Catholic Schools Week 2019

M ONITOR M

ONITOR

THE

Michael Glenn photo

Newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton

The Monitor’s Annual Salute to Catholic Schools January 24, 2019

Celebrate

Catholic Schools Week

JAN. 27 TO FEB. 2, 2019

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he nationwide celebration of Catholic Schools Week gives schools in the Diocese of Trenton an opportunity to revel in the spiritual atmosphere and stellar education that a Catholic school provides. Running this year from Jan. 27 through Feb. 2, these institutions will celebrate academic excellence in a wide variety of disciplines, from traditional subjects to new and creative uses of STEM curriculum and tech devices, while sustaining students through an atmosphere of Christian discipleship, community outreach and a goal to nurture the entire student – mind, body and spirit.

I n s i d e: MESSAGES from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and JoAnn Tier, superintendent of Catholic Schools • S2, S3 SCHOOL SECURITY: How funding increases will help Catholic schools be physical, emotional sanctuaries • P4, P5 NEW DIRECTIONS: Catholic schools explore innovative curriculum • S6 ‘IT’S WHAT WE DO’: In times of hardship, school communities respond with prayer, support • S8

BLUE STATUS: Blue Ribbon schools welcome state lawmakers • S12 HEALTHY BODIES : Schools make physical wellness a priority for students • S14 LAUDATO SÍ-INSPIRED: Students take on responsibility for care of creation • S15 21st CENTURY EDUCATION: How Catholic schools are leading the way with advanced, tech-savvy courses • S16

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Catholic Schools Week A MESSAGE FROM

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

We all share the responsibility to promote Catholic schools A Message for Catholic Schools Week 2019

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his past year, five of our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton were awarded the coveted National Blue Ribbon School recognition by the United States Department of Education.

That is an amazing accomplishment and a source of pride not only for the individual schools themselves – administrators, faculty, staff, volunteers, parish priests, students and families – but for all of us committed to Catholic education. Our Catholic schools have been regularly among those singled out for this recognition, but to have five in one academic year is truly awesome!

Each year, the Church in our country dedicates the last week of January to Catholic schools and gratefully lifts them up as one of the most prominent means for the transmission of our Catholic faith to the young. Building upon the foundations established within Catholic families, our Catholic schools partner with them in opening the minds, hearts and souls of the students entrusted to their care to look at the world in a different, fuller, deeper way motivated by our Catholic faith.

Learning “happens” in a Catholic school because teaching puts the student and his/her needs first. There, knowledge and truth are “experienced” by them through the dedication and commitment of professionals who believe in what they teach as a revelation of God’s goodness and love for the world he has created. Reli-

On Dec. 6, St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, welcomed Sen. Robert Singer (R-30) and Assemblyman Sean Kean (R-30) for a special prayer service, recognizing the school’s recent National Blue Ribbon distinction. The lawmakers presented a proclamation to the school’s student council executive board. Courtesy photo See related story, S-12

gion and all the other academic subjects, integrated and taught so effectively and comprehensively, are a “package deal” in a Catholic school.

Pope Francis has observed, “An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic schools.”

Teaching the Catholic faith as Truth is an essential element of that “fullness.” It is no wonder at all that students in Catholic schools succeed. The proof of that success has been demonstrated and acknowledged time and again within the Church and society at large.

As the Diocese of Trenton celebrates

Catholic schools and their faith-based accomplishments in the lives of their students, we also recognize the challenges they face.

Like many other dioceses throughout the United States, we have witnessed the closing of some Catholic schools over the past several years. The big factor has been and remains steadily declining enrollments and the consequent loss of revenue needed to maintain operations.

Providing quality Catholic education is not inexpensive and costs rise every year, despite valiant efforts by Catholic school administrators and pastors to control budgets.

With diminishing tuition revenues and all

Ministrare Non Ministrari

the other fiscal demands placed upon them, parishes and even the Diocese itself cannot continue to subsidize all our Catholic schools as their increasing needs demand.

Enrollment is key. Whatever the reasons are for its downturn – and we have analyzed them over and over again – we can only hope that the “value added” by a Catholic education, evidenced and documented by its positive results, will become more convincing to the Catholic population at large. If it does not, the trend, unfortunately, will continue.

I had hoped to hit the “Mega Millions” or “Powerball” jackpots a few months ago in order to solve these problems but, alas, Lady Luck did not shine on me! Absent such fortune, we need to put our shoulder to the task of providing Catholic education to the current and next generations with renewed conviction that our Catholic schools provide the highest and best quality education available. We must develop creative solutions to the challenges we face.

Whatever we can do to promote Catholic schools at every level is a responsibility that we share as Catholics.

As with the Gospel, we need to spread the good news far and wide and to become “ambassadors” of Catholic schools in our local communities and parishes. Although our parish and diocesan resources are limited, our hope in the future is not.

The Diocese of Trenton advertises that “Catholic Schools Have it All.” I would like to add two words to that truth: “Catholic Schools Have It All … FOR YOU!” Please support our Catholic schools.

Catholic Schools Week to emphasize education, leadership, service Compiled from reports

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton will be joining their counterparts across the nation in recognizing their identity as institutions of faith and education as they celebrate the 46th annual Catholic Schools Week Jan. 27-Feb.2.

This year’s national theme is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

In signing a proclamation designating Catholic Schools Week in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said Catholic schools provide students an education that “emphasizes the formation of moral values and a commitment to community service. The welfare of the state requires that this and future generations of school-age children be assured ample opportunity to develop to the fullest their intellectual capacities.”

Dr. George V. Corwell, director of the Office of Education for the New Jersey Catholic Conference, noted that the governor’s proclamation continues the tradition of recognition afforded

Catholic schools in New Jersey by the executive branch of state government.

“The Catholic schools of New Jersey represent an investment in New Jersey’s future, and the sacrifices made by Catholic school parents save the state’s overburdened public school system over $1.3 billion annually,” Dr. Corwell said. “We hope that all residents of New Jersey recognize the dedicated efforts of Catholic school teachers, which contribute to the overall success of our schools.”

Over the coming days, a variety of activities are planned at both the diocesan and local levels to highlight the achievements of Catholic schools, including a Jan. 31 trip to the State House by Catholic school student representatives and their chaperones.

“Young people today need Catholic educa-

tion more than ever,” said Bishop Michael C. Barber of Oakland, Calif., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Catholic Education. He also stressed that “being rooted in faith does not endanger the academic quality of Catholic schools, but in fact is their very motivation for excellence in all things.”

In a statement released for the observance, Bishop Barber said, “Following Christ’s example of loving and serving all people, Catholic schools proudly provide a well-rounded education to disadvantaged families, new arrivals to America and to all who seek a seat in our schools.” Nearly 1.8 million students are currently educated in 6,352 Catholic schools in the United States.

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools

Week has been the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States, sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the USCCB’s Secretariat of Catholic Education. Schools typically observe the annual weeklong celebration with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members.

For the second year, the NCEA will lead an online campaign called the “Many Gifts, One Nation: A Day of Giving to Catholic Schools” Jan. 29-30 with FACTS Management Co., which helps with tuition management at schools. The 24-hour period, which begins at noon (EST) Jan. 29, supports development programs in Catholic schools throughout the country. Last year, more than $850,000 was donated to 539 participating Catholic schools, six dioceses and the NCEA. Information about the campaign is available at www.ncea.org/csw/manygifts.

Catholic News Service contributed to this report.

Catholic Schools Week

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

A MESSAGE FROM

JOANN TIER

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SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Catholic school students enjoy a new paradigm of learning

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oung children approach life and school with open minds, eager for adventure and new learning. At what point does that enthusiasm change to passiveness or the disconnection often experienced in classrooms?

As an educator, I was perplexed when I experienced this disengagement with my third-grade son. Charlie had a propensity to tune out of class periodically. He would look out the window, watch the contrails of a plane and become lost in thought. My son was a dreamer. The traditional classroom did not appear to hold his interest. How could that creative dreaming be channeled into productive learning?

Today, students develop self-discipline and are part of building community.

Fast-forward to college. It was at Lehigh University where my son would focus on his interests, and as an engineering major, be truly challenged as a student.

Learning became an insatiable part of his reality as new programs of study motivated him and informed his thinking.

A visit to our son on Lehigh’s campus provided a source of inspiration for me, as well. In one of the ivy-covered, stately buildings was a plaque honoring John J. Karakash, a distinguished professor and dean emeritus in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. It read: …Our goal is to produce good people – young men and women who learn to think to the point where thinking is a habit, who have been exposed to and encouraged to develop and live by a set of values, who have developed methods and approaches to the intelligent application of knowledge and last but not least, who accept the virtue of work as a vehicle of service and the will to work as a self-discipline.

I copied that quote and pondered its wisdom. It summed up a beautiful philosophy for education. A philosophy that is depicted in the effort and work of Catholic school educators … to produce good

ALSO INSIDE:  Get caught up with projects and success stories from the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools. See S20

people … who learn to think to the point where thinking is a habit…

Such is the challenge for educators and students in the 21st century. No longer constrained by seatwork, straight rows and memorization resulting in regurgitating the right answer, there is a freedom, a messiness and an adventure in learning. Lack of success and errors are part of the quest for truth.

