St. Helena School

School Day: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Activities:    Breakfast Program:            7:00 - 7:45 a.m.
                       After School Program:       2:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Sports:   Varsity & JV CYO Boys Basketball, Girls Intramural Basketball,
                 CYO Track, Cheerleading, Volleyball,

Extracurricular:   Chess, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts

Accredited by the AdvancED Association

Snow Day Policy:   If there is bad weather, St. Helena School will follow the same schedule as the public schools and we will not have school if the public schools do not have school.

St. Helena School offers FULL DAY Universal Pre-K, Pre-K, 3 & 4-Year-old Programs, and Kindergarten through 8th Grade.  If you are interested in having your child attend St. Helena's School for the 2022-23 school year, please call 718-892-3234 to schedule a tour and to speak with the principal.  A limited number of scholarships are available for those who qualify. 

Are you considering a Catholic education for your child?  Learn how Catholic schools inspire hearts and minds to succeed. St. Helena's School welcomes children of all backgrounds in grades Pre-K through 8.  Our school offers a secure learning environment, where respect, courtesy, and service to others are always part of the curriculum, and tuition is now more affordable than ever.  Financial assistance and scholarships can range from 15% to 75% of tuition, up to a maximum of $3,200 per student.  For help with admissions or financial aid, visit www.CatholicSchoolsNY.org or call 646-794-2885.

All school uniforms should be purchased at Flynn & O’Hara, which is located at 136 Westchester Square, Bronx, NY 10461 The store is located across the street from the Westchester Square #6 train station.
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MISSION STATEMENT
St. Helena Catholic School exists to provide a Christ-centered academic environment designed to promote the total development of the child by serving the mission of the Roman Catholic Church through the educational process.

St. Helena School conducted a toy drive to benefit Toys for Tots and Hope for Us, as well as the Food Pantry toy distribution with Santa Claus on Wed., Dec. 22 at 12PM.


NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC PLAYS AT ST. HELENA
Three members of the New York Philharmonic and a countertenor from the Metropolitan Opera Company entertained almost 100 enthusiastic viewers on Sun., Oct. 11 in front of the Green Building at St. Helena's.




Grades 1 and 2 making icecream together.


A great idea for a home ART PROJECT


Draw and post your rainbow, then take a picture of it, and send it to us, and we will post it in the Rainbows of Hope Project Photo Album.. 









UPK's Cheetah Class


Second grade celebrates the 100th day of school dressed as they believe they will look at age 100.

Pajama Day and a movie in the gym to end the month of January.


St. Helena Science Fair 2020


Puerto Rican Earthquake Relief

A large number of items have been collected both from the parish and from the school for the Puerto Rican Earthquake Relief Effort. Parishioners can still bring in diapers, canned food goods, batteries, blankets, water, and other items (please, no clothes). Items should be brought to the rectory by Friday, January 24.


St. Helena Cub Scout Pack 65 went on their first overnight camping trip of the year this weekend. The next cub scout meeting will be on Saturday, September 28 from 10AM-NOON in the Calasanz Room. Any students in grades 1-5 are welcome to join. Just come to the next meeting.


ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS IN GRADES 1-12

St. Helena's Boy Scout Troop 65 and Cub Scout Pack 65 will have their opening meeting on Wednesday, September 11 at 6:30PM in the cafeteria. This meeting is for students and their parents to explain our scout program here at St. Helena. It is for current scouts as well as for ANYONE interested in scouting. We will discuss our plans for the upcoming year, including a camping trip in September and the upcoming Boy Scout Merit Badge Fair. EVERYONE is invited to attend.

St. Helena Father-Daughter/Mother-Son Dance was held on June 9 from 2-5PM in the gym.


Confirmation 2019 with Bishop Peter J. Byrne


St. Helena School Celebrates Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day is a campaign with the mission to end child poverty by funding programs that keep children safe, healthy, and educated. Through the power of entertainment, it strives to bring people together to laugh and have fun, all while raising life-changing cash for the children that need it the most. Since its debut in 2015, it raised nearly $150 million and impacted over 16 million children in America, and around the world.


CLERGY RALLY AGAINST HOMELESS SHELTER

Representatives from several churches, including Mr. Meller and Mrs. Ortiz from St. Helena, were among the members of the clergy who conducted a rally against the proposed Single Men's Homeless Shelter, which is scheduled to open this year at 2008 Westchester Ave. There was no community consultation concerning it, and a lot of people want their voices to be heard. The NEXT rally will be on Monday, April 29 at 6:30PM at the same location. Everyone is welcome.


Members from the American Red Cross came to St. Helena's School on Friday afternoon and gave an informative presentation to our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students about the New York State Citizens Preparedness Corps and what to do when a disaster strikes.

