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 - 6:30 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 2017-18 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.

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

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.

Sports Night Honors

St. Helena Athletics held Sports Night on Wednesday evening in the gym.  Certificates, plaques, and trophies were distributed to intramural, junior varsity, and varsity teams.  Mr. Dennis Sullivan ’86, the head basketball coach of St. Ignatius, was the keynote speaker. The St. Helena Medal was given to the Sullivan family in honor of Mrs. Maureen Sullivan, a former St. Helena Pre-K teacher

For the first time, the Horsemen participated in CYO Basketball.  The JV team, consisting of sixth graders, made it to the quarterfinals, while the Varsity team won the CYO Division Championship.  A team consisting of JV players and seventh graders won the Catholic School Basketball Association Ron Patnosh Memorial Shootout Championship, and the players on that team will form the nucleus of the boys Varsity team next season. 

Special Awards were given to eight players.  The Incentive Award was given to Larry German; the Female Sports Award went to Dana Rivera, while the Male Sports Award went to Justin Hernandez; Eric Cordero received the Scholar-Athlete Award, and Baylee Otero received the Sportsmanship Award; Khalil Black received the Athletic Award, and William Manning received the Leadership Award; the Coach’s Award went to Jose Velez.

Other awards went to the members of the Intramural Volleyball Team, the Track Team, and the Cheerleaders.  Boys and girls basketball intramural players received awards from their coaches who were all Horsemen alumni.  The Hawks won the Girls Division, while the Wildcats won the Boys Senior Division.  The evening ended with the students presenting Boys Coach Bobby Schaeffer with a token of appreciation and Girls Coach Kathleen Schaeffer with a birthday cake. A reception followed the awards ceremony.

St. Helena Horsemen Varsity Semifinal CYO basketball victory over St. Margaret at Mt. Carmel.



Junior Varsity Played Last CYO Home Game

Sean Dubose led the junior varsity Horsemen with a team-high 11 points, and the Horsemen had some good moments in their final CYO home game, but St. Frances de Chantal played just a little better and won the game 23-32.

The Horsemen were able to stay within 4-6 points for most of the game, with de Chantal leading 7-13 at the quarter and the Horsemen narrowing the gap to 12-16 at the half. Dubose had two 3’s, and Larry German scored his five points all within the first half.  Chris Williams contributed 6 points, and Manase Manigar rounded out the Horsemen scoring by hitting a free throw in the third. The Horsemen were 5 for 8 from the line.

Girl’s Basketball Intramural's Begins

The season opened Thursday afternoon for girl’s basketball intramural’s.  The Hawks edged out the Cardinals 6-4.  Cindy, Lisa, and Kaitlynn each sank a two for the Hawks, while Natalie and Madison hit a two for the Cardinals.  Baylee Ortero’s game-high 14 points was all it took for the Wildcats to edge out the Huskies 14-13.  Tatiana Linares had a team-high 5 points for the Huskies, including the only three hit in either game.  Nicole had 4 points, and Melany and Maira each had a two for the Huskies. The next game will be on January 31.

Varsity Horsemen Take Two

The varsity Horsemen easily won victories over St. Theresa (40-25) last week and Santa Maria (48-20) on Wednesday.

Justin Hernandez was the only player of the game to score in all four quarters and to score in double digits, squeaking by with five 2’s for 10 points. St. Theresa had jumped out to an early 6-9 first-quarter lead, but the Horsemen caught up in the second quarter, leading 15-11 at the half, and they never looked back.  Willam Manning had four 2’s and a free throw for 9 points, and Jahli Ward sank two 3’s and a two for 8 points.  Khail Black had two 2’s and hit two from the line for 6 points, and Jose Velez hit a three in the second quarter; Kyle Austin sank a two in the fourth quarter, and Eric Codero shot two for the line to round out the Horsemen scoring.  The Horsemen were 5 for 10 from the line, while St. Theresa went 6 for 10.

In their final regular home game of the CYO season, Manning was the only player in double-digits against Santa Maria, hitting six 2’s for a game-high 12 points.  The Horsemen kept Santa Maria from scoring until there were less than two minutes left in the first quarter, and the Horsemen led 20-8 at the half. Hernandez had 9 points and Ward again had 8 points, including the only three of the game. Isaiah La Casse had his personal season-high 7 points, and Codero had 3 points in the third, Black a two in the first, and Antonio Martinez a free-throw in the fourth to round out the Horsemen scoring. The Horsemen went 5 for 9 from the line, while Santa Maria went 4 for 10.

