THE WILDCAT DEN
ANOTEFROMOUR ANOTEFROMOUR HEADOFSCHOOL HEADOFSCHOOL
Ms Tracy Strub Head of School, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
The past few months have been filled with exciting events, accomplishments, and community-building moments that remind us why our school is such a special place
Giving Back
This fall, our school community showed its generosity through service projects and fundraisers. Our students collected canned goods for St. Charles in Bridgeport and baked pies for Operation Hope. We walked a mile at our 3rd Annual Walk-A-Thon, and launched our sponsorship of Wakeman Boys and Girls Club 1st/2nd grade Developmental Basketball league. We are excited to partner with such a treasured organization to expand our reach in the local community.
Sports and Spirit
From the start of the basketball season to the wrap up of our first ever competitive volleyball program, our students showcased their talent and teamwork on the court We hosted our 31st annual Basketball tournament with great success – capping it off with a ”FOWL” shooting contest supporting Operation Hope Our turkeys donated 17 turkeys to Operation Hope Our students’ school pride and enthusiasm were fully on display at our pep rally, “white out” home games and many half-time demonstration games at Fairfield University We also can’t forget our annual Black & Orange Bowl – where the 8th graders defeated the 7th graders in a flag football game.
Community Events
We celebrated Special Persons’ Day with our largest turnout in STA history, watched our Alumni take the basketball court at our annual Alumni game, showed honor to our most treasured Veterans at a moving ceremony, had Breakfast with Santa and shopped till we dropped at the annual Christmas Boutique. Second grade students broke bread together at their annual Thanksgiving Feast, and our community came together to welcome the advent season by making advent wreaths.
TIS’THESEASONAT TIS’THESEASONAT ST.THOMAS ST.THOMAS
Christmas Tree Lighting
Breakfast with Breakfast with Santa Santa
Advent Wreath Making & Masses
Christmas Concert
Christmas Boutique
Caroling at Pequot Library & Sherman Green
Christmas Pageant
Lighting/Guarding of the Creche at Sherman Green
The Sky is Not the Limit at STA
As a result of a Foundations in Education Innovation and Leadership Grant from the Diocese of Bridgeport, St. Thomas has been able to incorporate learning using Virtual Reality. The school partnered with Avantis Education to bring curriculum to life Our students are engaging in immersive online content from a safe, secure and teacher-controlled virtual learning environment. Since its initial rollout in our library science and technology classes, our students have investigated the body of a turtle using 3D modeling, celebrated Christmas across the world and become a part of the story “Jack and the Beanstalk” Our library media specialist, Charlotte Gardner, likes to introduce the students to this imaginative tool by positioning them first on top of a mountain and then see them, “take a giant leap forward and dive into learning with such innovation.” She commented further that “she loves to see their reaction as well as their creativity as they explore new opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding.” In the new year, all of our teachers will be trained to use these devices and programs – can you imagine dissecting a human cell using 3D tools, traveling back in time to see a Shakespeare play or fully exploring the Amazon River? Each of these adventures and more is supported by teacher led learning materials and lessons. It seems the sky is no longer the limit at St Thomas!
Eight Grade Gets their “SHOT” on Broadway
On November 15th, the majority of our 8th grade students along with a few parents and fan favorite teachers, Mrs Lambert, Miss Campbell, and Mrs Durkos went to Broadway to see Hamilton. It was perfectly timed with the 8th grade social studies curriculum which is knee deep in the American Revolution Ami Powers, a current STA parent and one of the organizers of the outing, was told that the night was a “level up” by her son, Michael. It seems “game on” for school field trips going forward Much fun was had from the train rides to dinner and of course the star studded musical It clearly was the “Story of the Night!”
HOOPSHIGHLIGHTS HOOPSHIGHLIGHTS
Basketball Program Continues to Shine at St.
Thomas with over 140 students registered!