Mistakes have always been a part of learning. Thomas Edison, American inventor, reflected A student in St. Paul School, Princeton, uses a virtual reality device on the challenge of during a STEM Day. In today’s classrooms, “Imagination, innovacreating the light tion, self-discipline, curiosity, persistence and dreaming surely bulb. He said, “I promote a trajectory of unimagined adventures,” writes JoAnn Tier, didn’t fail. I just diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools. EmmaLee Italia photo found 2,000 ways not to make a ing them what to make of it.” lightbulb; I only a comprehensive We learn by constructing new underneeded to find standard-based standings of our world. Educators invite stuone way to make curriculum that dents to experience the complexity of our it work.” Findidentifies what world and encourage them to question and ing what doesn’t students should to seek answers – answers that don’t fit into work, as Edison know. Students a predefined blank space but rather require realized, can result engage in active paragraphs, pages or books to adequately in a mindset that learning as they A student in St. Dominic School, Brick, studexpress. promotes persismaster objectives ies farming by working on an iPad. “No lonA visit to a Catholic school finds tence, resolve and using the 21st ger constrained by seatwork, straight rows students engaged in learning. Students, resiliency. century skills to and memorization … there is a freedom, a wearing goggles, work in groups in science The objective promote deep messiness and an adventure in learning,”Tier class and experience lessons that end with of education is to learning.

As they writes. John Blaine photo those “aha” moments … when the answer prepare students to study Science, makes sense because the student was part of educate themselves Technology, throughout their lives. Since the 1960s Engineering and Math (STEM), and engage the discovery process.

A walk down the hall opens to another much research has focused on education. in project-learning and personalized learnclass in which young students are learning Prior to that, teaching was based on tradiing, they discover that this is an exhilarating coding and applying the process to create a tions handed down from teacher to teacher. time to be a student. product or a work of art with a 3D printer.

Today, students develop self-discipline In recent years, our schools have been Flex period finds students choosing and are part of building community. No applauded for their academic excellence. personal interests in which they engage in longer the recipients of predigested facts, Thirteen Catholic schools in the Diocese small groups to create objects with recycled students are invited to become critical have received the prestigious recognition components. A stop in the hydroponics thinkers in which genuine understanding as U.S. Department of Education National lab underscores forwarding-thinking as and learning for its own sake is celebrated.

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Five students grow herbs in a mineral nutrient Students take initiative, solve problems and schools are utilizing the Project Lead the solution in water without soil. They learn use their creativity. Students take chances Way initiative with immersion in computer about sustainability, which will lead to a and risk making mistakes in order to learn. science, biomedical science and engineerdiscussion of environmental issues facing Collaboration is part of the experience. Esing. One of two Catholic schools in the our world. sential to learning is the analysis of informastate was recognized in 2018 as a NJ Future Students still learn times tables and tion and honoring the gifts of curiosity and Ready School for strides in technology and word decoding but there is a relevance and imagination. the development of digital citizenship. a spark in what may have appeared as simply Students read a wide variety of written Through excellence in meeting chalrote learning. Teachers create a “hook,” materials and communicate clearly across lenging benchmarks, learning is relevant, which is often a means of inquiry to find out multiple media forms. Students ask thought- and meaningful, linked to real-life problems the “why.” ful questions and engage in constructive to be addressed.

The opportunity for a cutting-edge, debate as they seek to understand how the E. Duckworth, an educational theorist academic environment is created each day world works and often, in the process, learn who promotes the benefits of a construcby the teacher (who is also a learner) in this how it doesn’t work as they unveil the injustivist classroom, describes her version of fresh educational environment. The day, detices that have denied and continue to deny teaching as a journey of personal discovery. fined with student-engagement and ownerthe rights, freedoms and dignity of all.

“I propose situations for people to think ship of learning, also incorporates elements And so, in Catholic education, adminis- about, and I watch what they do. They tell trators and educators pledge to incorporate me what they make of it rather than my tellSee Education • S21

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Funding boost supports commitment to school safety

By Mary Morrell Contributing Editor

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n light of Gov. Phil Murphy’s signing of bill A4597/S3080 Jan. 8, doubling nonpublic school security money, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton are looking to the future as they continue to build safe communities with additional or enhanced school security measures.

Under the bill, religious and private

“The need for cyber security is not something that’s going away.”

schools in the state will see security funding increase from $75 to $150 per student, for an additional $11.3 million in funding.

“Schools in the Diocese of Trenton have, over the years, used the school security money wisely to fund projects and

programs designed to secure our school buildings and our protocols for keeping our students secure,” said Judy Nicastro, diocesan associate director of school services and vice chair of the N.J. Department of Education Nonpublic Advisory Committee.

Nicastro was among those who were present for the signing, along with Frances Koukotas, director of the New Jersey Network of Catholic Families in the Diocese of Trenton, which has long advocated for increased funding for nonpublic schools.

“This additional money will allow that commitment to continue, while increasing the scope of what can be made available to insure the safety of our children,” Nicastro added.

Kimberly Sandomierski, dean of students in Donovan Catholic School, Toms River, underscored that the commitment to safety by schools in the Diocese is made a practical reality through security funding.

In years past, said Sandomierski, “both Donovan Catholic and St. Joseph Grade School, Toms River, have used the nonpublic security money to install and upgrade security cameras, strobe

Cyber security is just one of many areas that could see a boost thanks to the recent increase in funding for nonpublic school security. Stock photo

lights and sirens for lock downs, security film for all windows and doors, campus fencing and gates. Donovan Catholic has installed a security check-in area that is equipped with an ID printer that creates a ‘personal visitor pass’ with the individual’s picture printed on it.”

Both schools also share the cost of a full-time Class 3 Toms River Police Department security officer, who is on campus daily when school is in session, Sandomierski noted.

With the increase in funding, she explained, Donovan Catholic plans to replace the public address system, which Sandomierski describes as “a huge ex-

pense,” while St. Joseph Grade School plans to upgrade several systems with the latest technology.

The items on the two Ocean County schools’ wish lists are similar to those planned by other schools in the Diocese – increased security services, upgraded equipment and technology that will advance existing safety measures.

Included among those items are equipment for hardening school perimeter and building entryways, screening surveillance and alarm systems, emergency communications and cyber security evaluation, training and upgrading.

Anthony DeLorenzo, director of the diocesan Department of Computer Services, stressed the importance of See Security • S22

Catholic Schools Week

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

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Schools taking preemptive steps to bolster students socially, spiritually

By EmmaLee Italia Contributing Editor

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n 1736, when Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” he was talking about fire safety. But the same axiom can be applied today when it comes to helping students’ with social anxieties.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton rely upon the skills of administrators, counselors, pastors and chaplains when students need an understanding ear. And with the aid of various programs and a spirit of Christian discipleship, both staff and students are doing much to in their schools.

Special Training The recent increase in nonpublic school security funds means private schools can not only bolster physical security upgrades, but also training and activities that promote a positive school climate and foster open communication among staff and students.

Such activities include training in peer mediation and conflict resolution, substance abuse prevention, sexual harassment and suicide prevention, cyber safety, student violence response training and more.

Anne Reap, Lower School director in Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton,

said TCA has enlisted training from Thom Stecher and Associates to help teachers address students’ social and emotional needs.

“His workshops [help them] set high expectations in their classrooms and to create an atmosphere where students feel safe, accepted and loved,” Reap said. The team does periodic check-ins with teachers, providing encouragement and new strategies.

In St. Joseph School, Toms River, counselor Divina Roche regularly goes into each classroom with different age-appropriate messages about kindness, respect, character and Catholic values. She also provides in-services to the faculty and staff on mental health in the classroom, anxiety, depression and self-harm. “[It] helps them better understand and help their students,” Roche said. “We create a safe and caring environment, which encourages students to come to me or their teachers to discuss their concerns.”

Barbara Carey, counselor in St. Rose Grammar School, Belmar, and St. Dominic School, Brick, spoke about St. Dominic’s Second Step program, which teaches social skills to entire classes and addresses empathy, impulse control and anger management.

“Children are given the message that they are only in control of themselves,” Carey said. “In every situation, their choices

Youngsters who don’t have someone to play with at recess can sit on Buddy Benches in St. Joseph School, Toms River, which lets fellow students know that one of their classmates needs a friend. Mary Stadnyk photo

will either make things better or worse.”

Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, partnered with The Social Emotional Learning Connection in summer 2018 to provide training for staff and students on social emotional learning. “These sessions included topics such as mental health issues, mindfulness, resilience, coping mechanisms and wellness,” principal Joanna Barlow said.

Empowering Students

held a Student Voice Session to learn about and foster positive social-emotional health in teenagers. Seventy students took part in team-building and communication exercises.

Reap noted that at Trenton Catholic Academy this year, Stecher and his group have begun holding student sessions.