The JV game against St. Theresa was played in slow motion. The Horsemen started out well, leading 15-20 at the half, but then they took a winter nap, and St. Theresa rallied in the final quarter to win the game 15-20.  Sean DuBose had a game-high 10 points, assisted by Chris Williams with a two in the first and Manasse Mianger with a three in the second quarter.  The Horsemen were 0 for 2 from the line, while St. Theresa went 4 for 8.  

Hernandez Hits 100

St. Helena Varsity Center Justin Hernandez became the third Horseman to break the 100 season-point mark. The Horsemen defeated Xavier 48-40 in what was for almost the entire game a very close contest. Even more exciting, the JV Horsemen came from behind to narrowly edge out Xavier 31-30.

Hernandez was the only Horseman to score in double digits and in all four quarters, sinking six 2’s and four free throws to give him a team-high 16 points. Hernandez now has 104 season points. It was a very exciting game with both teams starting strong. The Horsemen led 15-13 at the quarter, while Xavier led 22-24 at the half. For most of the game, four or fewer points separated the two teams. In the final quarter, Xavier kept intentionally fouling the Horsemen, hoping to get possession of the ball. The Horsemen, in turn, kept sinking the free throws and rebounding the ball, which is what accounted for the eight-point difference in the final score.

Khail Black had two 2’s and a three for 7 points, while Kevin Vasquez hit two of the 5 Horsemen 3’s for six points. Kyle Austin hit two 2’s and two free throws for his six points. Eric Codero had a three and two free throws for 5 points. The team’s leading scorer, William Manning, got into foul trouble very early in the second quarter, having scored four points. He sat out most of the second and all of the third quarter and only returned for the last half of the final quarter, but he played nicely and hung in there to finish the game. Jali Ward also had four points, sinking a three and a free. Both teams had five 3’s and each shot 60% from the line, the Horsemen 9 for 15 and Xavier 11 for 19. Andrew Hart was the only other player to score in all four quarters, hitting a game-high 18 points for Xavier, just one basket more than Hernandez.

But it was the JV comeback that had people talking. Xavier started out with a comfortable 4-9 first-quarter lead, which they expanded to 6-18 at the half. But, all it takes is one bad quarter, and they had it in the third quarter sinking only one lone basket the entire quarter, while the Horsemen turned up the heat and charged, trailing by only two, 18-20, at the end of the third quarter. Finally, with 3:50 remaining in the game Sean Du Bose sank one of his two fourth-quarter threes that gave the Horsemen the lead for the very first time in the entire game, 23-22. And they held onto that one point lead for the rest of the quarter, edging it up to 31-30 off of a Maniase Manigar three with 9 seconds remaining in the game.

Chris Williams had a team-high 11 points, and Du Bose was also in double digits with 10. Manigar added 7 points, and Larry German hit a two in the second quarter. Jaylen Faye Velaso rounded out the Horsemen scoring with a free throw in the third. Jeff Rosa was the only player on either team to score in all quarters, and, like Hart, he too had a game-high 18 points. The Horsemen were 6 for 16 from the line, while Xavier went 6 for 10. Congratulations to the Horsemen for two well-played games.


Black Breaks 100 Against Benedict

Khail Black’s game-high 14 points brought him to 105 season points, as the Varsity Horsemen easily downed St. Benedict 61-36 during Wednesday’s home game. Sean DuBose was the only Horseman to score in all quarters and had a game-high 23 points, which was one more than the total points scored by the St. Benedict JV Team, as the Horsemen triumphed 44-22 in their game. 

