Catholic Schools Week 2021 edition is published by Anton Media Group. by antonmedia2023

An Anton Media Group Special Supplement

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 20 - 26, 2021

Students at St. Dominic’s Elementary and Middle School are engaged in different learning experiences, whether online or with a book, working collaboratively to bring their education alive! Photo courtesy St. Dominic School

OPEN HOUSE

January 31, 2021 11am-1:00pm February 3, 2021 5:30pm-7:00pm Students at St. Dominic’s Elementary and Middle School are engaged in different learning experiences, whether online or with a book, working collaboratively to bring their education alive!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO REGISTER FOR A TOUR WWW.STDOMSOB.ORG/ADMISSIONS OR CALL 516.922.4888 EXT 5325

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AntonJANUARY CSW full-page 1/15/21 10:00 AM Page WEEK 1 2A 20 -2021:Layout 26, 2021 •1CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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Catholic Schools Week Virtual Open Houses • Jan. 31-Feb. 6

St. Martin of Tours School Amityville • www.smtschool.org St. Christopher School Baldwin • www.stchris-school.org St. Patrick School Bay Shore • www.spsbayshore.org St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School Bellmore • www.steas.com Our Lady of Providence Regional Central Islip • www.olprov.org Our Lady Queen of Apostles School Center Moriches • www.olqany.org S S Cyril and Methodius School Deer Park • www.sscmweb.org St. Mary School East Islip • www.saintmaryschoolei.org Trinity Regional School East Northport • www.trinityregional.org

St. Raymond's School East Rockaway • www.srsny.org Our Lady of Victory School Floral Park • www.olvfp.org The De La Salle School* Freeport • www.delasalleschool.org St. Anne's School Garden City • www.stannesgcschool.org St. Joseph School Garden City • www.st-josephschool.com Holy Family School Hicksville • www.hfsli.org St. Patrick School Huntington • www.stpathunt.org Long Beach Catholic Regional School Long Beach • www.lbcrs.org Our Lady Of Peace School Lynbrook • www.olpschoollynbrook.org

Our Lady of Lourdes School Malverne • www.ollmalverne.org Our Lady of Grace Montessori* Manhasset • www.olgmanhasset.com St. Mary's Elementary School Manhasset • www.stmary11030.org St. Rose of Lima School Massapequa • www.stroseschool.net Notre Dame School New Hyde Park • www.ndsnet.org Holy Child Academy* Old Westbury • www.holychildacademy.org St. Dominic Elementary School Oyster Bay • www.stdomsob.org Holy Angels Regional School Patchogue • www.holyangelsregional.org St. John Paul II Regional School Riverhead • www.sjp2regional.org

St. Agnes Cathedral School St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope Regional School Rockville Centre • www.stagnes-school.org Westbury • www.stbolh.org Sts. Philip and James School St. Thomas the Apostle St. James • www.sspjschool.net W Hempstead • www.stthomasschool.net Maria Regina School St. Aidan School Seaford • www.mariareginaschool.org Williston Park • www.staidanschool.org St. William the Abbot School *Private Schools Seaford • www.stwilliamtheabbot.net St. Patrick School Smithtown • www.spssmith.org Our Lady of the Hamptons Regional School Southampton • www.olhamptons.org St. Edward The Confessor School Syosset • www.stedwardconfessor.org St. Martin De Porres Marianist School* Uniondale • www.stmartinmarianist.org Holy Name of Mary School www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org Valley Stream • www.hnomschool.org

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Attend a virtual Open House, and see the Catholic School diﬀerence from the comfort and safety of home.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Catholic Schools Week Faith. Excellence. Service.

he CSW 2021 theme is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” Catholic schools have a specific purpose to form students to be good citizens of the world, love God and neighbor and enrich society with the leaven of the gospel and by example of faith.

As communities of faith, Catholic schools instill in students their destiny to become saints. Academic excellence is the hallmark of Catholic education intentionally directed to the growth of the whole person—mind, body and spirit. Finally, service is fundamental to Catholic education and the core of Catholic discipleship. Service is intended to help form people who are not only witnesses to Catholic social teaching, but also active participants through social learning. The CSW logo emphasizes

that the Catholic school, like the Catholic Church, is not a building or an institution, but it is the people. As the people of God, we work together to bring the Kingdom of God to Earth and raise up the next generation to do the same. The image of teachers and students forming the foundation of the school shows that they are active people of faith who serve others and God. May we all strive to live in active service of Jesus and his mission as we nationally join together during Catholic Schools Week and always.

Re-Opening The Schools

Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools put students and families first In the mist of the conflicting information and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic that was prevalent during this past summer, the leadership team from the Morning Star Initiative and the Department of Education had to make some serious decisions. Catholic Elementary School students from across the island had been learning remotely since mid-March, and even though the schools were well prepared to take learning online again in the fall, the leadership team understood the educational and social ‘costs’ associated with isolating children for extended periods of time. Following a parent survey that indicated that a vast majority of the families of students across the diocese would support a return to classes, the team got to work. First, a consulting firm that specialized in risk mitigation and emergency operations planning was retained to help draw up a master re-opening plan. This plan, which is available at

the DRVCSchools web site, provided the master plan that each school would follow. Representatives from the emergency operations consulting firm subsequently visited each school to help each modify the elements of the plan to best suit each specific building layout and student population. One of the elements each plan

included was the creation of cohorts of students who would learn together. In most cases, students stayed in a single location and teachers rotated between classes to minimize contacts. Halls and stairways were identified as single direction routes within the building; and classrooms, auditoriums, cafeterias and even bathrooms were reimagined to maintain the appropriate social distance. In the classroom, desks were separated, and clear Lexan dividers were placed on desks and tables where appropriate. Principals worked to establish a range of new procedures at each school that helped to assure student safety. Masks of course were mandatory, and students had planned ‘mask breaks’ built into their day in safe, distanced, outdoor spaces. Some schools staggered start and end times. Many schools utilized different doors for different grades, and all schools test everyone entering the building to assure that they don’t have a fever. The range of activities in gym

changed, and food began to be served in single-serving boxes or containers. As the new school year started, parents were given the option of having their children attend in-person or attend school virtually. While the overwhelming majority of families chose to send their children back to school, virtual students participate daily at every school. By utilizing a combination of physical changes to their facilities, and new policies and procedures to guide daily life, Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools opened in early September on schedule and have been operating as planned the entire academic year. The continuity of the children’s education has been maintained. The sanity and structure of students’ lives has been returned. Student-teacher relationships burn bright again, friends have been reunited and the children’s spiritual journeys continue. —Submitted by the Diocese of Rockville Centre

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ADVERTORIAL

St. Dominic Schools Offers The Programs To Inspire Kids To Higher Levels Of Thinking LIU Post Enrichment Program The Center for Gifted Youth was established at LIU Post in 1979 and brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers and university-level facilities. These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the Long Island University program unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program. Through our partnership, St. Dominic students that qualify will receive a discounted rate for the programs which include a wide range of alternatives from math and science to humanities and history.

