Annual Report 2022-2023
New Beginnings
Dear Friends of Cassata Catholic High School,
Maggie Harrison, PhD
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” The past three years have brought many unexpected changes to Cassata. Last year, however, was particularly significant. Were we able to move fully to an in-person only learning and not worry about the constraints of the pandemic. We also experienced many changes on our team as we started the year with seven new team members, ready to serve our students, as we have for over 45 years. It certainly was a year of new beginnings. This annual report is a tribute to the spirit, determination, and hard work of Cassata’s faculty, staff, students, parents, friends and supporters.
The mission of the school remains the same as set by its founders, Sr. Bonaventure and Sr. Fulbright, and together, as a team our teachers and staff work to inspire students to develop their talents, explore their academic potential, and grow academically and spiritually while at Cassata. We are grateful to all of you for the gifts of your prayers, talents, time, and monetary contributions to support our school and ensure that we can serve our students by offering a nontraditional high school program that makes their academic progression and success through education possible. Thank you for your care, thank you for your generosity, thank you for believing in our mission and, most importantly, in our students. Amidst many changes, your support and open hearts make it possible for Cassata to adjust sails against the wind of change, and prayerfully embrace new beginnings. God bless you and keep you, Maggie Harrison, Ph.D. President mharrison@cassatahs.org
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your request known to God.” Philippians 4:6
Photo by: Casata Staff
Class of 2023
2022-2023 School Highlights
How to Help:
This is us:
Join our mission by 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 cassatahs.org/volunteer for more information and to sign up. Join the Advisory Council It is a two-year commitment with the objective of advising Cassata’s President/Principal and, therefore, the Superintendent and the Bishop, on matters related to the operations of the school. Members may be asked to serve on a particular committee (e.g. finance, marketing, fundraising events) based on their personal experience and field of expertise, for the benefit of the school. 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 need it. Cassata participates in North Texas Giving Day, #iGiveCatholic, and hosts the annual fundraising event – Noche de Gracias. Give anytime at cassatahs.org/donate-now If you are interested in helping Cassata, please call the school office at 817.926.1745 “Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy, 31:6
2022-2023 Financial Position
• Cassata served 132 students on campus and 240 through our self-paced curriculum offered at Mesa Spring Innovations. • For the very first time in our school’s history, all students, faculty, and staff attended weekly Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. • Cassata offered on-campus Theology and Latin classes to all students. • Student Council, Gaming Club, Art Club, and D & D Clubs provided students with an opportunity to connect as friends outside of the classroom setting. • Junior Achievement provided two classes on financial literacy and career readiness. • The Ladder Alliance-Cassata partnership allowed us to offer the Basic Computer Literacy Classes course. • Cassata donors gave $18,114 to our school’s mission and work on #iGiveCatholic Day on November 29, 2022, thanks in large part to a generous matching gift from Greg and Jo Ann Swienton. With gratitude and hope, we look forward to the new school year and the opportunities and blessings it may bring: • Closer relationship with the St. Mary of the Assumption pastor and parish. • Continued partnership with Nolan Catholic High School for professional, academic, extracurricular, and transportation support. • Continued partnership with Junior Achievement to offer courses on career preparedness and financial literacy. • Continued partnership with the Ladder Alliance to provide computer skills training for Cassata’s students. • Continued partnership with ChristianWorks to provide individual and/or family counseling sessions for students needing additional social-emotional support.
Revenue
Our Mission
Expenses
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.
