Catholic Schools Report Big Gains in Test Scores
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York report that their student scores on state exams have again grown significantly over last year in both Math and (ELA), surpassing those of New York State and City schools, and most charter school averages.
Recently-released scores for 2018 from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for grades 3-8 reflect 50% of students met or exceeded proficiency standards in Math, and 55% in ELA. These levels represent a rise from 2017 of 7.1 and 6.3 percentage points, respectively.
“This fourth consecutive year of improved test scores, surpassing the gains of city and state schools, speaks volumes about our students’, principals’ and teachers’ determination to succeed,” said Dr. Timothy McNiff, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York. “I am proud of our schools’ accomplishments and gratified to see their hard work translate into tangible success.”
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York have maintained this level of excellence through the support and leadership of His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, in concert with the talented and dedicated principals and teachers in every school building. Recent enhancements to data-driven instruction, highly-focused professional development and a strong team of academic support staff continue to push the school system forward.
Catholic Schools Announce TOURING TUESDAY Open House Dates: 130 Schools Participating
The Archdiocese of New York has announced the dates for its 2018-19 “Touring Tuesdays” open house events at 130 participating Catholelementary schools throughout the Archdiocese. The events will take place on select Tuesdays throughout the school year from 9:00am to 11:00am, or by appointment.
- Click Here for Full English Release
- Click Here for Full Spanish Release
- Click Here to Attend a TOURING TUESDAY Open House
The 2018-19 dates are November 13, December 4, January 8, January 29 (takes place during Catholic Schools Week), February 12, March 5, March 19, and April 9, from 9:00am to 11:00am, or by appointment. Touring Tuesdays open house events are designed to introduce prospective families to the life-long benefits and value of a Catholic education, starting with Pre-K/UPK and extending through 8th Grade.
Since their inception in 2013, Touring Tuesdays events have been attended by thousands of families across the Archdiocese. The tours offer a first-hand opportunity to see Catholic schools in action, providing families with an opportunity to learn about the admissions process and meet with principals, faculty, and other parents and students at the school.
“Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York offer a unique combination of academic and spiritual development that helps children of all backgrounds get the best start in life. More than 99 percent of our high school seniors graduate and 99 percent of those graduates go on to post-secondary education, making a Catholic education one of best investments a parent can make in their children’s future,” said Dr. Timothy J. McNiff, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York.
Dr. McNiff added, “Ongoing investments in teacher training and technology help individualize instruction and maintain our strong curriculum and high academic standards. In 2017-18, Catholic elementary schools registered the fourth consecutive year of improved Math and English Language Arts (ELA) test scores, surpassing the gains in proficiency achievement of both New York State and City schools.”
Touring Tuesday reservations are required and can be made online at https://catholicschoolsny.org/admissions, or by calling our bilingual Parent Helpline, (646) 794-2885. School tours can also be arranged at other times to accommodate parents’ schedules.
Feminine Genius Brunch on Nov. 3 Hosted by The Sisters of Life
The Sisters of Life
invite all women to a
Feminine Genius Brunch
Saturday, November 3rd 10:00am to 1:30pm, Dutchess Manor in Beacon, NY
RSVP Here by October 28, 2018 | Price: $15.00
Come discover God’s plan for your ultimate flourishing! Invite a friend, mother, or daughter (in-law)!
This brunch borrows its name after those amazing God-given attributes endowed to you as women—receptivity, sensitivity, generosity, and maternity—all of which make up the feminine genius!! In addition to a lovely brunch on the edge of the Hudson River, Sr. Virginia Joy, the director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese will give a talk on the beauty of the feminine heart and these distinct attributes as women.
For questions, please contact Sr. Virginia Joy at: sr.virginia.joy@archny.org.
Our Schools Are Open This Summer!
Catholic elementary schools across the Archdiocese of New York are offering Math, ELA and other programs to help children make further academic strides over the summer break. Click here to visit our Summer Programs web page to view a synopsis of our summer program offerings.
Catholic High School Students Invited to New York Catholic Youth Day!
The Archdiocese of New York invites all high school students to New York Catholic Youth Day on Saturday, October 20 at the Westchester County Center. New York Catholic Youth Day brings over 1,500 high school students together for a day filled with music, speakers, service and fun.
