Diocese presents update on St. Michael's Academy project
Date: 5/4/2009
By Debbie Gardner
PRIME Editor
SPRINGFIELD - The cost of uniform components and school drop-off times seemed the two major areas of concern at the Diocese's April 29 meeting on the progress of its new St. Michael's Academy project.
Parents and a smattering of students, mostly of middle-school age, nearly filled the auditorium at Cathedral High School for the meeting, which included updates on enrollment and renovations to Cathedral to accommodate the middle school, introductions of the management team and curriculum for the Academy and a fashion show featuring the new St. Michael's uniform.
According to Mark Dupont, chief executive officer, Catholic communications for the Diocese of Springfield, enrollment for the new Academy is over 750 students, with inquiries still coming in about the school and its programs.
He said the enrollment cap for the Academy will be 1,000 students.
Sr. Andrea Ciszewski, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Springfield, told the audience renovations are already underway in the portion of Cathedral designated as the new middle school, and that work to convert the former Wendel Road convent into the preschool unit was slated to begin shortly.
"We will be ready for fall in all locations," she said.
She also invited parents whose children currently attend preschool through grade four at one of the city's four other parochial schools to tour Holy Cross School on May 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Holy Cross School, located on Eddywood St., will serve as the kindergarten through grade five unit of St. Michael's Academy beginning this fall.
Nellie deCarvalho, introduced at the meeting as the new head of Academy for St. Michael's, in turn introduced her management team: Claire Cote, current principal at Holy Cross School, will continue as principal of the K-grade five unit of St. Michael's, assisted by Ann Dougal, current principal at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School (OLSH) Springfield. Carol Raffaele, current principal of Mt. Carmel Academy Springfield, will be principal of the middle school division, assisted by David Nortz, principal at Holy Name School, Springfield. Joann Powers was introduced as lead teacher for the pre-kindergarten program. Amy O'Brien, current business manager for OLSH, as the Academy's new business manager.
"While so much of what we are doing is new, so many [of our staff] are seasoned veterans who have chosen to be part of this new venture," deCarvalho said.
O'Brien presented the two options for tuition payment for the 2009-2010 school year; complete payment by June 30 or an 11-month payment plan beginning in July. She encouraged parents with questions to call her at 452-0695 Wed. - Fri.
Tuition for St. Michael's Academy is $2,550 per child with parish sponsorship; $3,150 for non-sponsored students in grades K through eight.
Dr. Gail Furman, associate superintendent, student services for the Diocese, outlined arrival times and transportation requirements for St. Michael's. The slated arrival time for the K through grade eight program will be 8:20 a.m., with a dismissal at 3:20 p.m. Transportation will be provided for students who live more than 1.5 miles from the school. Arrival time for the middle school will be 8:30 a.m. with dismissal at 3:30 p.m. Transportation will be provided for students who live over two miles from the school. An early drop off program beginning at 6:30 a.m. and an after-school program extending until 5:30 p.m. will be offered at all locations at a rate of $3.50 per hour
During the question-and answer period following the formal meeting, several parents had questions about the before-school program, including whether or not it would offer breakfast, and about how early children not participating in the program could arrive at school.
Dr. Bonnie Moriarty, associate superintendent for personnel and curriculum, said the Academy's curriculum will follow that designed by Holy Cross school. The curriculum, she said, has already been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and colleges, and given very high praise by that evaluating body. This curriculum follows the standards of the diocese of Springfield and the Massachusetts State Frameworks. She added that the middle school will employ a team teaching approach to its classroom organization, and that there are plans to include enrichment classes at that level.
On all levels, Moriarty said the emphasis will be on fostering "critical thinking and problem solving."
"We need to teach children how to take information from all sides and think about it, process it and put it to use," she said.
The new uniform components, which will be provided by Donnelly's of Providence, R. I., will feature the school's logo on shirts, sweats and a polar fleece vest. The school's color scheme will be red, white, blue and tan, with a signature plaid for the girl's jumpers and skirts. Kindergarten through grade five will wear red and, white tops, plaid jumpers and navy pants and shorts. Tan pants and shorts, plaid skirts and red, white and navy tops will comprise the uniform for for grades six through eight.
The audience applauded when parents asked if families would be allowed to purchase appropriately-colored and styled pants and shorts from sources other than the uniform company.
"With the economy. and prices, I can buy cheaper pants at Wal-Mart," said one parent.
The dioceses answer was that pants that need to be replaces for the coming school year should be purchased from Donnelly's to maintain consistency.
Students who attend one of the city's five Catholic schools this year will be allowed to wear their school's uniform for the first year of St. Michael's. Logo patches will be made available to parents for attachment to shirts and sweaters.
