ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC ACADEMY K-8
GRATITUDE REPORT December 2023
An update on where we have been and where we are going since our opening as New Haven’s successor school in 2020
PRIDE
in our past
Legacy Brunch on May 21, 2023, Draws Crowd to Celebrate Catholic Education in New Haven
It was a dream that came to fruition – to bring together friends and alumni from the 17 original Catholic elementary schools of New Haven* for one big reunion (see listing of schools on page 8). As the one remaining successor school of the city, All Saints Catholic Academy (ASCA) was poised to coordinate this event with the help of many hearts and hands. The date for the Legacy Brunch was set: Sunday, May 21, 2023. With a large number of alumni spread across the greater New Haven area, we were confident we could reach the minimum number of 285 attendees for the brunch at Anthony’s Ocean View. We were extremely pleased, however, when the event sold out with over 500 registrations! The celebration began on Sunday, May 21, with a well-attended 10:30 am Mass at St. Bernadette Church celebrated by Archbishop Blair. Students from ASCA’s 3rd and 4th grade classes formed the greeting committee and the choir which sang a lively customized litany of the saints at the offertory, invoking the saints of the legacy schools. Guests then took a short trip down the road to the beautiful Anthony’s Ocean View for a 12pm brunch. Msgr. Schmitz, Committee Chair and proud alumnus of St. Francis School, kicked off our time together with a warm welcome before we said grace. In between mingling, reminiscing, and sharing conversation, guests enjoyed the running slideshow of photographs from all 17 legacy schools. Speakers included Val Mara (Superintendent of Schools), Sr. Diane Mastroianni, ASCJ (Principal of ASCA), Msgr. James Shanley (Vicar for Clergy), and Fr. Christopher Ford (Board Chair), who all spoke about the connection between the cherished memories being shared today and the ongoing mission of Catholic education for the next generation of students. Each of the 17 schools was represented at the brunch and, though guests were seated with classmates, there were connections and re-connections happening at every turn. “It’s a small world,” was heard repeatedly as people who attended schools once in competition with each other... (pg. 4) *New Haven is also home to St. Martin de Porres Academy, a Catholic school that operates independently of the Archdiocese and serves 5th to 8th graders.
PROMISE for our future
Collaborative Strategic Planning Retreat Days Set Goals and Objectives for Future Success During the Strategic Planning Retreat Days of November 3-4, a group of 60+ stakeholders gathered at All Saints to create goals and objectives which will form the strategic plan titled “Pride in Our Past, Promise for Our Future.” Once that work is officially approved by the Board, the plan will be shared with the larger community. Until then, we would like to take a step back and bring you along through the collaborative process that brought us to this place. In February of 2023 we were thrilled to receive full accreditation from New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). At the recommendation of the Visiting Team, the Board of Directors began the process of developing a comprehensive strategic plan to guide the school towards further excellence. We engaged with Partners in Mission (PIM), a consulting firm which works with Catholic schools across the country, and our facilitators, Kathleen Casey and Mary Claire Kasunic, have expertly guided us through each step. Justin Murphy, ASCA Board Member, accepted the role of Steering Committee Chair and has given countless hours to the project bringing both dedication to the work and love for the mission. We are incredibly grateful. ... (pg. 4) Steering Committee, from left to right: Justin Murphy, Kathleen Casey, Sr. Diane Mastroianni, Sherri Criscuolo (Assistant Principal and 5th grade teacher)
can become o o t We These words of Blessed Clelia Merloni make up our school motto. Blessed Clelia founded the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1894, a community of religious sisters who have served in New Haven legacy schools since 1936 and who serve at All Saints today.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fr. Christopher M. Ford, Chairman of the Board Gail T. Bellucci, Advancement Chair Sr. Kathleen Mary Coonan, ASCJ Kathleen Cooney, Nominating Committee Chair Michael Donahue Diane Dow A.J. Funaro Fr. Hector Rangel, Pastor Matthew Luciani Justin Murphy, Strategic Planning Committee Chair Scott Nugent Joseph Schreck, Finance Chair Ron Shea, Recording Secretary Sheila Wade We also thank these individuals who have served previous terms on the Board: Amey Marella, Karen Talamelli Cusick, and Gloria Vega. Fr. John Lavorgna was also a devoted member of the Board before his tragic death. May he rest in peace.