The Varsity Horsemen came out of the gate quickly, sinking four 3’s in the first quarter, and they led 32-9 at the half.  Black, himself, put is four 3’s, and William Manning put in a game-high six 2’s and a free-throw for 13 points.  Manning has 118 season points. Both Jose Velez and Eric Codero had two threes and a two for 8 points.  Antonio Martinez had a three and a two in the second quarter for 5 points, and Kyle Austin had a pair of 2’s in the last quarter for 4 points.  Jahli Ward had a three early in the first quarter, and Justin Hernandez had a two in the first, Isiah LaCasse had a two in the last quarter, and Daniel Torres hit two free throws in the second quarter to round out the Horsemen scoring.  The Horsemen were 3 for 6 from the line, while St. Benedict was 5 for 12. The next home varsity game is Monday at 7PM against St. Frances de Chantal.

The JV Horsemen led only by two, 9-7, at the quarter but kept steadily increasing their lead and were 23-14 at the half.  Larry German was also in double digits and put in a three and four 2’s for 11 points.  Maniase Manigar and Jaylen Faye Velan each had a two in two different quarters, and Richie Martinez rounded out the team scoring with a two in the final quarter.  One St. Benedict player also scored in double digits with 12.  The JV Horsemen were 1 for 2 from the line, while St. Benedict was 0 for 2. Congratulations to the Horsemen.

Horsemen Gallop to Victory

Both the Varsity and JV Horsemen were victorious in their two most recent games.  Center Justin Hernandez had a game-high 14 points as the Varsity Horsemen overwhelmed St. Benedict 46-24 on Saturday, and Jahli Ward’s three 3’s helped the Horsemen edge out OLA 37-36 at home on Monday.

The Horsemen charged out and took a quick 11-2 lead at the quarter and a 31-9 lead at the half on Saturday against St. Benedict.  Hernandez was the only player on either team to score in all four quarters.  Khail Black put in three 3’s and a two for 11 points, the only other player of the game to score in double digits.  Both teams had seven players put up points on the scoreboard.  William Manning sank his four 2’s in the second and fourth quarters, as did Eric Codero with his five points. Jose Velez hit a three in the first quarter, and Antonio Martinez also sank a three in the second quarter.  Joseph Rosario rounded out the team scoring with a two in the first quarter.  The Horsemen went 5 for 24 from the line, while St. Benedict was 2 for 5.

The Horsemen also grabbed an early 15-7 lead at the quarter and had a 25-17 lead at the half on Monday, but a disastrous third quarter for the Horsemen and an impressive rally from OLA tied the game 28-28 at the third.  Two Horsemen 3’s from Ward and Black in the fourth tipped the final score in St. Helena’s direction. Manning had a team-high 11 points and was the only player on either team to score in all quarters.  Ward sank his three 3’s, two in the first and one in the fourth for 9 points.  Black had a three in the second and one in the fourth, which along with a two in the first gave him 8 points.  Codero hit a three in the first and a two in the second for five points, and Hernandez scored his four points in the first half.  The two teams were pretty even from the line with the Horsemen hitting 5 for 8 and OLA 7 for 10.

Led by Larry German, who hit two 3’s and a two for 8 points, the JV Horsemen also jumped out to an early 20-9 lead at the half over St. Benedict.  Sean Du Bose had a game-high 14 points, including a three, scoring in all four quarters. Chris Williams hit a two in the first and another in the fourth, and Xavier Perez his a two in the second and two free throws in the fourth.  Jaylen Faye Velsco had a two in the first. The Horsemen were 7 for 15 from the line, while Benedict was 2 for 4.

While OLA took an early 7-10 lead at the quarter. the JV Horsemen returned and had a comfortable 21-15 lead at the half, which they maintained throughout the second half, winning 31-26 in Monday’s game. This time, it was Williams who had a game-high 17 points, sinking eight 2’s and a fourth quarter free throw.  DuBose had 8 first half points, including the only team three.  German scored his 5 points in the second and third quarters, and Manasse Mianger rounded out the Horsemen scoring with a fourth quarter free throw. The Horsemen went 6 for 12 from the line, while OLA was 4 for 10.  Congratulations to the Horsemen for four great wins.

Codero Leads the Horsemen

Eric Codero had a team-high 14 points against Xavier, but it was not enough, as the Varsity Horsemen fell short 51-55. Chris Williams led the JV team with a team-high 12 points in their 29-48 loss against Santa Maria.

