By Erin Pant
When classes begin on August 31, Saint Peter’s School will mark its 65th year of providing Catholic education in Olney. Along with the notable anniversary, the 2022-2023 school year has much to be excited about.
 
Saint Peter’s has had three consecutive years of enrollment growth. As of early August, enrollment is expected to be 465 students, almost a 20% increase from last year, and the third consecutive year of more than 10% growth. Due to the positive enrollment trend, Saint Peter’s will offer a new PK-3 class and two sections of each grade from PK-4 through eighth grade. The school is nearly three times the size it was back in August 1957 when The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill traveled from Philadelphia to Olney to teach the inaugural 160 pupils.

“As we look to the new school year, there is much excitement about the school’s 65th anniversary, as well as the return to post-covid experiences for our students. We look forward to welcoming back morning prayer assemblies, lunch shifts for all students in our parish hall, ballroom dancing, and field trips,” said Interim Principal Nelson Abreu.

Strong fundraising support allowed the school to acquire $200k in technology equipment and upgrades to enhance the curriculum and support the teachers this school year.

The 65th Anniversary will be celebrated in fun ways throughout the year including a parent reception on the first day of school, a school-wide student party on the 65th day, a dress like the 50’s-day and alumni recognition at the school gala.

​Mary Randles, the Director of Admissions and Development, is entering her 28th year at Saint Peters. She says that while the school has grown and seen various changes over the years, the sense of community has remained the same. “The teachers, students, and parents, form a close, supportive group, with many friendships lasting well beyond 8th grade. We are now, more than ever, committed to helping our students find their place in the world, spiritually and academically. I’m looking forward to celebrating all the things that make Saint Peter’s School a special place for both returning and new families. It’s connecting with people that brings me the most joy.”

The rich diversity of Saint Peter’s community was on display at the school’s fifth annual International Night on April 30. Students, parents, and faculty were thrilled to see one of the school’s most popular events return after it was unfortunately cancelled in 2021.
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This year, the event was held outside. Host families set up informative displays and proudly shared information about a specific country. Attendees received paper passports and were able to collect stickers as they visited each country display. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed an evening sampling delicious food, learning different countries around the world and socializing with friends.  

'JOSEPH’ AT SAINT PETER'S BRINGS MUSIC, SMILES​

By Joe Howard Our Parish Times, May2022 Edition
 
An athlete trying his hand at theatre took the lead in Saint Peter’s Catholic School’s production of “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which tells the biblical story of a boy expelled from Canaan by jealous brothers only to rise to prominence in Egypt and later help his family.
 
Football and lacrosse player Reese Dickerson impressed in the title role, supported in the school’s largest-ever production by show director Phyllis Bottegal and music director Peter Nguyen.
 
“It’s very exciting,” seventh-grader Dickerson said of playing Joseph. “You’ve got to take on a lot of leadership. You’ve got to dedicate yourself.”
 
Dickerson and fellow seventh-grader Andrew Chipperfield – who played oldest brother Reuben – earlier had impressed the show directors singing “God Bless America” during morning announcements, a preview of what they’d bring to the show.
 
“A rock opera is an entirely sung show,” said Bottegal, the school’s drama teacher. She credited the efforts of the cast and Nguyen in learning those songs. “It was a lot of fun, but it was hard,” she said.
 
Music teacher Nguyen noted pandemic-related regulations steered the production, including “teaching the acting and seeing expressions that are half-covered” by masks. Nguyen credited everyone – including the set, costume and hair and makeup teams – for staying focused. “The kids have been great,” he said. “There are some long nights.”
 
While drama productions are normally reserved for seventh- and eighth-graders, the demands of the musical and dance numbers compelled the invitation of fourth- through sixth-graders to participate.
 
Eighth-grader Ryan Ikwuemesi brought laughs as the Pharaoh of Egypt, delivering a hip-shaking version of “Song of the King” in a sequined jumpsuit fit for a King (of Rock and Roll). Georgie Sardelis signing “Those Canaan Days” as Simeon and Kasey Hartwick with Judah’s rendition of “Benjamin’s Calypso” were other lively solos.
 