FACULTY AND STAFF Sr. Diane Mastroianni, ASCJ, Principal Susy Villacis Steven Mendoza Lisa Whitfield Emily Mansi J.C. Boynton Richard Scialabba Sr. Deborah Lopez Yomaira Montalvo Sr. Cathy Phillips Amy Melillo-Ruocco Anna Lombardo Kate Griffiths Corinne Cioffi Debbie Connelly MaryEllen Masiello Gloria McPherson Alexa Capone Asia Goubourn John Ruggiero Oswaldo Guarnizo Sherri Criscuolo Joanne Turonis Audrey Whitfield Debbi Robin-Amendola Ray Guarino Terri Santillo Cheryl Anastasio Katherine Heimann Susan Van Cott
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Friends of All Saints, It is with great pride and joy that I share this Gratitude Report with you. Upon opening our doors in 2020 we knew the task would be great as we became the official successor school of New Haven. The tradition of faith formation, academic excellence and service were now ours to uphold. And as you can see in these pages, we are well on our way to assuring that this legacy continues for years to come. What an honor it is to serve as the first principal of ASCA. These years demonstrate what it means for a community to come together to support Catholic Education. Opening amid a pandemic held many challenges; however, the greatest gift of covid is that it created a unifying force among all those we encountered whether in the building, with our families or with those reaching out to lend a hand. We are blessed to have the St. Francis Church community right next door. With Fr. Hector Rangel as its pastor the Church is thriving and provides much support both spiritually and in the upkeep of our building. Now with the formation of the Blessed McGivney Parish we are surrounded by communities that support and guide us. We look forward to the continued growth of these relationships. For over 140 years our building has welcomed an immigrant population. This continues today as we have many countries represented in our student population. The faces and the countries may have changed over time, but the desire for a strong moral foundation rooted in the Catholic tradition has not. Hence, All Saints continues to provide the necessary components of what families want most: to create a better future for their children. I firmly believe the best years for All Saints are yet to come as word continues to spread of the great things happening here. We can only continue these good works with the support of our community both local and wide. Every dollar allows us to continue the legacy of Catholic Education in the Fair Haven community. Please consider supporting All Saints Catholic Academy as your investment today allows us to form the leaders and difference makers of tomorrow. Our Legacy Brunch has shown that there is great “Pride in Our Past” and the success of our Strategic Planning Process demonstrates that there is incredible “Promise For Our Future.” Each of these events brought old and new friends together to dare to dream great things for our school community. I ask your support in allowing these dreams to become a reality for All Saints Catholic Academy. As we prepare for the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, know that you and your loved ones hold a special place in my prayers. I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. Blessings and Peace, Sr. Diane Mastroianni, ASCJ, Principal
Why do families choose ASCA? Academics Rigorous curriculum Small class sizes Experienced & dedicated faculty Safe, nurturing environment One-to-one technology (ipads and chromebooks) Spanish, Music, Art, Gym Catapult Intervention Program Afterschool enrichment programs
It’s official - ASCA is fully accredited!
Faith & Community God-centered environment Daily prayer and religion class Catholic faith formation Monthly all-school Mass Welcoming and diverse Service is lived and taught Teaching of Christian values Religious sisters on staff Family activities
the s y B ber Num
Family Support Generous financial assistance Affordable before and after school care (7am-6pm) Free bus service for New Haven residents Free breakfast and lunch Weekly e-newsletter for parents Spanish translation of all family communication
> 23-24 Enrollment: 152 students > Catholic students: 72% > New Haven residents: 88% > Receive financial aid: 92% > Annual tuition cost (23-24): $4,500 ($1,275-$4,315 lower than Catholic elementary schools in neighboring towns)
All Saints Catholic Academy received the official Certificate of Accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in February, 2023. Thank you to the entire school community for helping us to achieve this!
