Letter writing opens up a dialogue between students and allows students to get to know someone they’ve never seen or met. Our hope is for the students to develop friendships with students at other Catholic schools,” said Bieberich.
 
“I like being able to communicate with friends without having to go to their school. My favorite part is receiving notes because you get to learn about your pen pan and you can answer your pen pal’s questions,” said third grader Gabriella.
 
The pen pal project would not be possible without the cooperation of the third grade teachers at Saint Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardner and Ms. Haddad.  
 
“We are very appreciative of the time and support that Mrs. Gardner and Ms. Haddad give toward this endeavor,” said Deoudes.
 
Saint Peter’s third graders anxiously await replies to their December letters to learn how their pen pals spent winter break and they look forward to several more months of letter exchanges as they continue to hone their writing skills and build deeper friendships with their pen pals. 

By Erin Pant
This fall, Saint Peter’s technology teacher, Mr. Stephen Szot, offered a new after-school video game coding class for students in grades 3 to 5. The eight-week class introduced fundamental coding concepts through the online block coding environment Make Code Arcade.

Szot has previously taught a more advanced coding class to middle school students and wanted to offer younger students the opportunity for a similar engaging, creative, and innovative learning experience.
“The only prerequisite was a love of learning something new, interest in video games and of course a desire to create their own games,” said Szot.  
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Over the course of the class, nineteen students created digital games that could be played on personal handheld gaming devices that they took home with them at the completion of the class. 

Along the way, the students were introduced to computer programming topics including variables, loops, conditional statements, and functions, and the basics of game design including sprites (objects on the screen you can interact with), game conditions (win and loss criteria), and navigating sprites along an X Y coordinate system.

“My favorite part of the video game coding class was coding lots of games that were really fun, like Space Invaders and Baby Dinos,” said third grader Ella Czyz.
 
After creating a game, the students were challenged to consider how each game could be enhanced to make them more or less complex, or to improve on the sound, graphics, and overall fun of the experience.
 
“The interaction, energy, and creativity of the students impacted me the most during this class,” said Szot.
 
While the original lesson plan aimed to complete three games during the class, the students were so eager to learn they were able to accomplish creating five games.
 
“I enjoyed coding a lot of different games. The class made me want to continue learning to code” said fifth grader Alexander Czyz.

“I was surprised at the custom soundtracks, unique colorful character designs, and code modifications they created.  Not to mention debugging to identify and correct coding and structural errors that were introduced. After this class, I hope that the students continue to learn, create, and expand their interest in coding while at home,” said Szot.
 
Based on the positive feedback, energy, and enthusiasm from students Szot hopes to offer this class again in the future.  

By Jane Bornhorst
Members of the Saint Peter’s School Environmental Club and parent volunteers are working to encourage the school community to use environmentally friendly practices and keep our world clean.

To reduce the school’s carbon footprint, Saint Peter’s held “Walk N’ Roll Week” from November 6-10. Students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to find creative ways to get to and from school, whether it be biking, walking, or carpooling to save car miles and excess emissions. This student-driven effort was led by parent volunteer Julie Zadecky.

“We hope the experience of walking or riding a bike to school will provide an opportunity for the students (and maybe their parents too) to enjoy some physical activity and fresh air before starting their day and have a nice wind down after school too. We'll be collecting information from families who participate to tally up how many miles we've saved and hope that the students will enjoy it enough to continue alternative commuting beyond this week,” Zadecky says.

Under the direction of parent volunteer Margaret Giron, the club is also working to create a rain garden, which utilizes rainfall to help plants grow and reduce soil and mulch runoff on the school grounds. The club measured roof runoff from the school downspout to help determine how big to make the rain garden.
Students in Mr. Tremblay’s math classes used rain garden calculation tables provided by Montgomery County to calculate the drain rate, and fourth grade math classes calculated how much mulch volume was needed for the space. The environmental club selected plants, and Mrs. Caldeira’s seventh-grade science class did a perc test, which analyzes the drainage capability of raw land for future development.