St. Helena School second-grader Rhyu McLeod won fifth place for his experiment "Inflated without me" at the Bronx Catholic Schools Science Fair, which was held on March 28.

The old cherry tree behind the school received a much-needed trim on Thursday, as did the oak in front of the rectory and the trees of heaven in front of the parking lot.

The American Red Cross came to St. Helena on Valentine's Day and gave a presentation to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders called Project Pillowcase, which is about what to do in case of an emergency.


St. Helena Science Fair Winners

1st Grade: Ryan Ferreira for "Pepper and Water"
2nd Grade: Ryu McLeod for "Inflated Without Me"
3rd Grade: Queniea Kirsheh for "Coloring Changing Carnations"
4th Grade: Odalisa Encarnacion for "Temperature's Effect on Color Changing Carnations"
5th Grade: Angelina Infante for "Migrating Water"
6th Grade: Jazmin Vasquez for "Static Electricity"
7th Grade: Andrea Bellato and Angell Smith for "Scrub-Bot"
8th Grade: Antonio Martinez for "Where Can You Find DNA?"






lass Olympics from Catholic Schools Week

Carnival Day of Catholic Schools Week


Buddy Day - Day One of Catholic Schools Week

The Annual Multicultural Mass

Thanksgiving Parade

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast

The Funeral Mass for Iris Garcia was held on Wednesday, November 7 at 10AM in the church. About 60 adults and 100 students attended the moving service.


Iris Garcia Passes Unexpectedly: On Wednesday, Oct. 31, the St. Helena School Community was shocked to learn that one of its most beloved and dedicated teacher aids had passed peacefully in her sleep that morning.  Iris Garcia had been a pre-K and Kindergarten teacher’s aide at St. Helena for the past 15 years. She had been ill for several months, but she was always at work and was the one go-to person who cheerfully cleaned the little ones after any accidents.  She has two daughters (Michelle and Jackie) and a son (Michael), and her granddaughter (Aliyia) attended St. Helena.  She also worked for many years in both our after-school and summer programs. She was truly a grandmother to all the little ones.  Her Funeral Mass will take place at 10AM on Wednesday, November 7 at St. Helena.  Her public wake will take place at Ortiz Funeral Home, located next to the church, on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 4-9PM and on Mon. & Tues., Nov. 5 & 6 from 5-9PM.

St. Helena Catholic Church in the Bronx held its annual Halloween Party on Sat., Oct. 27 in the gym. Fathers and sons of ALL TYPES, as well as many other ghosts and ghouls, attended the event, and a fun time was had by all.


St. Helena students have been receiving free dental care courtesy of the brand new New York University Mobile Dental Van, which is part of their community outreach program called Smiling Faces Going Places.


Our St. Helena School students venerated the United Nations Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on Friday afternoon. The statue will be present in the church all day on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16. we will pray the Rosary at 1PM on Saturday and at 11:30AM on Sunday. The statue will be in the church for veneration during the day.


School began on Wednesday, September 5. God's many blessings for a great school year.


SEVENTH GRADE TRIP TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN FLORIDA



SPELLING BEE WINNER

Congratulations to 7th-grader Dana Rivera who won our local St. Helena School spelling bee on Friday. She will now advance to the regional competition.


The New York City Fire Department gave a safety presentation Friday at St. Helena as part of Bronx Emergency Preparedness Weekend.

Fordham Prep Seniors do some much-needed painting at St. Helena as part of their Service for Seniors project.


Suri Zambrano, a second-grader at St. Helena in the Bronx, enjoyed playing in the snow today.



Zanera DeGuzman is a second grader at St. Helena School. She is from the Philippines. This is her first time playing in the snow, and she is very excited!

COOKING CLUB

The washing of hands on Holy Thursday

FREE COVID TESTING KITS: 

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York will be able to provide every family and staff member with a COVID-19 home test kit. As municipalities and health organizations struggle to stock up on these much sought-after kits, we hope our distribution of tens of thousands of test kits will provide some small measure of comfort in knowing you will have these crucial tools in your home when you are exposed to COVID. Mr. Meller, our principal,

will be in touch regarding the distribution of the test kits for St. Helena this week. Please be sure to review the document distributed with these kits for critical information on their use and contact the school office with any questions about the distribution of these free kits. While we will strive to continue to make kits available in the future to you, please know that you can and should also visit the free testing sites linked here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you. In NYC: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page

St. Helena students decorate their classroom doors for Christmas.









Some of the food collected by the St. Helena School students for the November 24th Food Pantry, which begins at NOON at the Green Building. We are expected to give food baskets to over 300 needy people that day and additional donations can be brought to the rectory or directly to the Green Building.

