Saint Jerome School Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence

Since being founded in 1957, Saint Jerome School has encouraged its students to pursue high academic achievement, a deepening of faith, and a sense of community built on service and involvement. In addition to receiving its fourth consecutive accreditation from the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) and achieving the highest level of accreditation in all 15 categories, the school is also celebrating its 60th year of excellence with significant commemorative events, construction of modern spaces, and appreciation of student achievements.

In November 2017, Cardinal Sean O’Malley kicked off a weekend-long anniversary celebration, beginning with Mass at Saint Jerome Church. “The secret ingredient in Catholic education is love,” explained Cardinal Sean in his homily recognizing the founding of Saint Jerome School. During the luncheon that followed, families and students painted stones to pave a “Path to the Future” that will be completed this spring. A Saturday night gala welcomed alumni, parishioners, and parents from near and far for dancing, games, and fellowship. In her keynote address, Courtney Stevenson, a 1995 graduate, commented on how her decision to become a teacher was cemented in grade 5 at SJS. “I have seen success in all aspects of my life,” said Mrs. Stevenson. “When I tell you that this story would be much different had it not been for my experiences at SJS, I tell you that from the heart. Saint Jerome School provided me with a foundation, friendships, and faith.” On Sunday morning, young alumni put on a talent show and student government representatives led tours for middle school students and alumni. More events celebrating this important milestone are planned for the spring.

Saint Jerome School remains committed to maintaining and modernizing its physical building. In 2015, a new classroom was built to accommodate the growing middle school enrollment and the auditorium was renamed the “Peruzzi Performance Pavilion” after being updated with new stage drapes, lighting, and a modern sound system all funded by a legacy family. The following year, a new roof and outdoor lighting were added. During the summer of 2017, another middle school classroom and the Lorelyn Brooks Art and Science Center were constructed. On the night of the center’s dedication, Michael Brooks, son of Lorelyn, spoke about the beauty of legacy families dedicating resources to future generations of students. He said, “My mother was committed to Catholic education for me and my 7 siblings. Our family is proud to honor her by providing a space for students to explore their passions for science and art.”

Saint Jerome School takes time to appreciate and recognize its students’ achievements, in and out of the classroom. Middle school students are commended for partnering with younger students in a “buddy system” to accomplish tasks and model good behavior. This fall, the Lego Lions robotics team scored the highest point total on the robot challenge game in the FLL regional qualifying tournament in Revere. At the state championship in Newton, the team scored the second highest robot score out of 48 competing schools. Students continuing on to private high schools over the past two years have received scholarship offers of over $900,000 and this year’s graduating class is expected to garner similar offers. Half of the Class of 2018 class scored among the top 10% nationally on the HSPT with five students ranked in the top 3% and one student finishing in the top 1%. Principal Kathleen Puleo, remarked, “This academic achievement is a tribute to the students, their parents, and our school. Working together, setting the bar high, and keeping the focus on faith, academics, and service make all these results possible.”

Saint Jerome School provides a dynamic learning environment for students age three through grade eight that is academically strong, rich in Catholic faith, and generous in service. Anniversary events continue throughout the year and interested alumni and parishioners are encouraged to participate. School visits are welcome during “Tour on Tuesday” events happening every Tuesday through March 13, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Open House will be Sunday, January 28, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and a special Middle School Open House is scheduled for March 13 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Please call the office at 781-335-1235 for a private tour or more information about any event. Visit the web site at stjeromeschoolweymouth.org or on Facebook at saintjeromeschool.