As parents at St. John Paul II High School and neighboring feeder Catholic Elementary and Middle Schools, we deeply care about providing the best for our children, especially when it comes to their spiritual and physical education and overall development. Our school has a reputation for fostering the Catholic faith and excellence overall, and it's crucial that we continue to uphold and enhance this standard. That's why I'm calling for the inclusion of a running track in the current St. John Paul II Campus Improvement Plans. A track seems to be the only thing missing and with a growing and competitive Track Program, we believe this is a significant oversight that should be addressed.

Adding a track isn't just about improving athletic performance; it's about ensuring a safe environment for our students. Running on a designated track minimizes the risk of injuries that can occur on uneven surfaces. It provides a controlled setting where our children can train, exercise, and enhance their fitness levels for track as well as all sports programs and the Physical Education Program of the school. 

Moreover, a dedicated track would significantly benefit the entire school community as well as the feeder schools, Holy Spirit, Holy Family and St. John the Baptist, fostering school spirit and promoting a culture of health and fitness. It would allow for organized track and field events, encourage all students to engage in physical activities, and make it easier to host inter-school competitions.  The feeder Catholic Schools would also benefit from a track at the Catholic High School as they also need a practice track and field and a possible place to host inter-school competitions. This would foster relationships among the schools and give middle school students more incentive to come to JPII. As it is, some may be on the fence and reconsider going to the only private school in the area that does not have a track. In fact, many of the undersigned elementary and middle school parents feel strongly enough about this to donate toward the Campus Improvement Capital Fund specifically for a track.

From a practical standpoint, parents save valuable time if their children can practice within the school premises instead of being ferried to other locations. This convenience cannot be understated, especially for working parents who juggle numerous responsibilities daily. It would also minimize  the risk of students driving to other locations for practice after school and this risk only grows as the track program grows.

Financially, investing in a track is a wise decision that could enhance the school's reputation, attract new families seeking comprehensive athletic programs, and potentially increase funding from donors impressed by our commitment to holistic education.

I urge the decision-makers to consider how impactful a running track could be for our current and future students. We have a unique opportunity to build an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment—one that prioritizes faith, health, education, and community enrichment.

Please join me in signing this petition to include a running track in the St. John Paul II Football Athletic Building plans. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our children.