Waterfront Center Partnership The Waterfront Center is a unique program located on Oyster Bay Harbor where our children come face-to-face with the local marine life and learn about our coastal environment. Whether classes are on the beach or in the classroom our students have the opportunity to learn about horseshoe crabs, stars of the sound, seashells and sea creatures, as well as other marine organisms found at the bottom of the Oyster Bay Wildlife Refuge.

FAST Athletics

STEM and PLTW Programs

As an indoor and outdoor After School Sports Program, our F.A.S.T. Athletics Program offers a fun after school experience for students of all ages. Seasonal sports are offered each week such as: soccer, gagaball, baseball, flag football, basketball, dodgeball, and kickball. Programs include warm up games as well as learning the basic skills of each sport. Each class will end with a high energy game with the sport played that day.

Our STEM program introduces students in grades K through 8 to a variety of digital skills, as well as an introduction to coding. An Introduction to Robotics program is planned for 2021. Students in grades 3 through 5 participate in Project Lead The Way (PLTW), which brings a transformative Learning Experience to students with engaging, hands-on classroom STEM lessons which empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive. St. Dominic’s is building pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science that engage students in handson activities, projects and problems; empower them to solve real-world challenges; and inspire them to reimagine how they see themselves.

High School Level Classes Students in 8th grade are offered High School Regents courses in algebra and earth science, as well as the FLACS exam in Italian or Spanish. By completing these courses, many of students are able to begin high school with advanced courses in these subjects, opening up more opportunities for elective courses in high school.

St. Dominic Communications Club In our television studio, middle school students will be able to participate in a new Communications Club in 2021. The club will introduce students to multimedia production using video and audio equipment to produce broadcasts for the school community.

St. Francis Hospital Partnership St. Dominic Middle School students share an experience with St. Dominic High School students by participating in a unique program with St. Francis Hospital’s heart surgeons. St. Francis Surgeons bring a full dissection lab to our Dolan Science & Communications Building, during which students work side-by-side with world class surgeons to explore the biology of the human body. 220824 A

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OPEN HOUSE

January 31, 2021 11am-1:00pm February 3, 2021 5:30pm-7:00pm

INSPIRES

A St. Dominic Catholic Middle School Education Inspires students to Achieve and Strive for Greatness with Opportunities

LIU POST ENRICHMENT PROGRAM, WATERFRONT CENTER PARTNERSHIP, FAST ATHLETICS, STEAM, ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL PARTNERSHIP, ADVANCED REGENTS CLASSES

PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBPAGE WWW.STDOMS.ORG TO SIGN UP FOR A SCHEDULED TOUR ST. DOMINIC MIDDLE SCHOOL • 35 SCHOOL STREET • OYSTER BAY, NY 11771 • 516.922.4888 220825 M

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Curriculum Leads Program Supp Catholic school teachers continue to improve

BY TINA DENNELLY Specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

s the coronavirus pandemic forced school buildings to close across Long Island in mid-March, teachers were left scrambling to move their classes entirely online and plan curricula from their homes. Elementary schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, however, found a unique way to support and strengthen remote learning. Proposed by the Morning Star Initiative in partnership with the diocese’s Department of Education, the Curriculum Leads program offers shared resources among the more than 1,000 diocesan schoolteachers to make planning for remote learning more manageable in the short term and to strengthen academics overall. “The Curriculum Leads initiative is a brilliant idea that has strengthened an already robust online learning program in Catholic elementary schools,” said Brother Thomas Cleary, S.M., chief revitalization officer for the Morning Star Initiative. “Moving forward, the Curriculum Leads initiative will continue to enhance and strengthen the academic programs across the board in our Catholic elementary schools.” Since February, as the Morning Star Initiative team visited schools as part of its revitalization effort for the diocese’s elementary schools (see morningstarinitiative.org), it recognized that diocesan teachers could benefit from shared expertise. As the transition to remote learning began, the team worked quickly to establish a program to empower strong teachers and build a community of support for teachers at every grade level and subject. “We saw the strength of webbased curriculum initiatives developing naturally at our schools and said ‘This is an investment we want to make in current teachers,’” said Abigail Snyder of Alvarez & Marsal, the consulting firm working with the Morning Star Initiative. “We wanted to create a supportive community so teachers didn’t feel like they were on an isolated.” Three days after the March 16 transition to remote learning, the Morning Star team and Department

of Education leaders met with diocesan principals to roll out the program. It asked the principals to identify the teachers who have demonstrated success in online learning to lead the effort. “You know your teachers best,” the team told the principals. Thirty-four principals responded by nominating more than 60 potential Curriculum Leaders, the number of which was finalized to about 30 before the start of Easter break on April 9. The break came at an opportune time—it gave the leaders time to organize their resources. There are one to two lead teachers per grade (or per subject area for middle-school grades) who work

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ports Continuous Improvement and grow in spite of the global pandemic

Classrooms around the island have a new look. Top right: Students have adapted well to the pandemic procedures. Right, bottom: Faculty and staff have also been able to change teaching procedures. Left, bottom: Many introductions have been conducted remotely. (Courtesy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre)

CATHOLIC P ub lis he d b y SCHOOLS WEEK A nt o n M ed ia Grou p KARL V. ANTON, JR. Publisher, 1984-2000 Angela Susan Anton Frank A. Virga Iris Picone Shari Egnasko Christy Hinko Robin Carter Alex Nuñez Joy DiDonato Linda Baccoli

Editor and Publisher President Vice President of Operations Director of Sales Administration Editor, Special Sections Director of Production Creative Director Director of Circulation Director of Business Administration

