JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2
A Blank Slate Media / Litmor Publications Special Section • January 18, 2019
30 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019
What is Catholic Schools Week? Catholic Schools Week Celebrates the Rich Tradition of Catholic Education Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January, which in 2019 is January 27th, and runs through February 2nd. The theme for the Catholic Schools Week 2019 is “Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” Schools typically observe the annual celebration week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation. On Long Island, Catholic Elementary Schools celebrate the week with Masses and open houses to thank parishioners, to welcome visitors and to introduce new families to the benefits of a Catholic education. These frequently kick off with a Mass and open house on the first. Sunday (the 27th), and a series of events designed to recognize the contributions of students, parents and faculty during the course of the week. Many schools offer additional open houses and opportunities to visit during the week as well. For more information, Calendars of Events and links to the schools, visit LICatholicElementarySchools.org. Frequently Asked Questions What is Catholic Schools Week? Catholic Schools Week is an annual event, celebrated across the country during the last week in January. The week is set aside to celebrate the unique nature of the Catholic schools in each community. In addition to the internal events (teacher and parent recognition events,
gion class is a requirement, students participate in Liturgies, and faith is an integrated part of daily activities, but many schools have a significant population of students who attend because of the quality of the education alone.
school ‘spirit’ days, special assemblies, etc) it is also a week where the schools open their doors to the families of the Parish/Parishes they serve, and to the general public who might be considering the benefits of a Catholic education. As a school family, how do I participate? Each school publishes a complete list of events and activities taking place in their school during the week. School families are encouraged to visit the web site of their school. As a family considering a Catholic education, how do I learn more? Catholic Schools Week features Open Houses at the schools where parents and students can visit the school(s) they think they might be interested in and get a tour of the facility, be introduced to the teachers, meet some of the current families and children and generally learn about the academic, spiritual, social and physical development programs.
As a prospective family, do I have an ‘assigned school’? One of the first differences you will notice about Catholic school is that you get to select the school that you believe your children will be most successful in. There is no direct ‘assignment’ based on where you live and most school districts provide busing to the school of your choice within a 15-mile radius. Is there a difference in tuition to attend a different school? Long Island’s Catholic Elementary schools set their own tuitions, so they vary slightly, but there is no penalty for choosing a school outside of your Parish or town if you are a Parishioner in the Diocese. The system of schools is an asset here on Long Island for all of the families of the Diocese and for all of the families of Long Island. Are non-Catholics welcome in the schools? The schools are welcoming places to everyone without regard to race, religion or national origin. A reli-
What should parents look for during their visit? Many parents of current students tell us that their decision was emotional and based on a feeling of warmth and caring they got during their visit. Others are more analytical and make direct comparisons based on the results on standardized test scores and high school admittance history. Regardless of how you make your decision, the schools are ‘open books’ during this week, providing whatever information prospective families desire to support their decision. There is also a series of video interviews on the licatholicelementaryschools.org web site where current parents offer their advice on how to get the most out of your visit. When parents select Catholic elementary school, what are the most frequently cited reasons? The reasons that are most frequently mentioned are: academic excellence, the reinforcement of the values lived at home, Catholic religious identity, a safe, nurturing environment for learning, more individualized attention to each student’s learning needs, an outstanding extracurricular program and the level of partnership established with parents. Will attending Catholic elementary schools help my child get into a prestigious Catholic high school? Attending a Catholic elementary school isn’t the only way to get into a Catholic high school, but it is still the best way. The Catholic high schools are open to all students and typically have a very significant number of students from a public school background. Students qualify for Catholic high school through a test for 8th graders that is administered in October of each year. Typically the students from Catholic elementary schools are best prepared for the academic rigor, the integrated program of faith and values, and the service orientation of the high schools. Virtually all of the students from Catholic elementary school (99 percent) are admitted to a Catholic high school with the vast majority getting into the school that is their first choice. You can learn more about the high school entrance exam, and about the Catholic High Schools at http://CHSEE.org. How can I learn more or choose the school(s) I would like to visit? There is a resource for families on the Internet that provides a very complete picture of the Catholic elementary school experience. It features an interactive map that is your guide to each of Long island’s distinctive Catholic schools, and that lets you view the geographic options for your children at http://licatholicelementaryschools.org.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019 • CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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Saint Anne’s School
CELEBRATING OVER 65 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION pate in Spanish, Accelerated Math, Music, Technology and Art classes. The school has interactive whiteboards in all classes, a science lab,
St. Anne’s School, located in Gar Oriented Catholic Education to all of preparing our children for high school, college and career readiness by working in partnership with our students and ! " of Jesus Christ through word and deed. # $ " % areas, students are encouraged to think critically, independently and honestly. They are given the opportunity to " &
' " ' is dedicated to helping each child feel God’s presence and love. Children are encouraged ( & ) * "
and service to those in need. These tenets are " + "" & ' % "" " -
St. Anne’s School is proud that 100% of our students are accepted to Catholic High Schools. The school is a strong " *
& 2 " " " * nity working together to educate our children in " " all and an understanding that Jesus Christ is the reason for this school.
