September's IJP Alumni Reunion: A Nostalgic Night on Campus

This September, we welcomed back alumni for a fun and memorable All School reunion night. Graduates from different classes came together to reconnect, catch up, and share stories from their days here at IJP. Alumni enjoyed a great atmosphere of cocktails, snacks, old memorabilia, yearbooks and photos, school tours, and more. It was a wonderful evening, and everyone was excited to be back where it all started here in Flossmoor, IL.

Alumni were so happy to be back and expressed to our community just how much they enjoyed the evening. One attendee shared, "It was a great group, and really brought back many memories from my class." Another alum expressed gratitude to our staff, who "did a great job organizing such a nice evening." As they toured the school, we couldn't help but smile and laugh at all those swapping stories from their time at IJP, showing that the bond they formed back then is still alive and well.

As the night wrapped up, the good vibes were clear. "I felt years younger being here tonight," one Class of '63 member joked. The Kingsmen spirit was palpable, and everyone left feeling grateful for the memories, both old and new.

 For all alumni interested in learning more about future reunions or being highlighted in our school’s news, we encourage you to head to our website's alumni page and stay connected with the IJP community!

Celebrating Excellence: Joanna Slawson

A Pillar of Compassion and Dedication at IJP School

Our March Kingsmen Feature is beacon of inspiration and unwavering dedication: Joanna Slawson, a PreK 4 teacher, preschool stalwart, Primary Divisional Team Leader, and mentor to many. With a commendable tenure of 14 years nurturing young minds within the Archdiocese of Chicago, Joanna's impact extends far beyond the confines of her classroom. Her exceptional commitment to her students and the IJP community has garnered recognition, including a nomination for the prestigious 2020 Golden Apple Teacher Award.

Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Joanna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, further enriched by her decade-long immersion within the IJP family. Her journey at IJP is not just marked by professional milestones but by the deep bonds she has forged with her colleagues and the profound impact she has had on countless young lives.

When asked about her experience at IJP, Joanna is quick to highlight the unwavering support of her fellow educators. "The supportive staff. I cannot say enough about my co-workers and how awesome they are. They are genuinely good people that I love being around and working with. We truly want what's best for our students and for IJP school," she shares earnestly. It's this sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that fuels the collaborative spirit at IJP, creating an environment where both educators and students can thrive.

But it's Joanna's approach to teaching that truly sets her apart. With a demeanor characterized by warmth and compassion, Joanna employs strategies that are not only effective but rooted in empathy. Her soft-spoken words serve as a soothing balm, reaching even the most overwhelmed child without ever making them feel inadequate or misunderstood. It's this unique ability to connect with her students on a deeper level that leaves a lasting impression, instilling in them a sense of confidence and security.

Beyond her classroom responsibilities, Joanna serves as a mentor to other PreK teachers, sharing her wisdom and expertise to support their professional growth. Additionally, she plays a vital role on the IJP Continuous School Improvement Plan committee, contributing her insights and ideas to enhance the overall educational experience for all students.

As a Primary Divisional Team Leader, Joanna's leadership shines brightly, guiding her colleagues with wisdom and grace. Through her mentorship and collaborative efforts, she fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, ensuring that every member of the IJP community has the support they need to succeed.

In essence, Joanna Slawson epitomizes the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines IJP School. Her unwavering commitment to her students, coupled with her profound impact on the school community, makes her a true asset to the field of education. As we celebrate Joanna's achievements and contributions, let us also take a moment to recognize the countless educators like her who tirelessly dedicate themselves to shaping the future generation. Indeed, Joanna Slawson is more than just a teacher – she is an inspiration to us all.

Empathy in Action

NJHS Aid for Women Baby Item Drive in Collaboration with Flossmoor MLK Day of Service

In a powerful demonstration of community service and compassion, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) here at Infant Jesus of Prague School recently joined forces with the Village of Flossmoor's MLK Day of Service to organize a Baby Item Drive for Aid for Women, a non-profit with strong roots to our IJP school and parish community. Despite braving below-freezing temperatures, the dedicated 8th grade NJHS members undertook this initiative to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This collaborative effort not only showcased our students' commitment to service but also highlighted the importance of instilling empathy in the leaders of tomorrow.

Braving the Cold for a Warm Cause

The bitter cold of early January couldn't deter the enthusiasm of the 8th grade NJHS members who used their day off of school as a day "on" to collect baby items for Aid for Women, a non-profit that focuses on support for pregnant and new mothers. Their dedication to the cause reflects the values of compassion and character that are ingrained in the NJHS ethos. Our eighth graders collected over 100 diapers, bottles, articles of clothing, and other baby items that go directly to new mothers in need. They also created cards thanking the Aid for Women volunteers and the families and friends of our school who donated. 

Collaboration with Flossmoor MLK Day of Service

Partnering with the Village of Flossmoor's MLK Day of Service added a meaningful layer to the initiative. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day dedicated to service and equality, served as the perfect collaboration for the Item Drive, reinforcing the principles of unity and community upliftment.

Here at IJP, service projects such as this one go beyond collecting tangible goods. They contribute to the development of caring citizens who are not only aware of the needs within their communities but are actively engaged in addressing them. We are proud of all our students who continually go above and beyond to create a more compassionate world for all of us.