TRICK or TREAT 2021



Blessing of the Stuffed Animals







CELEBRATING 550 DAYS
It has been 550 days since St. Helena had its last full day of class with no students attending virtually. So why not celebrate by inviting Mr. Softie to come and give ice cream to all the students, faculty, and staff.





Day Won
The #BYSTAssistProject, sponsored by alumnus Andrew Curiel, kicked off the first day of school for the 2nd grade class in my former elemenatry school, St.Helena's!
"It felt great to be back at St.Helena's and give back to such a great, polite, and excited group of 2nd graders, " said Curiel. With the help of donations from 52 supporters he raised over $3,000 in 14 days to supply ALL the second graders with book-bags, school supplies, and hand sanitizers for this academic year! Most importantly, they each will be receiving a Google Chromebook with the funds to aid with their learning in the classroom "Things like this set my soul on fire and I couldn't be happier to give back to a place that gave me my legit start in life."


FROM CARDINAL DOLAN
As you know, the Catholic schools of the archdiocese opened on time for in-person instruction in September 2020, and successfully and safely remained open for the school year. In many ways, our schools became the model for the rest of the country, offering the option of either remote learning or in-classroom instruction. Our principals, administrators, teachers, pastors, parents, and officials from our Superintendent of Schools office, all did superlative work in developing the strategy that led to this remarkable achievement.
After intensive study and preparation for the school year starting this September, Superintendent Michael Deegan, his staff, and the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent have determined that based on last year’s success and what is best for our students, the academic year starting in September will be totally “in-school” instruction, with no hybrid or remote learning option. Of course, all health and safety protocols developed by the CDC, New York State Department of Health, and other medical and scientific professionals will be followed.

I hope you will join me in thanking Mr. Deegan and his dedicated team for the innovation, preparation, and dedication they have consistently demonstrated during these difficult months.

Congratulations to the 16 boys and girls who graduated from Kindergarten at St. Helena School on Wednesday.

The St. Helena Kindergarten Class presented handmade cards in remembrance of Fr. Richard's 50th anniversary of priestly ordination, which will take place on June 5. On June 6, Fr. Richard will celebrate his Golden Anniversary Mass at 8AM at St. Helena.





Second Grade celebrates 100 days of school.

Fun in the snow:  Ryu (4th Grade), Kevin (3rd Grade), Khemoni (1st Grade), and Derrick (UPK Penguin) 

Throwback Thursday

Workout Wednesday during Catholic Schools Week







Grade Two Workout Wednesday


Workout Wednesday during Catholic Schools Week.


Crazy Hat/Hair Day Creations




SUPERHERO DAY

The second grade salutes our healthcare Frontliners on the first day of Catholic Schools Week.

The first grade celebrated Superhero Day on Monday as part of Catholic Schools Week.




The kindergarten class presented a Christmas story about Mary, the Angels, and the Star of Bethlehem at the 8:30AM School Mass on December 22.


Tyler Rivera and his snowman.


8th-grader Chris William's patriotic snowman.


What a happy and wonderful snowman, made and submitted by Torres, Lopez, and Vargas.



FREE Extended Learning!

We’re excited to offer all of our K-8 Catholic school students our free extended learning program! Available after school and on Saturdays, this program is designed to provide students with extra math and literacy instruction, plus fun STEM projects and activities like virtual field trips—all in a collaborative virtual classroom with a small group of students. And it’s all free! Space is limited, so sign up today! https://catapultlearning.com/eld-adny-enroll/

The final touches have been made, and the gym floor is now complete.


The new school year here at St. Helena began on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Some students chose to attend class in person, while others chose to join by ZOOM. Students wore masks and kept social distancing. Everything went very smoothly.

Teachers at St. Helena School in the Bronx are getting ready for the opening of the new school year on Wednesday, September 9. Students have the option of attending classes live or virtually or a combination of the two.





The yellow parts of the gym floor are now being painted and all is looking good for the Sept. 9 opening of the School.


We are constantly sanitizing the classrooms in preparation for the opening of the new school year on Wednesday, September 9.


No, our boiler was not invaded by a huge swarm of African Killer Bees. In preparation for the upcoming heating season, we are replacing and repairing the glass rods that help produce the steam that will keep our classrooms nice and warm.

The gym floor has been coated with polyurethane and the lines have been put down. The logo will soon be painted.

Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance. – Proverbs 1:5

August 27, 2020

Dear Catholic Schools Families,

As the days grow shorter, the rituals of summer give way to the routines of fall and a new school year. School principals have been working extensively with the Office of the Superintendent and the Catholic Schools Reopening Advisory Council, to provide extensive professional development on COVID-19 awareness, enhanced teacher technology, and mental health social-emotional learning (SEL). Given the emphasis on hygiene, our maintenance and custodial staff are receiving training in the new requirements for cleaning and sanitizing our school buildings. A recent article in Catholic New York does a wonderful job of articulating this intensive instruction currently underway to ensure our mission is carried out safely and efficiently.