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succeed as remote learning educators,” said Julie O’Connell, principal of St. Aidan School in Williston Park, whose teachers are all participating in the program. The school’s art teacher, Carolyn Gustafson, is leading the art teachers’ Google classroom for the diocese. “The greatest benefit is that teachers of the same grade levels and/or subject areas are able to share lessons and enhance their curriculum,” O’Connell said. “The improvement can be seen across the board.” The program has the potential to support teachers regardless of their comfort levels with technology. All teachers—especially those with less experience—are benefiting from the program, said Kerry Kahn, principal of Long Beach Catholic Regional School, whose math and kindergarten teachers are curriculum leaders. “This is a great venue for teachers looking for different ideas and extra support,” Kahn said. “Our math teacher has been teaching for years, and she’s providing [other teachers] a lot of options and suggestions. Both my Curriculum Lead teachers have gotten positive feedback from teachers in other schools.” “The diocese’s Catholic schools have done a phenomenal job transitioning to remote learning,” said Snyder, who noted that smaller class sizes in Catholic schools have helped the easy accommodation. “It’s been a very quick turnaround. The ability for the Curriculum Leads [teachers] to take on this role and then turn around and provide support to peers has been remarkable.” with the Department of Education to Those involved said they hope create plans and materials that will the program will continue after the be shared across the diocese for the current school year. remainder of the school year. The “By and large I think the founGoogle classroom model used for stu- dation behind it is solid, and it has dents was adapted for teachers, with a a great potential for our schools “classroom” for each grade or subject moving forward,” Kahn said. area. Teachers share their own lesson “[The program’s] exchange is not plans and post resources, tips and only helpful to address our current pointers for online teaching with 50 to remote learning platform,” O’Connell 80 teachers from across the diocese in noted, “but is something that can each of their Google classrooms. They remain and develop when we move also host weekly Zoom meetings to back into our respective buildings.” discuss best practices. —Tina Dennelly is a writer for the “As we all moved to a remote Diocese of Rockville Centre, a parishlearning platform in a very short ioner at St. Patrick’s Parish in Bay amount of time, the creation of this Shore and has children who attend St. program gave our talented teachPatrick’s School. ers the space to collaborate and

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he global pandemic identified the strengths and weaknesses of schools and school systems in a way that had been previously unimaginable. Only a handful of schools were prepared to immediately move to remote learning, and fewer still were able to both execute a great remote program and then return their full compliment of students back into safe classrooms in the fall. All of Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools were among this exclusive group. Now, almost a year from the onset of the pandemic, Catholic schools are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, the part of the school year where most families who were considering the advantage of a Catholic education get to visit and select which school is right for their children.

A CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK LIKE NONE BEFORE Because Long Island’s Catholic schools make the safety of their current students and families the first priority, most schools have moved away from the large group celebration of Catholic education that has defined previous open houses. So how does a family looking for something better find a school this year? This year Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are supporting the interests of aspiring families through a combination of virtual and in-person visiting opportunities. www.licatholicelementaryschools.org website A visit to the central website for Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools provides general insight into the advantages of a Catholic education, identifies some of the key differences, and identifies how the schools are organized to serve students from nursery school through eighth grade. There are maps and descriptions showing the locations and summary information on each school, and information on how to register and the financial aid available to support you. You’ll find links to each school’s website and directions to locate each school. School web sites Catholic elementary schools have websites that offer exceptional insights into each school community. On the school website you’ll read about the mission and vision of the school, ‘meet’ the principal through letters and regular communications with parents, learn about how the school is organized to address the needs of early childhood, elementary and middle school students and learn about the various sports, clubs and extracurricular activities available. Class pages describe the educational focus at various levels and communicate the

assignments and day-to-day activities. The school website will also provide insight into how parents can participate and support their child’s education. Look for the ‘I’m New’ tab on the school’s website.

Attend A

Catholic elementary schools w

Virtual video tours Many schools have worked to facilitate your needs during the pandemic by putting together virtual video tours to give you a look inside their facilities, to allow you to meet some of their key staff members, and to give you a sense of the esprit-de-corps of their community. Live virtual tours During Catholic Schools Week, many schools will stage live online events to give you a chance to both see the facility and learn the academic, social and spiritual advantages the school offers. These sessions, lasting approximately 45 minutes will allow you to meet the principal, key staff members, and often parents from each community. The school will post the schedule of these events and allow you to select the time that works best for you. One-on-one virtual visits with the principal Your student(s) needs are unique, and some of the advantages of Catholic school are individualized attention and differentiated instruction to meet each child’s needs. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with the principal of the school you select and be confident that your child(ren) will thrive in the environment. Individual family or small group tours Some schools will offer visiting times when small group tours will be accommodated. These require an appointment. Tours will take place during scheduled windows when the school and the classrooms will be open, and when teachers and staff will be available to answer your questions. Often these are afternoons or weekends when the school is scheduled be deep cleaned prior to the students’ return. We place the continued safety and health of our current students and families above all else. While the way prospective families will review and interact with the schools has changed, the Catholic school difference of addressing the ‘whole child’, academically, socially and spiritually remains. Visit the school’s web site to schedule to visit virtually or in-person to see why a Catholic elementary education will help your student succeed in high school, in college, and in life. A Catholic education is an advantage that lasts a lifetime. Plan to learn more about the advantages of a Catholic elementary education this Catholic Schools Week. —Submitted by the Diocese of Rockville Centre

he following is a listing of Catholic schools across Long Island. St. Martin of Tours School Amityville www.smtschool.org

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School Bellmore www.steas.com Our Lady of Providence Regional Central Islip www.olprov.org

St. Christopher School Baldwin www.stchris-school.org

Our Lady Queen of Apostles School Center Moriches www.olqany.org

St. Patrick School Bay Shore www.spsbayshore.org

St. Mary School East Islip www.saintmaryschoolei.org

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Virtual Open House

will be offering online open houses for Catholic Schools Week this year

Catholic School’s Week 2021 Open House Schedule

St. Raymond’s School East Rockaway www.srsny.org Our Lady of Victory School Floral Park www.olvfp.org St. Anne’s School Garden City www.stannesgcschool.org

St. Patrick School Huntington www.stpathunt.org

Notre Dame School New Hyde Park www.ndsnet.org

Long Beach Catholic Regional School Long Beach www.lbcrs.org

Holy Child Academy Old Westbury www.holychildacademy.org

Our Lady of Peace School Lynbrook www.olpschoollynbrook.org Our Lady of Lourdes School Malverne www.ollmalverne.org

St. Joseph School Garden City www.st-josephschool.com

St. Mary’s Elementary School Manhasset www.stmary11030.org

Holy Family School Hicksville www.hfsli.org

St. Rose of Lima School Massapequa www.stroseschool.net

St. Dominic Elementary School Oyster Bay www.stdomsob.org

St. Agnes Cathedral School Rockville Centre www.stagnes-school.org

St. Edward the Confessor School Syosset www.stedwardconfessor.org

St. Philip and James School St. James www.sspjschool.net

St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope Regional School Westbury www.stbolh.org

Maria Regina School Seaford www.mariareginaschool.org

St. Thomas the Apostle West Hempstead www.stthomasschool.net

Holy Angels Regional School Patchogue www.holyangelsregional.org

St. William the Abbot School Seaford www.stwilliamtheabbot.net

Our Lady of Wisdom Regional School Port Jefferson www.olowregional.org

St. Patrick School Smithtown www.spssmith.org

St. John Paul II Regional School Riverhead www.sjp2regional.org

Our Lady of the Hamptons Regional School Southampton www.olhamptons.org

St. Aidan School Williston Park www.staidanschool.org Holy Name of Mary School Valley Stream www.hnomschool.org Note: Some schools will conduct private tours for families and/or small groups. These will be done by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled on each school’s website.