25 Dartmouth Street, Garden City, NY 11530 For more information call 352-1205 or visit the school website at stannesgcschool.org
Saint Anne’s School 25 Dartmouth St. Garden City, NY 11530
Catholic Schools Week Celebration 2019
SACRAMENTS • SERVICE • SAINTS • SPIRIT • SCHOLARSHIP
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 27 • 1-2:30pm Please Join the St. Anne’s Parish Family Celebration Mass 11:45am stannesgcschool.org
32 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019 ADVERTORIAL
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019 • CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
ST. AIDAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, January 27, 2019 10:00am - 12:30pm
• Early Childhood Programs • Full Day Nursery-8th Grade • After School Care Program • State of the Art Technology • Extra-curricular Programs • Enrichment Programs • Middle School Sports
Together in Learning Together in Christ Over 65 years of excellence in education
510/525 Willis Avenue, Williston Park www.staidanschool.org 516-746-6585 ext. 9202 or 9302
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34 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019
New approach to studying languages Rosetta Stone gives schools greater flexibility in setting curriculum for students BY A N T H ON Y BISCIONE Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum, Diocese of Rockville Centre This past September, 10 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre decided to take a different approach to studying languages other than English. They have augmented their traditional foreign lan-
guage program with Rosetta Stone, a computer-based learning program. The Rosetta Stone program allowed these schools to offer greater flexibility in their school’s curriculum. Students could chose to study any one of a variety of languages which include but are not limited to Italian, Spanish, French, Polish and Chinese. Many students are even studying Latin which is
at the foundation of many European languages and has become a popular choice in some of the schools. The Rosetta Stone program is computer-based and gives students the opportunity to acquire a second language while further developing their computer skills. Rosetta Stone provides students with a sense of autonomy allowing them to progress through the units at
their own pace. Students in the same class can learn different languages and share what they learn with their classmates. Students are encouraged to become critical thinkers and observe similarities and differences in their chosen languages and the languages studied by their classmates. In addition to working on the program in school, students can work on activities
and games at home on mobile devices. According to Mina Woodward, a language teacher at Notre Dame School, “the program’s immersive learning style and the immediate feedback contribute to a sense of pride and independence for our language learners. My students are enthusiastic and look forward to logging in each day.”
