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About Us

Established in 1959, Saint John the Evangelist is a Catholic parish school serving families with children in preschool through 8th grade in Severna Park. Currently, the school’s enrollment is 557 children and 69 staff and faculty.

At this time, 11% of the school enrollment comes from ethnic minority populations; 86% of the student enrollment identifies as Catholic. Throughout the school’s history, the Sisters of Saint Joseph have lived in community on campus and served as educators and leaders in different capacities.

Saint John the Evangelist School was designated a National Blue Ribbon School in 2009 and again in 2024. It is also a Maryland Green School. Over 70% of the faculty has earned masters degrees and 7 faculty members attended Saint John and returned to join the faculty. Over half the faculty has or had children or grandchildren attend the school. These two statistics demonstrate the importance of tradition and the culture rooted in family that Saint John the Evangelist School successfully develops for children and families. The school has the benefit of a large and vibrant parish to which many of school families choose to belong; and a far-reaching population of students in Anne Arundel County and from Baltimore City to the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Saint John the Evangelist School is a Roman Catholic Preschool through Grade 8 parish school under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In a community of faith and with the Gospel values of Jesus Christ, our faculty and staff work together to develop each child to the best of his and her ability, spiritually, academically, artistically, socially, and physically in a nurturing environment that promotes living faith, academic excellence, leadership, and service within the Church community and society.

The purpose of the school community is to teach, exemplify, and nurture Catholic faith values so that

  • Each child’s dignity is acknowledged by developing the whole child according to her/his unique needs.
  • Each child is guided to develop her/his personal talents in order to serve the Church, the community and the world.
  • Each child is encouraged to be a creative thinker, leader, problem solver and effective communicator.
  • Each child is capable of learning.
  • Each child has the right to a safe learning environment of mutual respect fostered by appropriate behavior and actions.

Our faculty possesses knowledge, experience, and a love for learning that both guides and inspires every student to shine brightly. They exemplify and teach children to form a personal relationship with Jesus and build a foundation for lifelong learning and discipleship. Meet our talented and dedicated teachers!

VIEW OUR STAFF LISTING

Principal
Dr. Glenna Blessing

For the past 22 years, I have had the opportunity to serve in the field of education in both public and parochial schools at elementary and high school levels in various leadership roles, including teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I studied Leadership in Technology Integration at Johns Hopkins University, received my MFA with a dual emphasis in dance science and performance/choreography from the University of Oregon, and my BA in dance from Goucher College. I recently completed my Doctorate from Wilkes University in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction.

As a vocational calling, I have served schools in several different school districts, and now, have found a home here at St. John the Evangelist. Reflecting fondly on my own 12 years of learning within Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, nowhere is a joy for learning more evident than here at St. John the Evangelist. This school community strives to ensure that our students and families are provided every opportunity to grow and succeed by promoting academic excellence through the principles of God’s divine grace and guidance. As Principal, it is my goal to focus the work of all stakeholders on the collective mission of developing each individual student to grow spiritually and academically at St. John the Evangelist.

Assistant Principal Trudy Sullivan

I am privileged to serve as the Assistant Principal at St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park. With 17 years of experience in Catholic education, I have dedicated my career to fostering student growth and success. My background includes teaching Computer Science, where I also served as the department chair, as well as teaching Math at the high school level. Additionally, I have experience teaching technology to students from kindergarten through eighth grade, and I have held positions as a Technology Director in multiple schools. My expertise extends to teaching computer applications for various government contracts, and I have also worked as a Graduate Research Assistant.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Whittier College in California, a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology with a focus on Instructional Design and Development from Towson University, and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Instructional Technology with a specialization in Administration and Leadership at Towson University.

As an assistant principal, my goal is to embody servant leadership and promote positive interactions within our school community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to integrate my faith and commitment to education, guiding our students to learn and grow in the light of Jesus Christ.

School Board Officers

Alexandra Meyer, Chairperson

AJ Monaco, Vice Chairperson

Marian Baxter, Secretary

Joseph Bonner, Finance Committee Chairperson