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Frequently Asked Questions Q A

What is Catholic Schools Week? Catholic Schools Week is an annual event, celebrated across the country that begins the last Sunday in January. This year, Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated from Sunday, Jan. 31, through Saturday, Feb. 6. 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, school ‘spirit’ days, special assemblies, etc.) it is also a week where the schools invite prospective families of the parish/parishes they serve, and of the broader local community, to consider the benefits of a Catholic education.

regard to race, religion or national origin. A religion 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 non-Catholic students who attend because of the quality of the education.

hen parents select W 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, learning of the Catholic faith, attending school in a safe, nurturing environment and the individualized attention that each student’s learning needs receive.

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ow will COVID affect H Catholic Schools Week? Like the changes we’ve seen in most everything else, the pandemic will re-shape Catholic Schools Week somewhat as it pertains to open houses and large gatherings. Most schools will offer 45-minute virtual open houses and one-on-one opportunities to schedule an individual meeting with the principal. You are advised to check your school’s web site for details of their events. Find a school at www. licatholicelementaryschools.org/ find-a-school.

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As a current school family, how do I participate? Catholic Schools Week is a celebration of all that is great about Catholic school. A combination of internal and external activities, Catholic Schools Week celebrates the parish, the community, the students, the nation, vocations and teachers and staff. Externally, the schools also offer opportunities for new families to visit and learn about the advantages each Catholic community offers. Out of an abundance of caution, most live events in 2021 will be celebrated exclusively by students and staff to minimize the students’ and the building’s exposure to outsiders. Most external events will be offered virtually.

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s a family considering a A Catholic education, how do I learn more? Your local Catholic school will host predominately online events where parents and students

can virtually visit the school(s) they think they might be interested in to view the facility, be introduced to the teachers, and learn about the academic, spiritual, social and physical development programs.

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ow have the Catholic H elementary schools addressed the pandemic? Catholic elementary schools have been remarkably successful in their implementation of mitigation techniques to limit each student’s exposure and risk. The schools have maintained a COVID infection rate of less than two percent, quarantining students and staff when necessary, but maintaining the continuity of student instruction and the daily structure and normalcy in student’s lives: · Each school has safely returned all students for full, five-day-a-week learning · Remote learning was a success in the spring, and is offered to students who choose to continue their classes online · Each school has embraced extensive mitigation policies and procedures that digitally scan each student each day for fever, create spaces where social distancing is observed, require mandatory mask wearing, keep students in cohorts to limit exposure and pay special attention to ventilation and frequent

ill attending a Catholic W elementary school help my child get into a prestigious Catholic high school? Attending a Catholic elementary school isn’t the only way to get sterilization of high-touch surfaces. into a Catholic high school, but it is As a prospective family, still the best way. The Catholic high do I have an ‘assigned schools are open to all students school’? and typically have a very significant One of the first differences you will notice about Catholic school number of students from a public school. Students qualify for Catholic is that you get to select the school that you believe your children will be high school through a test for eighth most successful in. There is no direct graders that is administered in ‘assignment’ based on where you live October of each year. Typically, the students from Catholic elementary and most school districts provide schools are best prepared for the busing to the school of your choice academic rigor, the integrated within a 15-mile radius. program of faith and values, and What are the tuition rates the service orientation of the high and is there a difference schools. Virtually all of the students in tuition to attend a from Catholic elementary school different school? (90+ percent) are admitted to a Long Island’s Catholic eleCatholic high school with the vast mentary schools set their own majority getting into the high school tuitions, so they vary slightly, but that is their first choice. average is around $5,500 per year with multiple child discounts that How can I learn more or lower that cost for most. If your choose the school(s) I parish has a school, we encourage would like to visit? you to become a member of that There is a resource for families community, but there is no penalty on the Internet that provides a for choosing a school outside of very complete picture of the Catholic your parish or town. The system elementary school experience. It of schools is an asset here on Long features an interactive map that’s Island for all of the families of the your guide to each of Long Island’s Diocese and for all of the families distinctive Catholic schools, and lets of Long Island. you view geographic options at www. licatholicelementaryschools.org. Are non-Catholics welcome in the schools? —Submitted by the Diocese The schools are welcoming of Rockville Centre places to everyone without

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In the science labs, St. Mary’s High School students work collaboratively and learn about science, technology, engineering and math through a STEM education.

flexibility, diligence, perseverance, accountability, and responsibility. At every level, St. Mary’s balances strong academic development with experience to encourage personal growth. Exceptional faculty and staff inspire each student along their educational journey, always promoting the safe and welcoming culture that is one of the hallmarks of the St. Mary’s experience.

At the Schools of Saint Mary, Manhasset, students in Nursery through Grade 12 flourish in an innovative and nurturing educational environment rooted in Catholic values. The mission of the school is to empower students to find inspiration and joy as they discover themselves and learn what they are capable of accomplishing. Small class sizes foster a more personal connection between students and faculty. Faculty and administrators at St. Mary strives to educate the whole child – intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and physically.

core academic classes, allowing students at all grade levels to deepen their moral standards and ethics. Students learn about the tenets and meaning of their faith and how to live it joyfully, especially in serving others within the school and greater community.

The use of cutting-edge technology, including campus-wide wireless capabilities, an online system that allows students and parents to access homework and grades, and school-issued Chromebooks for every student in sixth through twelfth grade, helps teachers provide students with a strong academic foundation. At the early childhood and primary grade levels, students actively explore concepts and develop skills through an interdisciplinary approach utilizing the latest technology, handson learning materials, and skill-related experiences. Students in grades 6-12 incorporate technology as an interactive tool that enables them to be independent learners while investigating researchbased learning.

Middle and high school students gain an appreciation for the arts and develop their creativity through participation in the Fine and Performing Arts Program. By taking classes in art, chorus, band, orchestra, dance or stage performance; performing arts students learn from and work alongside professionals in those fields.

The St. Mary’s education is about more than just academics. Spiritual values, a sense of service and the growth of faith are fostered by connecting Gospel values to all parts of the curriculum, including

The school day doesn’t end when the last bell rings – St. Mary’s becomes a vibrant after-school community as students at all grade levels participate in a wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities, exploring their talents and skills outside of academia.