Advancing the story were Gabriella Loudermilk and Demi Stroms as the Narrators, handling heavy doses of lyrics and choreography in harmony.
 
“These kids were so proud of themselves,” said producer Lauren DeZinno, the school’s Spanish teacher. “You could hear them chanting ‘Go, go Joe,’ and cheering for themselves. It was heartwarming.”

​SAINT PETER'S ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Danielle Trotta, Saint Peters Class of 1998, ​Middle School Science Teacher, Holy Redeemer Catholic School
Jacqueline Trotta, Saint Peters Class of 2002, Pre-K Teacher, Saint Peter's Catholic School 

Saint Peter’s connection:
The Trotta’s have been parishioners of St. Peter’s Parish for 33 years. Danielle, Jacqueline and their younger brother, Nicholas (Class of 2006) each attended St. Peter’s School from Kindergarten through 8th grade.  

Favorite memory from my time at Saint Peters:
Danielle:  My favorite memory was field day in 8th grade. Being an 8th grader, we looked forward to being team captains. I remember having so much fun making our banner, coming up with our cheer, and having a blast with all of the events. At the end, we all signed each other’s shirts.
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Jacqueline:  When I think back to my time at St. Peter’s, two memories stand out the most. In 3rd grade, Mrs. Baka would take any opportunity to read us the Magic School Bus series. She LOVED the book series and always dressed up as Ms. Frizzle for Halloween! Secondly, being a part of the first drama production the school produced, with Mrs. Bottegal. I played the role of a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz (performed in the Parish Hall). It was a wonderful experience! 
  
Biggest influence influences during your time at Saint Peter’s:
Danielle: Mrs. Tagarsee influenced me the most. She was my middle school math and science teacher. She taught me so much, both academic as well as life lessons. She always told me that I would become a math and science teacher. I never believed her, as I had other career ambitions, but all along, she was right. I wish I could personally thank her for everything she has done.

Jacqueline: One person that influenced me during my time at St. Peter’s was my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Baka. The impression that she left while reading to the class instilled in me the joy that I have today when I read to my class. She did not only “read” the book to us; she became the story. Mrs. Baka made learning fun.  I am so grateful to have had her as my teacher.  Another teacher who influenced me was my middle school Math teacher, Mrs. Convey. Even though math was not my strong suit, she always gave me the confidence that I needed to push through.  
 
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Danielle:  Being a student, within the Archdiocese of Washington (St. Peter’s and Good Counsel) has set me on the path to where I am today. Because of that, I wanted to be able to give back to the community that helped shape me.
 
Jacqueline:  From an early age teaching was always something I wanted to do. Specifically, working with younger children. I was fortunate enough to start my educational career here at St. Peter’s.  I started as paraeducator for 4 years, before becoming a lead teacher in Pre-K. I have enjoyed being a part of the St. Peter’s community for the past 12 years.  St. Peter’s feels like my second home! 

​Every Monday, a group of K-5th grade girls and boys stay after school to dance with the Panthers Dancers at Saint Peter’s School in Olney. “It’s nonstop moving. There’s no sitting down,” laughs Mrs. Cron, middle school language arts teacher and parent at Saint. Peter’s.
The youngsters have a great time and move their bodies, which is the goal, she says. “Some kids aren’t into sports, so I want them to have an outlet where they’re moving and healthy,” she says. “Of course, some of them like both sports and dance!”
Mrs. Cron founded and taught a similar program at St. Jane Frances de Chantal School for 15 years before coming to Saint Peter’s in 2021.
The Panthers stretch using ballet techniques and dance in the pop and jazz styles, with elements of musical theater choreography mixed in. At the end of the eight-week program, the students perform in a showcase for their families, dancing to songs like “Hard Knock Life” from the musical Annie and Disney movie favorites.
The dance program is offered every quarter for K-5, and Panther Dancers Pro is available for middle schoolers during part of the year.
Second grader Quinn Burritt loves being a part of the troupe. “We get to stay after school and listen to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” and we dance and we laugh,” she says. “Mrs. Cron is really nice and she’s a really good dancer.”
Mrs. Cron says it is one of her favorite parts of teaching. “They’re the cutest kids ever. The class is a ray of sunshine in my week. It’s a really fun way to show your Panther pride.”