“These sessions foster a sense of acceptance and illustrate to the students their responsibility in keeping our school community a safe environment. Many times,

See Managing • S28

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Unique courses, activities building blocks for the future Story by Lois Rogers, Correspondent

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long with forming students in faith, Catholic schools around the Trenton Diocese strive to offer young scholars a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities that stretch the boundaries of the educational experience.

These unique courses, programs and clubs have been created to meet the needs of students from Pre-K on up whose interests, as they grow, run the gamut from rigorous academics to building the skill sets they will need in the future.

“We have a huge responsibility for the behavior they [students] exhibit on the internet.”

Never Too Early One example of how even the youngest students are benefiting from curriculum advances can be found in St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, where students in Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 enjoy an array of special content areas such as music, art, technology, library, Spanish and gym.

Cathy Bjorklund, director of admissions and advancement, explained how youngsters enjoy technology class in which they utilize Mac desktops and iPads.

The students, she said, are even “coding and practicing problem-solving and planning and sequencing skills in preschool using ‘Code-a-Pillars’ – a FisherPrice caterpillar toy whose segments detach. After rearranging his segments a few times, the kids will discover that if they plan out a path for the Code-a-Pillar and put his pieces together in the right sequences, they can get him to follow it.”

“The more the kids rearrange the pieces, the more they develop critical thinking skills,” Bjorklund continued. “Similarly, exposure to the other content areas builds curiosity, is fun and makes for a seamless transition to kindergarten and the other grades.”

In St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, PreK3 and Pre-K4 students not only have the opportunity to work on Mac desktop computers and iPads, they learn coding, too. Courtesy photo

Mater Dei Prep students hold the certificates they recently received after completing a course in CPR and emergency medical response. Courtesy photo

Social Media Footprint In Lawrenceville’s Notre Dame High School, keeping students on top of the global wave of mass communication is Cindy Bannon’s goal. One of the ways she does this is focusing on the development of mass communication over the centuries from the printing press to the digital age.

In one of the units of a senior elective she teaches called Introduction to Communications, Bannon and the students hone in on how the digital landscape has evolved and its effect on society.

The unit looks at not only how the media has changed, but also at how it has had an impact on everything from politics “to how we do business.”

She said she’s working with seniors who have a mature outlook and who can consider how a student’s social media post might have an impact on getting into college. They learn, she said, that if a college is going to invest in them, their social media posts may come under scrutiny.

Looking at the size of one’s digital footprint and what it says is “something I want them to do,” Bannon said. “They do an exercise where they Google each other’s names to see what comes up.”

She also shares how by its very nature, social media has enabled people to “put on masks” that create unrealistic expectations in others.

The experience, she said, has enabled students who need to fill in an elective the ability to “branch out on their own” responsibly in the social media world. “Digital media is a hot topic – it’s a thread that runs through all levels and classes. If we are being true to our mission as Catholic educators, we have a huge responsibility for the behavior they exhibit on the internet,” Bannon said.

Global Impact The global perspective is a major focus in Toms River’s Donovan Catholic, where the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program has “encouraged our students to gain an international

outlook,” vice principal Kathleen D’Andrea said.

The only Catholic school in the state to participate in the program, Donovan Catholic offers a curriculum that incorporates global awareness into courses. To receive an IB diploma, students must achieve in six basic disciplines including literature, sciences, social studies and the arts.

“Teachers bring in global views. For instance, in teaching the history of World War II, students would learn what the Russian perspective was. In today’s world, you have to try to understand international culture,” D’Andrea said.

Arianna Markatos, a senior who will graduate in June, credits the program with “opening up her mind. I found the global perspective very interesting. You are not just studying how America works.”

Mater Dei Prep is also looking to impact the world, starting with personal health and safety. On Jan. 11, the Middletown school hosted the first graduation ceremony for students in the Emergency Medical Services and Nursing Institute. Sixtyfive students received certificates for completing the Health/Emergency Medical Response course.

As the students received their Emergency Medical Responder certification and health care provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, John Hansen, the institute’s co-leader, spoke of how the students had received “life skills to use in the future with their friends, family and loved ones. I’m confident that these students will use what they learned,” he said, to react to emergency situations and ultimately save lives.

Senior Ashley Leach said the best part of taking the course is that it is all hands-on experience.

“In the future, I would like to become a nurse, and I will be able to use these skills in college, medical school and my everyday life.”

Extracurricular Offerings Numerous educational studies show that extracurricular activities help children discover and

See Catholic • S18

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

‘It’s What We Do’

Catholic school students offer prayer, love, support in challenging times Story by Dorothy K. LaMantia Correspondent

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very day, those in Catholic schools stand to pray, asking God for blessings and guidance as the school day unfolds.

When troubles arise, such as an illness or loss of a classmate, teacher, administrator or family member, Catholic school communities fervently turn to prayer and attend Mass, ready to provide – or receive – comfort, support and encouragement.

“It’s what we do,” said Jeanmarie Lamme, director of institutional advancement in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, which is still healing from the sudden passing last spring of Karin Krenek, the much-loved teacher and director of theatre productions who died May 18.

That day Krenek, affectionately known as “Mama K,” was conducting a theatre workshop for the eighth-grade class of St. Joseph School in anticipation of their class trip to see “Hello, Dolly!” on Broadway.

Students from the high school’s theatre program and alumni on summer break from college came to assist.

During the workshop, Krenek excused herself. Shortly afterward, she was found unconscious in the school chapel. She died later that morning.

“Ninety minutes later, the whole

“We pray for those we know and those we don’t, and we help whoever needs it.” school was at Mass,” Lamme said. “Students, alumni and parents were there.

Through texting and social media, the word spread – everyone showed up. Parents came to be with their kids who needed their parents. This what parents do and why Catholic faith works.”

“The whole school came together,” said Brandon Horwin, parishioner of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, and a Donovan Catholic graduate who assisted Krenek that day. “I will never forget the volume of people willing to hug, give condolences and pray with you. Over 1,000 came to her viewing and funeral in St. Joseph Church.”

TCA Lower School students are happy to see their school’s president, Sister of St. Joseph Dorothy Payne, Sister Dorothy Payne enjoys chatting with a group of TCA Upper School students. who paid a visit the week of Jan. 14. Sister Dorothy Courtesy photos has been undergoing treatment for cancer.

Strength in Numbers Junior Hailey Cassidy remembered the comfort of communal prayer and how students gathered for morning Mass the following Sunday. “We wanted to pray and be together.”

Students in the the- Current Donovan Catholic students and graduates perform a medley of songs from musicals that were directed atre program – about 30 during Karin Krenek’s tenure. The beloved ESL and theater teacher and director of musicals at the Toms River percent of the school’s school, who died unexpectedly last spring, was fondly remembered during a musical tribute held Dec. 30. population – saw Krenek Donovan Catholic screenshot photo as being a mother with a Academy, Hamilton, have begun their day Although Sister Dorothy has not been ready ear. “The faculty knew how much she praying for the school’s president, Sister of physically present at the school this term, meant to us,” Cassidy said.

St. Joseph Dorothy Payne, who is currently she continues to lead through emails, tele“I couldn’t work. Teachers were undergoing treatment for her third bout phone and more. understanding and helped me calm down,” with cancer.

“She still pays attention to every detail,” she said. “Other kids – even those not in Twice a month, the students in said Rose O’Connor, the academy’s directheatre – knew how special she was to us Christine McCarthy’s English classes in the tor of marketing, who videotaped Sister and supported us.”

Upper School use their writing skills to send Dorothy’s Christmas message, which the Lamme, too, recalled such compasget well-wishes to Sister Dorothy. students viewed during an Advent prayer sion. “You could see the students holding “She’s always appreciative of what she service. up the faculty. Teachers rallied around the receives,” McCarthy said.

On the video, Sister Dorothy asserts, kids, but the kids rallied around the teachIn TCA’s Lower School, the Jesus Club, “I’m coming back!” then thanks the stuers. We survived by prayer and faith. We’re moderated by fourth-grade teacher Nneka dents for their prayers. She then challenges still in shock. We pray to get strength and Sumola, meets twice a month to pray and the TCA community “to think about how keep moving.” cast its cares on God. Each meeting time is you will bring the gift of love to every perOn Dec. 30, Donovan Catholic dedicated to writing notes to Sister Dorothy son close to you. ” sponsored a benefit for the Karin Krenek and praying for her and as well as the club’s Th e video was a gift to the students, Memorial Scholarship in which 80 former personal petitions. who miss her visits to classrooms and the and current theatre students performed a re“We teach our kids to be brothers and Upper School’s basketball games, staff said. vue of the plays in Krenek’s repertoire for a sisters in Christ.

We strive to teach the To the delight of students and faculty, crowd of hundreds. The performers sported importance of being loving and caring,” Sister Dorothy visited TCA during the week T-shirts with her motto on back scrawled in Sumola said. “TCA rises up to the chalof Jan. 14.

To help her navigate around the her own handwriting: “You are valued. You lenges that people face.

When a family two-story building, Sister Dorothy rode a are cherished. You are loved. Always loved.” of one of our students lost everything in scooter that was procured by a teacher.