The Schools of St. Mary is also proud of its competitive athletic programs at the middle and high school levels, which are highly regarded for both excellent coaching and superb sportsmanship. From early childhood students to their high school seniors, The Schools of St. Mary is preparing inspired thinkers and creative leaders by guiding all students as they develop the character traits of great leaders and skilled team players. This approach includes creativity,

For more information on St. Mary’s, please contact Mrs. Norma Stafford, director of admissions at 516.627.2711 or nstafford@stmary.ws. PHOTOS SHOWN WERE TAKEN PRE-PANDEMIC.

Faculty and administrators at St. Mary’s strive to educate the whole child - intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically.

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THE SCHOOLS OF SAINT MARY

In March of 2020, the Schools of St. Mary successfully launched their Distance Learning Program within three days in response to COVID-19. Faculty members seamlessly transitioned to their adjusted teaching environments, and students continued with daily instruction from their homes, including extras such as physical education. Then in September, after months of careful planning along with parent support, the reimagination of facilities, and adhering to local and state mandates, the Schools reopened safely five days a week for in-person learning with full COVID safety protocols in effect. Students whose families opted to remain at home assimilated to the interactive classroom experience and participate in their daily education in real-time with their peers. At St. Mary’s, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are paramount. The administration’s ability to quickly respond to the impact of the pandemic received accolades beyond the community and surpassed what public schools in the area could offer their families.

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In Response to COVID-19, St. Mary’s Goes for Full In-person Lea

hired a consulting company specializing in pandemic threat mitigation to do a building survey and assist in the writing of our reopening plan.”

aint Mary’s Elementary and High School decided to zig while everyone else is zagging. Their reopening plan consisted of having every student back in school on a fulltime basis and everything seems to be going to plan. The architects of the master plan were high school Principal Gerard Buckley and elementary school Principal Sarah Griffin, along with a task force. St. Mary’s also hired Perotta Consulting this past summer, a consulting firm that specializes in threat mitigation and emergency operation planning, to help create and form their reopening plan for the school year. “Our first move was to identify key personnel who would make up our ‘task force’ in collaborating on important reopening decisions,” Buckley said. “Our joint task force included members of administration, facilities management and our health staff. When we explored reopening, we discussed everything from an alternate

When St. Mary’s finalized their plan to reopen, they communicated with parents through email and also YouTube Live sessions that provided a way for parents to ask direct questions to administrators. They also appointed a COVID coordinator so parents know who to contact if they have any questions.

days schedule, a hybrid model, to shortened days removing lunch and large gatherings, to full remote and then our current plan: in-person instruction for all who requested such. A survey of our community further solidified this need for full, in-person learning. We extensively evaluated our facilities and realized we could safely manage the entire N-12 student population on our campus. It was at this point that we also

are confident in the s we have put in place Catholic Liberal Arts provide for our stude “Our elementary sch largest increase, and students have joined as well.”

St. Mary’s experienced an increase in enrollment this year, due to two Diocese of Rockville Centre schools shutting down and also the attraction of providing in-person learning for all students. This has been a challenge, an increase in population with the same space provided while also trying to keep students 6 feet apart as the state mandates. “There has been an increase in enrollment at St. Mary’s. Families

To deal with reduced smallest cohort bein and largest being 19 enrollment, St. Mary staff members. They enlarging their subst Students also had th fully remote, which th upon quarterly.

“In both the high sch school the class size maintaining proper d said. “The high scho spaces such as the g and even the turf fie school converted un classroom space to o sections and reduce

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arning

safety measures e and value the Education we can ents,” Griffin said. hool has seen the d a fair number of d the high school

what it once was. “Each day that we are in school together is truly a blessing considering the extended school closure we all experienced in the spring,” Griffin said. “Teachers and students alike are enjoying being together and learning while embracing the new challenges of the school year.” BY MARCO SCHADEN mschaden@antonmediagroup.com

while on campus. In fact, it is now part of their school uniform and students received a St. Mary’s edition face mask. Mask breaks occur throughout day at the discretion of the teachers and also during lunch breaks and scheduled outdoor breaks for the students.

d class sizes, their ng seven students 9, and increased y’s hired 12 new y also worked on titute teacher pool. he option of going hey can decide

hool and elementary e is based upon distancing,” Buckley ool is utilizing larger gym and auditorium, eld. The elementary nused space into open up more e normal class sizes,

All students remove their mask for lunch where the tables are spaced at least 6 feet apart. In N-5 classrooms, students eat in their classrooms, again spaced 6 feet apart,” Griffin said. In classrooms the teachers provide breaks, alternating rows for breaks and setting timers for students to switch. Whenever an in class mask break occurs, the distance from the person removing the mask in addition to those keeping the mask on must remain 6 feet.” or in this time, referred to as cohorts.” St. Mary’s made it mandatory for all students and staff to wear a mask

While none of this is normal, compromises and changes were needed to get students fully back into school. St. Mary’s currently had their fall sports practicing, which is normal, but only time will tell when school can be 220783 M

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Around Our Catholic Schools

The dozens of Catholic schools around Long Island are on task and embracing the school year amidst a worldwide pandemic. Here is a peek at some of what’s going on in the classrooms around the island. Photos courtesy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre

Saint Anne’s Early Childhood Program Saint Anne’s Early Childhood Program

Catholic Schools Week Celebration 2021

OPENHOUSE HOUSE OPEN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13TH - 7:30PM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13TH - 7:30PM SAINT ANNE’S SCHOOL LIBRARY SAINT ANNE’S SCHOOL LIBRARY

OPENHOUSE HOUSE OPEN

or a friend local friend or neighbor child entering Do youDooryou a local or neighbor have ahave childa entering Nursery or Pre-K in 2017? Consider the option the highly Nursery or Pre-K in 2017? Consider the option of the of highly successful Saint Anne’s Pre-School program. In addition successful Saint Anne’s Pre-School program. In addition to a to a nurturing environment built the foundation of Catholic virtues, nurturing environment built on theon foundation of Catholic virtues, children willhave also the have the opportunity to experience our of state of children will also opportunity to experience our state art facilities, such the Anne’s Saint Anne’s technology the artthe facilities, such as theas Saint SchoolSchool technology lab, lab, the library and take eventheir take first theirofficial first official gym classes. the library and even gym classes. Saint Saint st academic is committed to a well-rounded and spiritual Anne’sAnne’s is committed to a well-rounded academic and spiritual experience right from the start. Call 516-352-1205. experience right from the start. Call 516-352-1205.