By now, your principal has been in touch with you to share the reopening plan crafted for your particular school and familiarize you with the modifications to daily routines such as drop off and pick up procedures and the regulations surrounding meal times and traversing hallways. These communications will continue since your comfort and familiarity with the new protocols is paramount.

While the painstaking work continues in your school buildings, there are things you can do at home to prepare your family for the coming school year. This comprehensive video presentation, Teacher and Student Resources for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, with materials approved by our health experts, including Dr. Walid Michelen, chief medical officer and senior vice president at ArchCare, is a timely refresher on COVID-19. While we are all familiar with the dos and don’ts of life during this pandemic, one can never be too informed. Consider this an opportunity for some family professional development before returning to your school in just a few weeks.

More than ever, your partnership is crucial to safely and successfully reopening our schools and to carry on the storied legacy of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York. Thank you for being informed, supportive and understanding as we navigate this new beginning together.

Sincerely,

Mr. Michael J. Deegan

Superintendent of Schools

Archdiocese of New York

The gym floor is getting sanded and repainted.


Sanding began today on the gym floor. It will be 100% restored, and the gym will have a brand new surface.

One side of the gym is already completed and the second side is almost done too. Then, the sanding and refinishing the entire gym will take a few more days.


We have installed new signs and sanitizing stations in the classrooms and in the hallways as we prepare for the new school year.


We are getting ready for the new school year. The classrooms are being cleaned and sanitized as we prepare for the opening of the new school year on September 9.






UPDATE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

NO SCHOOL THROUGH THE END OF JUNE

Anyone with symptoms or questions about COVID-19 can call 844-NYC-4NYC to connect to a medical provider free of charge 9AM-9PM.
 

 Dear Parents and Guardians, 

We hope this letter finds you and your family healthy. The Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools felt it important to share new information, based upon materials from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.” 

Health experts in New York and across the country are investigating cases of Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS). This new health condition has been appearing in children in New York City and elsewhere. Investigations are also being conducted into the possible association between PMIS and COVID-19 in children. Some doctors think the condition is related to having COVID-19, but the connection is still not clear. Linked here is a Fact Sheet from the NYC Health Department which I encourage you to review. 

PMIS is a rare condition; however, because it is life-threatening, it is vital to know the signs. Most children have a persistent, high fever lasting several days, along with other symptoms, including: 

• Irritability or sluggishness 

• Abdominal pain without another explanation 

• Diarrhea 

• Vomiting 

• Rash 

• Conjunctivitis, or red or pink eyes 

• Enlarged lymph node (“gland”) on one side of the neck 

• Red, cracked lips or red tongue that looks like a strawberry 

• Swollen hands and feet, which might also be red 

You should call your doctor if your child becomes ill and has had continued fever. Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and use that information to recommend next steps. As always, if your child is severely ill, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately. 

Although it is not yet known whether it is associated with COVID-19, it is essential parents and children take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

For regularly updated information about the coronavirus crisis as it relates to our schools, please continue to visit our website CatholicSchoolsNY.org. 

Sincerely, 

Mr. Michael J. Deegan Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York

Dear Catholic School Community, 

Our Catholic schools have successfully adapted and overcome every obstacle the coronavirus crisis has put in our path. Staying true to our faith-based and future-focused education, we strive to provide each student entrusted to our care an academically excellent program. Teachers have been teaching, and students have been learning, coming together each day to pray, study, laugh, and love. Our parents have contributed immeasurably to the success. Each of us is indeed blessed to be part of this larger family of faith, and we will continue to support one other as we continue to walk through this struggle together. 

As directed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s executive order, our Catholic schools will remain closed through the end of June, thus making home-based learning our format as we close the academic year. The Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools will remain proactive, we continue to adapt, and we will absolutely overcome this challenge. We along with our principals and teachers will ensure for those celebrating stepping up milestones, graduations, and other achievements are honored and recognized. 

We continue to assemble resources for our families as we all confront this challenge: 

• • Offering our counseling program, ADAPP, which continues to be available to you and our students. You will be hearing more from them directly in the coming week with many additional resources. We must ensure we take advantage of these resources. 
• • Ensuring all students have access to meals, linked here are distribution sites throughout the Archdiocese. 
• • Expanding extended year summer learning options, both remote and in-person, if feasible, will continue to be explored and offered to the widest audience possible. 
• • Working to ensure that if a family needs a device for learning and cannot afford one we secure one through a loan by the school, donors, or through government resources. 
• • Partnering with Catholic Charities NY myriad of offerings, download its FindHelp App today! 

