HARTFORD, Conn. – (September 6, 2011) Increased enrollment, a renaissance project, and good old-fashioned school spirit are among the many reasons that Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford are so excited about "back to school" this year.
At St. Augustine School in Hartford, students in pre-k through eighth grade will experience an exciting renaissance involving an explosion in student enrollment, an extended school day, an enhanced curriculum and renovation of the classrooms.
This year, nearly 200 students are enrolled, a remarkable contrast to the 90 who attended the school last year. How did this happen? The school received a substantial gift from an anonymous donor, enabling Pastor Rev. Jose Mercado and Principal Cynthia Niedbala to hire an admissions coordinator whose sole purpose is to market the attributes of the school.
"This wonderful donor believes whole-heartedly in providing a Catholic education to students in an urban setting," said Neidbala. "St. Augustine is one of two Catholic schools in Hartford that meet the needs of city children, and we are so grateful that the donor was able to help a broad range of families in Hartford."
The donation is allowing St. Augustine to offer more tuition assistance to families who qualify, and the good fortune doesn't end there. The school is now able to enhance its Spanish and music programs. The math curriculum will also be augmented with the help of a separate endowment.
St. Augustine School is so inspired by the kindness of their benefactor that it has started the St. Augustine School Renaissance Project in an effort to engage other people who would like to help the school. Recently, St. Ann Cares, a local church group from Avon, assisted the school in refurbishing its playground, and painted the cafeteria, hallways and classrooms.
At St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hartford, enrollment has also increased by five percent this year. Principal Colleen DiSanto will welcome 239 students, and credits the increase in student population to the school's strong curriculum, and its ability to build enduring relationships with its families.
"The word is out on the strength of the teaching staff, and how they blend academic instruction with the teaching of faith," says DiSanto. "And, in addition, we make sure we nurture our relationships with our families."
According to DiSanto, the admissions office works very closely with a family. Once a family becomes interested in St. Thomas the Apostle (STA) School, it is partnered with a "buddy" or "welcoming" family who informs them about the school, invites them to participate in school activities and functions, and helps them transition into the STA community. The strong relationship between the school and the family is on-going throughout a student's years at the school.
At East Catholic High School in Manchester, school spirit is never lacking, especially during this 50th anniversary year. They're beginning the school year with their annual book convocation. As part of their extensive summer reading list, students read, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, which tackles the topic of poverty. According to Principal Jay Hartling, the classic novel by Betty Smith was chosen for its academic merit, but also for its social value, namely the idea of showing compassion toward people who are less fortunate. This is a fundamental lesson that students are taught at East Catholic and employ through the school's STRETCH (Service That Requires Engaging the Compassionate Heart) program. STRETCH partners with 17 different agencies throughout the region ranging from shelters to nursing homes, handicap facilities and tutoring workshops. Each student chooses an area that interests them and volunteers at an organization. For instance, students who want to help the elderly volunteer at a nursing home, others who want to take on the cause of hunger, prepare home-cooked meals and provide food to a shelter. This community outreach takes place year round, including the summer months when school is out.
"We live out the Gospel at East Catholic, and it is amazing," says Hartling.
There is also good news down the street at St. Bridget School in Manchester where the opening day
celebration welcomed 202 students, an 18% increase over last year. A similar story is told at Assumption
School in Manchester where the current pre-k enrollment has increased by 27 students, or 69% more than last year, and the K through 8th grade enrollment is up 2%.
Last March, the Archdiocese announced the merging of St. Francis and St. Hedwig in Naugatuck, and hoped that most of the students from St. Hedwig would enroll in the new school. They did. According to Principal, John Salatto, the school opened with a healthy student population of 255.
A similar merger of two schools took place with St. Francis Xavier and SS. Peter and Paul in Waterbury. SS. Peter and Paul School began the year with an enrollment of 266 students, which is a 15% increase from last year.
Bristol Catholic schools are showing increased enrollment as well. Cary Dupont, President of St. Paul High School, is delighted that the freshman class is the third highest incoming class since 1987. He credits this success to positive school morale, support from Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, Superintendent Dale R. Hoyt, and alumni, family tuition rates, and graduates being accepted into Ivy League schools and very competitive collegiate institutions.
In a recent letter sent home, Superintendent Hoyt assured parents and guardians by stating, "Know that your child's school takes great pride in recognizing the value of your child entrusted into their care. The administration and faculty strive for students to encounter the living God and prepare them to become productive, virtuous and successful citizens."
To visit one of our Catholic elementary schools or high schools contact the Office of Catholic Schools at: 860-242-4362, www.catholicschoolshartford.org, or Director of Communications Maria Zone at 860-541-6491.
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