Power of Prayer a house fire, we collected clothing, food, “That is what we do,” O’Connor said. toiletries and housewares to help.

We show “We pray for those we know and those we For more than two years, the Upper up as family.” don’t, and we help whoever needs it.” and Lower Schools of Trenton Catholic

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

Catholic Schools Week

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Events, open houses planned in schools around Diocese The following schools have announced events to which the public is invited during Catholic Schools Week Jan. 27 to Feb. 2.

 ST. CHARLES BORROMEO, Cinnaminson • Jan. 27, Open House, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; the annual Student Art Show is available for viewing at the same time. The school is located at 2500 Branch Pike. Call 856-829-2778 or visit www. scbpschool.com.  ST. MARY OF THE LAKES, Medford • Jan. 27, Children’s Mass, 10:30 a.m., school auditorium; Open House follows, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; an Activity Fair will highlight the many offerings to families and give an opportunity for information exchange; Jan. 30, Science Fair, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Feb. 13, coffee with the principal, Q&A and tours, 9 to 10 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The school is located at 196 Route 70. Call 609-654-2546 or visit www.smlschool.org.  ST. PAUL, Burlington • Jan. 27, Open House, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Jan. 30, Open House all day; Feb. 1, CSW Mass, 10 a.m. The school is located at 250 James Street. Call 609-386-1645 or visit www.stpaulbrl.org.

BURLINGTON COUNTY  OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL, Moorestown • Jan. 27, Open House, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Jan. 28, Open House for Prospective Students/Parents only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jan. 30, CSW Mass, 10 a.m.

The school is located at 23 West Prospect Avenue. Call 856-235-7885 or visit www. olgc.me.  OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, Maple Shade • Jan. 27, Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school is located at 236 East Main Street. Call 856-7797526 or visit www.olphparish.com.  POPE JOHN PAUL II REGIONAL, Willingboro • Jan. 27, Open House, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Feb. 1, CSW Mass, 10 a.m. The school is located at 11 South Sunset Road. Call 609-877-2144 or visit www.pjpiirs.com.

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MERCER COUNTY  ST. ANN, Lawrenceville • Jan. 28, CSW Mass, 9 a.m.; Jan. 30, Open House, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The school is located at 34 Rossa Avenue. Call 609-882-8077 or visit www.saintannschool.org.  ST. GREGORY THE GREAT ACADEMY, Hamilton Square • Jan. 27, CSW Mass, 12 p.m.; Open House and tours, 1:30 to 4 p.m., special tables set up to highlight the variety of projects the students have been working on; Informal Q&A with the principal, Sister Georgine Media Center, 2:30 p.m. The school is located at 4680 Nottingham Way. Call 609-587-1131 or visit www.stgregorythegreatacademy.org.  ST. PAUL SCHOOL, Princeton • Jan. 25, CSW Mass, 9:30 a.m.; Jan. 27, Open House, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school is located at 218 Nassau Street. Call 609-9217587 or visit www.spsprinceton.org.  TRENTON CATHOLIC ACADEMY (Lower School), Hamilton • Jan. 28, Open House, 8:30 to 10 a.m.; Jan. 29, Opening Mass, 9 a.m., gym. The school is located at 175 Leonard Avenue. Call 609586-5888 or visit www.trentoncatholic.org/ tca-lower-school.  VILLA VICTORIA ACADEMY, Ewing • Feb. 1, CSW Mass, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; April 13, Open House. The school is located at 376 West Upper Ferry Road.

Call 609-882-1700 or visit www.villavictoria.org.

MONMOUTH COUNTY  CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY, Lincroft • The school is located at 850 Newman Springs Road. Call 732-747-1959 or visit www.cbalincroftnj.org.  HOLY CROSS, Rumson • Jan. 27, CSW Opening Mass, 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 30, Open House, tours, 9 to 10:30 a.m. The school is located at 40 Rumson Road. Call 732-842-0348 or visit www.holycrossschoolrumson.org.

 ST. BENEDICT, Holmdel • Jan. 26, CSW Mass, 5 p.m.; Jan. 30, Open House, 9 to 11 a.m.; Feb. 2, Open House, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The school is located at 165 Bethany Road.

Call 732-264-5578 or visit www.stbenedictholmdel.org.  ST. JEROME, West Long Branch • Jan. 27, CSW Opening Mass, 9:30 a.m.; Open House, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The school is located at 250 Wall Street. Call 732-222-8686 or visit www.saintjeromeschool.org.  ST. MARY, Middletown • Jan. 27, CSW Mass, 9 a.m. The school is located at 538 Church Street. Call 732-671-0129 or visit www.stmaryes.org.  ST. ROSE GRAMMAR, Belmar • Jan. 27, Open House, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Jan. 31 and Feb. 5, Open House, 9 to 11 a.m. The school is located at 605 Sixth Avenue. Call 732-681-5555 or visit www. srgs.org.  ST. ROSE HIGH SCHOOL, Belmar • Jan. 29, CSW Mass, 11:30 a.m. The school is located at 607 Seventh Ave. Call 732-681-2858 or visit www.srhsnj.com.  ST. VERONICA, Howell • Jan. 28, Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., 10 a.m.; Feb. 10, CSW Mass, 10:30 a.m., Open House, 12 to 2 p.m. The school is located at 4219 U.S. 9. Call 732-364-4130 or visit www.stveronicaschool.com.

OCEAN COUNTY  ALL SAINTS REGIONAL CATHOLIC, Manahawkin, • Jan. 29, Open House and tours, 9:30 to 11 a.m., and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Students will showcase their talents, hobbies and collections throughout the day. The school is located at 400 Doc Cramer Boulevard. Call 609-597-3800 or visit www.asrcs.org.  ST. DOMINIC, Brick • Jan. 27, CSW Mass, 9 a.m.; Open House and school tours, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Jan. 29, Open House for pre-school (3 yr. old) and kindergarten – grade 3, 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m.; Jan. 30, Open House for pre-school (4 yr. old) and grades 4-8, 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m.; Feb.1, Stand-Up Comedy Night, 7 p.m., parish center. The school is located at 250 Old Squan Road. Call 732-840-1412 or visit www.stdomschool.org.  ST. PETER, Point Pleasant Beach • Jan. 27, CSW Family Mass, 12 p.m.; Open House, 1 to 2 p.m.; Jan. 28, Open House, 9 to 11 a.m. The school is located at 415 Atlantic Avenue. Call 732-892-1260 or visit www.stpschool.org.

For updates to the Catholic Schools Week Roundup visit www.trentonmonitor.com.

Catholic Schools Week

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

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Carol Bathmann, principal of St. Dominic School, Brick, stands with Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin (R-10), left, and Assemblyman David Wolfe (R-10) as the state lawmakers officially congratulate the school on its Blue Ribbon status.

Father Peter James Alindogan, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish, and Filippini Sister Angelina Pelliccia, principal of St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, are all smiles during a visit by Sen. Vin Gopal, D-11. Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Blue Ribbon Schools receive local, state recognition Story by Christina Leslie, Correspondent

Students in St. James School, Red Bank, join Sen. Gopal, back row middle, during his visit to honor the school’s Blue Ribbon status.

Also in back row are, from left, principal JoAnn Giordano, vice principal Catherine Golden, Father Vicente Magdaraog, Msgr. Philip A. Lowery and Father Daison Areepparampil.

P

roving yet again that, in the Diocese of Trenton, Catholic Schools Have it All, local elementary schools were recognized by state elected officials with official proclamations noting their selection as members of the class of 2018 U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“Children should feel the importance of what they helped to accomplish.”

The clergy, faculty, staff and student bodies of St. Catharine School, Spring Lake; St. Dominic School, Brick; St. James School, Red Bank, and St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, recently received framed accolades at school assemblies and town council meetings from mayors, Assembly members and senators for their accomplishments. The fifth diocesan Blue Ribbon Award winner, St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, will be feted later this month during a legislative session at the Trenton State House.

The national Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created by the U.S. government in 1982 to honor schools that have garnered high levels of student achievement or made significant improvements in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups. This year’s crop of 300 public and 49 nonpublic schools was revealed during a video announcement Oct. 1 by U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Though the national video recognition was appreciated, there’s nothing like a plaque and a firm handshake to celebrate a win.

Frances Koukotas, diocesan director of the New Jersey Network of Catholic Families, contacted legislators in the five schools’ districts to notify them of the Blue Ribbon designation and invite them to those schools to deliver a proclamation. Her goal echoed Christ’s urging his disciples that “your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:15).

“Parents should know of their great decision to choose Catholic schools and learn that five of our Catholic schools were awarded the Blue Ribbon designation,” Koukotas said. “Children should feel the importance of what they had helped to accomplish and enjoy it. They have the right to see

Courtesy photo

the rewards of that service to the schools, and the presentations in the schools give the award extra credibility.”

In Thanksgiving St. Catharine School hosted Sen. Robert W. Singer and Assemblyman Sean T. Kean at a Dec. 6 prayer service to recognize their Blue Ribbon distinction. The two elected officials presented a proclamation to the student council executive board and shared their personal experiences of, and strong support for, Catholic education.