Basketball has played an important role in shaping the spirit and sportsmanship of St Thomas since its debut as a program in the late 1950s. (As such, we wanted to shine a light on it for this edition of the Wildcat Den ) Initially, St Thomas played as the Black Knights and then the Wildcats. Over this period, the school won a number of Diocesan Championships as well as over eight New England Championships In that last two St Sebastian Diocesan Basketball League Playoffs (2023 and 2024), STA has had three of the four teams in the playoffs This year over 140 students registered to play on teams from 3rd grade through 8th grade Although the program remains primarily developmental and has a“No Cut” policy, the program is the most successful in the Diocese.
Adam Fielding Associate Head of School and Athletic Coordinator
St Thomas JV (5th and 6th grade) and Varsity Programs (7th and 8th grade) are now part of the Diocesan St. Sebastian League. As a result a large portion of the league game are now played at the St Thomas Aquinas Gym during the regular season which runs until mid March. So come by on select weeknights or weekends to catch a home game However, if you are looking to reminisce and get back on the courts you fondly recall from your STA days, you can still catch our 3rd and 4th grade teams at the Holy Trinity Gym or visit us at our many tournaments at St James, St Catherines, St. Marys and more.
The program is administered by a parent run Sports Committee but this year we have added the role of Athletic Coordinator Adam Fielding, our Associate Head of School, has taken on this role which is aligned with his previous position as Athletic Director for All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk from 2015-2021 We asked Adam what his initial impressions of the St Thomas programs was and this is what he had to say, “I knew coming in that the basketball program was outstanding It is a legacy program that kids look forward to being a part of from the start of 3rd grade all the way to 8th grade This provides unity and a great community builder where students are coming to watch other students from other grades play and infuses a culture of sportsmanship and collaboration within the school.”
Hoop Dreams Realized: Girls Triumph at St. Thomas Tournament
The St. Thomas Aquinas Gym was electric with excitement over three weekends during our home tournament! Teams from grades 3 to 8 showed their relentless determination, teamwork, and skills throughout all of their games
Championship Sunday was filled with four St Thomas teams The 6th grade boys led the day off, followed by the 6th grade girls, boys varsity, and girls varsity blue While both boys teams came close to victory - it was the two girls teams (6th and 8th grade blue) who came away victorious with the Championship! Special thank you for the generous support of the Fr. Coleman Council 2616 of the Knights of Columbus for sponsoring our tournament.
STA and Wakeman Basketball Partnership
Looking to expand our basketball presence, St Thomas is proud to sponsor Wakeman's Developmental Basketball League for 1st and 2nd grade boys and girls held at the Wakeman Southport Clubhouse.
Each Saturday morning, teams meet for a 30minute practice followed immediately by a mini game against an opponent.We hope to have our older students assist in coaching and fan support.
DJ Burns Was in the Wildcat Den
DJ Burns for two weekends stepped out of the NC State Wolfpack into the Wildcat Den for some training sessions in the St Thomas Gym Thanks to the recommendation of the Harding Family, St. Thomas was able to host the star of 2024 March Madness tournament.
Although we are not sure who got the better workout –DJ or his student rebounders of Grant Espach (’23), Ben Espach (’25) and Maisie Stefanowicz (’24).
Bringing It Back: Alumni Basketball Game
Unites
Past Wildcats
The gym was alive with energy and nostalgia as past students came together for the annual alumni basketball game. The event, a beloved tradition at STA, brought former players back to their old stomping grounds to face off in a spirited showcase of talent and camaraderie. Cheered on by enthusiastic fans, the alumn teams didn’t miss a beat, showing that their skills and competitive spirit had stood the test of time.