As always, we will continue to update our website CatholicSchoolsNY.org with additional information, resources, and updates. We join our Holy Father, Cardinal Dolan, and the Bishops of the United States, placing our trust in our Mary our Mother. We know that by entrusting ourselves to her maternal care we will feel the solace of her embrace. We remain inspired by the fact that as each day passes, we are closer to a resolution and better, happier days, united, in our schools, our churches, and our community, to teach, to learn, and to pray together once more. 

Sincerely, 

Mr. Michael J. Deegan Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York

• In accordance with state and federal guidelines, all school buildings will remain closed and home-based learning will continue through April 30, 2020

• Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York will be on Easter break commencing Holy Thursday through Friday, April 17. Home-based classes will resume on Monday, April 20.

• The CatholicSchoolsNY.org webpage had a redesign; it’s now multi-dimensional!
  With frequently updated information and the ability to connect with our school community in real-time,

  it will become the information superhighway for Catholic school families. You will also see new pages with helpful parent resources, counseling information and system-wide announcements as well as links to government-issued COVID-19 relating to our schools. Don’t forget to visit CatholicSchoolsNY.org for real-time updates throughout the day!

• In keeping with health department mandates, the policy regarding notifications of new COVID-19 cases associated with our schools has been updated. Please see this recently posted notification for further information regarding the new notification protocols.

  As we approach the holiest of weeks for Catholics, and our next two “Catholic School Weekends of Prayer” Cardinal Dolan has invited you and your family to join him in celebrating Palm Sunday and Easter Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral this and next Sunday, April 5 & 12 at 10:00 a.m. We will come together as Catholic Schools Community to pray together and view the televised Mass on PIX 11 or live stream on the St. Patrick’s Cathedral website. They may also be heard on The Catholic Channel, Sirius XM 129. We also live-stream Mass here at St. Helena every day at 9 a.m. in English and at 5 p.m. in Spanish.  You can access it by going to https://www.Facebook.com/St.HelenaBronx and clicking on video on the left-hand column.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23 

Dear Parents, 
In these rapidly changing and challenging days, I am reminded of the two lions that sit in front of the NY Main Library and whose names are Patience & Fortitude.  With our faith and patience and fortitude, I know that we will succeed in overcoming the obstacles that COVID-19 presents to our community near and far.  I will keep you updated regularly, and I will be posting on our new twitter account at @Fun2BGood.  The Archdiocese has decided to hold off on the regular 3rd Quarter Report Cards, but we will send you a basic Progress Report early in April. 

Our faculty has developed a worthwhile and rigorous remote learning curriculum that follows the NYS Standards and is designed for our students who are not in physical contact with their teacher and classmates. This will be for our students to utilize until we return to our classrooms hopefully by April 20th.  In most cases, the lessons will be presented through online components as well as by using the books that they have already been using.  Utilizing teacher-parent communication resources such as Remind or ClassDojo, your child’s teacher will give each class very specific details concerning their students’ attendance, class assignments, responsibilities, and assignment due dates. 

During these days, routines are good and by utilizing remote learning, your child is expected to do their academic work on their own, and they are responsible for submitting their work, done to the best of their academic ability, on time regularly.  Students will lose credits for incomplete or late assignments as is normally the case. Students are expected to work on their class assignments from roughly 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each school day, and their class assignments should be submitted during that calendar day (i.e it should be submitted in the evening of the day that the work was assigned), or else the student could lose half credit each day.  The remainder of the day is the time allowed to do Home Work and online activities, as well as possible virtual field trips, etc. The day should roughly follow the regular schedule of 60-90 minutes each of ELA & Math, then other subjects as per the normal schedule, including physical activity and artistic creativity. Students are always allowed breaks for a snack, lunch, etc. The comfort & joy of childhood is a basic part of schooling.
  
Adjustments will be made to any breakfast, lunch, afterschool, and late fees, and the Archdiocese is developing a revised tuition plan. I am truly grateful and humbled by the efforts that all parents are making at this time, and I wish to remind us all to take time for family fun and activities that will be remembered for a lifetime.  Fr. David has mentioned that there is limited professional counseling that is available, and more details can be provided as needed. 

I hope that everyone is well, and I look forward to seeing you all again in our school building which is a second home to many of our students and staff, both now and throughout the free Catapult Summer Program in July, which is open to all of our students and not just to Title I students.  Take care & God bless you. 
 
Sincerely, 
Richard Meller, Principal

"El Señor es mi pastor; nada me faltará." Salmo 23 

Queridos padres, 
En estos días tan cambiantes y desafiantes, recuerdo a los dos leones que se sientan frente a la Biblioteca Principal de Nueva York y cuyos nombres son Paciencia y Fortaleza.  Con nuestra fe, paciencia y fortaleza, sé que tendremos éxito en la superación de los obstáculos que COVID-19 presenta a nuestra comunidad cerca y lejos.  Los mantendré informados regularmente, y publicaré en nuestra nueva cuenta de Twitter en @Fun2BGood.  La Arquidiócesis ha decidido posponer las calificaciones del tercer trimestre, pero les enviaremos un informe básico de progreso a principios de abril. 