Principal Robert Dougherty expressed his appreciation for the visit, saying, “It helps shine a bright light on the accomplishments of our students and staff as well as our wonderful school community.”

St. Dominic School alumni Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin accompanied fellow Assemblyman David Wolfe to the Nov. 20 Thanksgiving prayer service in the Brick Catholic school. They presented principal Carol Bathmann a resolution

by Sen. James R. Holzapfel and signed by Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, Speaker of the General Assembly.

McGuckin noted St. Dominic was the only Blue Ribbon award-winner in Ocean County for 2018, and has further distinguished itself by being included in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

The school was recognized at a Brick Township Council meeting that evening. Brick Mayor John Ducey proclaimed Nov. 21 “St. Dominic Blue

Ribbon School Day” before an appreciative audience of students, faculty, parents and townspeople.

Bathmann declared, “I want to congratulate all 464 students and a faculty of about 50. They come to school every day with a smile on their face. Our teachers give 200 percent and … they give a faithfilled education to our students.”

St. Dominic pastor Father Brian Patrick Woodrow credited the faculty, volunteers and staff for making a difference for the future. Pointing toward the students, he said, “The future is bright, and it’s because they do it with academic prowess, the likes of which is nationally recognized with a blue ribbon.”

Faith and Country The Dec. 12 Blue Ribbon celebration in St. Jerome School combined the best elements of love of God and country. Following an opening prayer by Father Peter James Alindogan, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish, the school community sang “America the Beautiful.” Eighth-grade student James Miller led his fellow students in prayers for those who serve the country, and state Sen. Vin Gopal congratulated the St. Jerome School staff, students and parents on their continued accomplishments.

The senator presented a joint legislative resolution to principal Filippini Sister Angelina Pelliccia, who invited the legislator back to the school for Career Day, slated for Catholic Schools Week. Continuing the patriotic theme of the day, See Blue Ribbon • S22

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

Catholic Schools Week

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Catholic schools invest in a commitment to health

By Rose O’Connor Correspondent

I

n his encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” Pope Francis makes clear the relationship between

human life and creation, stressing that a failure to care for creation compromises, among other things, human health. The Pope underscores the need to be aware of what it means to be stewards of God’s gifts of creation and the human person.

As part of the Catholic faith and a respect for life in every aspect, those of all ages are called to be diligent in keeping their bodies healthy, and Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton have a proven track record of recognizing that a healthy body equals a healthy mind.

In St. James School, Red Bank, students enjoy a Creative Movement Class. “The 30-minute class is designed to help children develop motor coordination, increase spatial and rhythmic awareness, and provide a positive learning experience,” explained Marian Cavanaugh, marketing director.

“The program includes creative moving taught through rhyme, games, musical storytelling, props, and development of basic concepts like rhythm, directionality, perception and memory. This enriching program strengthens the children’s opportunities to explore all kinds of movement, to find and use their own personal rhythms, and to feel good about participating in physical activStudents in Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, pose with their Golden Sneaker Award, which is given to the class with the highest participation in healthy habits.

Courtesy photo

ity,” Cavanaugh added.

In St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, students in preschool and kindergarten “participate in our Adventures in Movement program. Classes concentrate on using gross motor skills, cardio movement, stretching, body awareness, muscle awareness, as well as children’s calming poses and de-stressing poses. Every lesson ends with prayer,” said Mary Koury, director of admissions and marketing.

The commitment to physical fitness in Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, is a whole school affair. Kathryn Besheer, principal, explained, “The last Friday of each month is called Fitness Friday. We begin our day with our Walk to School, where we all meet at a central location and walk a half mile to school. There is also a different healthy snack of the day that we encourage students to try. The class with the highest participation receives the beautiful Golden Sneaker Award.”

Middle school girls in Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, may choose to participate in “Healthy Me, Healthy You,” a weekly after-school club that promotes healthy exercises such as stretching, outdoor walks and runs, and some indoor exercises.

See Healthy • S23

Catholic Schools Week

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

S15

Schools accept challenge of Laudato Sí to be stewards of creation

By Rose O’Connor Correspondent

and switched all light fixtures in the school to more energy efficient LED lights.

“Many other projects are on the list of the administration, such as relying more on online communication and digital learning to reduce the waste of paper, and participating in a school-wide recycling program in partnership with St. Ann’s Parish,” she added.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, has found an innovative way to not only clean up litter, but also to learn firsthand the impact littering causes on the environment and animal habitats.

“At Mt. Carmel, we are geo-tagging the litter that we have found to track where it has been and where it may end up,” principal Theresa Craig explained. “We also turned a previously underutilized space on campus into an urban garden space.”

M

indful of the challenge to protect the earth, “our common home,” posed by Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’,” Catholic schools continue to integrate positive environmental initiatives while teaching students about the call to be good stewards of creation.

In this encyclical, Pope Francis stresses that when human beings damage the environment, they are damaging relationships with other people, especially the poor and those of future generations who depend on this generation to be responsible for all of God’s gifts.

Responsible action takes a variety of forms in schools in the Diocese of Trenton.

“One of the many goals St. Ann School has been focusing on lately is decreasing its environmental impact. Based on Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Laudato Sí,’ the school has undertaken several projects in line with the Vatican’s environmental agenda,” explained Alessandra Fallow, director of admissions and marketing for the Lawrenceville school.

Fallow shared that, in the past few

Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, recently received “Certified Wildlife Habitat” recognition by the National Wildlife Federation.

The habitat was created by the school’s environmental science class. Photo courtesy of Colleen White

months, to create energy efficiency, St. Ann School has installed solar panels on the roof of its building, replaced the main boiler with a more energy efficient one for heat,

Reverence for Nature Many schools have created spaces to grow plants, fruits and vegetables. Students in both the Upper and Lower School of Trenton Catholic Academy have been utilizing a greenhouse that was built on the Hamilton school campus this past September.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Recently, some of the staff mem-

bers were treated to a salad, grown entirely by the Growing Earth Club,” said Rebecca Reed, upper school biology teacher, noting there have been “conversations regarding expanding the outside growing and planting area for the students in both the Lower and Upper Schools.”

“We are all called to be stewards of God’s creation.”

Projects that will utilize the greenhouse will be completed on “Celebrate Our Community Day” during Catholic Schools Week by students in the Lower School.

Fellow Mercer County school St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square, has a community garden built by a graduate for his Boy Scout Eagle Project.

“The produce from the garden is used to supply fresh produce for those in need via our parish cohort partnership with the St. Raphael - Holy Angels Food Pantry. The See Creation • S26

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S16

Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Catholic elementary schools: a 21st century journey of discovery

By Mary Morrell Contributing Editor

T

he library in St. Benedict Elementary School, Holmdel, is a hub of activity.

No longer just the traditional staid environment, the library has been transformed into a center for innovation where, at any time during the day, students may be found busily creating weather reports or music videos with green screen technology or exploring robotics, engineering and art with technology that includes 3-D printers.

In St. Dominic Elementary School, Brick, visitors may run into NAO, the school’s own humanoid robot that is controlled through a program written by students as a culmination of lessons in writing computer code that begin in preschool.

Students in pre-K through eighth grade in St. Veronica School, Howell, are creating unique projects in art, architecture, dance, drama, music and photography to illustrate their understanding of the Beatitudes.

This is what a 21st century Catholic

elementary school looks like in the Diocese of Trenton. But the most important element, stressed Kevin Donohue, St. Benedict principal, is the anchor for all innovations, initiatives and academics – the Catholic faith.

Kindergarteners in St. Veronica School, Howell, had the opportunity to FaceTime Dr. Melanie Butera, the author of “Dillie the Deer.” Dillie, seen on computer screen, was rescued as a blind fawn and is now a global internet phenomenon living with Dr. Butera in Ohio. St. Veronica Facebook photo

Going Above and Beyond For centuries, Catholic schools have existed for the moral, spiritual and intellectual growth of students from all social and economic backgrounds, striving to form disciples who would be prepared to meet the challenges of their unique times and places.

Today, schools in the Diocese of Trenton continue their intentional pursuit of excellence, each with a mission to establish a culture of faith, a culture of learning and a culture of relationships while meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing era.

Carol Bathmann, St. Dominic School

 Science lessons in St. Benedict Elementary School, Holmdel, include an aeroponic tower garden that allows students to learn about the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment rather than soil. Courtesy photo

principal, stressed that their school mission “is the driving force behind strategic planning and day-to-day instruction. It is the foundation of a progressive atmosphere of learning, the catalyst for implementation of exciting new instructional strategies and resources, and the impetus to continually improve the

manner in which students are taught so that they can realize their potential.”