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019 • CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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Engaging our ‘Digital Natives’ BY E M I LY GUARNIERI Director of Educational Technology, Diocese of Rockville Centre Ever since writer Marc Prensky popularized the term ‘Digital Native’ in 2001, there has been a debate about ‘how much technology is too much technology’ in schools. A digital native is an individual who was born after the widespread adoption of digital technology. All current elementary school students are, by that definition, digital natives. Catholic schools on Long Island are among the leaders in technology implementation even though they are centered on traditional values and timeless teachings. Throughout the schools of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, students have the opportunity to participate in a healthy balance of technologyenabled learning and personalized traditional learning. Each school has mobile devices (i.e. Chromebooks and iPads), interactive whiteboards, and the ability to communicate virtually with others, both in the United States and throughout the world, to enhance student learning outside of the computer lab. Yet many of these same schools have created some very human spaces like Discovery Rooms where hands-on experimentation furthers student creativity. One area that schools are focusing on, both at the elementary and secondary level, is coding. Through coding, students are able to develop important critical thinking skills, which will benefit them in the future. These skills include analyzing, problem-solving, thinking logically, computational skills, and more. Students who code learn the importance of giving clear instructions and have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and self-correct. During coding sessions, students are taught to help each other problem
solve. Students are able to work on their coding skills not only in technology classes but on their Chromebooks and iPads. A main coding activity that Catholic elementary students across Long Island participate in is the Hour of Code. During the Hour of Code, held each December, coding skills are fostered in the classroom. By promoting code, students are not only developing the skills previously mentioned but also are exposed to different career opportunities available. Tens of millions of students in 180 countries participate in the Hour of Code. Long Island Catholic school students often develop initial coding skills through assignments to direct the movement of robots, such as Dot and Dash, Lego Robotics, and Little Bits. By using robotics, students are able to see whether the code they developed worked in real life. One example of how students do this is through developing obstacle courses for the robots to
complete. Through courses and clubs at the school, students are able to take their interest in coding as far as they want. In fact, for the second year in a row, a student from Holy
Trinity Diocesan High School won the Congressional App Challenge for the 4th Congressional District. In 2018, Holy Trinity Junior Jeannine Simeti, a graduate of St. Raymond School in East Rockaway,
designed a Book Finder app and will be honored at a ceremony in May in Washington, D.C. The irony in the development of a book finder app hasn’t been lost on us. Catholic schools are
still institutions that place a high-value traditional skills like reading and writing, and of course, Catholic schools are all still centered on one particular book, the Bible.
36 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019 ADVERTORIAL
Welcome to Notre Dame School! I have had the pleasure of being the principal of Notre Dame School since 2010. I am happy to say that I have been in Catholic education for more than 40 years—there is no other way I would rather have spent my life! I believe strongly in the mission of Catholic education—to provide a faith-based environment in which all students are valued and respected. Our students are ready to become responsible, faith-filled members of society who will lend a hand to others and will be the leaders of tomorrow.
My experience here is driven on faith—my own faith in our God, my faith in our teachers and my faith in our students. Together we create a warm, nurturing learning environment in which all students are able to thrive.
ties. All students are a • Grades K-1 study vital part of our school Italian • Enrichment and family. After-school Some highlights programs about our school— • Math Olympiads Students attend Mass First LEGO League, and participate in Mock Trial, STEM, prayer services Drama, Chess, • Educational Volleyball, technology— Basketball, Grade 3 utilizes Swimming and so Notre Dame School iPADS much more! begins with Nursery Grades 4-8 utilizes • Morning Care and students and we enroll ChromeBooks and After-Care students through Google classroom eighth grade. Some • NDTV allows us to Come and take a students attend Notre broadcast our tour with one of our Dame for eleven announcements students and feel the years, while others • All students difference! join us later in their participate in video educational journey. conferences • Choice of four Our student body is languages for grades a diverse range of cul2-8 French, Italian, tures, beliefs and abili Spanish and Latin
Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have -cdurkin7211@ndsnet.org.
