On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Administration of The Catholic Academy of Stamford, we are pleased to present our first Annual Giving Report for the 2023/2024 school year. This summary highlights the extraordinary generosity and unwavering support that has been the cornerstone of our success and growth since our inception in 2017.
Our mission to provide a faith-filled, academically superior education is more vital than ever. Thanks to your contributions, we have been able to make significant strides in enhancing our programs, facilities, and resources, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education grounded in our Catholic values. Your support has been an example to us all and allowed us to continue to execute against the stated goals of our Strategic Plan 2022-2026 in some of the following ways:
■ Enhance our offering to include gym facilities for our students during the school day in addition to our beyond-the-ball offerings and athletic programming.
■ Continue to increase annual compensation for our teachers and staff to improve retention efforts and recognize the invaluable work they do year after year, and support professional development for our dedicated faculty.
■ Make necessary upgrades, repairs, and improvements to our second-floor windows and roof.
■ Upgrade our electrical system at the school.
■ Provide tuition assistance to families in need, maintaining our commitment to offer a superior Catholic education to all those who seek it.
We are also thrilled to share that this past year has been marked by incredible growth and achievement, made possible through the steadfast support of you, our donors. Some highlights from the past year include:
Academic successes: Our students' standardized test scores in reading and math placed in the top 1/3 of all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport. The Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK): results for our school also recognized us as the top-performing school in our Diocese.
Fall 2024
“
“ our mission to provide a academicallyfaith-filled,superior education is more vital than ever.
Exceptional service program: We have fully implemented a program to provide service to the elderly, retired priests and religious, the sick, and the poor who care for them in all grades PK 3 – 8.
Strength of our community: Our Catholic Identity has never been stronger driven by the service we provide to others and a commitment to academic excellence supported by our comprehensive strategic plan. Technological improvements: We outfitted our students with new Chromebooks and iPads in 23-24, furnished an entirely new website, and will have updated security monitoring equipment and an intercom system for the 2024-25 school year.
Enhanced safety measures: We will be introducing an on-site security presence for the 2024-25 school year. Keeping our community safe is our top priority.
Engaging our incredible volunteers: We are blessed to be truly supported in all we do at the Academy by many volunteers (parents, grandparents, friends, and relatives) who dedicate their time and talent. As we increase opportunities each year to come into school, lend a hand, support a teacher, or partner in an outreach program, we are always awestruck by the overwhelming response by those who answer our call.
As we celebrate our successes, we also look ahead with hope and a renewed sense of purpose. Your investment in our school is an investment in the future of our children and the important values we strive to instill in them. Thank you for your generosity, faith, and partnership.
May God’s blessings be upon you, our faculty and staff, and the entire CAS community as we head into our eighth year at the Academy. With your continued support, we are confident that The Catholic Academy of Stamford will carry on growing in its pillars of faith, knowledge, and service.
Sincerely,
harold SPITZFADEN BOARD CHAIRPERSON
patricia e.BRADY HEAD OF SCHOOL
board of DIRECTORS
Our focus, as a Board of Directors, is to set a course – a vision for our school and all it is to become. It’s our responsibility to ensure CAS has the tools and resources to fulfill our stated mission to provide a superior education, in a safe, nurturing environment.
We also, through advancement and fundraising efforts, ensure the annual budget is met and health of our school ensured, as well as the long-term viability of its institution achieved.
Thank you for your part in our mission to educate, form and prepare the whole student for success and for making a real contribution to their world of the future.
2023 – 2024: Maureen Belford
Patricia Brady
Francis J. Browne, Esq.
Anthony Giobbi*
Danielle Jahn
Patrice Kopas
Christopher Kulick
Todd Michalak
Matthew Murphy
Robyn Neto*
Harold Spitzfaden
*Members not pictured.
CATHOLIC IDENTITY CHAIR HEAD OF SCHOOL
VICE-CHAIRPERSON, GOVERNANCE CHAIR
FINANCE CHAIR
SECRETARY, MARKETING & ENROLLMENT CHAIR
DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT REPRESENTATIVE
ADVANCEMENT CHAIR
FACILITIES CHAIR
FINANCE CHAIR
STUDENT LIFE CHAIR
CHAIRPERSON
Support and Revenues: Tuition & fees, set Fundraising, net of direct benefits to donors Investment return, net Contributions Employee Retention Payroll Tax Credit
The Catholic Academy of Stamford, Inc. STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
The statements presented are not a complete presentation of the audited financial statements with notes for the year ended June 30, 2024. The complete audited financial statements are on file in the business office.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & STAFF COMPENSATION INCENTIVES
ARK
Our students in Grades 5-8 received the highest score of all Elementary Schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport in The Assessment of Religious Knowledge!
winning SPIRIT
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS AWARD
Congratulations to 8th Grader, Anton Lando, for receiving the St. Thomas Aquinas Award for 2024!
CAS IS THE BEES KNEES!
portrait of a GRADUATE
Congratulations to Vinz Reylana for winning 1st Place in the Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee Competition, and to Eduardo Toledo for winning the Knights of Columbus Geography Bee Competition!
Isabella Kumail, Class of 2024, learned about the importance of giving back while growing up and attending school, noting that she found great enjoyment in doing so.
