St. Jerome Regional School in Rush Township is ready for the 2022-2023 school year.

Students from kindergarten through eighth grade return on Monday.

“We are very excited for the new school year at St. Jerome Regional School,” said Amy Hannis-Miskar, principal, noting that her staff will be welcoming just over 300 students from PreK to eighth grade when the doors open next week. “Families are choosing Saint Jerome Regional School for many reasons such as our Catholic values, rigorous academics and our family atmosphere. Our faith guides our traditional classroom settings where students develop strong moral compasses. We educate the whole person through well-rounded programs, extracurriculars, and service opportunities. Our school is also accredited by the Middle States Association.

“Parents like knowing that their children are instantly part of our school family the day they enter through the front doors.”

Hannis-Miskar said that in addition to continued student population growth, the school has been busy preparing staff and the building for the new year.

• Instrumental lessons will be offered again this year to students in grades four to eight. Students will be given the opportunity to learn band instruments.

• The school was awarded a $22,563 Instructional Technology Grant that will help advance the Instructional Technology Program.

• Staff trainings that were completed or are scheduled include St. Luke’s Stop the Bleed presentation, Pediatric First Aid CPR and AED training and an upcoming active shooter training exercise.

“The safety of our students/staff at SJRS are a priority,” Hannis-Miskar said. “Mr. Shaun McConnon will be training our staff. Mr. McConnon has been in the United States Military for over 20 years and he is an armed security manager and firearms/tactics instructor. He is nationally certified to instruct both armed and unarmed response to active threat events.”

In addition to educational trainings and preparation, the school has completed several projects, including a new security camera system, new cement/curb is in front of the school, along with a new drainage system; a new gymnasium floor and deep cleaning/waxing all carpets and floors in the building.

“At SJRS, we wholeheartedly believe that, as our mission statement reflects: Our base is family, our mission is faith, and our future rests in the courage to leave behind a legacy,” Hannis-Miskar said. “We feel that it is truly a privilege to be part of a community where parents, teachers, and students care for each other and help each other to live fearlessly through faith.”

For anyone who would like more information, please visit sjrschool.com or call the main office at 570-668-2757.