NOTRE DAME SCHOOL 25 Mayfair Road New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019 • CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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62 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019
STEM to STREAM: the evolution Adding religion and arts to science, technology, engineering and math concepts One of the differentiating factors to a Catholic education has traditionally been the view of the world through the lens of the Catholic faith. Educationally, the concept of STEM, or eliminating the educational ‘silos’ of isolated, individual subjects and viewing them through the real-world application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math place real value on the practical application of knowledge. The intersection of these two concepts create a framework for instruction called STREAM. Working with St. John’s University School of Education, the Diocese is prototyping a move from the current STEM educational focus, where Science, Technology, Engineering and Math concepts are presented together to something called STREAM. STREAM is a more evolved version of STEM that additionally incorporates Religion and the Arts. A simple example would
be the inclusion of a ‘deeper dive’ into the ethical and moral implications of slavery in learning units on the Civil War. The Catholic teachings of compassion, forgiveness and social justice provide a yardstick to evaluate historical events through the lens of the Catholic faith. As one of the early adopters of STEM, and an original participant in Long Island’s original STEM event, Technology
Day, the schools of the Diocese of Rockville Centre have long been on the leading edge of instruction that couples rigorous academic concepts with the real-world application of these concepts to build true understanding. The characteristics of a STREAM educational framework include the integration Catholic identity into every aspect of the curriculum. Schools manifest this intent through
projects based in social justice as well as in-depth experiential instruction in the teachings of the Church. By design, STREAM schools provide a challenging learning environment focused on science, technology, math, arts, and the integration of education in the faith that inspires the joy of discovery. STREAM schools also promote a culture of innovation and stress a commitment to ethical behavior.
STREAM is also studentfocused, seeking to increase the participation of groups that are under-represented in the sciences, increasing content literacy students who do not pursue technology-related careers and fostering an environment that encourages problem-solving, group collaboration, and independent research. As Pope St. John Paul II stated; “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth- in a word, to know himself- so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.” In the Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island, the implementation of a STREAM framework for instruction moves us closer to the contemplation of that truth by exploring the relationship between faith and reason.
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Admissions Open House Sunday, January 27th 12-2pm Bring the family, enjoy a winter themed art project, hot cocoa & cookies, a STEAM activity and music by our hand bell and vocal choirs. Please email RSVP to admissions@hcali.org 25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 516-626-9300 www.holychildacademy.org
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019 • CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
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66 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, January 18, 2019
Experience the difference: The Catholic High Schools of L.I. More than 11,000 young people discover learning and faith in the 10 Catholic high schools of Long Island. From southwestern Nassau County to the East End, these high schools reflect the tradition, commitment, and family spirit of their communities. Three are owned and operated by the Diocese of Rockville Centre, two grew from local parishes, and five are the apostolates of religious orders. Each has its own identity — all are defined by academic excellence on a foundation rooted in faith. Dedication to success in the classroom, however, is the hallmark that sets Catholic schools apart. 99 percent of graduates from our schools continue their education at college, and last year, they earned more than $355 million in college scholarships and grants. The religious and lay faculties of Long Island’s Catholic high schools
build upon history and tradition to deliver a contemporary education to their students. At St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, for instance, students learn on iPads for a dynamic, interactive program of studies. Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, an all-girls school of the Sisters of St. Joseph, science education is complemented by participation in local and national science fairs, and partnerships with Hofstra University’s Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science and National Grid. In Riverhead, Bishop McGann-Mercy Diocesan High School students learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through handson work in the school’s Apple computer lab. Kellenberg Memorial High School’s Robotics Club brings those disciplines together from design to creation in a collaborative setting.
Alumni of Catholic high schools remain close to the mission of their almae matres. Years after graduating, you’ll see alumni return regularly to catch a Cougars football game at St. John the Baptist in West Islip. Oyster Bay’s St. Dominic High School welcomes college-age alumni back every winter for a convivial luncheon. At St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington, students realize that they are “classmates for four years, and Friars forever.” What keeps so many graduates connected to their Catholic high schools is the well-rounded, values-centered environment to form the complete person. It’s reinforced by daily Mass and food drives at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville. Y Young men of Chaminade High School in Mineola regularly perform service projects in the community. Young
women are empowered by mission trips and a nurturing yet challenging program at Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset. A host of extracurricular activities and interscholastic sports at each school further develop friendship, faith, and understanding. The goal of each Catholic high school is as sacred as it is simple – to provide young people with an education that challenges, inspires, and prepares students to lead successful lives at work, at home, and in the community. The Catholic High Schools Entrance Exam is used for admission to these ten schools in the 9th grade. More information about it and the Catholic High Schools of Long Island may be found at www.CHSEE.org. Open Houses will also be scheduled for prospective candidates and their families in the fall.
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