The Greater Olney News profiled Saint Peter's Principal Mr. Vincent Spadoni in the March 16, 2022 edition

​Like other school communities across America, Saint Peter’s students celebrated Black History Month in February. One specific activity included fourth and fifth graders in Ms. Morgan Duffy’s Social Studies classes researching and writing a report on notable African Americans. Each student was asked to investigate important dates and landmarks, childhood and adult milestones, and professional achievements for their assigned African American leader and write an accompanying report that summarized what they learned about the individual.
For example, fifth grader Shaw Vanderpool researched the life and accomplishments of John Lewis, a civil rights leader who served in Congress representing the state of Georgia for 17 terms until his death in 2020. When asked about the assignment, Shaw commented: “It was really interesting to learn about John Lewis’ dedication to public service, his friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his involvement in the March on Washington in 1963. I am glad that my classmates and I were able to learn more about African American leaders and Black History Month.”

David Duggan, a fourth grader, reported on Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. The significance of Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing career is highlighted by the fact that the number 42 has been retired across all MLB teams. David shared that he “really liked learning about Jackie Robinson, especially all of his personal and professional achievements such as serving in the military, winning the World Series with the Dodgers in 1955, and his commitment to civil rights.” Both Shaw and David noted that their assigned notable African Americans were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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In reflecting on the assignment, Ms. Duffy commented, “During the month of February I try to share with my students the many ways that African Americans have significantly influenced our society. Many of our students know about certain individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Vice President Kamala Harris, but individuals like Arthur Ashe, Mae Jemison, Wilma Rudolph, and so many more also deserve the recognition and credit for transforming our society in such a positive way."   

​A new holiday tradition inspired by the Saint Peter’s School community got off to a rousing start on December 10, as the school’s inaugural Christmas Tree lighting brought students, parents and faculty together to celebrate with hot chocolate, handmade ornaments and an eight-foot tall tree that kids couldn’t wait to see lit up.
Student chants of “light the tree” followed by a countdown from ten filled the air just before Principal Vincent Spadoni flipped a red-and-white handheld switch to illuminate the multicolored bulbs on the tree, an artificial Virginia pine donated by the school’s Mueller family. This tree will return each year for the ceremony.
The idea for the event came from parents, Spadoni noted, something he welcomes. “I love ideas from the ground level,” he said. “I love that our parents come forward with a lot of ideas.”
Parents, students, and teachers all welcomed the chance to get together for the event.
“I think it’s really nice bringing everyone together,” said Jules Burritt, a seventh-grader in her second year at Saint Peter’s.
“It’s very fun,” added eighth-grader Maggie Friel. “I think it’s very creative how they had the little kids make the ornaments for the tree.”
Friel was referring to a section where younger students could create and hang their own ornaments, a creative outlet for children who, according to second-grade teacher Kelly Nichols, were excited. “The kids are totally psyched,” said Nichols. “We were talking about it today.”
The tree-lighting ceremony is the school’s second new tradition in as many years; last year, amid the pandemic, a neighborhood Christmas lights tour was launched, giving families a chance to get out of the house and get into the Christmas spirit by driving past Saint Peter’s homes decorated for the holidays. This year’s Christmas lights tour kicked off immediately following the tree-lighting.
Events like these help infuse renewed vibrancy into the school, said parent Margaret Giron,. “I like the new sense of community and energy flowing through the school,” she said.
“I’m so looking forward to doing this every year,” added parent Marie Joseph
With the tree lights shining, Spadoni thanked the vibrant crowd for attending, and wished everyone a safe and happy Christmas season.