This year’s theme, Be Bold!, is based on Luke 1:30, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” New York Catholic Youth Day lets students know that God has a plan for them, and whatever they have going on, God’s on it!
To register: Click here or call Daniel Genn: 914-367-8329.
St. Raymond’s School Hosts First Annual Bronx-Wide Speech Bee
The first Annual Bronx-Wide Speech Bee was held on December 6th 2017 at St. Raymond’s School. All Archdiocese of New York Catholic Schools located in The Bronx participated: each school sent the winner of their individual school Bees to represent the school at the Bronx-wide Bee.
The theme of this year’s Speech Bee was “Bee Better!” The event showcased The Bronx Catholic Schools’ vibrant school community of 36 schools and their extremely creative, intelligent young leaders. Students from Grades 5 to 8 presented speeches on one of these five topics:
- Sustainable Development
- Bees and their importance to our ecosystem
- Family
- Presidential Compensation: should a President be paid while in office?
- Social Media: its effects on communication, identity, privacy and validation
The event was extremely well-attended: parents, families and school faculty and staff all turned out to cheer their students on.
St. Raymond’s took home 1st place, followed by Immaculate Conception in 2nd place, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 3rd place. The first place winner was awarded with two $50 gift cards from both Bronx Regional Superintendents, in addition to a First Place Medal.
Congressional Candidate for District 14, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, covering both the Boroughs of The Bronx and Queen, gave inspiring opening remarks encouraging students to set high standards and to use their voices pave the way to future success.
All 8th grade participants received an invitation to the 2019 Northeast Great Debate hosted at Villanova University by the National Hispanic Institute in recognition of their success in winning their school-level speech bees.
Catholic Schools Offer Special Study Guide on the Life of St. Patrick
Catholic Schools are offering a special study guide, Learning About St Patrick, which parents and teachers can use to accompany The Story of Saint Patrick, an engaging and easy-to-understand book that introduces young readers to the inspiring life of the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York, and helps them understand why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
At St. Joseph-St. Thomas School, an adventure in every classroom
By Claire M. Regan, SILive.com
Wearing disposable gloves and safety goggles, James Profeta plunked the specimen into a clear plastic cup. He was one of 21 students in Molly Davies’ science class at St. Joseph-St. Thomas School in Pleasant Plains who were dissecting sterilized barn-owl pellets to learn about the food chain. … Down the hall in Jane Nesci’s sixth-grade class, students were busy setting up make-believe restaurants to learn about the decimal system. Click here for full article.
2018-19 Catholic School Admissions Open December 1
The Archdiocese of NY is opening 2018-19 Admissions on December 1 and hosting open house events at 133 schools across the archdiocese on Tuesday December 5. For children moving into Pre-K 3 through Grade 8, families can apply:
- Online at www.ApplyCatholicSchoolsNY.org;
- By phone at (646) 794-2885, between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday. This bilingual helpline is dedicated to serving parents who are unable to access a computer or who would like to access Spanish-language representatives and/or translation services for other languages; and
- At the school of interest for parents who would like one-on-one assistance from the school’s staff in completing the online applications for Admissions and Financial Assistance.
Click here to read more.
Archdiocese of NY Reports Outstanding Student Test Score Results
Archdiocesan schools also outperform New York State and New York City Schools in performance growth over the past three years. > Click here to read the full article.
As the 2017-18 academic year gets underway, the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York are proud to report that its students are outpacing New York State and New York City public school students in terms of the percentage of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards in both Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA).
The news comes in the wake of the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) recently released 2017 New York State assessment test results for grades 3 – 8, showing 42.5% and 49.3% of Archdiocese students meet or exceed 2017 proficiency standards for Math and ELA, respectively. The comparative figures for students in New York State are 40.2% and 39.8%; and in New York City, 37.8% and 40.6%.
They’re back! New beginning for kids & teachers
Excitement and nervousness filled the faces of parents and students standing outside St. John’s School in Kingsbridge last week. In just a few minutes, the doors would open, officially beginning the first day of the new academic year.