Contributions from Individuals, Foundations, and Corporations: 47% Tuition: 33% Special Events: 10% Interest: 10%
Instructional Department: 48% Administrative Department: 38% Facility Department: 6% Development/Advancement Department: 8%
Photo by Joseph Kirkham
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“I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13
Thank You to Our $50,000+
The Morris Foundation Sid W. Richardson Foundation North Texas Community Foundation – Ella McFadden Endowment Fund
$20,000 - $49,999
The Ben and Mary Doskocil Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin L. Doskocil Sr. The Thomas M., Helen McKee and John P. Ryan Foundation Jo Ann and Greg Swienton
$10,000 – $19,999
The Brown Lupton Foundation Fash Foundation The John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation Frances C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation Cathy and John Souders Margaret and David Taylor Walter Welborn
$5,000 – $9,999
The Advancement Foundation – Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Kay Bird Birdies for Charity, Colonial Charities The Stephen Breen Memorial Foundation Fidelity Charitable – Frase Giving Fund Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation Good Shepherd Catholic Community Trina and Fred Pecina PepsiCo Angela and Tony Pereira Gus, Cecilia, and Alex Villanueva
$2,500 – $4,999
Garvey Texas Foundation, Inc. Ken Kempker Sisters of Saint Mary Namur
Photo by Natalie Bowers Ortiz
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Photo by Joseph Kirkham
Generous Donors $1,000 – $2,499
Photo by Cassata Staff
Lynne and Alan Alpar Mary Brennan Harriet B. Colvin Ann Corley Melody and David Derrig Good Shepherd Catholic Community Men’s Club DeEtte M. and Robert G. Hoch Innovation/Mesa Springs Kari and Matt Kirkham Marylynn and Larry Landry Eileen and John Lawler Lockheed Martin Employees’ Political Action Committee John Martin Peggi and Harvey Mueller II Donald V. Murphey Pinnacle Bank The Reading Connection/Literacy United Dan Villegas Dr. DAnn Sanchoz Dr. William Weaver Mike Williams Debra Wysoski
$100 – $999
Shannon and Robert Barham Dot and John Bartell Kathy and Jim Breen Sandra and Robert Bunata Kathleen Clemens Mary and Cesar Estrada Fitzpatrick Enterprises Carol Franko Frase Giving Fund Via Fidelity Charitable John and Donna Furin Linda and Abel Gonzalez Glenn R. Goodspeed
Photo by Cassata Staff
Photo by Joseph Kirkham Margaret and Ron Grier Karen and Christopher Hull Marylynn and Larry Landry Cathy Mancuso Gaspare Mancuso Beverly and Kirk Manning Network For Good ProAction Fire Alarm Cecilia Villanueva Mary and John Zuber
OTHER DONORS
Cassata Catholic High School is a grateful for every donor and every gift of financial support. The list above includes donors who made gifts of $100 or more within the fiscal year of July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy in donor recognitions. If we have made any errors or omissions, please let us know at 817.926.1745
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What Our Students Say About Us: Question: What do you like about Cassata? “The staff is very respectful and always try to help everyone. I like the way the teachers teach to help every kid in their own way.” “The school is able to accommodate to students’ schedule/life.” “I like the atmosphere and the students as well as the staff.” “I like it how there isn’t a lot of kids like a regular school.” “What I like about Cassata is that we can all do our work at our own rhythm. And I like that we only come for three hours.” “One thing I really like about Cassata are the teachers. They are very respectful and helpful.” “You can work at your own pace.”
“I like how kind the teachers are here.” “That you only get to go half a day, and that they provide you with the help needed. I also like how Cassata Catholic High School cares and wants to help improve your future.”
“The community of wonderful. Love the staff and the idea behind Cassata.” “I like the environment and I like how we have the ability to work at our own pace.”
“It’s keeping us safe.” “I can get classes done faster.” “I like that I can work as fast or slow as I want. I like that this foes at my own pace. I like how the teachers want to answer your questions.”
“The nice teachers.” “What I like about Cassata is the environment, how the classes are so small and the teachers have time to help everyone. The teachers are so nice as well as patient.” “I like that Cassata cares about the well-being of students and that school is only 3 hours.”
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Advisory Council Trina Pecina, Chair Family Nurse Practitioner Jan Barker Physical Education Teacher – Holy Family Catholic School Jim Breen Managing Director - Investments, Wells Fargo Ann Corley Retired, Real Estate Agent David Derrig Director, Lockheed Martin Linda Gonzalez Financial Officer Julie Ladner Retired, English Teacher Margaret Taylor Community Volunteer
Ex Officio
Most Rev. Michael F. Olson Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Brinton Smith Superintendent Dr. Maggie Harrison President Sister Mary Bonaventure Co-Founder | 1914-2007 Sister Mary Fulbright Co-Founder
Photos by Joseph Kirkham
Cassata Catholic High School 1400 Hemphill Street Fort Worth, Texas 76104 817.926.1745 www.cassatahs.org SOCIAL MEDIA: @cassata.high @cassatahs @cassatacatholic