From Saint Francis of Assisi to Saint Veronica, Patron Saint of Photography, holy saints dotted the blacktop at Saint Peter’s on November 2nd, when the school held its annual Hall of Saints in-person again after a hiatus in 2020.
Fourth graders in detailed costumes stood, six feet apart, with informative poster displays they made. They gave three-minute presentations on various saints, informing and delighting parents, grandparents, and guests with tales of the holy miracle-workers.
Blessed Virgin Mary held baby Jesus in her arms, Saint John the Baptist regaled listeners with the tale of his beheading, and Saint Patrick described how he had used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people.
“I was so very proud of our fourth-grade students, who brought to life the good works of so many holy men and women, each of whom they exemplify here at school every day,” said Principal Vincent Spadoni, who is in his first year serving as the head of Saint Peter’s School.
The special event was the culmination of weeks of hard work done by the fourth graders, who researched the saints, made posters, created costumes, and wrote their presentations. The speeches included tidbits such as what each child most admired about his or her saint, and a question they would ask the saint if they could.
Mindy Saia, mother of two fourth graders, Capri and Marty, said she greatly enjoyed the Hall of Saints. “We were so surprised by the format of these presentations! It was a great idea, and each child did an amazing job presenting their saint. We learned so much from each of them.”
 

​As is the case with many schools, Saint Peter’s offers traditional band instruction during the school year. There is, however, another band offering which is a bit less conventional, and that comes in the form of the “Ensemble” program.
Back in 2015, Saint Peter’s choir director and music teacher Mr. Peter Nguyen came up with the idea of creating a band jam session that would allow students to play an alternate style of music in a group setting. Ensemble was born from that concept.
“The ensemble group was formed to offer students, who play instruments that are not traditionally found in a school band, a chance to play along with others,” said Nguyen.
Ensemble is offered two quarters out of the school year for students in grades 3 through 8. All that is needed to participate is a willingness to learn and a desire to play as part of a musical team. Included instruments are guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, and vocals. The program has proven to be a success, with repeat faces often returning for each session and students showing steady improvement, and increased confidence along the way.
On October 26, the fall Ensemble session concluded with a one hour concert held in Saint Peter’s Parish Hall. Mr. Nguyen was joined onstage by five student musicians who alternated performing a mix of six different rock/pop songs that were chosen collectively by the entire troupe. Student guitarist and vocalist Marin Cobo said, “Ensemble is really welcoming and feels like home. It is a great environment to play music with your friends.”
The entire group joined together for a finale which was the highlight of the afternoon. The impressive performance by the band had audience members on their feet and clapping with the rhythm!

​Two Saint Peter’s parents who have dedicated many years of service to the school were celebrated on November 12 at the Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County annual gala.
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Mrs. Anna Santos is the current President of the School Advisory Board and has held this position for the past four years. Santos has seen the school through its most recent strategic plan and is currently overseeing the formation of team that will create the newest one. Santos, a registered nurse, also assists as a substitute in the Health Room.
 
Mrs. Megan Clark, an alumna of Saint Peter’s, has dedicated many years of service to the school, including serving as the President of the Home and School Association. 