For some, the first day continued a family tradition of attending St. John’s while a 4-year-old attended the school for the very first time. And a long-time instructor finally fulfilled her dream of teaching kindergarten. By Lisa Herndon, The Riverdale Press. > Click here to read more.
Clambake to benefit Regional Catholic Schools of Staten Island
On Aug. 30, The Vanderbilt in South Beach hosted a clambake to benefit Catholic Schools on Staten Island. There was music, fireworks and more in honor of Monsignor Thomas J. Bergin of St. Charles Roman Catholic Church for his decades of contributions to the Catholic community.
Said Congressman Dan Donovan: “What a wonderful evening to celebrate Catholic education and Msgr. Bergin, who helped mold so many young people, including myself. We are who we are today because of our Catholic education.”
“This clambake helped fund scholarship assistance and support special programs, enhancing the educational experience for the 7,700 students of the Staten Island Catholic Regional schools,” said James Pistilli, chairman of the development committee and trustee of S.I. Regional Catholic Schools.
Article by Gracelyn’s Chronicles, SI Live. > Click here to read more.
Claudio Cares gala raises funds for school computer lab
The Claudio Cares Foundation’s fourth annual Snowflake Gala recently paid tribute to community members and businesses in an effort to raise funds for a new computer lab at St. Mary’s School in Wappingers Falls, according to a written release.
Click here to read more.
St. Patrick’s Students Complete the ‘Hour of Code’
During the week of Dec. 5, the students of St. Patrick’s School in Yorktown Heights joined the global “Hour of Code” movement. Under the guidance of the school’s computer technology teacher, Jennifer Vespucci, every student from kindergarten through eighth grade had the opportunity to learn the basics of computer programming.
Click here to read more.
Sacred Heart School Students Participate in Antonio Meucci Young Inventors’ Competition
6th grader Noah Lorczak and 7th graders Carl Gordon, Danny Corbett, Evan Tupone and Sean Franzreb were chosen to represent Sacred Heart School at the Antonio Meucci Young Inventors’ Competition at SI Tech HS. Noah won first prize for his “Cereal Spout” while the 7th graders were runners-up with “Summer Hero.” Click here to see video.
Announcing: The Golden Cross for Education Award Breakfast
Join us in Prayer and Celebration as we Honor the Individuals who have Supported Staten Island Catholic Schools.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
8:15am: Mass at St. Charles Church
200 Penn Ave, Staten Island
9:30am: Breakfast and Award Ceremony to follow
The Excelsior Grand
2380 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island
RSVP by April 1, 2017.
Click here to visit our online EVENTBRITE site, where you can RSVP and submit payment by credit card.
Click Here to view and download the event invitation.
2017 Honorees
Assemblyman Michael Cusick
New York Staten Assemblyman, 63rd District
Rev. Monsignor Peter J. Finn
Dean of Staten Island
Co-chairman-Staten Island Regional Board
Guest Speaker
Most Rev. Bishop John J. O’Hara,
Episcopal Vicar of Staten Island
and
Celebrating the 22 Members of our School Communities receiving the 2017 Outstanding Catholic Community Award
Questions? Contact Diana Gatto
The Catholic School Region of Staten Island
2820 Amboy Road, Staten Island NY 10306
Diana.Gatto@archny.org or (718) 667-5350 ext. 1007
Announcing: Four Saints Cup Golf Tournament
Come join us at the first annual FOUR SAINTS CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT and DINNER on Monday, June 12, 2017 at Hollow Brook Golf Club, Cortlandt Manor, NY. Hosted by Northern Westchester/Putnam Region of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York. The Four Saints Cup celebrates the impact made by Monsignor George Thompson, Father Francis Samoylo, Sister Gabriel Miriam, and Father Tom Kreiser.
All proceeds go directly to enhance educational and technology initiatives in the following schools: St. Columbanus, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Patrick’s Bedford, and St. Patrick’s Yorktown.
Registration is closed.
Sponsors, Donors, and Silent Auction Items Wanted! To get involved, email: foursaintscup@gmail.com or click here to sign up as a golfer or sponsor. Join us for a fun-filled day for golfers, families, and alumni, all are welcome!