I am happy to serve in this capacity because I am committed to the Church’s role in educating children from New Haven. I not only believe in the mission but also firmly believe that the model we have developed is financially sustainable. As a result of the combination of a dedicated and capable Administration, Faculty, Board and families, the school is flourishing and the Catholic mission of educating children to know, love and serve God continues on as it has for the last 170 years! Fr. Christopher Ford, Chairman of the Board of Directors, was Pastor of Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Woodbridge when ASCA was established, and is now Chancellor of the Archdiocese and Pastor of St. Peter Claver Parish in West Hartford.
Mission statement: Rooted in the Catholic tradition, All Saints Catholic Academy empowers K-8 students to become lifelong learners through a rigorous academic program that promotes communication and collaboration. With prayer and service at the center of who we are, students are prepared to live and thrive in our global community as future leaders and difference makers.
Legacy Brunch, continued from pg. 1 ...now celebrated their shared history. Indeed, We are hoping to organize a each of the schools had its own unique history and traditions, but the shared experience few regional gatherings of of being educated in a Catholic school has proven to be an incredibly strong bond. Also legacy alumni in spring/ present at the brunch were religious sisters from 7 of the 13 communities that had summer of 2024! If you would served at the legacy schools throughout the decades. As a parting gift, each attendee be interested in receiving more received a copy of the special keepsake booklet created especially for the event. information, or to volunteer to This wonderful event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of 58 help, please send an email to businesses and individuals (please see the listing on our website). Though fundraising legacy@asca.eduk12.net or call was not the main goal of the event, the net amount raised through sponsorships and 203-747-8863. gifts was $62,443. In addition, we are deeply grateful to Saint Stanislaus Parish for its its major gift of $500,000 in honor of the Vincentian Fathers who served at Saint Stanislaus from 1904 to 2022. The Legacy Brunch was dedicated to all the deceased faculty, staff, religious, and administrators of the legacy schools - especially in memory of Fr. John Lavorgna, alumnus of St. Francis School and supportive Board member of All Saints Catholic Academy. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace. You can read more at www.AllSaintsNewHaven.org/legacy Strategic Planning, continued from pg. 1 The Partners in Mission model views the life of a school through a framework of 8 domains essential for school success: Academics, Advancement, Catholic Identity, Enrollment & Marketing, Facilities, Finances, Governance & Administration, and Student Life. A completed strategic plan addresses goals and objectives in each of these areas but it only can do so after taking an honest and thorough look at where the school stands through the engagement and involvement stages. Various methods were used to bring many voices to the table from both inside and outside the organization. Through online surveys, roundtable discussions, and interviews, many perspectives came together to describe the current state of the school. Domain chairpersons, assisted by staff liaisons, compiled all these findings into a summary report which became the springboard for identifying key issues and opportunities and setting vision statements in advance of the Retreat Days. That brings us to the Retreat Days of November 3rd and 4th. Friday was an introductory evening session and Saturday began with a prayer invoking the patron saints of the legacy schools of New Haven. From this prayerful experience, Partners in Mission led our 60+ key stakeholders through the process of the day to set the strategic direction for the school. We began as a whole group in the cafeteria and then branched out into domain groups which worked in classrooms to draft goals and objectives. Each domain group then paired up with another to share, offer feedback and fine-tune their work. We broke for a delicious catered lunch and had another pair and share session before gathering once again in the cafeteria to report on the vision statements, goals, and objectives for each domain. Then we celebrated and thanked everyone involved. Indeed, none of this would have been possible without the wonderful people who gave up their Friday and Saturday for this endeavor. The group included faculty, staff, Board members, parents and students from All Saints as well as donors, legacy alum, and generous community members from many walks of life. We had present one former and two current Superintendents, teachers and faculty from neighboring Top: Parents and Board members smile together educational institutions, a handful of Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus after roundtable discussions on March 2023. from various ministries, and professionals with varying backgrounds and Middle: ASCA Faculty and staff meet with domain expertises. The day was filled with an amazing energy and incredible ideas chairs to share their perspectives. Bottom: The were flowing as we came together with one common vision: to chart the Enrollment & Marketing domain group at the Retreat Day on Saturday, November 4 takes a moment for a course for All Saints for the next five years! Thank you to all! photo between conversation.