ALUMNI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS SPOTLIGHTS
Kate Cimador, Class of 2021, keeps basketball in the family! First, she is the daughter of Colleen Cimador, star basketball player at the University of Delaware, STA basketball coach from 2014-2021 and returning STA basketball coach since 2023 when Colleen began volunteering as head coach for our current 4th grade girls team Second, Kate was a key part of the St Thomas 2020 Varsity Girls Diocesan Championship. She then teamed up with Rory Kudzy (STA Class of 2019) at Ludlowe to make school history with Ludlowe's 1st FCIAC Championship and undefeated season with a runner up title in the 2023 State Championship Kate holds the Ludlowe record for total points and made 3's in a season. Finally, Kate in the 23-24 season broke Ludlowe’s single game scoring record with 34 points which was previously held by Anna Paulmann (STA Class of 2017) who in return beat the prior record held by her sister, Bridget Paulmann (STA Class of 2015) Prior to this triple hat trick of STA players, the record stood for over 7 years Kate’s style of play is her own – as a shooting guard her game is long and quick with a lethal three point shooting prowess – which she strikes with a bright smile! Kate will continue her basketball career next year at Bentley University, a current top five program in the country for NCAA Division II
SCAN OR CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH TOMMY SCHOLL BY STA 3RD GRADERS: TOMMY RAUSCH & KEEGAN FAHEY
Although you may know Tommy Scholl, Class of 2019, as beloved Lord Farquaad from St. Thomas’s production of Shrek Jr. he is far from the ruthless ruler who is notoriously short and wants to rid the world of magic For many years, Tommy has been making magic on the basketball court First, at St Thomas where he was a star player for five years and then at Fairfield Prep Currently, Tommy is a sophomore starting guard at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ For the Ducks, he recorded 96 points and 54 rebounds in the 23-24 season and led the DIII program to an impressive 90-59 win over St. Joseph’s with a career high 27 points this season. In addition, Tommy was named the 2024 Conference Tournament MVP – the first freshman in conference history to ever receive the award And perhaps as a nod to his ruling days (smile), Tommy was recently elected captain for the Ducks this season which is a rare feat for a sophomore Tommy, as the youngest of five siblings to graduate from St Thomas, remembers his time at St Thomas fondly and continues to be a source of new student referrals to STA, including a few faculty families from Prep! We are not surprised because if you listen to his interview with two third grade emerging STA basketball players, Tommy Rausch and Keegan Fahey (see link above), you will recognize his “Wildcat” sportsmanship!
At an October 17th ceremony at the famed Gampel Pavilion on the University of Connecticut campus, Jack Martin, STA '18 (left) and Kevin Gidez, STA '17 (right), both student managers for the UConn Huskies men's basketball team, were awarded championship rings along with the players, coaches and staff of the winners of the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament
OTHER SPORTS
Serving Up Victory: After-School Volleyball Claims Runner-Up at First Ever Tournament
The girls’ after-school volleyball team made a remarkable debut in their very first tournament, earning an impressive runner-up finish Competing against seasoned teams, the girls showcased exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination Not to mention great coaching from Mr. Fielding and Mrs. Lambert.
From the opening match, the team displayed grit and skill, fighting their way through the brackets with thrilling rallies, precise serves, and powerful spikes. Their road to the finals was filled with intense games, each one solidifying their chemistry and confidence on the court.
For now, the girls celebrate their runner-up finish as a testament to their hard work and dedication, knowing that this is only the start of what promises to be a bright future in volleyball.
Swinging and Slaloming: STA Ski & Golf Programs on the Rise
The Golf Team wrapped up a great season with a competitive match against Ludlowe, Tomlinson and Woods at the Par 3 Although St Thomas did not come away victorious we had some impressive scores with Will Davis (8th grade student) and Nolan Brady (6th grade student) winning medalist awards for the school. In addition, the team closed out the season with its wacky Wildcat Open where the 38 golfers competed to win the Wildcat headcover in a non traditional format They had to putt around building blocks, tee off on a Bosu balance ball or putt while keeping a balloon inflated; among other contests. Who said golf was not fun?
The St Thomas Ski Club is gearing up for a great season with 101 skiers from PreK to 8th grade signed up Check out our program at Mohawk Mountain on Friday nights beginning January 24th and running for 5 sessions. This program is definitely snowballing into something special
Stay tuned for more updates!