While every school in the Diocese is expected to fulfill the requirements of both diocesan and state curriculums, “all schools are encouraged to go above and beyond the

See Transformation • S17

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

Transformation of the modern Catholic classroom

Preparing for the Future The diocesan “Guidelines for 21st Century Catholic Elementary Schools,” developed by diocesan staff and school principals using research-based best practices, recommend each school integrate at least two initiatives from a list that includes such things as advanced subject classes; global education, which develops relationships with foreign country students; interactive studies utilizing technology and science, such as planetary explorations, storm-tracking, environmental issues and inventions, and a focus on STEM – a field of integrated education that continues to expand in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For St. Dominic School, the STEM program finds eighth-graders “deep into chemistry and preparing for some awesome chemistry lab experiments,” explained Joanne Arnold, seventh- and eighth-grade STEM teacher and diocesan science curriculum chairwoman.

“After chemistry is completed, eighthgraders will begin physics, begin to build and race mouse-trap cars, robotic fuel cell cars, launch rockets, build bridges and build pneumatic robotic arms that help the injured,” Arnold said.

In St. Veronica School, the STEM program has become the STREAM program – science, technology, religion, engineering, art and math.

“As we began this new school year, we incorporated religion into our STEAM

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Continued from • S16

existing curriculum, to take it to another level – whether that means in technology, world languages, theater, chorus, math – whatever area defines who they are,” said JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of schools.

In light of the planned merger of St. Veronica School, Howell, and St. Aloysius School, Jackson, into Mother Seton Academy, and the new St. Mary Academy, which will be a transformation of All Saints Regional, Manahawkin, into a parish school under St. Mary, Barnegat, Tier also explained that a designation as an academy challenges the school to have a particularly robust program of academics and activities, as well as a strong Catholic identity.

The challenge, however, is not exclusive to the academy model, as “we encourage all of our schools to select specific areas of study as a broad learning experience for their unique school community,” Tier said.

The number of schools embracing this challenge, she said, is reflected, in part, by the number of National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence in the Diocese, which has now reached 13. The award is made annually by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for American Private Education and presented to schools based on their overall academic excellence and high level of student achievement.

Catholic Schools Week

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Eighth-graders in St. Dominic School, Brick, learn about chemical properties and changes during their chemistry class as part of the STEM curriculum. St. Dominic

CHURCH AND SCHOOL

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program to ensure that our Catholic teachings are lived in our everyday life,” explained Resurrection Sister Cherree Power, principal, stressing, “As educators, we must help our students build 21st century skills to prepare them to live and work in today’s world. Our Catholic school values are aligned with the 21st century skills of collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking.”

In addition to a focus on academics and technology, Sister Cherree said, “We at St. Veronica School believe we must make relationship-building an important aspect and purpose for our school. Students have different talents, gifts and backgrounds, therefore we strive to promote friendly relationships and foster a spirit of mutual understanding. Reaching out and embracing people different from themselves is an important skill for relationship-building in the 21st century. These relationships are built through various sport’s teams, drama productions, clubs such as student council and social justice, whereby our students learn leadership skills, team-building, and developing lifelong friendships.”

A Community Effort Donahue also believes in the importance of building relationships, something which has recently borne fruit for his school community as they move forward with a planned environmental learning center.

The center will include an outdoor learning lab along with comprehensive lessons designed to support not only STEM, but all disciplines addressed in the pre-K to eighthgrade curricula.

The generous giving of family, friends, community members and alumni to last year’s diocesan-wide Day of Giving fundraising initiative (#GivingTuesday) resulted in proceeds that will help make the outdoor classroom a reality, Donahue said.

“There is great value in Catholic education,” he stressed. “The moral and ethical values, the breadth of knowledge, the religious formation, the experience of community – it’s a foundation for life.”

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

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Catholic schools introduce distinctive classes Continued from • S6

develop their unique talents and skills, including how to balance schoolwork with other commitments. The studies also show that these activities can help build professional skills, enhance an academic resume and lead to friendships.

The Empowerment Club for girls in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, is one such example. Moderated by physical education and health teacher Elizabeth

Fitzpatrick, the club creates opportunities that not only encourage students to branch out of their comfort zone but raise funds for worthy causes.

Activities such as indoor rock climbing have raised money and awareness for the Joan Dancy & PALS Foundation that benefits those with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Funds from a zip line excursion went to the Colitis and Crones Foundation.

In Belmar’s St. Rose High School, a lot of the focus in extracurricular activities is on gaining insight into various career paths. “The students are required to be in at least one club activity to help build up their resumes,” said Dennis Carey, vice president for student affairs.

Offerings range from a club that introduces young people to those in public service, to a future medical professionals club. There is even a fishing club that will soon hopefully offer the innovative state program: Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs.

Senior Sean Donohue is a member of the school’s community and county awareness club. “I have learned personally through the club how to go about pursuing one of those careers if I want to.”

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JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Innovations abound in Catholic school education From staff reports

“Working with the hospitals formed a positive community partnership.”

J

ust as learning is a lifelong process that builds upon past successes and strong framework for future ones, the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools continually strives to fulfill its stated mission to “provide leadership, direction, support, and service to pastors, principals, and school communities as they form students in the Catholic faith and develop each child’s potential.” A look at the department’s newest innovations and continuing initiatives can give parents clear signs that Catholic schools indeed have it all.

Preparation has begun for the 2019 Elementary School Day of Service, noted Judy Nicastro, associate director of school services. In a follow-up to last year’s successful “Hearts to Hospitals” campaign, all elementary schools in the Diocese will once again be working cooperatively to help hospitalized children and their families in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties.

“This project combines the spirit of helping others with information and education about the cause,” Nicastro said.

In addition to collecting more than

Schoolchildren smile as they receive praise last spring from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and diocesan staff for their part in the “Hearts to Hospitals” Day of Service project.

Preparation has begun for the 2019 campaign. Craig Pittelli photo

10,000 toys and more than $13,000 in gift cards for distribution to the 11 participating hospitals last year, “students learned, at ageappropriate levels, about childhood illness, hospital procedures and medical research,” Nicastro said. “[They] wrote notes of encouragement to hospitalized children and

their families, notes of thanks to hospital employees… Working with the hospitals formed a positive community partnership, with many of the hospitals involved expressing an interest in working with the elementary schools on areas outside of [the program], such as STEM education and

related educational endeavors.”

Daniel O’Connell, associate director of curriculum, provided updates on two new sets of curriculum guidelines that were launched at the beginning of the school year. One, for students aged three to nine, speaks primarily to the social and emotional development of children with consideration for their linguistic and motor development. A short video presentation giving an overview of the guidelines was prepared and released for the teachers to view. The other focuses on those studying foreign languages.

In the fall, language teachers from across the Diocese were invited to a presentation in which the World Language Curriculum guidelines were presented and discussed. There was an opportunity

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Catholic Schools Week

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

Catholic educational innovations are many Continued from • S20

for teachers to talk about the challenges of teaching a foreign language and to share best practices.

In addition, collaboration with the Department of Evangelization and Family Life led to a pilot retreat program for freshman in Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton.

“About 50 students traveled to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Pa., for a moving day of talks, prayer and reflection,” O’Connell reported.

“While schools offer special retreats for seniors, the department felt a special retreat should be developed and offered to the young freshmen as they begin their high school journey.”

Earlier this month, guidelines for a newly revised English language arts curriculum were released. Based on the national standards and benchmarks for effective Catholic elementary and secondary schools, the curriculum was written over four years, said Dr. Margaret Boland, associate superintendent of Catholic schools.

“The mission for the curriculum is to prepare the students for success in their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills across all disciplines,” Boland stated.

“The vision encompasses the mindset to guide students to become lifelong learners, to read widely, become culturally literate, to use written and verbal communication to express opinions and to demonstrate critical analysis while infusing the tenets of our Catholic faith.”

The goal of the curriculum, she said, “is to stress the value of reading critically, analytically and reflectively. It is expected that the students will gain cultural awareness by experiencing a wide variety of texts from diverse cultures, different time periods and varied disciplines.”

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Education seeks to prepare students to self-educate through lifetime Continued from • S3

of social and emotional learning, imagination, innovation, creativity, collaboration, communication and cultural awareness.

Technology is not an end, but rather a tool to open new avenues of understanding as research is applied to learning and discovery.

As students and educators, we are part of this wonderful earth environment to experience its beauty and to give of ourselves.

We strive to give the love and joy, compassion and understanding that are essential

in a wholesome life. We use our talents to benefit others, to heal our planet, to heal ourselves. We must be knowledgeable, discerning and able to analyze what is true.

In forming a better life for all, we have the obligation to protect our planet, our nation and the inhabitants of earth. It is by guiding and challenging our students to question, to draw conclusions based on evidence, and to think to the point where thinking is a habit, that educators and students alike will provide that dimension of ethical responsibility that brings true value and meaning to life.

And for my son, Charlie, the sky continued to capture his imagination. He became an engineer at the Boeing Company, applying his creative intellect in the design of the H-47 Chinook and V-22 Osprey.

Today, he directs a team of engineers who bring their dreams, their imaginations and their creativity in problem-solving to the work environment each day.

Imagination, innovation, self-discipline, curiosity, persistence and dreaming surely promote a trajectory of unimagined adventures.