The Varsity Horsemen had a very strong second quarter, putting 20 points on the scoreboard and tying the game 29-29 at the half.  But good shooting from the line allowed Xavier to pull ahead by four in the third quarter and stay there to win the game. Codero had all his points in the second and third quarters.  Jahli Ward hit three 3’s and a two for 11 points, and Khail Black had the other two team 3’s and a two for 8 points.  William Manning had four 2’s, also for 8 points, and center Justin Hernandez rounded out the team scoring with 10 points.  The Horsemen were 0 for 3 from the line, while Xavier went 8 for 12. Two Xavier players were in double digits, one with a game-high 22 and another a bucket behind him with 20.

Williams was the only JV Horseman in double digits, scoring in all four quarters and sinking both of his free throws. Manasse Mianger hit for 6 points, and Sean Du Bose made his seven points in the first half, including the only team three, which he sank in the first quarter,  Larry German made a bucket in the first, and Jaylen Faye Velasco hit one in the fourth to round out the scoring.  The team went 4 for 9 from the line. Tai Turnage, alone, scored a game-high 30 points for Santa Maria, including three 3’s, the only ones made by the team.  Santa Maria went 7 for 12 from the line.  

Both the Varsity and the JV will play OLA at home on Monday, Dec. 17.  JV starts at 6:15PM and the varsity game begins at  7:30PM.

St. Raymond Edges Out Varsity Horsemen 

The Varsity Horsemen took an early 13-9 first-quarter lead over St. Raymond, and the score stayed within a four-point margin for the rest of the Horsemen’s opening home game Monday night, but it was not to be, and down the home stretch St. Raymond pulled ahead and won 42-45.

St. Raymond pulled ahead at the half and just barely managed to stay there, leading 19-21 at the half, 26-27 at the end of the third quarter, and 42-43 with just 10 seconds remaining in the game.  Jahli Ward led the Horsemen with a team-high 16 points, including four 3’s.  Eric Codero scored 8 points, half in the 1st quarter and the other half in the last quarter, and the team’s center Justin Hernandez also scored 8 points, his within the first three quarters.  William Manning hit for 7 points in the second half, and Khail Black hit the only other game three in the second quarter.  Poor free-throw shooting hurt the Horsemen who hit 5 for 13 from the line.  Bryce Simmons scored nearly half of St. Raymond’s points with a game-high 21 points, sinking 10 of his 13 free throws.  St. Raymond was 13 for 20 from the line.  

The JV Horsemen just never showed up for the game, losing 9-45. Chris Williams had a team-high 5 points, scoring a two in the first and a two and then sinking the only free throw of the game in the second quarter.  Manasse Mianiger also hit a two in the first and another in the final quarter.  The Horsemen were 1 for 3 for the line.  Drew Diaz hit a game-high 13 points for St. Raymond and Jasiah Jervis was also in double digits with 10 points. The team was 0 for 5 from the line.  The JV will next play Santa Maria at home at 6PM on December 12.

JV Horsemen Triumph over Xavier

The Junior Varsity Horsemen dominated St. Francis Xavier and easily won 51-40.  Six Horsemen scored, two in double digits.

The Horsemen went out to an early 16-9 lead in the first quarter, but Xavier closed the gap 28-20 at the half. Sean DuBose had the only three in the game, scoring in all four quarters, and he had a game-high 20 points. Chris Williams also scored in all four quarters with 17 points.  Larry German hit four 2s for 8 points, and Manasse Miangar hit a free-throw in the second quarter and a two in the third. Jaylen Veloso also hit a two in the second, and Davindra Deonarain hit a free-throw in the final quarter to round out the Horsemen scoring.  Both teams were 6 for 19 from the line.

Varsity Wins Season Opener

The Catholic Basketball League is not playing this season, so St. Helena is a member of the CYO League this year, and the Varsity Horsemen won their season opener 48-23 against Santa Maria on Tuesday at Santa Maria. Six Horsemen scored, two in double digits.  

The Horsemen charged out to an early 19-5 first quarter lead. Khalil Black was the leading scorer with a game-high 14 points, including two 3s.  William Manning scored 10 points in the first half, and Eric Codero was right behind him with 9 first-half points, followed by Jahli Ward with six. Antonio Martinez had 5 second-half points.  Justin Hernandez had a two in the first quarter, and Kevin Vasquez had a two in the third quarter to round out the scoring. The team was 2 for 2 from the line. Two Santa Maria players hit for a team-high 5 points, and the team shot 3 for 11 from the line. The next varsity game is their opening home game at 5PM on December 3 against St. Raymonds.

