By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
Holy Family celebrates Catholic Schools Week
Homemade cards, crayons, snacks, toiletries and enthusiasm were the ingredients used to bring joy to the community at Holy Family School in Syracuse. Students across the diocese focused on service to others as part of the celebrations that took place during Catholic Schools Week.
Father John Manno, pastor of the parish, said Holy Family strives to help its students to become good, faithful citizens that use their gifts and talents to serve the community. “Students have opportunity to take what they have learned and use it for the good of others,” he said. That ideal was put into action during Catholic Schools Week when students assembled care packages for the homeless. Kindergartners were guided by fifth and sixth graders to fill bags with socks, blankets and healthy snacks.
Other grade levels were busy collecting items to fulfill the wishes of children at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Coloring books, board games, card games, fidget toys and toddler and infant toys were packed in decorated boxes and sent to the patients. The Samaritan Center, Emmaus Ministries and Francis House also received much-needed items.
Kindergarten teacher Christine Isbell said the mission of the administrators, faculty and staff is to nurture and lead students from pre-K through sixth grade by creating a strong religious foundation that emphasizes compassion, service and prayer while cultivating students to achieve academic success. “I chose to teach here because I wanted to model and share my love of God and the Catholic faith with my students,” said Isbell. “Our school feels like family. We share our beliefs and our faith together.”
All members of the team — from principal and pastor to teachers and counselors — work to educate the minds of their students while strengthening their spirit. Principal Daryl Hall said that everything that happens in the school is faith-based. “Each day, at some point, the students turn to prayer,” she said. “It’s ingrained in what we do. We are here to take care of the mind and take care of the soul.” Hall said that by nurturing the whole child, they have created an environment of trust and support. “Students feel secure knowing there is someone they can turn to no matter the situation. We are here for the kids and their health and well-being.”
Like many schools across the country, students may have challenges both academically and emotionally. “The Pupil Personnel Team works together to develop a plan to assist children to be successful in all areas of his or her academic career,” said teacher Jennifer Treasure. A resource teacher, nurse, counselor and academic intervention services are on hand to support students in a variety of ways.
With more parents searching for a safe, respectful environment for their children, enrollment has increased at Holy Family. “One only has to come to our school and see that we have the latest technology,” said Father Manno. “Our school is Middle States accredited, and our teachers are New York State certified. We also have numerous extracurricular activities that help to develop the gifts of our students.”
Hall said many of their students go on to Bishop Ludden Jr./Sr. High School. “We are fortunate to be making a stronger connection with Bishop Ludden and the two schools partner to offer a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program,” she said. Whether delivering strong academic programs, providing a respectful faith-based environment, or serving the community, Holy Family celebrates Catholic Schools every day.
“And under God’s guidance, our graduates go on to excel in faith, academics and life,” said Father Manno.