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THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Security a priority as schools see funding increase Continued from • S4

upgrading cyber security for schools, recalling a cyber threat in 2017 that involved a school in the Diocese. Steps were quickly taken to correct the risk and deepen protection.

In January 2018, in partnership with a cyber security firm, a program was offered on the diocesan, parish and school levels, which runs security on every device provided by the organization. Today, most parishes and schools have end-point protection, meaning mobile devices, laptops and desktop PCs are protected against network security threats, DeLorenzo explained.

“Given the nature of things today, the need for cyber security is not something that’s going away. Children, especially, are more vulnerable than anyone else,” said DeLorenzo, who noted the high incidence

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of identity theft using children’s information.

One aspect of cyber threats not always considered is the cost.

“The legal and financial implications of a cyber security breach can be devastating to any organization. A limited event can cost more than $75,000 to conduct a thorough forensic investigation and many hundreds of thousands of dollars to notify and protect everyone that

may have had their personal information or identity compromised,” explained Joe Cahill, diocesan director of risk management.

“The reputational damage to the organization can be greater and longer lasting than the immediate financial loss associated with a cyber breach. The Diocese has provided the cyber security tools to help parishes and schools minimize the likelihood of a malicious cyber event and

provides cyber event insurance coverage to all its entities and organizations to mitigate the potential for serious financial damage,” Cahill said.

Certainly, stressed Nicastro, “School security is at the core of education. In order for children to learn, they must feel safe. This legislation speaks to the commitment to keep all New Jersey school children safe, regardless of where they attend school.””

Blue Ribbon status celebrated by diocesan schools Continued from • S12

the students sang “God Bless America” at the close of the senator’s visit. “[The students’] enthusiastic participation in a very special ceremony, planned just for them, truly reflected the honor and pride they felt in being presented Sen. Gopal’s recognition,” Sister Angelina recalled.

“It was truly a Blue Ribbon Day for the St. Jerome School family.”

The same day, St. James School hosted

the senator at their general assembly, held in the Red Bank grammar school gym. Msgr. Philip A. Lowery, pastor, as well as fellow clergy, staff and the entire student body witnessed Sen. Gopal bestow the award from the State and General Assembly saluting the teachers, students and administration for their outstanding dedication and commitment to education.

JoAnn Giordano, school principal,

Saint Joseph High School Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Metuchen since 1901 ®

proudly accepted the award from Sen. Gopal, saying, “St. James Elementary School has a long tradition of providing an excellent Catholic education, and we are proud to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. This accomplishment would not have been realized without the commitment and dedication of our parents, students and staff. We are thrilled and look forward to continuing educating our future leaders!”

For more information about Saint Joseph High School, please visit www.STJOES.org or call us at (732) 549-7600

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Catholic Schools Week

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

Healthy bodies, healthy minds, say Catholic schools Continued from • S14

The club’s moderator, sixth-grade teacher, Melina Stern, also moderates the Scripture and a Snack Club, which nourishes her students both physically and spiritually.

“This club delves into exploring the beauty of God’s Word and getting to know more about your faith by breaking open the Word and even practicing the Daily Examen of Ignatian spiritualty,” she said.

In St. Benedict School, Holmdel, mathematics and technology teacher Alexander Isaacs teaches students breathing and visualization techniques in order to alleviate anxiety in and out of the classroom.

Forming partnerships with local agencies also allows schools to offer programs to students that may not be regularly available.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, has formed such a partnership with The Boys and Girls Club.

As principal Theresa Craig shared, the goal of the partnership is “to provide swimming lessons for all students in grades four and five. These lessons take place during the school day, and students are learning to be more proficient swimmers and improve

their strength and coordination.”

Through its food program, St. Peter School, Point Pleasant Beach, emphasizes the importance of what goes into the body.

“Last year, we hired our own personal chef. Chef Heather operates the Green Apron Café, which provides home-cooked meals each day for our students. Most meals are organic and contain healthy options,” shared Lorraine Knepple, director of admissions and marketing. Chef Heather also prepares food mindful of those who have allergies, she added.

As part of their “Moving Villa Forward” campaign, a strength training and conditioning room, known as the STAC, was recently created at Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing Township. The room allows for supervised work-out time for studentathletes, students and teachers.

“We are looking to include the room into our academic program in the future through exercise sciences,” said Colleen White, director of admissions. “It goes with our mission here at Villa … educating the whole person, spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically,” she noted.

SUCCESS II T T

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A A

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Middle school girls in Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, take a walk in a nearby park as part of the after-school club “Healthy Me, Healthy You.” Courtesy photo

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Schools follow Gospel mandate to be of service to others Story by Dubravka Kolumbic-Cortese, Correspondent

T

he Catholic doctrine of love thy neighbor rings loud and clear throughout the Trenton Diocese, and schools are using Catholic Schools Week as an opportunity to highlight what they do in terms of works of service and helping others in need.

St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, will continue a longstanding annual tradition of collecting donations for two tribal schools in the Philippines. The schools are located in the remote villages of Kitorok and Ilian in the mountain range of Santa Maria, Davao del Sur. The nearest town for the Tagakaolo tribal people is a two-hour car ride away.

Students have made a yearly commitment to collect and donate school supplies and other needed items for the villagers.

This year, the upper grade students will collect and donate toothbrushes and toothpaste in an effort to encourage the Tagakaolo students to maintain good oral hygiene. Each of the lower grades is assigned a school supply to donate, such as notebooks, pens, markers, crayons, glue sticks and tape. Any teaching materials,

such as learning toys or aids, math books or activity and coloring books, are also needed.

“At St. Ann School, we prepare our students to succeed academically, to develop social responsibilities and to nurture an intimate relationship with God,” said Alessandra Fallon, the school’s director of admissions and marketing.

“Through many service projects, students grow in faith and are prepared for Christian leadership, and the CSW service project is one of the many chances we offer them to dedicate their time and fellowship to those in need, taking on active citizenship that contributes to the local community and beyond.”

St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton, will continue its weekly collections for

See Putting • S25

Students in St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton, pose with some of the 2,000 pounds of food they helped collect for the needy in November. Courtesy photo

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Putting others’ needs first a priority in Catholic schools Continued from • S24

missions, as well as introduce a new project in support of the Sisters of St. Joseph, who staff the parish and school. Three of the sisters will travel to Brownsville, Texas, at the end of January to help immigrants

who are entering the country legally. The sisters will provide the new arrivals with small wrist bags that contain a pen, crayon, plastic bag and paper – necessities for taking notes and communicating on their journey. The sisters hope to distribute

Shown is the abundance of school supplies the lower grades in St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, have collected for their peers in the Philippines. Courtesy photo

1,000 bags that will be filled by the Marlton school students.

The project will be just another example of how students reach out to those in need. In November, they answered God’s Call, the theme for the 2018-19 school year, by rising to a different challenge.

Earlier in the year, the school had collected so much food for the local food pantry that they were challenged by a parishioner and food bank volunteer to collect even more during November. Students exceeded the challenge. More than 3,000 pounds of food ended up being donated by the parish, 2,000 pounds of which came from the school families.

“I continue to be in awe of our school and parish community when they respond to those in need,” said Mary Clare Brandt, director of admissions and marketing in St. Joan of Arc School. “Service is such an important part of who we are at St. Joan’s … All that we do here is rooted in Christ’s teachings and our Gospel values. When we see our students living these values every day, it gives all of us great hope for the future of our world.”

Students in Pope John Paul II Regional School, Willingboro, have also been

“I continue to be in awe of our school and parish community when they respond to those in need.” busy. Each classroom collected all the fixings for a complete Thanksgiving meal in November, which was then individually boxed and donated to needy families. The students also collected toys for the annual Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, Christmas toy drive. The upper grades assisted sisters in the convent with donations for the residents of St. Francis House Inn, Philadelphia, which provides shelter for the homeless and needy.

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Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who brought Catholic Athletes for Christ to the Diocese, recently spoke to the Notre Dame CAC Group about the importance of faith in all aspects of life including athletics.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who brought Catholic Athletes for Christ to the Diocese, recently spoke to the Notre Dame CAC Group about the importance of faith in all aspects of life including athletics.

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THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Creation concern of Catholic students Continued from • S15

Brownies from St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square, work in the garden that is used to supply fresh produce to those in need. Courtesy photo

garden will also be used by St. Gregory the Great Academy for educational purposes involving soil conservation and gardening,” said Susan Scibilia, director of communications.

“Parishioner Priscilla Hayes, leader of our parish Green Team, formed the St. Gregory the Great Academy Garden Club.

Academy students help tend the gardens and harvest the crops,” she added.

St. Benedict School, Holmdel, “is now offering students an outdoor space dedicated to promoting environmental engagement. Currently fenced on two sides with a slightly sloping grade, the land will be improved to provide amphitheater-style seating for instruction, designated spaces for vegetable, herb, pollinator, milkweed, and meditation gardens, elevated planting boxes, a pond, habitats for birds and wildlife, a composter, rain barrels, natural play spaces, and walking paths,” explained Lori Ulrich, director of marketing and event management.