Laura Nailen - From Journalist to Teacher:
She has Created a Menu of Success for our 4th graders for the Past 10 years
Laura Nailen joined the staff of St. Thomas in 2014 as a fourth grade teacher after many years as a professional journalist. She has taught countless children multiplication, state capitals and extensive vocabulary words among other things. Past students talk with fondness about her classroom and its warmth. In fact, one student who is now a senior in high school remarked how Ms Nailen still sends her book recommendations Sounds like Oprah Winfrey has some competition!
Beyond her classroom, Ms Nailen has cooked up many wonderful experiences for our community including a student run newspaper and a family fun math night In addition, she can often be found putting in extra time tutoring students in her classroom or working joyfully with our after school program. We are very grateful for Ms Nailen and celebrate her decade at St. Thomas. In honor of such, we asked her to share her perfect “10” recipe for a special holiday treat.
Alumni Return to Inspire and Lead Youth Group
In a heartwarming display of faith and community, several alumni have returned to their roots to take on leadership roles within the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish’s high school youth group. The initiative, which aims to foster spiritual growth, service, and fellowship among young people, has already begun to make a significant impact
Supporting Our Future: Why Your Gift to Our Annual Appeal Matters
Each year, our St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic School community comes together to support the Annual Appeal, a vital fundraising initiative that ensures our students receive the best possible education The Annual Appeal is more than just a fundraising campaign it’s an investment in the future of our children, our school, and the values that shape them.
This year our goal is to raise $60,000 – all of which fully supports our operating budget and these critical areas of investment:
Science Programming – We have recently adopted a new science program for 5-8th grade called Amplify Science We need your help to support this initiative and its roll-out with funds for lab materials and training.
Math Enrichment – Since 2018, St. Thomas has revamped its math curriculum starting with the middle school program, including adding geometry We have since tackled all grades and also have included outside resources for individual math enrichment and intervention during the school day
Faculty Pay – We are proud of the work we have done to elevate the pay of our talented faculty and staff In fact we have increased salaries at a 10% CAGR for the past three years and are now competitive with the local area schools
Branding – In order to be successful, St Thomas needs a strong enrollment pipeline We are in process of launching a new website but in addition are actively seeking partnership opportunities to increase brand awareness
Furthermore, St. Thomas continues to be a place where we seek to provide a Catholic education for all who seek it. As such, we support a significant number of students with financial aid and continue to need the support of families like you to accomplish this important goal Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference Together, we can ensure that our schools remains a place where faith, excellence and character come together to shape the leaders of tomorrow Please donate today!
F F A A L L L L W W II
L L D D C C A A T T
M M E E M M O O R R II E E SS
UPCOMING UPCOMING EVENTS EVENTS
SCAN OR CLICK HERE TO RSVP TO OUR ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR (APPRECIATED BUT NOT MANDATORY!)
LIGHTING AND GUARDING OF THE CRECHE WITH THE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHOIR
LOOKING FORWARDTO SEEINGYOUAT OURFUTURE EVENTS!
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ST. THOMAS FACULTY A DEDICATION TO THE ST. THOMAS FACULTY
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE... ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE... A DEDICATION TO THE
Note this should be read in the format of the Original Poem by Clement C. Moore)
‘Twas the night before Back to School, when all through the halls
‘No one was stirring, not even Mrs Driggs, the teacher you can always call; The classrooms were decorated with the utmost care, With 40 years of teaching, Mrs Pierson’s classroom knows no compare; The buses arrived, the students raced to school after jumping out of their beds, Mrs Gore and Ms Turner welcoming as always, putting only happy thoughts in the students’ heads; And Mamma Music with her ‘big hugs’ and Coach Krost with his signature attire topped off with a cap, Each and every teacher was there ready to educate their students after a long summer’s nap, When out on the field there arose such a clatter, Mr. Piorek grabbed some mentos, a volcano and a weathervane to see what was the matter. Through the best group of Kindergarten teachers, he sashayed in a flash, He grabbed Ford, Howard, Parrella and Young who as always were prepared with markers, paper and reading materials as they have quite a stash. They found our students in awe of all they would soon know, Under the leadership of our administration – Tracy Strub and Adam Fielding – definitely, the best in show! When, what to the groups wondering eyes should appear, But Zefi, Sullivan, LoSasso, Rivera and Grant – our amazing PreK teachers who magically lead the tiniest students we hold dear
With a big high fiver, so lively and quick, They all knew in a moment, here comes Mr Fritz
As a US History buff, of course alongside him like eagles the middle school courses they came; Writing with Mr V, shouting poetry with Mrs T, and Mrs Shay making sure the students never call the Lord’s name in vain “Now, Newton! Now, Pearce! Now, Desiderio, Ayers and Radwill! On, Groenstein! On, Podpolucha, on Hill!