Pope Francis in his “Laudato Si’” encyclical said climate change should be taken seriously, and that Catholics and everyone should do all they can to protect the Earth and environment. In late November, a speaker from the Office of Social Concerns will speak to Saint Peter’s students about fulfilling this Catholic obligation. 
“It's so much fun to see the excitement and enthusiasm that the kids have for planning and executing eco-friendly projects, not to mention the smiles on their faces at the completion of a successful project!" said Giron.
 
Saint Peter's families can find more information and get involved with The Green Team by visiting The Key.

by Dora J Gomes
Catholics around the world celebrate All Saints Day on November 1, remembering the work and lives of the saints, and praying to them for their intercession.

Each year, the fourth graders of Saint Peter’s School celebrate All Saints Day by creating a Hall of Saints. Students appear as a saint of their choice and prepare presentations for their fellow schoolmates and family, about the lives of their chosen saint for this event.

“I am Saint Anthony, who was the one to hold baby Jesus and who could find lost things”, said, Anthony whose birthday is on the day of St. Anthony’s Feast. While Jack chose Saint John the Baptist, who “prepared the way for Jesus”.

Sahana, choose Joan of Arc for her bravery and was surprised to learn that she was trialed for witchcraft. Lena chose Saint Kateri because she loved the environment and the poor. While Maryline, who loves music, chose Saint Cecilia as she is the patron saint of music and was a martyr.

Thaddeus and Camilla both chose Padre Pio, expressing the same enthusiasm to learn that Padre Pio could be in two places at the same time.

There were Mary the Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Michael the Archangel, Mother Teresa, Saint Lucy, Saint Patrick, and many more.

The participants expressed it was fun creating costumes in the image of their saint and doing research that all led to the All Saints Day celebration, where they presented themselves to visitors in the Hall of Saints. This event is a great way to learn about the lives of the Saints that leads in strengthening the Catholic faith.

​Mrs. Shirley Espin, Spanish Teacher
About me: I have been working in the educational field for over 18 years and I have worked as a Bilingual Coordinator and certified Interpreter. I love interacting with children, families, and other educators.
This year, I’m looking forward to the students enjoying Spanish class and learning about different cultures and traditions.
 
Ms. Nicol Espinoza, Third Grade Paraeducator
About me: I was born in Lima, Perú. I previously worked at MCPS, but my faith took me on a journey until I found Saint Peter’s. My first few weeks at Saint Peter’s have been an adventure. It has been fun to meet so many people and I have learned a lot in the process.
This year, I’m looking forward to a prosperous year for all at Saint Peter's. I pray to God for guidance to achieve all our goals one day at a time.
 
Ms. Erin Farrell, School Counselor
About me: I attended Saint Peter’s school before continuing my education at the Academy of the Holy Cross and the University of Dayton.  I worked at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in Alexandria, VA and spent the last two years at Saint Patrick’s School in Rockville. I am so grateful to this community for welcoming me back.
This year, I’m looking forward to getting to know the students better and supporting their social-emotional well-being.
 
Ms. Caitlin McNickle, Fifth Grade Teacher
About me: I have eight years of teaching experience. I earned my bachelor's degree in education with a minor in special education at Loyola University Maryland. My first few weeks at Saint Peter's have been busy, with many new learning opportunities.
This year, I’m looking forward to being a part of the school community and settling into my position. I am also excited to see all of the progress my students will make this year.

Ms. Pat O’Connell, Second Grade Teacher
About me:  I have taught in ADW schools for 20+ years. I studied Spanish and Latin American Affairs in college and graduate school, and ave a Masters in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. The Saint Peter’s community has been very welcoming, and I am excited to be here.
This year, I am looking forward to getting to know my students and preparing them to receive First Penance and First Communion.
 

