Our Lady of Lourdes School Welcomes Renowned Author
Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School in Harlem was featured on Fox 5’s “New York Minute” segment after a special visit from renowned children’s author Chris Grabenstein. Our Champions for Quality Education department coordinated the author’s visit through their Page Turners program.
Click here to view the Fox 5 News Segment.
Page Turners promotes the literary arts by bringing celebrated authors right into the classroom. Novelists, poets, creative non-fiction writers, illustrators and science writers engage with students through readings, lessons and creative writing workshops. In many instances, an author’s work celebrates his or her own heritage. The setting of each Page Turners class allows the author to demonstrate to all students how writing can enhance their lives. Click here to find out more about Page Turners.
The Ferrante Quintuplets 10 Years Later (Photo: SILive)
The Ferrante Quintuplets — the only set of five children born in one delivery in Staten Island University Hospital history — are all playing basketball for Saint Christopher’s School in Grant City.
Smallest born, Amanda is positioning to be center as now tallest of the five.
> Read more: https://www.silive.com/news/2019/04/where-are-the-ferrante-quintuplets-10-years-later.html
> Read more: Tiny miracles: A decade later, Ferrante quintuplets reunite with hospital staff — https://www.silive.com/news/2019/04/tiny-miracles-a-decade-later-ferrante-quintuplets-reunite-with-hospital-staff.html
Mass for the High School Class of 2019 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Prayer for Class of 2019 Seeks ‘Grace and Mercy in the Years Ahead’.
His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan celebrated Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for nearly 4,000 seniors from Catholic high schools across the archdiocese April 3-4.
At the Eucharistic Liturgy for the Class of 2019 on April 4, Cardinal Dolan reminded the assembled students that “these are days of gratitude,” referring to “the sentiments that are in your heart now and which are going to be rolling around in your heart and soul for the next two months as you prepare for final exams and for graduation, and for departure from the high school that you’ll soon call alma mater.”
Click here to view full article
Archdiocese of New York Names Interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, announced that Mr. Michael J. Deegan, Deputy Superintendent, will assume the position of Interim Superintendent until a search is completed and a new superintendent has been installed. In the coming months, Cardinal Dolan will name a new Superintendent following the retirement of Dr. Timothy J. McNiff after his more than 10 years of service. > Click here for the full press release
A dedicated and experienced educator, Mr. Deegan has served the Church in Catholic education for almost forty years. A Catholic school principal for more than 20 years, he has taught at Iona Grammar School in New Rochelle, Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan, and Sacred Heart School in Manhattan. He has also served as principal at both St. Francis Xavier School and St. Jude School (both in Manhattan) and headmaster of Iona Grammar School.
In 2004, Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, appointed Mr. Deegan Director of Inner City Schools to help oversee the 122 elementary and secondary inner-city schools then serving more than 60,000 children. His responsibilities were in the areas of finance, institutional advancement, curriculum development and strategic planning. In 2013, he was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Schools, and continues to serve in that role.
32nd Annual Bronx Science Fair Hosts Borough’s Best and Brightest
Nearly 300 students participated in the 32nd annual Bronx-wide Science Fair which was held on Thursday March 28th, at 4:00 p.m., at Mt. St. Michael Academy, 4300 Murdock Ave., Bronx, NY.
Students from grades kindergarten through eighth represented 34 different schools from the Northeast and Northwest Bronx Catholic School regions with a total of 239 projects concentrating on STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) education.
Winners were announced at a special awards ceremony: congratulations to all the winners!
Eighth Grader Pens Second Book on Success
Denar Ralph, an 8th grade student at Mount Saint Michael Academy has accomplished a great deal in his short life. In 2017 he published his first book titled, Climbing the Ladder to Success. A year later, he released his second self-published book: The Daily Climb: 31 Days of Inspiration to Help You Climb Your Ladder to Success. Congratulations, Denar!
Click here to view Bronx News 12 Interview!
