Dr. Joel Anderson Joins the St. Peter in Chains School Team
Dr. Joel Anderson joined St. Peter in Chains School as principal in July of 2020, during a time when educators all over the country have been working hard to provide the best possible experience for students. He brings 28 years of experience in education and his own schooling at Ohio Northern University (B.A.), Wright State University (M.Ed.) and California Coast University (Ed. D) to his work at the school. We chatted with him to get more information on what is keeping the St. Pete’s team busy these days.
What drew you to the principal job at St. Peter in Chains?
What drew me to the principal job at St. Peter in Chains was the amazing staff, students, parents, and community support. Everyone is supportive of and positive about the school. The school is blessed with dedicated teachers who truly care about kids. Students are well-behaved and respectful to everyone. They have an eagerness to learn everyday. Parents have been supportive not only with their time but financially as well. The community as a whole loves St. Pete’s and it is evident in their actions for the school.
What are some of the major strengths you see in the school?
The major strengths are our teachers and students. Our teachers are highly trained and continue to learn new ways to help students learn and grow. Our students are excited to be here every day and love their teachers.
What improvements and changes have happened in the past year or two?
We implemented a STEM program called Project Lead The Way. It is a pre-engineering program for all of our students that is a hands-on interactive program. We have installed 3 water bottle-filling stations for our students that was an upgrade from our antiquated drinking fountains. The 3rd floor will be completely air conditioned before students return from Spring Break this year. All other floors will have temporary AC to allow for a climate controlled learning environment. We have redone our cafeteria floor, painted the cafeteria walls and ceiling, and purchased new seating in the cafeteria for students. I think students are going to love the new cafeteria. Finally, we have a School-Based Support Worker that will help our students and families with school issues as well as social-emotional skills. We needed some help for our students in the mental health area.
What changes or improvements are you hoping to continue implementing in the years to come?
I am hoping to have new flooring in classrooms, redoing both the girls and boys restrooms, and placing more soft seating areas for our students to read or work with other students.
Any fun or special story you’re willing to share that has happened to you during your tenure that shows the heart of the school?
During Covid this year, our school held a walk-a thon in October and raised over $35,000 for EPIC, which is our PTO. That truly shows how much people support and care about St. Pete’s.
What were your favorite subjects when you were in school?
My favorite subjects were history and government. I took every class I could about Political Science I loved teaching during an election year.
Anything else you’d like the community to know about the school?
That this school exists because of Christ. Jesus is the model for our students and staff and is ever present in our school.
Learn more about what St. Pete’s has to offer at their website, https://stpeterhamilton.org/