Saints Philip and James stresses academic excellence, character

Whether it is the expansive campus or the extracurricular offerings, students, faculty and alums find much to love about Sts. Philip and James School, Phillipsburg.

“We are the only Catholic school in Warren County, and we are celebrating 150 years of Catholic education in our own Phillipsburg,” said principal Sara Siano.

Each day for students start with prayer which is followed by classes that include religion as well as specials held throughout the week – physical education or health, music, art, and technology. The school also has a strong special education program, with a full-time educator and two reading specialists on staff.

“We are very proud of the steps we have taken to ensure that we help all students reach their full potential,” said Siano. “We also have a beautiful, expansive campus that is situated on 21 acres. We offer many clubs and extracurricular activities, and our Saints Athletics teams not only win championships, but they play with the values we learn about at school in mind.”

Siano said the school community also maintains a focus on J.O.Y., encouraging students “to think of Jesus first, then others, and yourself last.” Over the past few years, students have taken part in a number of service projects to tackle hunger in the local community.

“This initiative has taught our students that they can effect very real change, and when we combine our efforts, it makes a big difference,” she said. “We hold various food drives throughout the school year to support this effort.”

With faith at the center of the school’s culture, this year students are learning about a different Eucharistic saint each month. Students who exemplify the virtues of those saints also are recognized.

“Our Catholic identity is at the core of all that we do” said Siano. “We always put others before ourselves. And we work to reach our full potential.”

Eighth-grader Kayden Dorcely said his favorite things are “seeing my friends, learning about God and getting closer to Him.”

Gino Siano, one of the principal’s two sons who attend the school, spoke of “great classes and lots of great clubs like Rosary Club, Volleyball Club, Drama Club, Robotics Club and Choir, just to name a few.” Gino also serves as secretary of the Student Council.

Fourth-grade teacher Arrianna Scarponi moderates a number of those clubs, including robotics, garden and Rosary, and she is responsible for coordinating the school’s curriculum.

“This is my 12th year working at SSPJ, though I would not call it work,” she said. “I love the sense of community and the love of our faith that is received every day walking through the doors,” she said. Faculty and staff “all have and are working toward the same goal – our students’ success, both academically and spiritually.”

“When a child enrolls at SSPJ, parents can be assured that we are an extension of their family,” she said. “Our teachers build relationships with parents through constant communication. Our teachers not only know every student by name at our school, but also know every parent of their class.”

Siano said one of her greatest joys “is seeing our alumni come back into the building and hear their stories of yesterday.”

“It is our faith, and this wonderful school, that connect so many generations of people,” she said.

One of those alums is Margie Markus, who leads the school’s alumni committee and has been involved in the school community since 1954. In her latest role, Markus works to keep alumni engaged, foster a sense of community and support fundraising initiatives for things like scholarships, student initiatives and campus improvements.

Markus – who attended SSPJ, followed by her three children and three of her grandchildren – said “students are taught to embody the values of kindness, respect, and service – both in the classroom and in their daily lives. ... This focus on ethical development is designed to prepare them for a future of leadership and social responsibility that cannot compare to the public side of education.”

Eileen Dean has been a teacher and assistant principal at SSPJ.

“Having been a part of Sts. Philip and James School for more than two decades, I can confidently say that our school is a place where every student is valued and supported,” she said. “Sts. Philip and James provides a nurturing, faith-filled environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.”

Dean encourages parents to consider the school for their children, noting the focus not only on academic excellence, but also character development.

“Our faith-based environment provides students with the moral and spiritual guidance they need to grow into compassionate, responsible individuals,” she said. “The small class sizes, combined with a dedicated and supportive faculty, allow us to meet each student where they are, helping them reach their full potential.”