“Additionally, the space will include art extensions such as a music wall and outdoor art installations. The Outdoor Learning Center will provide the necessary resources for teachers and students to tackle their

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investigations and challenges as citizen scientists in an authentic learning environment,” Ulrich shared.

Creating an authentic learning environment was important to Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, which recently received “Certified Wildlife Habitat” recognition by the National Wildlife Federation.

The habitat was created by the environmental science class last year and gave the girls “a hands-on opportunity to study soil samples and water samples,” shared Colleen White, director of admissions.

As stated on the National Wildlife Federation website, “These wildlife habitats become places where students not only learn about wildlife species and ecosystems, but also outdoor classrooms where they hone their academic skills and nurture their innate curiosity and creativity.”

The project was spearheaded last year by teacher Jennifer Spivey, who works with her classes this year to maintain the ecosystems.

“The girls have stated that it drew them closer and deeper to parts of the environment that they were not aware of, as well as giving them the opportunity to see how with every action there is a reaction within

See Students • S27

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Catholic Schools Week

JANUARY 24, 2019 • TrentonMonitor.com

Students become stewards of the earth Continued from • S26

each environment. From there, they can walk away with a strong understanding of how they, as individuals, can impact their world. … It is a rewarding course for me to teach on so many levels, but especially because it allows them to see the beauty that God has created and know they are the stewards who will be taking care of it because they know how,” Spivey acknowledged.

Creatures Great and Small Jamie Dunn, a student in Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Moorestown, recently won a $500 scholarship from the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership. Based at Kean University, the institute “develops the next generation of American leaders” and partners with students and schools from across the nation.

The essay contest was designed to “inspire students to use their writing skills to promote the need to protect animals from cruelty and to save animals from extinction.”

Dunn’s award-winning essay advocated for animal welfare.

“We are all called to be stewards of God’s creation, and we have an obligation

to take care of the animals,” said Kathleen Nestor, moderator of the Animal Awareness Club in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, and volunteer with the Associated Human Society.

The club, which meets during the school’s activity period, has held bake sales and food and blanket drives for the Monmouth County SPCA, the Associated Humane Society and local rescue organizations.

One of Nestor’s favorite activities is a trip the Popcorn Park Zoo, Forked River, which describes itself as “a sanctuary for animals that faced desperate circumstances and/or death,” and is an opportunity for students to visit animals in a non-typical zoo setting.

Building Global Understanding Teachers who bring their own real-life experiences to the classroom are shedding much-needed light on global issues and problems.

Students in Holy Cross, Rumson, were inspired to raise funds for the Catholic Medical Mission Board to build a school in Mwanza, in the Imela district of Tanzania, by their teacher, Maryjane Gallo, who was

once a volunteer with the group.

Her experiences as an educator in Africa in 2011 prompt much of their socially conscious reading, including “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park, which tells the story of Nya, who traveled two hours from home to fetch clean drinking water.

The students were inspired to do more and created a cardboard arcade, “which requires each group of two to create an arcade game entirely out of recycled materials. Every class in the school is invited to play the games on Jan. 24. Games are $.50 each or unlimited play for $5.00. The sixth-grade math classes are researching fundraising goals based on the probability of the games being played, and then tallying the earnings,” explained Teresa Makin, public relations coordinator.

Through donations such as these, construction has begun on the school in Africa.

“We already have the structure, the main room and the bathroom built,” Gallo shared. “All are welcome. This is an opportunity for orphans and the vulnerable and for those who would not have the chance to go to school to receive an education.”

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SNAPS

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A quick take on issues and statistics

Percentage of high school graduates who attend a four-year college Catholic Schools …......... 86.5 Other Religious Schools .... 63 Non-Sectarian …........ 56.8 Public Schools ....... 44

Source: Broughman, S.P. and Swaim, N.L. (2013). Snyder, T.D., and Dillow, S.A. (2015).

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, February 23 10:00 am

Register today!

georgian.edu/openhouse

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Catholic Schools Week

THE MONITOR • JANUARY 24, 2019

Managing students’ social, emotional challenges Continued from • S5

students just need a little encouragement if they are having difficulty interacting with peers. An invitation from a classmate or teacher suggestion is often all that is needed.”

The school’s “Make a Difference Team,” composed of the school guidance counselor, disciplinarian and classroom teachers, highlights monthly themes and issues and also works with the students on conflict resolution. Their current project, a video titled “Because of You,” features students revealing to classmates how something one did or said had a positive impact on them.

“Many times the students are not aware of how something they perceived as insignificant had such a big impact,” Reap said.

In St. Rose Grammar School, Carey holds a Good Game Club, helping foster the skill of winning and losing well in an non-virtual setting. “The Good Game Club is a free, voluntary, low stress, fun way to interact with their peers in a small setting while building social skills,” she said.

Roche is moderator of the St. Joseph School Peer Leadership group, composed of sixth- through eighth-grade students, whose purpose is to reach out to students in need of social support.

“For example, [the group provides] a friend to sit with at lunch, or a ‘buddy’

Catholic schools have a unique advantage when it comes to helping students with social anxieties or worries: the Gospel message, which focuses on self-worth in a way unique to Christian education. Stock photo

for our new students,” Roche said. “We have installed two Buddy Benches on our playground for students to use at recess ... it lets others around know they are in need of a friend, which prompts students to go ask them to play. It has been a beautiful success.”

When to Intervene When the environment and education are not enough to assist a student’s social

development, Catholic schools have a number of ways to intervene positively. When necessary, parents can also be invited to the school to get a broader view.

Several times a month, Carey has lunch with a struggling student and a friend they select. “It reinforces the friendship by having a ‘special’ event – lunch out of the cafeteria in my office,” she explained. “We can discuss current issues and steer the students toward good decisions.”

St. Dominic School also has the Peace Table, a simple conflict-resolution guided process. “As long as the two individuals want to make things better, the success rate is high,” Carey said. “Students … learn that it is possible to improve relationships by talking directly to each other, with a mediator.”

Reap said that Trenton Catholic Academy uses community resources available, such as CARE Kids at nearby St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, if students need a more intensive therapeutic program. “If needed, we can assist the student by providing the student with the age-appropriate skills to interact in social situations.”

Spiritual Support Woven through this fabric of support is the Gospel message, focusing on self-worth in a way unique to Christian education.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Our Lady of Good Counsel • Moorestown Our Lady of Perpetual Help • Maple Shade Pope John Paul II Regional School • Willingboro Sacred Heart • Mount Holly St. Charles Borromeo • Cinnaminson St. Joan of Arc • Marlton St. Mary of the Lakes • Medford St. Paul • Burlington

Enrollment season is underway for the 2019-2020 school year.

C a t h o l i c S c h o o l s

MERCER COUNTY

Notre Dame High School • Lawrenceville Our Lady of Sorrows • Hamilton

The Campus Ministry Program at Notre Dame High School is made up of a team including a full-time chaplain, Father Jason Parzynski; campus ministers Tracey Reed and Kathy Maley; and campus ministry students, faculty, staff and administration who are responsible for providing spiritual programs for the entire school.

“We work to fulfill the spiritual and emotional needs of our students through a variety of programs, from one-on-one spiritual direction to peer ministry and individualized programs,” Father Parzynski said.

For example, each year underclassmen experience a day of reflection, prayer and discussion with their fellow classmates. Seniors have the option to take part in Kairos, a four-day retreat that leads them through an intense self-reflection. Campus ministry clubs promote prayer, faith development and social justice.

Roche said that when meeting with her St. Joseph School students, faith is always incorporated. “Our faith is the groundwork for everything I do,” she said. “I guide students using the belief that God has a plan for all of us, and is always with us – mostly in our times of need.”

Reap said students are both supported and challenged by the spiritual environment in TCA. “Through verbal communication, in daily religion lessons, by modeling Christlike behavior, we let our students know they are loved and cared for ... while also holding them to high expectations,” she explained.

St. Ann • Lawrenceville St. Gregory the Great Academy • Hamilton Square St. Paul • Princeton St. Raphael • Hamilton Trenton Catholic Academy • Hamilton

MONMOUTH COUNTY Holy Cross • Rumson Mother Seton Academy • Howell Our Lady of Mt. Carmel • Asbury Park Red Bank Catholic High School • Red Bank St. Benedict • Holmdel St. Catharine • Spring Lake St. James • Red Bank St. Jerome • West Long Branch

St. John Vianney High School • Holmdel St. Leo the Great • Lincroft St. Mary • New Monmouth St. Rose • Belmar St. Rose High School • Belmar St. Rose of Lima • Freehold

OCEAN COUNTY Donovan Catholic High School • Toms River St. Dominic • Brick St. Joseph • Toms River St. Mary Academy • Manahawkin St. Peter • Pt. Pleasant Beach

Space availability will vary by grade for each school.

HAVE it ALL!

FA I T H • A C A D E M I C E XC E L L E N C E • AT H L E T I C S • S E RV I C E • C O M M U N I T Y

REACH OUT to the Catholic school near you to learn more… GO TO dioceseoftrenton.org/schoolfinder OR CatholicSchoolsHaveItAll.org