​In August of 1957, Saint Peter’s Parish opened the doors to its day school. The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill arrived in Olney from Philadelphia to teach the 160 pupils. One of the students in the inaugural first grade class was Catherine Yates.
Catherine was one of fifteen siblings who each attended Saint Peter’s School. Her parents were very active in the parish and school. Her mom, Marie, took on many roles including working in the school office and coordinating church wedding receptions. Her father Richard, a doctor, provided medical care to the Sisters, and was instrumental in many parish affairs, including securing the commission of the statue of Saint Peter, which remains the parish’s signature symbol today.
“In those days, Olney was very country,” said Catherine. She recalls having to walk through farmland, dodging past cows on her way to school each morning. Catherine has especially fond memories of the Sisters, “I loved the nuns, they were very special. Saint Peter’s was always a happy and holy atmosphere. It was a wonderful place to be.”
Catherine married Bill Mooney in 1971. The ceremony was held in Saint Peter’s Parish Hall, which at the time was the main church. The Mooney’s had two children, Brian and Karen, and when the time came, they proudly enrolled them at Saint Peter’s. “They loved the school from the start,” recalls Catherine.
When Brian and Karen attended Saint Peter’s in the 1980’s, it had undergone several changes since their mom’s time at the school. Most of the faculty were now lay people, and in 1989, a major milestone occurred when the new church was completed.
“Our teachers were wonderful, I still remember many of them vividly today,” said Brian Mooney. “There were high expectations, but we had a lot of fun.”
Karen Mooney recalls the many special community events, some of which continue today, like spaghetti dinners, bingos, and Donuts for Dad. 
Both Brian and Karen enjoyed the strong sense of community that Saint Peter’s provided them. So much so, that years later, when they each became parents, they made the decision to send their children to Saint Peter’s, forming a three-generation tradition.
Brian’s son Nathan is now in 4th grade. “We wanted to give Nathan a strong academic foundation and sense of community, and St. Peter’s felt to be the natural choice,” said Brian. “School has changed a lot, but there are these moments that harken back to the time that I spent there, and it is really feels special to share that with him.”
Karen’s daughter Harley is in 2nd grade, “I wanted my daughter to be in a loving environment that focused on faith and education. There are many times that Harley will ask me about how things were when I was there. I try to explain that there was only one hallway, and she can’t even comprehend it!”
While many things at Saint Peter’s have changed over the decades, from the expansion of the school building to the curriculum to the uniforms, the experience gained within the walls has not.
“Through all of the years and all of the changes, it’s clear that the core of St. Peter’s is the community,” said Brian. 
“It is very reassuring to know, based on my own firsthand experience, that my daughter is in the right place,” added Karen.
Today, Catherine attends school masses as often as she can. “I just love seeing my grandchildren there.”  She also enjoys accompanying them down the same halls she once walked, though she admits she sometimes gets lost navigating the newer parts of the building. “I couldn’t be happier with my own children’s choice to follow in our footsteps and send their children to Saint Peter’s, it’s such a blessing.”

Mr. Vincent Spadoni, a familiar face in the Archdiocese of Washington, has been appointed principal of Saint Peter School in Olney.
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“It’s one of the greatest honors of my career to be called to lead this community,” said Spadoni. “As long as I’ve been in the Archdiocese, Saint Peter School has had such an outstanding reputation for its community, its connection to the parish, and its strong academic program. I look forward to building on the legacy that was here, while bringing some of my own energy and excitement to the school.”

Spadoni has served in administrative roles in the Archdiocese of Washington for more than 20 years. Most recently, he served as the President of the Consortium of Catholic Academies in Washington, D.C. where he was responsible for the oversight of all operations, from finance and facilities to academics and development for four urban Catholic schools. Prior to that, Spadoni served as principal of Saint Ambrose School in Cheverly and Saint Elizabeth School in Rockville. In 2012, he was named the Distinguished Principal of the Year for the Archdiocese of Washington.

Mr. Spadoni describes his transition to Saint Peter as incredibly warm and one of the smoothest of his career. “I’ve had all of these connections to Saint Peter over the years, so I didn’t feel like a stranger coming in,” said Spadoni. “I’m coming into a very strong, solid school in every way, and I credit my predecessors, Mrs. Liz Whelan and Mrs. Kristen Cocozzella for that. Mrs. Cocozzella made this transition incredibly positive and helpful.”

Saint Peter is experiencing a period of growth, with enrollment up 11% and several grades expanding into two classes for the 2021-2022 school year.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know our students, our teachers, and our families, and seeing how best I can serve our community,” said Spadoni. “My hope for the coming school year is that our community will experience a new sense of normalcy, and a renewed excitement and enthusiasm for Saint Peter.”

In 2021, In lieu of the traditional in-person event, Saint Peter's Families celebrated International Night by sharing some of their favorite family recipes.  
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