Nuestro profesorado ha desarrollado un currículo de aprendizaje a distancia digno y riguroso que sigue los estándares del Estado de Nueva York y está diseñado para nuestros estudiantes que no están en contacto físico con su profesor y compañeros de clase. Esto será para que nuestros estudiantes lo utilicen hasta que regresemos a nuestras aulas, con suerte para el 20 de abril.  En la mayoría de los casos, las lecciones se presentarán a través de componentes en línea, así como mediante el uso de los libros que ya han estado utilizando.  Utilizando los recursos de comunicación entre maestros y padres, tales como Remind o ClassDojo, el maestro de su hijo dará a cada clase detalles muy específicos sobre la asistencia de sus estudiantes, las tareas de clase, las responsabilidades y las fechas de vencimiento de las tareas. 

Durante estos días, las rutinas son buenas y al utilizar el aprendizaje a distancia, se espera que su hijo haga su trabajo académico por su cuenta, y son responsables de presentar su trabajo, hecho lo mejor posible de su capacidad académica, a tiempo regularmente.  Los estudiantes perderán créditos por tareas incompletas o tardías, como sucede normalmente. Se espera que los estudiantes trabajen en sus tareas de clase aproximadamente de 8:30 a.m. a 12:30 p.m. cada día escolar, y sus tareas de clase deben ser entregadas durante ese día de calendario (es decir, deben ser entregadas en la tarde del día en que se asignó el trabajo), o de lo contrario el estudiante podría perder medio crédito cada día.  El resto del día es el tiempo permitido para hacer el trabajo en casa y las actividades en línea, así como posibles excursiones virtuales, etc. El día debe seguir aproximadamente el horario regular de 60-90 minutos cada uno de ELA y Matemáticas, luego otras materias según el horario normal, incluyendo la actividad física y la creatividad artística. A los estudiantes siempre se les permiten descansos para un refrigerio, almuerzo, etc. La comodidad y la alegría de la infancia es una parte básica de la escolarización.
  
Se harán ajustes a los desayunos, almuerzos, actividades extraescolares y a las cuotas por retraso, y la Arquidiócesis está desarrollando un plan de matrícula revisado. Estoy verdaderamente agradecido y humilde por los esfuerzos que todos los padres están haciendo en este momento, y deseo recordarnos a todos que tomemos tiempo para la diversión familiar y las actividades que serán recordadas por toda la vida.  El Padre David ha mencionado que hay un limitado asesoramiento profesional disponible, y que se pueden proporcionar más detalles si es necesario. 

Espero que todos estén bien, y espero verlos a todos de nuevo en nuestro edificio escolar que es un segundo hogar para muchos de nuestros estudiantes y personal, tanto ahora como a lo largo del Programa de Verano de Catapultas gratis en julio, que está abierto a todos nuestros estudiantes y no sólo a los estudiantes de Título I.  Cuídense y que Dios los bendiga. 
 
Sinceramente, 
Richard Meller, Director

FACTS ABOUT DEALING WITH A VIRUS

A Virus is not a living organism, and there is no such thing as ‘killing the virus’.  The following advice is from an Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University. He explains how to deal with a virus, and I share it with you because it is VERY CLEAR:

 * A virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code (mutation) and converts them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
 * Since a virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed but decays on its own.  The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
 * A virus is very fragile;  the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat.  That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much (for 20 seconds or more) to make a lot of foam.  By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
 * HEAT melts fat;  this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything.  In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
 * Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
 * Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein and breaks it down from the inside.
 * Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol, and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
 * NO BACTERICIDE HELPS.  A virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibiotics cannot kill what is not alive, but some quickly disintegrate a virus' structure.
 * NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets, or cloth.  While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous), 4 hours (copper, because it is naturally antiseptic), 4 hours (wood, of which the pews of St. Helena are made because it removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off and so it disintegrates), 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal), and 72 hours (plastic).  But if you shake the surface or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and some could then lodge in your nose.
 * The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial cold as in the air conditioners found in houses and cars.  They also need moisture and especially darkness to stay stable.  Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm, and bright environments will degrade it faster.
 * UV LIGHT on any object that may contain a virus breaks down the virus protein.  For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect.  Be careful, however, because it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin and could eventually cause wrinkles and skin cancer.
 * The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
 * Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
 * NO SPIRITS, NOT EVEN VODKA, helps because the strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65% alcohol.
 * LISTERINE CAN help provide it is 65% alcohol.
 * The more confined the space, the greater the concentration of the virus can be present.  The more open or naturally ventilated the space, the less viral concentration will be present.
 * This is SUPER IMPORTANT! You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc.  And especially after having used the bathroom.
 * You have to KEEP HANDS DRY after so much washing because the molecules can easily hide in the skin's micro-cracks, and the thicker the moisturizer, the better. 
 * Also, keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

Coronavirus Updates

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/free-meals

Free Meals For Everyone

The New York City Department of Education is committed to making three free meals available daily for any New Yorker. Any New Yorker who wants one can get three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.