SACRAMENTS • SERVICE • SAINTS • SPIRIT • SCHOLARSHIP

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 31

Please join the St. Anne’s Parish Family for Our Celebration Mass 10 am

SAINTANNE’S ANNE’SSCHOOL SCHOOL SAINT

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25 Dartmouth Street, Garden NY 11530 25 Dartmouth Street, Garden City, City, NY 11530 516-352-1205 • www.stannesgcschool.org 516-352-1205 • www.stannesgcschool.org

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Holy Child Academy

Nurturing the Spirit, Challenging the Mind

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

Visit Our Spacious 14-Acre Campus with 3 separate buildings for Early, Lower & Middle School classes. Private tours available upon request. RSVP at www.holychildacademy.org or email admissions@hcali.org

A premier, independent Catholic school for children of all faiths - Toddler through Grade 8 25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 516-626-9300 221101 M

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Never Missed A Beat

Catholic schools shine during uncertain time BY TINA DENNELLY

Specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

“I

s anyone fearful about the future of Catholic schools?” a parent pondered recently on the Parents of Long Island Catholic School Students Facebook page in the Spring of 2020, shortly after the pandemic hit and the lockdown began. With some parents out of work or furloughed due to the pandemic and Sunday contributions to parishes down because churches are closed, many wonder how the events would impact Catholic schools. But the agile response of Long Island Catholic schools to the pandemic and shift to remote learning has impressed current school families and caused new families to consider enrolling. While a few responded to the Facebook question that they were concerned, the more than 75 other commenters were wholeheartedly optimistic. “Not at all. [Our school] never missed a beat,” said one. “More pleased than ever with our investment in Catholic schools,” said another. And a third, “I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with what Catholic schools are doing during this.” Parents in the group whose children attend schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre—from St. Martin of

Tours in Amityville, Trinity Regional in East Northport, St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa, Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville, and St. Dominic’s in Oyster Bay, to name just some—said they were amazed at how quickly and how well the schools responded to the pandemic. “St. Aidan’s [in Williston Park] has done an impeccable job in implementing distance learning,” said parent Violeta Gromulska in a comment. “The teachers’ dedication is impressive. All my emails get answered, even [at] late hours of the night. The communication is phenomenal. Especially [Principal Julie] O’Connell’s weekly messages. All subjects have been addressed—gym, art, music, Spanish, religion, etc. The structure, planning and implementation has exceeded my expectations. They even have extra help Zoom meetings on Friday for the students.” Other parents in the group—several of whom said they are public school teachers—noted that some Long Island public school districts took weeks to begin remote learning and struggled to keep students engaged in virtual classrooms. St. Aidan’s principal O’Connell, who said she had three prospective families reach out recently in one week alone, noted in a comment the biggest factors

Join Us for a Virtual Open House January 27, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.

Visit our website today to register www.olgmanhasset.com

“One test of the correctness of the educational procedure is the happiness of the child.” Maria Montessori

3 - 6 Year Old Program 6 - 9 Year Old Program

Our Lady of Grace Montessori School

29 Shelter Rock Road Manhasset, NY 11030 516-365-9832 220827 M

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in Catholic schools’ success, “Our administrators, teachers, students and parents are all working hard together, and the sharing of our faith is the piece that makes it so successful.” The success in the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s schools mirrors the success of other diocesan school districts across the country during the pandemic. According to a May 11 article in National Catholic Register, after school buildings were ordered to close, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Catholic schools took spring break a week early to come up with a remote learning plan and were ready to go the first day after the break. By contrast, public schools in the Detroit area ended the school year early. Of course, that’s not to say some Catholic schools did not struggle, noted the Register article. “Through it all, the unifying force in both heartache and success has been daily prayer, to trust and be strong through this difficult time.” Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools worked to maintain the continuity of instruction and the normal social and spiritual structure of the students’ day with prayer, and other community activities. There’s that sense of family. I think that’s what is making parents realize the connection between faith and learning. —Tina Dennelly is a writer for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Parish in Bay Shore and has children who attend St. Patrick’s School.

MORNING STAR INITIATIVE CONTINUES Last January, the Diocese of Rockville Centre announced a long-term plan to strengthen, expand, support and revitalize its elementary schools (see www.morningstarinitiative.org). As part of the initiative, the Morning Star team in February began in-person visits to each of the 39 diocesan elementary schools to assess each school’s culture, identity and contributions. However, the New York on PAUSE order closed school buildings in March. The team has remained busy however—it helped launch the Curriculum Leads program, which allows teachers to pool resources and share expertise with other grade-level and subject-area teachers from Catholic schools around the diocese, soon after remote instruction began in mid-March. “The pandemic may have changed the Morning Star Initiative’s trajectory and the landscape in which we were working,” said Brother Thomas Cleary, S.M., chief revitalization officer for the Morning Star Initiative. “But it has not dampened our commitment to strengthen the Catholic elementary school system one bit.”

Together in Learning, Together in Christ and Together in Faith, Excellence and Service

Saint Aidan School 510/525 Willis Avenue | Williston Park www.staidanschool.org

Over 70 Years of Excellence in Education You are Cordially Invited to Attend Our

OPEN HOUSE

By Appointment Only for Prospective Families Sunday, January 31, 2021 St. Aidan School Offers:

• Early Childhood Programs • Full Day Nursery-8th Grade • Middle School Sports • After School Care Program • State of the Art Technology • Extracurricular Programs • Enrichment Programs Find us also on Facebook and Instagram.

For Registration Information Please Call

516-746-6585 ext. 202/302

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Getting To Know Catholic Schools On Long Island BY GARY E. LAYTON

Because of this freedom to choose, events like Catholic Schools Week allow families to visit the schools of interest to them to meet the teachers ong Island is home to 42 beautiful Catholic elementary schools. Thirty eight and tour the facility to get a ‘feel’ for the school that their student will feel most at home in. of the schools are run by the Diocese of While each of our schools are somewhat Rockville Centre while four are private Catholic unique, and reflect some of the character, tradielementary schools. All of the elementary tion and personality of the Parish and commuschools and the nine Catholic high schools in nity they serve, they all share a common focus Nassau and Suffolk operate under the religious on development of the whole child; in mind, in direction of Bishop John Barres. body and in spirit. This complete integration of The Diocesan schools are a combination of Parish and Regional schools and are situated to the Catholic faith into all subjects and activities is what makes the character education in be within geographic reach of the children of the 133 Catholic parishes in Nassau and Suffolk Catholic school stand out. At a time when all schools, public and private, are realizing the counties. The schools are open to students value of SEL, Social Emotional Learning—the of all faiths, and all are welcome. Long Island development of the most desirable personal Catholics are extended an incremental tuition discount regardless of whether their parish has characteristics, is something that has differena school or is part of a regional school. The idea tiated the Catholic school student all along. It’s not just what they learn in their time with us, it is to make a Catholic education possible for is more about ‘who they become’. Our students every family. graduate with character, confidence, drive, One of the ways Catholic school is unique discipline and compassion. is that families can choose the school that best The elementary schools offer classes for chilserves their child’s needs. There is no geographic dren as young as three years old, from middle mapping that dictates which a family must use.

