2019-2020 Cassata Catholic High School Annual Report

2

.....

.....

.....

19

...

ANNUAL REP ORT

...

MAKING A CONNECTION

......

...............................

.....

LETTER from the President

Dear Friends of Cassata Catholic High School, Going forward, it will be impossible to remember the 2019-2020 school year without also making reference to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our lives. Undoubtedly, our reality has been affected by the virus as we altered our daily activities and interactions in response to the threat of infection. Amidst the pandemic, facing unprecedented challenges, we worked hard to make the best of the situation and to always see the silver lining, the hidden blessings. This report is meant to underscore the positive and to highlight what the experiences of the past year have taught us.

As we enter the 45th year of Cassata’s existence, we are proud to be able to carry on Sr. Bonaventure and Sr. Fulbright’s mission to serve students of all socio-economic backgrounds as they work towards completion of secondary education and explore professional and academic options for their future. This past year has reminded us that we are all connected, and our actions do make a difference in other people’s lives. .

As people of faith, we’ve been able to find comfort in prayer, and to experience Christ in the kindness that’s been extended to us. None of our accomplishments - small and big - would have been possible without all of us, working as a community dedicated to the students of Cassata.

Your partnership with us as donors of time, treasure, and talents; your prayers; and your presence have allowed us to remain connected and united in our work of transforming the lives of our students.

Thank you for being a part of our community! Thank you for your support, patience, and understanding - they are God’s answers to our prayers. For as St. John Paul II said, “God’s love does not impose burdens upon us that we cannot carry, nor make demands of us that we cannot fulfill. For whatever He asks of us, He provides the help that is needed.”

God bless and keep you,

Maggie Harrison

Maggie Harrison, Ph.D. President mharrison@cassatahs.org

“This school is like our home...” - Luis, Cassata Student

.....

Our transition to remote learning was quite smooth and we made the best of virtual education.

While our students had regular Zoom meetings with their teachers, they frequently would tell us how much they missed the campus, their friends, teachers, and staff. For them, Cassata is not yet another school. Together, as a community, we have been providing a safe place for many young people: a place where they feel welcome, respected, and supported; where their talents and potential are recognized and encouraged. After all, it is the students who are Cassata’s heartbeat.

We’ve had a unique opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for our teachers and everything they do.

By finding creative ways of teaching, they kept our students connected through learning, proving once again that without teachers, education and academic progress would not have been attainable. Our faculty’s love for their students and passion for teaching has made the transition from physical to virtual classrooms possible and effective.

“Everything is OK now.

I am quite enjoying working with my teachers on Zoom.”

- Student “There was very little time for transition.

We had no trouble adjusting to the distance learning. We were kept informed and up to date with the transition process.”

- Parent

We’ve learned that despite the wonders of technology and digital communications, we still have a strong need for human interactions. Convenient as they often are, emails and text messages cannot replace meaningful conversations and the connections created when meeting in-person.

“Teachers have been very proactive in reaching out to students.”

- Parent

We’ve come to appreciate the value of having a sense of routine and predictability in our daily schedules.

We realize how even such a seemingly simple thing as face-to-face classroom instruction, which we can sometimes take for granted, itself is a privilege in our lives.

Last but not least, the past few months especially have shown us that together, united as a community, we are connected by our passion and common goal for empowering our students. Together, we are capable of overcoming obstacles and difficulties and helping one another selflessly.

...............................

.........................

We are forever connected by our shared experience

“They have reached out to my student on a nearly daily basis.”

- Parent

“The communication and support has been tremendous.”

- Parent

“Teachers and all staff are available to encourage and teach online.”

- Parent

....

“Parents need to know that if your child comes to Cassata, you can feel good about where they are. We offer a safe, comfortable place for your child to be. They are going to be cared for, nurtured, and loved. And we’ll give them the tools they need to be successful, and to leave here feeling like they are good people and they’ve got something to offer.” - Lynne Burns, Social Studies Teacher

2

..............

This is us

..

2019-2020 school year highlights Cassata served 127 students on campus and 267 through our self-paced curriculum offered at Innovations and Mind Above Matter mental health facilities.

Student Council, Gaming Club, Cooking Club, and Prayer Group provided Cassata’s students with an opportunity to connect as friends outside of the classroom setting.