That’s why when she heard about a struggling family in Colombia, she decided to lend a helping hand. Isabella hand made and sold Easter crafts to earn money to send as a donation for the family. As she stated, “It is important to put your heart into all you do, and always have compassion for others while letting your faith guide you.”
at a GLANCE
Personalized Learning
Accredited by NEASC
19:1
19:1 Student Teacher Ratio
Superior Academic Standards
Focused on Spiritual Formation and Character Development
Estimated 3,500 Hours per Year of Service Projects Completed
Rich Culture with Music, Arts and Language Classes
Sports and After-School Extracurricular Programs: PreK3-8th Grade
STEM Curriculum Project Lead the Way
90% Teachers–Masters/ Advanced Degrees
Safe, Caring Learning Environment
Affordable Tuition with Financial Aid and Scholarships Available
Small and Close-Knit School Community
CAS Teaches Cursive Writing
Proven Record of Excellence and High Graduation Rates
Before and After Care Available (7-5:30pm)
FREE Morning Care
don’t
judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.
LOUIS STEVENSON “ “
ROBERT
thank you to OUR DONORS*
ANNUAL FUND
2023-2024
Adam Pulcyn
Alan Mahony
Alejandro Quintero
Aline Conti
Andrea King
Ann Matkovic
Beth Carpanzano
Brenda Thomson
Brendan Swords
Bruce Vulsson
Carole Schermann
Cathy Forkan
Charles Hanna
Chris & Kim Watts
Christine Handler
Christopher Kulick
Colleen & Michael Hennessey
Colleen Minchik
Colm & Kristen Browne
Courtney Downer
Daniel & Danielle Jahn
Daniel Konopka
Dennis & Claudia Freeman
Diane Karim
Dominique Romer
Elizabeth Carpanzano
Elizabeth Doty
Elizabeth Mercede
Ellen & Chris Delvecchio
Eric & Ellen Klosz
Erin Phipps
Eugenia Tzoannopoulos
Gabrielle Dunn
Grace & David Valenzano
Grace Valenzano
Gregory Bartolo
Harold Spitzfaden
James Marini
James Mazzeo
Jean Kruger
Jennifer Toman
Jesse Viggiano
Jessica Moon
Josh Gold
Joshua Molgano
Jozo Matkovic
Karen and Alex
Szymanowski
Kathleen Michalak
Kathleen Daly
Kathy Rielley Izzo
Ken & Erin Becker
Ken Schermann
Keri La Ra
Knights of Columbus, Council 5833
Knights of Columbus, Council 41
Leah Ritchie
Liz Doty
Lisa & Tom Duddie
Lori Hinds
Lori Phipps
Luke Pittoni
Maria Charris
Maria Werhle
Marla Lando
Mary Cardillo
Mater Salvatoris College
Preparatory School
Maureen & Charles Hanna
Maureen Belford
Michael Dunn
Michael Maloney
Michael Matkovic
Mr. & Mrs. Eck
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Greene
Notre Dame High School
Patrice Kopas
Patricia Brady
Paul & Kathleen Livaudais
Richard Greene
Rene & David Ley
Robert & Geraldine Palermo
Robyn Neto
Shane Reiff
Stephen Cheung
Sue & Tom Cingari
Susan & Richard Carleton
Susanne Hudock
Thessa Canlas
Thomas English
Thomas Kulick
Susan & Todd Michalak
Erma & Tom Moore
Victoria Alcivar
John Wyman Trust
Yvonne Ng
CORPORATE MATCHING DONORS
Bank of America
Corporate Match
Bank of America Cyber Grants Program
Wells Fargo Corporate Match
Bank of America
Charitable Foundation
* We are grateful to the members of board and faculty, and to our familes and local businesses who supported our school through generous donations and support of our annual Golf Outing and Cash Raffle.
**This list contains names of donors to our Annual Fund from July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024. We have tried to include all names. If we inadvertently omitted yours, please pardon us and call 203-322-6505. Thank you.
ways to GIVE
Scan this QR Code to be forwarded to our Giving Page.
ANNUAL FUND
Our Annual Fund allows us to meet the ever changing needs of our students and faculty. These critical funds serve to enhance the academic, spiritual, enrichment,and educational experience of our students.
Each year, our goal is 100% participation from all members of the CAS community. Your generosity and involvement, no matter the size, enables CAS to offer a superior and nurturing academic environment, competitive enrichment programs, retain and incentivize our highly-qualified educators, and offer tuition assistance packages that allow us to provide a faith based education to all those who seek it.
ONLINE
Annual Fund - Catholic Academy Stamford
MAIL/CHECK
The Catholic Academy of Stamford Attn: CAS Annual Fund 1186 Newfield Avenue Stamford, CT 06905
MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers will match their employees’ donations up to a certain amount. This serves as a wonderful opportunity and an easy way to leverage your gift to CAS into a larger donation to benefit our students, faculty, and campus programs. The impact of your gift may be doubled or even tripled! Many companies match contributions that their employees make to non-profit institutions such as CAS.
GIFTS OF STOCK
Gifts of appreciated stock can provide an income tax dedication for the stock’s full fair market values on the date you make the gift.
ESTATES, WILLS, TRUSTS
Explore the variety of options to make a deep commitment to ensuring a lasting future for CAS.
GIFT IN KIND
A “gift in kind” is a gift of goods or services.
***For direct questions, please contact our Director of Advancement, Erin Becker, at advancement@catholicacademystamford.org.