The Archdiocese of New York Seeks AdvancED School System Accreditation
On March 19-21, the Archdiocese of New York hosted an AdvancED External Review Team that reviewed the system and a cross section of its schools to evaluate the system’s adherence to the AdvancED Accreditation Standards and to make a recommendation for AdvancED School System Accreditation.
The team found that the Archdiocese of New York met the requirements for accreditation and announced that it will be recommending the system for AdvancED School System Accreditation. Their recommendation will be reviewed and acted upon by the national AdvancED Accreditation Commission later this month.
> Click here to read full release
Student Conference Looks at How Media Climate Affects Catholics
240 students from 31 Catholic high schools across the archdiocese attended “The Media Landscape: A Catholic Lens,” the third annual Student Leadership Conference at the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture in Manhattan, which was held on March 8.
Sister Nancy Usselmann, F.S.P., director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles, was the keynote speaker. She said she hoped she provided tools in her talk to offer students ways to discern and respond or not to respond to the media climate in a virtuous way.
Click here to read the full article.
Archdiocese of New York Launches #IPrayed Campaign for Lent
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan announces the launch of the #IPrayed campaign across Catholic Schools, honoring the start of Lent on Wednesday March 6. Cardinal Dolan urges all to join Catholic school students in posting “#IPrayed” on Twitter after they have prayed — whether before a meal, at the beginning of the day, or after attending mass. We encourage our students and families to join in!
Click here to watch the Cardinal’s video!
Kingston Catholic Students Launch #IPrayed Campaign
Principals of Tomorrow Participate in the Curran Catholic School Leader Academy
Almost two dozen college students participating in the Curran Catholic School Leader Academy will train to become Catholic school principals on Saturday, February 23rd, 2019 , from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the New York Catholic Center, Dillon Hall (20th Floor), 1011 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10022.
Students from Fordham University and the University of Notre Dame will learn how to lead a Catholic school by listening to keynote speakers and participating in workshops and panels led by experts in education and child development. The Curran Fellows will also present a project they have prepared called the Colloquium which focuses on customer service, customer care and the overall customer experience models to be implemented at a Catholic school.
The goal of the Curran Catholic School Leader Academy is to prepare the Fellows for the realities of leading a school. The program will provide the participants the proper training and give them the tools they need to lead the Catholic schools of the future.
> Click here to view full release
About Curran Catholic School Leader Academy
Since 2008, Curran Catholic School Leadership Academy has been forming and mentoring the next generation of New York’s Catholic school leaders. CCSLA’s program prepares and supports these leaders as they assume responsibility for the Catholic identity of their schools and the larger Catholic educational community.
School Safety a Top Priority at Catholic Schools
Archdiocese of New York Superintendent Dr. Timothy McNiff was featured on Bronx News Channel 12 today, commenting on the importance of school safety at Catholic Schools. In the months since the shooting tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Catholic Schools across the Archdiocese of New York have focused not only on physical protection, but also mental health awareness and anti-bullying measures. McNiff commented: “If you want your school to be safe, really work on bullying. All of our schools have an anti-bullying curriculum that we work with, with teachers and guidance counselors.” > Click here for the News 12 video > For parents concerned about school safety, visit a Catholic School to find out more about our programs.
Archdiocese of New York to Close Seven Catholic Schools at Conclusion of Academic Year
The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York today announced that the following seven schools will close in June 2019, at the end of the current academic year: St. Rose of Lima Elementary School and St. Brigid School in Manhattan; Our Lady Help of Christians Elementary School on Staten Island; St. Joseph Elementary School and St. Nicholas of Tolentine Elementary School in the Bronx; St. Mary Elementary School-Wappingers Falls, NY; and St. Peter’s Regional School-Liberty, NY in Sullivan County. > Click here to view the full announcement in ENGLISH. > Click here to view the full announcement in SPANISH. > Click here to view Cardinal Dolan video
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.
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.
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.
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.