This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with Lauren Lunde, mom to two Saints John & Paul students. She shares her experience with the school, family life, and favorite local spots around Westchester.
Where are you from originally and where do you live now?
I am originally from New Rochelle, New York and I still live there currently.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have two boys – ages 6 and 11.
Why did you choose Saints John and Paul School for your children?
In 2020, when COVID hit, my oldest child was in New Rochelle Public Schools and had to graduate from Kindergarten over a computer screen. When August rolled around, and he was supposed to start 1st grade, New Rochelle still had not yet decided whether they would be starting the 2020-2021 year remotely or in the classroom and my husband and I both work full time, so we needed a commitment of full time classroom education for our son. A few friends of mine had their children at SJP and told me that they would be in school five days a week starting that September. I immediately sent in an application for my son to join the 1st grade there. I think there was one spot left and we got it. We were very lucky. Since then, we have been an SJP family. I went to Catholic schools my whole life and really appreciate the Catholic school education so I knew it would be the right place for my children. Now, we have been there for six years and I have one in 6th grade and one in Kindergarten. I love the small class sizes and the special attention my children receive from the faculty and staff at SJP. I always say everything happens for a reason. I can thank the global pandemic for getting my children into the right school.
How has the school’s community and values impacted your family life and your children’s development?
SJP has a wonderful community of faculty, staff and families. It is a small enough school that many of us know each other, even if we work full time and are not available to be around everyday. The other parents will even take photos of my children at events that I cannot attend and send them to me which is so thoughtful and makes me feel like I didn’t miss anything. As I stated above, I come from a Catholic school education, so I know firsthand that the values taught in Catholic schools are second to none. Many people think a Catholic school education is all about learning religion. There are religion classes, but it is so much more than that. My 6th grader is learning how to start and build a business and doing 7th grade level math. My boys are in great hands everyday and I am confident that they are learning how to be wonderful little men.
What academic and/or extracurricular programs at Saints John and Paul School have been most beneficial for your children?
Each year at SJP, there are new and exciting offerings for extracurricular activities and after school activities. My children have taken advantage of many of them, including arts and crafts, pickleball, tennis, the school play and various volunteer opportunities offered through the parish to assist the community. My boys are also receiving a fantastic education at SJP – excelling beyond their grade levels and meeting all of the challenges that the academics at SJP provide. Additionally, SJP offers social-emotional learning which, I believe, is wonderful for my boys. SJP also offers CYO basketball teams, a cross-country team and a cheerleading team as well as a music band. All of these special activities create the feeling of a larger public school atmosphere in a smaller Catholic school.
Are there opportunities for parents to get involved, and what have you enjoyed most?
Yes! I am currently serving my second year as the Secretary of the Parish School Parent Association (PSPA). There is a PSPA board which is elected as well as committees to assist with community service and hospitality and events. You can volunteer to be a class parent or participate in the events that happen at SJP – such as the Pep Rally, Field Day, BINGO Night, Paint nights and other activities. Additionally, each year, SJP has a Gala fundraiser which families can volunteer to participate in by sponsoring the event or donating auction items. Personally, I have enjoyed being the Secretary and I also enjoyed being a class parent. I work full time so I cannot be present at everything all the time, but I like my children knowing that I am interested and participating in what is going on at their school. It makes them happy which makes me happy.
What advice would you give other parents who are considering Saints John and Paul School for their children?
I would wholeheartedly say do it! It is tuition money well spent. The SJP students thrive in high schools all around Westchester County and beyond. SJP really challenges children academically while at the same time having a wonderful small community that nourishes the childrens’ spirits in a very special way.
What are your family’s favorite local spots after school or on weekends?
Both of my boys play tennis at Tennis Innovators Academy. My younger son is in Jiu Jitsu at Igor Gracie. We love these two places. We also really love Sherwoods in Larchmont, the Larchmont Tavern, Modern on the Rails in Mamaroneck, the Beechmont Tavern in New Rochelle and Pete’s Park Place in Bronxville. Those are some of our favorite dinner spots.
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