St. Matthew School marks 70 years of education, mentoring and growth

As St. Matthew School, Edison, celebrates its 70th anniversary this academic year, the faculty and staff of the pre-K through eighth grade school dedicate each day to the intellectual, moral and spiritual growth of their students.

“Our dedicated faculty and staff are not only educators, but mentors, who invest in the personal growth of each student,” said principal Joyce Pekitis Schaefer. “We celebrate diversity and work to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.”

Each school day at St. Matthew’s begins with morning reflection and prayer, as well as the daily recitation of their mission statement. In addition to core subjects, all students have music, art, Spanish and physical education once each week.

The school community is diverse, and with an average class size of just 15 students, pupils receive personalized support in the classroom.

“We are a very diverse community of both ethnicities and faiths,” said Schaefer. “As a small community, differentiated instruction and individualized attention is the norm.”

The school includes a full-sized gymnasium, science lab, computer lab, cafeteria and playground – and each student is provided with a Chromebook to use during school hours.

Learning and development continue even after the school day ends, as students have access to a wide range of after-school activities. Those include a chess club and garden club for all grade levels, as well as a kindness club for young students; an art club and basketball club for third through eighth graders; and a robotics club for students in fifth through eighth grade. Students can also learn to play recorders in the third grade, and to join the school band from grades four through eight.

Faith is also a central element across school classrooms and activities.

“We care for the minds and souls of those entrusted to our care and weave our faith through all disciplines, not just religion class,” she said. “We strive to follow the example of Jesus in all we do. Daily prayer, Mass, seasonal services and celebrations, and learning about saints serve as a reminder of who we are and what we need to do. The importance of faith cannot be minimized.”

Melissa Krakowiecki is the mother of current eighth grader Christopher and alumnus Nicholas – who is now a 19-year-old college freshman. She considers sending her sons to the Edison school to be “one of the best decisions we made as a family.”

“As a parent, Saint Matthew School feels like home. The smaller class sizes allow for greater flexibility and differentiated, personalized learning,” she said, “Both of my sons were fully supported in all of their academic needs.”

Krakowiecki noted that her older son was able to receive the extra support from teachers that he needed to succeed – a possibility she attributes to the school’s small class sizes.

“Every faculty member knows my children. I truly feel that everyone has my child’s best interests in mind,” she said. “It feels like each student gets a personalized educational plan. I always feel that my child is supported, challenged, and encouraged to do their best.”

Fellow parent Antoinette Munar has two children attending the school, including seventh grader Alex and fifth grader Emma.

“They challenge them to think outside the box and give extra support when they struggle to understand new concepts. Mrs. Schaefer and the faculty and staff take the time to learn each students’ strengths to help them with their learning and socialization,” she said. “In addition to a strong educational base, the school offers many different extracurricular activities my kids love.”

Sixth grader Anabela R. shared her excitement to come to school each day, and how she feels noticed and accepted by the school family.

“Every day when I come to school, I feel super happy and always look forward to it. Every day is amazing with super nice teachers who teach me and help me learn every single day,” she said. “Another thing I look forward to is seeing the friends that I have made along the way and my school family.”

When asked about their favorite part of being a student at St. Matthew School, several students noted the small class sizes and the individualized attention they receive from teachers – as well as the friendships that they forge with their peers.

“My favorite part about being a student at St. Matthew’s School is that it is easier to make new friends because it is a nice small school and people have good manners here,” said sixth grader Arabella B. “My school is special because the teachers are nice and so are the students. They are respectful and they listen to what you say.”

Seventh grader Logan S. shared a similar sentiment: “What makes my school special is the memories I have had here. Even though the amount of families that are here are small, the memories I have of this place will be big.”

Schaefer said that she sees that joy and enthusiasm among students each day.

“When I am outside for student arrival in the morning, it amazes me to see so many smiling faces, and I collect many hugs,” she said. “It is a pleasure to see my students happy and excited to start a new day of learning. It is a blessing. I believe St. Matthew School is a real gem.”