The Family I Didn’t Know I Had: A Community of Support and Love at St. Ann School

The Family I Didn’t Know I Had: A Community of Support and Love at St. Ann School

As a busy mom of five—ages 14, 12, 9, 6, and 3—life can get pretty hectic. Between managing the needs of my children, juggling school, extracurricular activities, and everything in between, I’m still constantly reminded of and thinking about why I love St. Ann School so much. Despite being so busy, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude when I reflect on how this school has impacted our lives. Three of my children are currently enrolled at St. Ann’s, and one of them graduated last year. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this school has become a place where they feel safe, loved, and supported.

The Importance of Community

When I think about why I love St. Ann School, I can't help but reflect on the many moments that have truly touched my heart. These are the moments that have solidified my belief in the warmth and kindness that fills the halls of this school. For me, it’s not just about the education my children receive, but about the community that surrounds them, making every day feel like a family experience.

A Rough Start: Samuel’s First Hot Lunch

One of the most profound moments that made me realize just how special St. Ann is involved my son, Samuel, and his first experience with hot lunch. Samuel was in kindergarten at the time, and to say he was nervous about having hot lunch for the first time is an understatement. I had a tough morning trying to get him out of the car—he was sobbing, terrified, and couldn’t even get out. I mentioned to Mrs. Stano, the teacher greeting the kids outside (who is now our principal), that Samuel was really struggling and wouldn’t be able to eat lunch. Without hesitation, she reassured me, saying, "We’ll take care of it."

Support Everywhere: Teachers and Students Step In

The support from St. Ann didn’t stop there. As we walked to Samuel’s classroom, we passed more teachers who immediately noticed something was wrong and offered their help. When we entered the classroom, his teacher -  Mrs. Matz - could see Samuel’s distress and immediately rallied the entire class. All the kids jumped up, surrounded Samuel, and told him, "It’s okay, we love hot lunch, we’re going to help you." The sight of all those little ones supporting him, making him feel like he wasn’t alone, was incredibly heartwarming. Mrs. Matz promised to stay with him during lunch and personally walk him through the lunch line.

A Text of Relief: Samuel Enjoys His Lunch

Later that day, I received a text from Mrs. Jarmuz, who helped out everyday with serving lunch. "Samuel is happily eating his hot lunch," she said along with including a picture of him smiling with his lunch tray. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, another kindergarten parent shared how sweet it was that her daughter, Karolina, had walked Samuel through the lunch line, offering him comfort and support. The kindness didn’t end there either. Later that evening, I received a call from Mrs. Matz, who went into detail about how the entire class had rallied around Samuel, and how Karolina had been such a great help. The sense of community and care that had enveloped Samuel that day left me in tears.

The Power of Letting Go

I’d been ready to run to the store and make Samuel a cold lunch to avoid his anxiety. But in hindsight, I’m so glad I didn’t. I realized that by letting him experience that moment of discomfort, I gave him the chance to experience the incredible love and support of the St. Ann community. The teachers, the students, the parents—they all showed up for him. It took a village, and I was reminded of how blessed we are to be part of it.

Everyday Acts of Kindness: St. Ann’s Community Spirit

This isn’t a one-time occurrence, either. Another memorable moment occurred when a student dropped a necklace on the playground. Without hesitation, a group of children rushed to his side, helping him gather the scattered pieces and offering comfort as he cried. As the student’s mother, Liesl Patton, recalled, "Everybody helped—big kids, little kids—a true team effort in picking up all the beads. Where he normally would have had a breakdown, he didn’t even cry. It’s such a cohesive group." The kindness and care they showed one another was just another example of the strong sense of community that defines St. Ann.

A Second Home: Warm Welcomes and Lasting Friendships

It’s the little things—like the spontaneous acts of kindness, the way teachers and staff go out of their way to support each child, and how the students are there for each other—that make me so grateful for this school. I heard another mom from Samuel’s class talk about how, after a week of vacation, her family returned to school, and “the students ran to greet Isaac, immediately surrounding him with the warmest hugs.” It’s these moments of connection and support that make St. Ann feel like more than just a school—it feels like a second home.

Why I’m Grateful for St. Ann

So, when I think about why I love St. Ann School, it’s clear: it’s the genuine care, love, and community that makes it so special. It’s a place where my children feel supported not just by their teachers, but by their peers, and that’s something you won’t find just anywhere. I’m proud to be part of this incredible community, and I know that these moments will stay with us forever.