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

school (8th grade) prepared to succeed in high school and beyond. Most of our graduates go on to a prestigious Catholic high school, and 99 percent of the high school graduates go on to college. Currently, more than 10,000 students attend Catholic elementary schools across Long Island and approximately 11,000 additional students attend a Catholic high school. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released a longitudinal study in 2014 where 10th graders from public, private and Catholic high schools were asked if they were planning to continue to college and pursue their degree. Those that expressed an intent to get a college degree were re-visited ten years later, eight years after they graduated high school. Nearly twice as many students who graduated from Catholic high schools earned their college degree compared to their public counterparts. *National Center for Education Statistics 2014 —Gary E. Layton is the director of marketing and enrollment for the Diocese of Rockville Centre

CELEBRATES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

llyy p p p p A A iinnee l l n n O O aayy!! d d o o T T

In these trying times, Holy Trinity gives thanks to our Titan community as well as all Catholic schools for continuing to provide academic excellence within a safe educational environment!

98 CHERRY LANE HICKSVILLE NY 11801 (516) 433 - 2900 WWW.HOLYTRINITYHS.ORG 221044 M

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Be a part of our school family! Join us for one of our Virtual Information Sessions

Scan the QR code to register for EARLY CHILDHOOD Info Session: Nursery, Pre-K & Kindergarten

Tuesday January 26, 2021 at 6:30 pm

Why Do Parents Choose Catholic School For Their Children? BY GARY E. LAYTON specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

While everyone has their own reasons, a number of significant themes are identified when you speak to parents about why they selected a Catholic elementary school for their children:

atholic elementary school offers C an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence.

2 3

We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all. e partner with parents in the W education and faith formation of their children.

4 5

We teach children respect of self and of others. We instill in students the value of service to others.

6 7 8 9 10

We effectively use technology to enhance education.

Scan the QR code to register for TRANSFER STUDENT Info Session:

Wednesday January 27, 2021 at 7:30 pm

We emphasize moral development and self-discipline. e prepare students to be producW tive citizens and future leaders. e provide a balanced curriculum W that integrates faith, culture and life. e cultivate a faculty and staff W of people who are dedicated, caring and effective.

e set high standards for W student achievement, which helps each student succeed.

irtually all of our students V graduate to attend a prestigious Catholic high school and 99 percent go on to college.

—Gary E. Layton is the director of marketing and enrollment for the Diocese of Rockville Centre

Scan the QR code to register for QUESTION & ANSWER Info Session: Nursery through Eighth Grade

Sunday January 31, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Serving the community since 1918 I Accredited by AdvanceED™

info@stbolh.org www.stbolh.org St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope School-Westbury

stbolh

101 Maple Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 516-333-0580

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The Sacred Congregation For Catholic Education:

The Catholic School

INTRODUCTION

The Catholic school is receiving more and more attention in the Church since the Second Vatican Council, with particular emphasis on the Church as she appears in the Constitutions Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes. In the Council’s Declaration Gravissimum Educationis it is discussed in the wider sphere of Christian education. The present document develops the idea of this Declaration, limiting itself to a deeper reflection on the Catholic school.

The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education is aware of the serious problems which are an integral part of Christian education in a pluralistic society. It regards as a prime duty, therefore, the focusing of any attention on the nature and distinctive characteristics of school which would present itself as Catholic. Yet the diverse situations and legal systems in which the Catholic school has to function in Christian and non-Christian countries

demand that local problems be faced and solved by each Church within its own social-cultural context.

While acknowledging this duty of the local Churches, the Sacred Congregation believes that now is the opportune moment to offer its own contribution by re-emphasising clearly the educational value of the Catholic school. It is in this value that the Catholic school’s fundamental reason for existing and the basis of its genuine apostolate is to be found. This document does not pretend to be an exhaustive treatment of the subject; it merely proposes to state the premises that will lead to further fruitful study and implementation.

To Episcopal Conferences, pastorally concerned for all young Catholics whatever school they attend, the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education entrusts this present document in order that they may seek to achieve an effective system of education at all levels which corresponds to

Our Lady of Victory School Where Faith and Knowledge Meet!

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Faith-based based Nursery Nursery— Nursery—Grade Grade 8 education in a safe, nurturing environment Full-day or morning instruction for Nursey and Pre-K Individual attention in a caring community Extended before & after school care SMART Boards in every classroom After-school enrichment clubs 100% acceptance to Catholic High Schools One-to-One Chromebook program for grades 4-8 Monthly school mass Sacrament preparation ...and so much more!

Virtual Open House January 31, 2021

www.olvfp.org/virtual 2 Bellmore Street Floral Park, NY 11001 516-352-4466

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the total educational needs of young people today in Catholic schools. The Sacred Congregation also addresses itself to all who are responsible for education - parents, teachers, young people and school authorities - and urges them to pool all their resources and the means at their disposal to enable Catholic schools to provide a service which is truly civic and apostolic.

In the fulness of time, in His mysterious plan of love, God the Father sent His only Son to begin the Kingdom of God on earth and bring about the spiritual rebirth of mankind. To continue His work of salvation, Jesus Christ founded the Church as a visible organism, living by the power of the Spirit.

Moved by the same Spirit, the Church is constantly deepening her awarness of herself and meditating on the mystery of her being and mission. Thus she is ever rediscovering her living relationship with Christ “in order to discover greater light, energy, and joy in fulfilling her mission and determining the best way to ensure that her relationship with humanity is closer and more efhcacious”—that humanity of which she is a part and yet so undeniably distinct. Her destiny is to serve humanity until it reaches its fullness in Christ.

Evangelisation is, therefore, the mission of the Church; that is she must proclaim the good news of salvation to all, generate new creatures in Christ through Baptism, and train them to live knowingly as children of God.