Junior Achievement provided two classes on financial literacy.

Ms. Amber Bigham and Asset Living offered workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and job search.

Cassata donors gave $50,635.39 to our mission and work on North Texas Giving Day in September 2019, thanks in large part to a generous matching gift from Greg and Jo Ann Swienton. Donors gave an additional $11,607 in emergency aid to meet Cassata’s COVID-19 related expenses during a special North Texas Giving Tuesday Now in May 2020.

Thanks to Cassata’s partnership with Nolan Catholic High School, Cassata had a part-time Learning Specialist on campus.

“The teachers and staff at Cassata are very connected and observant with the students.

And because Cassata is smaller than most high schools, they have the chance to be closer and to connect more with students. I can feel the love they have towards everybody and myself. I love this school and everyone in it because they help you with your academic life and can also help you with your personal life.” - Kayla, Cassata Student

GRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT The average ACT score at Cassata is 23, compared to 20.6 in Texas, and 21.4 nationwide.

This year, 25 students graduated from Cassata Catholic High School. Class of 2019-2020 graduates have been accepted to the following colleges and universities: Tarrant County College University of Wyoming Weatherford College University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Austin Texas A & M University Drake University Kansas State University Oklahoma City University United States Air Force Combined post-secondary scholarships totaled $154,300.

2019-2020 FINANCIAL POSITION

Revenue

Expenses

.

Contributions from Individuals, Foundations, and Corporations: 53% Instructional Department: 41.2% Tuition: 31.5% Administrative Department: 34.6% Government Grants: 6% Facility Department: 8.5% Special Events: 3%* Development/Advancement Department: 15.7% Interest: 6.5%

...

3

*Cassata’s only annual fundraiser, Noche de Gracias, was postponed in Spring 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The event was rescheduled for September 1, 2020 to be held virtually due to health precautions.

................................

Looking Ahead to 2020-2021

.......

The school year to come will look different than previous years due to changes necessary to continue combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Cassata is well-suited to move forward with providing our students with an excellent academic education and social-emotional supports, such as:

Partnership with St. Rita Catholic School (Fort Worth) and St. Joseph Catholic School (Arlington) for school counseling support.

Continued partnership with Nolan Catholic High School for academic, extracurricular, maintenance and transportation support.

Partnership with St. Andrew Catholic School (Fort Worth) for learning support.

Monthly Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth.

Monthly talks with community members about professions and careers.

Mentorship program through Christ Child Society.

How to Help

Join our mission of empowering young people at Cassata Catholic High School!

Volunteer: We are always happy to see new volunteers who can donate their time and talent to tutor or mentor our students and/or sponsor special programs (e.g. College and Career Readiness, Social and Emotional Wellness).

Visit www.cassatahs.org/volunteer for more information and to sign up.

Make a One-time or Recurring Donation: It is only through the support of our generous donors that we are able to provide tuition assistance to all students who require it.

Cassata participates in the Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day each September, Giving Tuesdays, and hosts the annual fundraising event Noche de Gracias. Give anytime at www.cassatahs.org/donate-now.

“Teachers are doing a great job.”

- Parent

“Keep doing what you are doing.”

- Student

Our Mission

Cassata is a coeducational Catholic high school with a nurturing staff that provides a rigorous curriculum for students who desire a unique, customized environment that prepares them for college and their chosen career path.

Cassata’s open enrollment, self-paced learning, and flexible schedule enables students of all backgrounds to raise their educational level, complete their secondary education, and become healthy, independent productive citizens.

..

A new, part-time School Counselor to support students’ academic and personal needs as well as help them in planning their future after graduation.

4

......

................................

........

Thank You to Our Generous Donors

“Because of Cassata, I lost my fear of asking for help when I needed it most. I love school now!