Meals can be picked up at all Meal Hubs 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Meals Hubs will operate for children and families from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, and for adults from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
No one will be turned away at any time.

All adults and children can pick up three meals at one time.
Vegetarian and halal options available at all sites.
No dining space is available, so meals must be eaten off-premises.

Parents and guardians may pick up meals for their children.
No registration or ID required.
Use our Meal Hub lookup tool to find a location near you!
 

Starting March 23, NYC students can pick up 3 free meals daily from 7:30AM-1:30PM, M-F at 400 NYC sites: https://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals

A partir del 23 de marzo, los estudiantes de la ciudad de Nueva York pueden recoger 3 comidas gratis al día de 7:30 a 13:30, de lunes a viernes en 400 sitios de la ciudad de Nueva York: https://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals


Superintendent of Catholic Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan has announced Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of New York will close all elementary schools in our system effective Monday, March 16, 2020, until Monday, April 20, 2020, with the possibility of a lengthier closure.  Informed by expert health officials and the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, this decision was made out of an abundance of caution. The health and safety of our students, staff, and families are of the utmost importance.
 
Additionally, after consultation with the leadership of the Catholic Youth Organizations and the Catholic High School Athletic Associations, all activities and all sporting events and practices have been canceled indefinitely. 

We here at St. Helena have enhanced the methods and procedures used in the daily cleaning and sanitizing of our church and school, with more frequent use of disinfectants.  In the vent that St. Helena School has a student, teacher, or staff member who tests positive for the Corona Virus, we will close the school for a minimum of 48 hours in order to fully assess the situation and to ensure that a full sanitization is carried out by qualified licensed cleaning professionals as outlined by CDC disinfection guidelines.  Remember that anyone returning from international travel (U.S. Territories excluded) must receive medical clearance to return to school, religious education classes, or youth ministry programs.  Additionally, as per CDC requirements, students and school personnel returning from Italy, China, South Korea, and Iran are required to remain home for 14 days from the date you return to New York City AND provide a letter of medical clearance from a licensed medical professional before you will be allowed to return to school, religious education classes, or youth ministry.  For updated travel information from the CDC, visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Coronavirus Directives from the Archdiocese

The Archdiocese has just issued the following liturgical directives concerning the Coronavirus:

*The Sign of Peace is to be exchanged without physical contact.
*The Distribution of the Precious Blood of Christ from the chalice is suspended at this time.
*Every consideration should be made by each individual to receive the host reverently in open hands for now for the protection of all.
*Ministers are to use an anti-bacterial solution before and after the distribution of Holy Communion.
*Hand sanitizers and wipes will be placed at all entrances to the church for your use.
*The use of the communal collection basket is suspended. We will have a stationary collection basket near the sanctuary in which you can place your offertory gifts, either before or after Mass.

Please note that washing your hands frequently with regular soap and water is important to help prevent the spread of germs. But while antibacterial products may seem like a stronger cleaning option, they are no more effective in cleaning your hands than regular soap and water--and THEY DO NOT KILL VIRUSES LIKE THE CORONAVIRUS. In fact, the routine use of antibacterial cleaning products has been seriously questioned by scientists and studies have shown that triclosan, the active ingredient in many antibacterial products, may make matters worse by creating harmful drug-resistant bacteria. Stick with simple soap and water and if you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

Please pray for ISABEL SANTIAGO who is less than a year old. She is the cousin of our St. Helena School student Florencio Alvarez. Isabel is now in Jacobi Hospital with complications due to the COVID-19.



One of St. Helena’s Original Faculty Members Passes

Sister Marie Jean Dempsey, O.P., who taught at St. Helena’s from 1941-46, died earlier this month in Dominican Convent Siena Hall in Sparkill.  She was 99. She was one of St. Helena’s original faculty members.

Sr. Marie Jean was president of the Sparkill Dominicans from 1972-80.  She served as a professor of English, professor of humanities and academic dean at St. Thomas Aquinas College from 1963-72 and 1980-98, and she received an honorary doctor of humane letters from the college.