By Erin Pant
Ms. Lauren DeZinno has been appointed principal of Saint Peter’s School in Olney. DeZinno is a familiar face to the Saint Peter’s community, she served as acting vice principal for the 2022-2023 school year and previously taught middle school Spanish.

“It has long been my dream to serve as the institutional and spiritual leader of a community such as Saint Peter's School,” said DeZinno.

Ms. DeZinno joined Saint Peter’s faculty in 2018 and in addition to teaching has been involved in many school programs and extra-curricular activities, including the drama program.
 
“Saint Peter’s is a very special place,” said DeZinno. “The Saint Peter's School community is truly committed to educating the whole child. The parents, families, faculty, and staff members are united in our mission to nurture the minds and hearts of our students.”

DeZinno, a graduate of the Archdiocese of Washington school system, is looking forward to “everything” during her first year as principal.

“My experiences attending the Archdiocese of Washington's exemplary Catholic schools helped shape who I am. I hope our students will have similarly wonderful, faith-filled experiences during their time at Saint Peter's School,” said DeZinno.
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DeZinno earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Delaware and received her Master of Arts degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she majored in Leadership in Teaching.
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“When I earned my master's degree in leadership in teaching in 2019, I began to think about pursuing a career in administration. After much thought and even more prayer, I decided to pursue it more seriously and applied for the principal position when the opportunity arose,” said DeZinno.  
 
DeZinno recently took part in the Leadership Academy sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Office. Prior to Saint Peter’s, DeZinno held teaching positions at The Academy of the Holy Cross and St. Jude’s Regional Catholic School.  

 The youngest students at Saint Peter’s had an opportunity to participate in a new program established by our longtime PreK team of teachers. Ms. Trotta and Mrs. Smith, who both teach the PreK-3 students, and Ms. Tina Cubbage, who teaches PreK-4, hosted four weeks of Summer Blossom Camp for students entering PreK-4 or Kindergarten. Activities for the students included art projects, science experiments, music, dance, and outdoor fun.
 
Incoming students mingled with returning students so that when the first day of school comes later this month, it will seem like everyone is greeting old friends, instead of walking into a new environment.

By Erin Pant
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Eighty-six student scientists spent their spring designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments. Led by parent volunteer Mrs. McAndrew-Benavides, a new science fair model was introduced at Saint Peter’s this year.
 
In March, students had the opportunity to sign-up for the voluntary activity and choose their project topics. Students could work individually or with a partner. Work took place outside of normal school hours. Weekly instructions, reminders, and resources were sent to assist students throughout their projects.
 
“It was a great learning experience where everything wasn’t directed by certain guidelines or instructions, you were free to experiment and figure things out on your own and make your own deductions,” said eighth grader Marin Cobo who investigated Cone Analysis for Rocket Height Optimization.
 
Students representing every grade from pre-kindergarten through eighth, presented their findings at the Science Fair on Friday, April 21. For students in PreK-5, the Science Fair was a non-competitive opportunity. For students in grades 6-8, “Best in Category” awards, such as Best Research Project, Best Experiment, Best Demonstration, and Crowd Pleaser, were presented. Judges included science professionals, local high school teachers, and community members.
 
“Our students showed off how curious, creative, and courageous they are. I loved hearing them talk about their investigations!” said middle-school science teacher Mrs. Caldeira.
 
Fourth Grader Charlotte Scango’s project explored whether fruit could produce power to light a light bulb. “No matter how old you are you can find a project that works for you,” Scango said, “It was fun walking around learning about things, especially from the little kids.”
 
Project topics represented a diverse array of scientific fields including aerospace, biology, biomedical, chemistry, computer science, engineering, food science, geology, kinesiology, power, and life science.
 
“Special thanks to all of the volunteers from the parish, local schools, and community who helped make this event happen,” said Mrs. McAndrew-Benavides. “I hope it’s the beginning of a new annual tradition.”