Thank you Cassata Catholic High School, for the wonderful experience I got to have here. You are like family to me. I’m also very thankful for the people who support this school.” - Nallely, Cassata Student $50,000+ The Morris Foundation Sid W. Richardson Foundation North Texas Community Foundation - Ella McFadden Endowment Fund $20,000 - $49,999 Ben and Mary Frances Doskocil Foundation The Thomas M., Helen McKee and John P. Ryan Foundation Scanlan Foundation Greg and Jo Ann Swienton $10,000 - $19,999 Fash Foundation Trina and Fred Pecina / Marsh & McLennan Agency The John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation Margaret and David Taylor $5,000 - $9,999 Kay Bird Kathy and Jim Breen T. J. Brown & C.A. Lupton Foundation, Inc. Ann Corley Benjamin L. Doskocil Sr. Designated Fund at the North Texas Community Foundation Fort Worth Colonial Charities, Inc. Good Shepherd Catholic Community

$2,500 - $4,999 Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation Advancement Foundation - Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Mesa Springs/Innovations Mary Brennan Ellen Pulliam Keith Corley Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur Julia and Peter Ermish Garvey Texas Foundation, Inc.

5

$1,000 - $2,499

AXA Foundation Inc. Clare and Bill Lorimer Cynthia Belknap Peggi and Harvey Mueller II Stephen Breen Memorial Foundation Donald V. Murphey David and Melody Derrig Project Partners, Inc. Frost Karen Roberts Abel and Linda Gonzalez Dan Villegas and Di Ann Sanchez Nora Gonzalez Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gifts Program Good Shepherd Catholic Community MEN’S CLUB Theresa and Mike Williams Luis A. Hernandez, FIC Field Agent, Knights of Columbus Debra Martin Wysoski, M.A., LPC Marylynn and Larry Landry “Cassata is a small school and it requires many hands on deck. Cassata teachers are truly invested and give their undivided attention to each student. My husband and I give our time, talent, and money, and there is a measurable return on our donations as evidenced by the students’ academic success, graduation rate, acceptance to colleges and universities, and an increase in self-esteem.” - Margaret Taylor, Donor and Volunteer

..

................................

.......

$100 - $999 Lynne and Alan Alpar Shannon and Robert Barham Michelle and Doug Barlen Dot and John Bartell Alyson Swienton Bellinghausen Robert Bolz Robert and Sandra Bunata Harriet B. Colvin Pat Connelly Anne and Robert Dolson Charla Marbut Dee Dungan Clif and Patricia Ellis John and Donna Furin Carolyn and Glenn Goodspeed Margaret and Ron Grier Gregory and Alecia Hayes Patricia Henry DeEtte M. and Robert G. Hoch

......

Thank You to Our Generous Donors

Marie Johnston Paul and Carolyn Jones Andy Katz Cathy and Steve Landon Lockheed Martin Employees’ Political Action Committee (LMEPAC) Carolyn and Bill Lorimer Brian and Jeanne Lott Theresa and Dan Luby Beverly Manning Miriam H. Moore Anthony and Angela Pereira Margaret Radle Mary Alice and Edward Renner Bronwyn Rew Kathleen and David Sapiro Scholarship America Robert and Stacey Theisen Mary and John Zuber

Cassata Catholic High School is grateful for every donor and every gift of financial support. The list above includes donors who made gifts of $100 or more within our fiscal year of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in donor recognitions. If we have made any errors or omissions, please let us know at 817.926.1745.

Dan Villegas, Chair Loan Officer, Texas Mezzanine Fund

Kim Wewers Community Volunteer

Margaret Taylor, Vice Chair Community Volunteer

Debra Wysoski Licensed Professional Counselor

Jim Breen, Secretary Managing Director - Investments, Wells Fargo Ann Corley Retired, Real Estate Agent David Derrig Systems Engineer, Lockheed Martin Shevoyd Hamilton CEO and Publisher, The Metro Report Bill Lorimer Owner, S-4 Resources Trina Pecina Family Nurse Practitioner Karen Roberts Grant Coordinator, Arlington Tomorrow Foundation

Ex Officio Most Rev. Michael F. Olson Bishop of Fort Worth Jennifer Pelletier Superintendent Dr. Maggie Harrison President Brian Lott Principal Sister M. Bonaventure Co-Founder | 1914-2007 Sister M. Fulbright Co-Founder

6

..

Advisory Council

.........

Cassata Catholic High School 1400 Hemphill Street Fort Worth, Texas 76104 817.926.1745 www.cassatahs.org

.........

@cassata.high @cassatahs @cassatacatholic