Means available for the Mission of the Church

To carry out her saving mission, the Church uses, above all, the means which Jesus Christ has given her. She also uses other means which at different times and in different cultures have proved effective in achieving and, promoting the development of the human person. The Church adapts these means to the changing conditions and emerging needs of mankind. In her encounter with differing cultures and with man’s progressive achievements, the Church proclaims the faith and reveals “to all ages the transcendent goal which alone gives life its full meaning”. She establishes her own schools because she considers them as a privileged means of promoting the

The Vatican formation of the whole man, since the school is a centre in which a specific concept of the world, of man, and of history is developed and conveyed. Contribution of the Catholic school towards the Salvific Mission of the Church

The Catholic school forms part of the saving mission of the Church, especially for education in the faith. Remembering that “the simultaneous development of man’s psychological and moral consciousness is demanded by Christ almost as a pre-condition for the reception of the befitting divine gifts of truth and grace”, the Church fulfills her obligation to foster in her children a full awareness of their rebirth to a new life. It is precisely in the Gospel of Christ, taking root in the minds and lives of the faithful, that the Catholic school finds its definition as it comes to terms with the cultural conditions of the times. The Church’s educational involvement and cultural pluralism

In the course of the centuries “while constantly holding to the fullness of divine truth”(8) the Church has progressively used the sources and the means of culture in order to deepen her understanding of revelation and promote constructive dialogue with the world. Moved by the faith through which she firmly believes herself to be led by the Spirit of the Lord, the Church seeks to discern in the events, needs and hopes of our era the most insistent demands which she must answer if she is to carry out God’s plan. —Gabriel-Marie Cardinal Garrone, Prefect —Antonio M. Javierre, Secretary, Titular Archbishop of Meta Editor’s note: The above is an except from the Vatican, Rome, March 19, 1977, the Feast of St. Joseph promoting Catholic school as valuable and necessary. Visit https://tinyurl.com/vatican1977 to view the document in its entirety.

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Catholic Education:

The Freedom To Choose Select the school that best suits your student’s needs at a Catholic elementary school

BY GARY LAYTON

Specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

reedom of choice has been a defining characteristic of the American experience since the country’s founding. Very little in life is as empowering as the ability to evaluate a number of possible choices, and to select the one that is uniquely suited for you. Due to the complexities of modern life however, some choices, like which school will provide your children the best education, had to be surrendered to state authorities who created the concept of school districts and schools that were aligned with your geography. So, while the choice of where you would live was still yours, once you selected that place, you were essentially mapped to a series of schools. Fortunately, government-run public schools aren’t the only option. Parents have the ability to select from a growing number of alternatives including private, charter, and religious schools. Parents choose these schools to provide their children specialized religious instruction, to deliver more individual academic attention, and to help reinforce the value they live at home. Catholic schools succeed today because they are uniquely qualified to deliver all of these things, and parents get to select the Catholic school that best matches their needs. One of the highlights of Catholic education on Long Island is the variety of high-quality Catholic elementary schools that fall within the busing limits that our taxpayer-provided buses support. Because even though you elect to enroll your children in a Catholic school, your public district is obligated to provide busing for your student(s) at no charge. The availability of busing plus the Diocese of Rockville Centre policy that gives all practicing Catholics on Long Island the ‘in-parish’ discounted tuition price for whatever school they choose means that regardless of where you live, and regardless of which parish you belong to, a Catholic elementary education is an affordable option. For parishes with schools associated with them, the choice is often evident. Many choose to educate their children in the company of their ‘second family’, their faith family, right in their neighborhood parish. Others, particularly those who worship in parishes not associated with a school, make their choice by the combination of academic, social and spiritual support offered in the school community they choose. While each school in the Diocese of Rockville Centre shares a common State academic curriculum, and shares a religious curriculum determined by the Diocese, each school has a unique personality that is determined by a combination of its history, its staff, and to a greater extent, to the families that make up the school community. Catholic education is a journey in both education

and faith, and like most journeys, the destination is important, but it is the journey itself that needs to be memorable. Because it encompasses a block of time that is eight to ten years of your and your student’s life, and because the trajectory of a student’s life is partially determined by the company they keep, be mindful of who your fellow travelers are. I assure you that both you and your children will come away from the elementary school experience with friends who will be yours forever. During the journey they will provide academic and social support. The other parents will similarly sit across the kitchen table and be confused by ‘new math’, and they’ll be up late some nights helping to finish three-panel poster board projects. Their, and their children’s values will be shared with your children, you will serve on committees together, and you will get to experience the joys of First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and ultimately graduation together. Much of the strength of Catholic education, and the success you children will have will be the result of this supportive extended family. Finding families with shared values and similar high expectations for their children won’t be difficult because they are who make up the

communities at every Catholic Elementary School. Ultimately, most parents make their decision based on their confidence in the principal who sets the tone and selects the staff, and in their confidence in the teachers who will spend more waking hours with your children than even you at times, but ultimately, most make the specific choice based on a ‘gut instinct’. The most common answers parents give when asked ‘Why this school?’ is that “It just felt right.” Or “The school felt like a warm hug from the first moment I walked in.” or similar intuitive feelings they had. Keep it in mind that the ‘feeling’ – the feeling of warmth and welcoming, is why your student will love their school, and why your student will grow to love learning. It is a love of learning that shapes a young person’s attitude towards school and towards life. A Catholic elementary education offers many advantages for the student and for their families. Catholic Schools Week is a great time to explore whether a Catholic Elementary School is the right choice for your children. —Gary E. Layton is the director of marketing and enrollment for the Diocese of Rockville Centre

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Catholic Schools Week Virtual Open Houses • Jan. 31-Feb. 6

We’re having our Open Houses at your house this year.

www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org

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The Catholic Elementary School in your neighborhood is hosting a Virtual Open House during Catholic Schools Week (January 31 - February 6), and they have a lot to tell you. They want you to know about how their students have thrived this year, thanks to their committed teachers and involved families. They’re excited to let you in on their plans for the rest of the school year. And they want to learn about you, too, and how they can support you and your family. You don’t have to leave the house; just make your way to www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org

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D•I•S•C•O•V•E•R

SAINT MARY’S for 2021-2022

Learn about our Catholic faith community, academic and extracurricular offerings today. VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS AND TOURS AVAILABLE VISIT SAINTMARYSES.ORG TO DISCOVER ST. MARY’S. OPEN EVERY DAY AND SAFE: ST. MARY’S STUDENTS ARE ON CAMPUS IN-PERSON - FIVE DAYS A WEEK.

Saint Mary’s Elementary School Celebrating 95 years of excellence in Catholic education

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT MRS. NORMA STAFFORD, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AT EXT. 1084 OR NSTAFFORD@STMARY.WS

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1340 NORTHERN BOULEVARD, MANHASSET, NEW YORK 11030 SAINTMARYSES.ORG | 516 627 0184