St. Joseph School in Randolph kicked off the 2010-2011 school year with their 7th annual Ambassador Picnic held on the school grounds recently. The St. Joseph Home and School Association began the Ambassador Program seven years ago as a way to help new families become oriented and familiar with the school.

"Each new family is paired up with a "veteran' family for the entire school year," states Dee Demyan, principal of St. Joseph
School. "The "veteran' family is responsible for helping the new family become acquainted with St. Joseph's mission statement, policies, curriculum, extra-curricular activities and all other programs the school has to offer. The program runs throughout the entire school year. " "The Ambassador picnic is a great way for the families to meet one another prior to the start of the school year" states Tami Lang, president of the St. Joseph Home and School Association. "With the guidance of veteran families, this program creates a very warm and friendly environment and an easy transition for both the student and parents." states Lang. The Home and School Association is even more excited this year to welcome fourteen new families to the brand new St. Joseph Preschool. The preschool is housed within the elementary school and children will be taught by Missy Campbell, certified preschool teacher. The preschool offers half or full-day programs for children ages 3-5. Those participating in the full-day program are offered the same amenities as the school children including the hot-lunch program.

About St. Joseph School:

St. Joseph School provides a comprehensive Christian-based curriculum for grades PreK-8. The school offers many opportunities as provided by schools in the surrounding area such as but not limited to: sports and music programs, scouts, advanced classes, foreign language and more. All faiths are welcome. For more information, visit www.stjoerandolph.org or call the school office at 330.628.9555. Phone messages are monitored during summer months.

Posing with new members of the St. Joseph School family in the new preschool room are L-R: Missy Campbell, preschool teacher; Dee Demyan, Principal; Katie Bragg, teacher; Maria, Andras, and Ethan Kovacs, along with Maria, Anthony, Leighann, and Chris Waring; and Lisa Edie, Kindergarten Teacher. Veteran families are paired with new families throughout the year in order to help them become acquainted with school fundraisers, policies and procedures.