Born in Brooklyn, she entered the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill in 1938 and professed final vows in 1945.  She earned a bachelor’s in English from Manhattan College, a master’s in English from St. John’s University, and a doctorate in English from Columbia University.  A Funeral Mass was celebrated in Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, and she was buried in St. Agnes Cemetery in Sparkill.

Celebrating Dr. Seuss' Birthday.


Grades K-2 were surprised with treats today for their scores going up In both reading and math from Fall to Winter on the Nationwide MAP Testing!! 

 
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St. Helena's has four new computer tables for our Kindergarten classroom.





St. Helena Universal Pre-kindergarten held its annual Christmas Concert on Thurs., Dec. 19 at 1:30PM in the church.

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School Thanksgiving Feasts


Junior High Friendsgiving Feast

Our annual Thanksgiving Multicultural Mass

Our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for St. Anthony's Soup Kitchen.


r. Fernando Negro speaking to the students about St. Joseph Calasnz, the founder of the Piarist Fathers as part of Calasnz Identity Week.

All Saints Day 2019

Happy Halloween at St. Helena School


The School Halloween Party in the gym.


The Blessing of Stuffed Animals took place during the 8:30AM Mass on Fri., Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis, and will also take place on Sunday, Oct. 6 during the 10:30AM Family Mass and the NOON Spanish Mass. Live animals will be blessed in the parking lot from NOON to 2PM on October 4 and from 2:30-4:30PM on October 6.




The NYU Dental Van was at St. Helena on Monday and Tuesday to give dental screenings to all the students.


St. Helena annual Spring Band Concert in the gymnasium.


Social Emotional Boot Camp was the topic of this year'[s school play put on by Sue Stern and the students from TACT as well as representatives from grades 1-8.

Members of Mrs. Seabrook'a Second Grade celebrate the 100th Day of School at St. Helena School.


MISMATCH DAY, where students where two different shoes, as part of the fun of celebrating Catholic Schools Week this week. Here are some second-grade students joining in the fun.


Second-grade doctors perform surgery to perform grammatical "contractions."

The seventh-grade students built Iroquois longhouses as a Social Studies activity in class.


Every First Thursday the students have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconclliation .
A very special thanks to St. Helena alumnus Andrew Curiel '10 and his business partner Francisco Neeko Zeno for successfully organizing The Be You Stay True Program’s #AssistProject where they supplied 50+ St. Helena Elementary School students with brand new book-bags and school supplies.


City Island Author Elisa Huberman read her latest book "The Upside Down Giraffe" to the St. Helena kindergarten, first, and second-grade students.


In celebration of former NBA and current author Mo Williams' series of books, which includes "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus," the kindergarten celebrated Pigeon by reading their favorite books from the series.


Spring Band Concert


WE'RE GOING TO ORLANDO

Ms. Fabiola Soto's sixth-grade class was the lucky winner in the DAILY NEWS' Universal Studios Class Trip contest. Each member of the class and one parent will be flown down to Orlando, Florida in August for a three-day experience. the DAILY NEWS surprised the class on Friday and announced that they had won.





Dr. Seuss Day at St. Helena
Here, the three-year-olds and the faculty celebrate Dr. Seus Day at St. Helena's. Held annually on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss Day is a holiday that celebrates the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel – otherwise known by the pen name by which he authored children’s books: Dr. Seuss. During the 1990s, the National Education Association advocated for a day to celebrate reading all over the United States. In 1998, it started Read Across America and decided to hold it on the same day as Dr. Seuss’ birthday.


INCUBATING EGGS




The NED Show was presented to the students at St. Helena School on Monday as a way to kick off Catholic Schools Week activities. The show is a character education school assembly program that promotes academic achievement through character development.


Owl Pellet Dissection L:ab 


Seventh graders are working on muscle fatigue between dominant & non-dominant hands in their science lab.



WE STILL NEED YOUR LABELS FOR EDUCATION

The Labels for Education program is coming to a close. Only UPC submissions with the Labels for Education logo will be accepted and redeemed for points. All submissions must be postmarked no later than January 2, 2018, in order to be deposited into our schools’ bank account. We currently have 1,447 points. Look for the Labels for Education logo on these products: Campbells, Pace, Pepperidge Farm, SpaghettiOs, Swanson, and V8. Labels can either be brought to the rectory or placed in the collection basket.  We are also accepting Box Tops for Education.

The School receives CASH for every Box Top For Education square we receive.  Just cut out the actual Box Tops square on each eligible package.  You can drop them off in the rectory, give them to your child, or drop them in the parish collection basket.  Every top counts, and we appreciate your assistance with this.  For more information on Box Tops For Education, including special promotions and a list of participating products, go to www.BTFE.com.  Thank you for your support.

Go to your grade level under the CLASSES tab above, and you will see your summer reading assignments.

Due to the COVID, all sports have been postponed until further notice.