o u k r donor n a h t e s
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for gifts made between July 1, 2020 and November 24, 2023*
*Because this is the first time we are publishing a listing of donors, the dates reflect all contributions made during the first three and a half years of our operation as All Saints Catholic Academy. Every effort has been made to ensure proper acknowledgment. Please contact indicates deceased Sr. Cathy Phillips at 203-747-8863 if you discover an error or omission.
Left: A Kindergarten student on “Dress like a teacher” day of Spirit Week proudly shows off his calendar skills. Right: After our monthly all-school Mass, the students who were nominated by their teachers for demonstrating the virtue of the month receive a Student of the Month certificate. Each month we highlight a different virtue. Students are standing with Sr. Diane, Principal, and Fr. Hector, priest of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish in New Haven and administrator of St. Francis and St. Anthony Churches.
Left: Learning the value of service to others is part of our mission statement. During the month of “Socktober,” students collect socks for the homeless. Center: Students sing hymns and carols at the school Christmas concert in St. Francis Church Hall. Right: A graduating 8th grader and his parents enjoy the breakfast reception for families after the Graduation Mass.
We thank our donors for gifts made between July 1, 2020 and November 24, 2023! The Legacy of Catholic Elementary Education in New Haven: 13 7 14
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Want to see this larger? Find this map and more on our website at:
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www.allsaintsnewhaven.org/legacy In chronological order by founding year: 1. St. Patrick School/Hamilton Street School (1853-1968) 2. St. John the Evangelist (1864-1969) 3. St. Francis (1881-2009*) 4. St. Boniface (1893-1971) 5. Sacred Heart (1895-1995*) 6. St. Louis (1898-1962) Moved to West Haven in 1962 7. St. Mary (1904-1986) 8. St. Peter (1911-1995) 9. St. Rose of Lima (1916-2009*) 10. St. Stanislaus (1923-1993*) 11. St. Anthony (1936-1971) 12. St. Michael (1936-1993*) 13. St. John the Baptist (1937-1973) 14. St. Aedan (1950-2008*) 15. St. Martin de Porres (1955-1988) 16. St. Brendan (1956-2008*) 17. St. Bernadette (1957-2020) *Combined Schools: St. Michael-St. Stanislaus (1993-1995) Sacred Heart-St. Peter (1995-2007) St. Aedan and St. Brendan (2008-2020) St. Francis & St. Rose (2009-2020) All Saints Catholic Academy (2020-present)
Top: First grade students enjoy a visit from students from Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) in Hamden in spring 2023 for “Read Across America” day. We partner with both SHA and Notre Dame High School in West Haven a few times a year for different projects and activities. ASCA graduates attend both schools. Middle: Students build 3D structures with marshmallows and toothpicks and enjoy the wonder of creativity! Bottom: Students and families march in the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Memorial/Honorary Gifts Many of the donors listed made their gifts in memory or in honor of someone. Due to space, we could not list all of those names, but they are recorded and held in esteem. We would also like to acknowledge the following deceased individuals who directed memorial gifts to All Saints Catholic Academy:
Susan Blakeslee Eileen Callahan Durkin Cheryl Coppa Richard Dolan Charles J. Doyle Daniel Kirby Fr. John Lavorgna Jean R. Lyons Mary H. O'Doy Dr. Robert J. Schreck Kathleen Twohill Franco Pasquale Young May they rest in peace and may their families and loved ones be blessed.