To the top of the tin ceilings, to the top of 1921, you make elementary learning fun!
As for Davis, Flynn, Starrett, Magnano, Carpanzano and Miller - please never dash away! Never dash away all – we love you and thank you for always answering the call!”
At school numbers, letters, and languages fly, Hola and Bonjour, how Mr. Nassef and Mrs. Durkos teach our students to say hi. So, at St. Thomas the many courses and opportunities are not just a few, With the sleigh full of the most caring faculty, a great bookkeeper, Father David and a fantastic parish team too. And, in more than a twinkling, the students know under the St. Thomas’ roof, They matter, they are valued, down to each little hoof.
As Miss Gardener’s literature swirls in their head and they look around, Down every hallway, a teacher’s smile or reassurance can be found. Our students may be dressed all in plaid, from head to toe, Some clothes may be tarnished with food and skirts not necessarily low; With bookbags flung on their back,
And sometimes carrying a Nurse Marisa or Nurse Meg tender ice pack. Their eyes how they twinkle! Their smiles how merry!
Our students know how to smell the roses; in fact, having science with Miss Campbell is like eating a sundae topped with a cherry! Their little hands with Miss Gorin’s help create art that can be wrapped with a bow, However, missing assignments will turn most of them white as the snow; But if they need help, they don’t need to grit their teeth, Mrs Maloney and Mrs Madrigal are there to encircle them like a wreath; Our students learn grace and how to put away their tele’s, They work together, they serve others and eat plenty of peanut butter & jelly
Our students are rarely down in the dumps, as they have a great sense of self, Because our faculty puts them first, despite the many jobs they have similar to a North Pole elf; With Mrs Geriak’s wink students learn Pi and through her teaching style can follow all that she said, In partnership with Dr Aldrich, students realize that math is not to be dread; But before these teachers spoke a word, Ms Morrisey and Ms Nailen went to work, To fill their students’ stockings with inventions, math nights and post office perks
And we don’t need to point a finger, as it is all of you, we know, Our nod to you for helping our children grow
So today is your day for us to give you a shout, You are the best faculty we could ever have, no doubt!
But we will exclaim, that at St. Thomas we got this teaching thing right; so….
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
BOARD NEWS BOARD NEWS
The new Board of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School has undertaken a number of initiatives this Fall with the majority of work happening through its Committees. If you want learn more about what the Committees of the Board are up to, please click here for the letter shared with the current families of St Thomas In addition, the Board has been working with the faculty and school families along with an outside resource to update the school’s Mission Statement as well as to adopt a Vision Statement (click here to view the statements). We are very proud of the work that was completed, and we are excited to introduce to you our Vision and Mission Statements of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School that will serve as the guidepost for the years to come.
FUTURE SPOTLIGHTS FUTURE SPOTLIGHTS
We want to feature our amazing STA community in our next edition of The Wildcat Den newsletter
We want to hear about your: career achievements, community impact, personal success stories, entrepreneurial ventures, marriages and much more! Your successes inspires our current students by showing real life examples of where the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School education and foundation can take them
Please contact us HERE to be included!
STAY CONNECTED STAY CONNECTED
St. Thomas Aquinas School Facebook Page St Thomas Aquinas School LinkedI
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St. Thomas Aquinas School Website
Thomas Aquinas Parish Website