St. Patrick’s School in Yorktown to Honor Three at Shamrock Auction
The ninth annual Shamrock Auction Dinner Dance hosted by the St. Patrick’s School Parent Association will be held Saturday, March 18, at Villa Barone in Mahopac. Being honored this year are Laura Torrisi of Mahopac and Bob and Patty Girolamo of Yorktown. Torrisi has been a teacher at St. Patrick’s School for more than 20 years, and Bob and Patty Girolamo are parents of a large family that has attended St. Patrick’s School since the 1970s. This year, the School Parent Association is looking to raise money for a new science lab. Those interested in helping the school through sponsorship or donations, or helping with the science lab initiative, please call St. Patrick’s School at 914-962-2211.
Click here to read more.
Archdiocese of New York to Host Staten Island Education Leaders for Open House
Archdiocese of New York to host Staten Island Education Leaders for Open House Showcasing Innovative Blended Learning Program at St. Charles School on April 7
Showcasing the impact of technology-rich blended learning on students’ lives, the Staten Island Region of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York will hold a special open house for education leaders including Superintendent of Schools Timothy J. McNiff and other Staten Island school principals on Friday, April 7, 8:30 am to 10:15 am at St. Charles School, 200 Penn Avenue, Staten Island.
At the event, St. Charles Principal JC Kiernan will lead guests —including committee members from the Richmond County Savings Foundation (RCSF) — on a tour of four classrooms where blended learning has made an enormous impact in the way students are learning and engaging with the curriculum. Click Here to Read More
Location:
St. Charles School
200 Penn Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
Date/Time:
Friday, April 7, 2017
8:30 am – 10:15 am
Class of 2017 Boasts Two National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Congratulations to seniors Andrew Lam and Emily Mantaro of Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, who have been named 2017 National Merit Scholarship Competition Finalists.
Click here to read more.
Archdiocese of New York Announces Operational Changes to Six Catholic Schools
The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York today announced changes to six Catholic schools located in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Sullivan County.
- St. Ann School, Visitation School, and St. Mary School in the Bronx, and St. Gregory the Great School in Manhattan – whose parishes merged with neighboring parishes as part of the 2013 Making All Things New archdiocesan-wide planning initiative – will cease operations at the end of the current academic year. Despite the Archdiocese’s best efforts to maintain the operational and financial viability of these schools in light of the closure of their co-located parish, continuing to educate students in a school where a significant portion of the facility is unutilized has proven infeasible. St. Ann School, Visitation School, and St. Mary School students will have the opportunity to continue their Catholic education at St. Brendan School, St. John’s School in Kingsbridge, and Our Lady of Grace, respectively, or at other neighborhood Catholic schools. Students from St. Gregory the Great School will have the opportunity to continue their education at nearby Ascension School, or other local Catholic schools. All students will be guaranteed a seat at a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of New York.
- Sts. Peter and Paul School in the Bronx will transition, beginning in September 2017, from a kindergarten through 8th grade school to a universal pre-k (UPK) school to meet the increasing demands in the community for additional early childhood and universal pre-k services. Current Sts. Peter and Paul School students will be offered seats at neighboring Catholic schools.
- St. Peter’s Regional School in Sullivan County will also cease operations at the end of the current school year. The school had seen a decline in enrollment in recent years and consequently transitioned from a full-service elementary school to a pre-k to 4th grade school. The Archdiocese will provide families with support to transition students to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, or other local schools.
The Office of the Superintendent’s Directors of Enrollment will work to help school families transition into another Catholic school for the 2017-2018 school year. Additional information and resources for affected families will be shared in the coming days.
“We understand these are challenging times for many families, and we will work with all students who are seeking to continue their Catholic education to find a seat at another excellent school in the Archdiocese,” said Dr. Timothy McNiff, Superintendent of Schools. “These are difficult but necessary decisions, and working together we will ensure our Catholic schools are stronger than ever.”
Media Contacts:
Joseph Zwilling, Archdiocese of New York, (646)794-2997, Communications@archny.org
Nick Iacono, Archdiocese of New York, (646)794-2889, Nick.Iacono@archny.org