Planned Giving
Making a gift through your will or trust is a simple yet lasting way to make a difference in the lives of countless students. Because your gift is a charitable contribution that qualifies for tax benefits, planned giving can benefit you and future students at the same time. Types of planned giving include: wills or living trusts, securities, IRAs or 401(k)s, life insurance policies, and real estate or personal property. All Saints Catholic Academy can be added simply to your will with one or two sentences expressing your wishes. Sample language: I give and devise to All Saints Catholic Academy, Tax ID # 85-2020653, [the sum of $___] OR [___% of my estate] to be used for its general support. For more information about planned giving and to talk about how you can make a lasting impact for generations to come, please contact Sr. Cathy Phillips, ASCJ, at srcathy@asca.eduk12.net or 203-777-5352.
AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS: Providing engaging and affordable activities for out-of-school time Our first academic year began in the middle of the pandemic when the focus of schooling everywhere was making sure that students were still learning. Staying on top of ever-changing guidelines and ensuring to the best of our ability that everyone stayed safe and healthy was of paramount importance. Teaching and learning during covid was difficult for everyone involved but we stayed the course. We maintained inperson instruction throughout the pandemic while also providing remote learning to students as needed. Since our opening in 2020, the afterschool Kidcare program has been available daily from dismissal at 2:15pm until 6pm. Having a safe place for their children to stay after school and be cared for is a priority for many of our families due to work schedules and the difficulty and expense of finding childcare. As we’ve continued to expand and in this post-covid reality, Sr. Diane saw the need to work to close the enrichment gap for our students by providing parents with purpose-based programs they can afford. In fall of 2022, she appointed Audrey Whitfield, the 6th grade homeroom and middle school teacher, to be Director of Afterschool Enrichment Programs, including summer programming. The enrichment programs have taken off with great excitement! Program groups meet weekly after school. The topics vary widely from crafts to coding to Chinese, and every trimester new topics are introduced for each age group - see below for what’s being offered now! Students (and their parents) sign up for the programs of their choosing which are typically 45 minutes long and take place between 2:15 and 5:00pm. Currently, each program only costs $10 (for the whole trimester), and the adult running the program can volunteer their services or receive a modest stipend. This system allows us to offer programs to every family who wants to participate. Between applying for funding and working out schedules, supplies, and staffing, Miss Audrey has worked tirelessly to get the Enrichment Programs off the ground. She is dedicated to growing and expanding the programs for the benefit of students, their families, and the wider community. Many other teachers have jumped right in and are working hard to provide excellent programs for our students. Since the launch of Afterschool Enrichment Programs, student participation has grown substantially. In the fall of 2022, 33% of students at ASCA were participating in at least one enrichment program. By spring of 2023, that percentage had increased to 48%. We hope to see Top: Keva plank challenges require the same growth this year. creativity, communication and Indeed, the effects of covid on school aged children have been far-reaching. persistence. Middle: Students in the Young people are still recovering from significant learning gaps as well as playing Stem Challenges program work at constructing different types of social and emotional catch-up. Afterschool Enrichment Programs at ASCA are designed to be enjoyable while also engaging students in project-based learning and bridges. Bottom: Miss Audrey Whitfield, 6th grade homeroom and collaborative opportunities that will prepare them with skills for life – one more way middle school teacher, and Director that we are aiming to reach our students and families beyond the classroom. of Afterschool Enrichment Programs
The list of enrichment programs offered in 2023 included: Stem Challenges School Newspaper Fuse Beads Legos Arts & Crafts
Keva Plank Challenges Sensory Play Coding and Robotics Board Games 3D Printing
Soccer Club Woodworking Girls Health and Wellness Clay Making Sunshine Service Club
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We’ve come a long way, but we need your help to keep going!
Your gift will help to: provide tuition assistance to families in need expand programs and opportunities for students improve and enhance the school facilities and more!
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To support the mission of Catholic education in New Haven: make your gift using the provided envelope (checks payable to All Saints Catholic Academy), OR make a secure donation online at www.allsaintsnewhaven.org/donate Scan
All Saints Catholic Academy 423 Ferry St New Haven, CT 06513 203-777-5352 office@asca.eduk12.net www.AllSaintsNewHaven.org
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423 Ferry Street New Haven, CT 06513
203-777-5352 office@asca.eduk12.net
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All Saints Catholic Academy Class of 2023
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