From the Front Desk to Director: A New Chapter
September 10, 2026
Sometimes, the biggest opportunities in life come in ways you never expected.
For the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of being part of the St. John’s family. What started as a position at the front desk grew into so much more than I ever imagined. As a secretary and receptionist, I became one of the first faces families saw when they walked through our doors. I answered questions, helped families navigate the school, coordinated tours, managed uniform orders, helped with events, and did a little bit of everything in between.
Over the years, I built relationships with students, parents, teachers, and colleagues that made my job feel like so much more than a job. St. John’s became a place I truly cared about and a community I was proud to represent.
And now, I’m stepping into a new chapter.
I am incredibly excited—and honestly still a little surprised—to begin my new role as Director of Admissions and Marketing. If you had told me years ago that I would one day have “Director” in my title, I probably would have laughed. It sounds so important! But looking back, I can see how every experience along the way helped prepare me for this opportunity.
My time at the front desk taught me how important first impressions are. It taught me how to listen, communicate, solve problems, make people feel welcome, and understand what families are looking for when they are considering a school for their children. Those experiences are going to be invaluable as I step into admissions and marketing.
This transition is more than just a change in title. It represents growth, trust, and the opportunity to take everything I have learned over the past 12 years and use it in a new way.
I’m excited to tell the St. John’s story, welcome new families into our community, celebrate what makes our school special, and help others see what I have been fortunate enough to experience firsthand for so many years.
I’m grateful to the people who have believed in me, encouraged me, and trusted me with this new opportunity. And while I may be stepping away from the front desk, I’m not stepping away from the people and community that made those years so meaningful.
Here’s to new challenges, new opportunities, and a new chapter.
From secretary to Director of Admissions and Marketing—what a journey it has been. And I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes me!
Camp Eagle
June 07, 2026
Camp Eagle provides a safe, fun environment for children ages two through entering fourth grade. Each week features a different theme with unique activities and art projects, including favorites like Lego Week and Camping Under the Stars.
This summer, Mrs. Ronnie and Mrs. Horner will be teaching. Campers will enjoy exciting off-campus trips and on-campus activities such as The Grace, STEAM projects, the zoo, and Water Day and many more!
Loving the St. John's Life
February 25, 2026
It’s the time of year when St. John’s opens enrollment. That means it is time for families to choose St. John’s again or for the first time. Some people might wonder what we do at our school. When I was in pre-K classes I got to learn about shapes, colors, numbers, and more. In my grade now (third) I learn about history, geography, multiplication, division, reading and parts of language, and science. That’s just the core subjects. St. John’s has so much more.
Here are the top 10 reasons that students love the St. John’s Life.
10. Chapel, because we get to celebrate God, sing, and learn with skits.
9. It’s Delicious! We have snacks every day, Jason’s Deli for lunch, and the Thanksgiving Feast!
8. Cool Clubs like Newspaper, Beta, Student Council, and Spirit Team are always happening.
7. Bringing Pets to School for Blessing of the Animals is the best!
6. Recess every day is the only way.
5. Amazing Teachers!
4. It’s fun! We have the best parties, pep rallies, carnivals, and field events!
3. Smaller Classes with lots of amazing Field Trips makes learning fun!
2. Enrichments every day of the week like SmartLab, Science, PE, Choir, Art, Library, Godly Play, and Spanish!
1. You make friends that feel like family ♥️
Another thing we really like about St. John's is our leadership! We asked our Head of School, Mrs. Gloyna, why she chose St. John’s.
"I love St. John's . I attended school here as a child along with my siblings. My dad was the school board president for a bit too. My own children also attended Beginning School and Lower School while I taught here. I will forever be an Eagle. I love faith-based learning for me personally and for my family. And I love how the students love to learn and lead by example."
St. John’s is always growing and changing. Next year SJES will have a 6th grade. We asked Mrs. Gloyna if we will have new staff next year and she said yes “because our beloved Mrs. Pugh is leaving. Her husband got a new coaching job in a different state.” Saying goodbye is hard when your teachers and friends feel like family.
Overall, being at St. John’s makes me feel happy with my school work and my friends. St. John’s is a good place to grow. It’s where we learn with purpose and lead with faith.
Beta Club
February 18, 2026
National Beta Club is the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit, educational youth organization, promoting the motto “Let Us Lead by Serving Others.” Through Beta, students are encouraged to develop leadership skills, demonstrate academic excellence, and make a positive impact in their communities.
St. John’s Beta Club members actively pursue this mission through meaningful service opportunities in Abilene. This year, students volunteered at community events such as the Ready Set Glow 5K hosted by We Love Abilene, supported animals in need at All Kind Animal Initiative, and showed gratitude toward local firefighters by assembling and delivering snack packs to fire stations in town.
In addition to service, Beta members have opportunities to participate in leadership development, academic competitions, and regional and national conventions. During the 2025–2026 State Convention, St. John’s Beta Club earned placements in six events, including two first-place finishes. These top performers will advance to compete at the National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee this June. Through these experiences, St. John’s Beta Club strives to cultivate servant leaders who make a lasting difference both in school and in the Abilene community.
Godly Play at St. John's
December 18, 2025
At St. John's, Godly Play invites children to explore the stories of our faith through hands-on materials, open-ended wondering, and meaningful play. It encourages the children to listen deeply, wonder together, and discover God's presence in their own lives. In the lesson pictured above from Godly play, we are learning that God is with us no matter where we go!
The Old Testament story of The Exile and Return reminds us how heartbroken the people were to leave their great city of Jerusalem and how they were led into captivity in Babylon. At first, they could only lament, but over time, they realized that God was still with them, even in this strange new land. They discovered they could worship God from anywhere!
During Wonder Time, the class shared their favorite parts of the story. Many agreed that the chain was the most powerful part! Students also connected personally, remembering times they had moved, been in trouble, or even grounded, realizing that God was with them too, during those moments.
Some of our favorite work activities include Noah's Ark, Jonah, and expressing creativity through art!
The month of December has been about learning the true meaning of Christmas. During Advent, we learn how God prepared the world for Jesus. The prophets shared God’s promises and told the people to watch and wait for the Savior. At Christmas, we learn about the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus—who trusted God and welcomed His Son. The shepherds teach us to share good news with joy, and the Magi remind us to seek Jesus and give Him our best.
All together, these stories help us celebrate Jesus’ birth and remember that God’s love is for everyone.