The JV Horsemen lost their opening game 34-63 at Santa Maria.  Chris Williams had a team-high 14 points, scoring in all quarters.  Sean DuBose was right behind him with 12 points, also scoring in all four quarters, and DuBose sank the only team threes, hitting one in the first and another in the third quarter.  Manasse Maniger hit six first-half points, and Larry German hit a two in the fourth quarter. The Horsemen shot 2 for 7 from the line. A Santa Maria player had a great night, sinking a game-high 28 points, and the team shot 3 for 6 from the line. The opening JV home game will be Dec. 3 at 6PM against St. Raymonds. 

Horsemen Win Varsity Championship

The St. Helena Horsemen trampled Our Lady of the Assumption 60-29 to win the Catholic Basketball League Varsity Championship Tuesday night at St. Theresa’s.  Earlier, St. Theresa’s won the JV championship over St. Ignatius Loyola.

Omari Ward hit a free throw for the first point of the game, which he quickly followed with a three.  OLA’s John DiNapoli responded by also hitting a three, and Ward next sank a two.  Both teams played aggressive ball, and the Horsemen only led 18-9 at the quarter, but OLA lost its focus and just could not sink their shots, and the Horsemen took advantage and led 36-20 at the half.  Khalil Black hit a three to open the second half for the Horsemen, who just never looked back.  All players on both teams had playing time, and everyone received a plaque at the conclusion of the game to celebrate their team’s achievement.

Both Omari Ward and Francisco Mattei had 2 threes.  Ward had a game-high 23 points, finishing the season with a league-high 238 points.  Mattei had 13 points, and Christian Colter was also in double digits with 10 points. Devonne Stewart hit 2 twos in the fourth for 4 points, followed by Black with his three.  Eric Cordero hit a two in the first; William Manning had one in the second, and Jose Velez sank his in the fourth. Danny Bahora rounded out the Horsemen scoring with a free throw in the fourth. Anthony Perroncini was the only OLA player in double digits with ten.  The Horsemen were 5 for 14 from the line, while OLA was 4 for 12.  Congratulations to Coach Bobby Schaefer and the Horsemen for once more bringing home the CBL varsity championship.

EIGHTH GRADE VARSITY ST. HELENA BASKETBALL PLAYERS AND CHEERLEADERS
Devonne Stewart, Mia Tejeda, Omari Ward, Christian Colter, Francisco Mattie, Jalis McMyers, Jenesia Getfield, Maria Delgado, Nathalia Diaz
(Not pictured) Raeann Gopaul, and Puja Harripersaud)


Horsemen Win Final Season Home Game

Christian Colter began Thursday’s game with a two, and Devonne Stewart ended the game with a two, as the varsity Horsemen advance to the final game of the Catholic Basketball League with a 61-34 victory over St. Ignatius  Loyola during their final home game of the season.

Before the game, both coaches recognized their eighth-grade players and cheerleaders.  Coach Bobbie Shaefer also announced the four Horsemen who were selected by the coaches to the All-Star Team:  Francisco Mattei, Omari Ward, Christian Colter, and William Manning.

Both teams charged out of the gate to begin the game, and the first half was action-packed, full of steals and layups and threes, with the Horsemen leading 36-23 at the half.  The second half was much slower, but every player had some playtime during at least one of the six-minute quarters.  Omari Ward had the first score of the second half and a game-high 27 points, including 2 threes, which gives him 215 season points. Francisco Mattei also sank 2 threes, one of which was the second score of the game as part of his 16 game points.  Christian Colter scored his 12 points all in the first half, and Khalil Black hit 2 twos in the fourth, while Devonne Steward finished the Horsemen scoring with his crowd-pleasing two. The 14 Horsemen cheerleaders gave an enthusiastic half-time performance. 

Charlie Gordon had 4 threes and a two, which got him a team-high 14 points for Loyola, and Luc Goble was also in doubt digits with 10 points.  The Horsemen were 7 for 9 from the line, while Loyola sank its lone free throw.  Last Thursday, the Horsemen played a close game against Our Lady of the Assumption at OLA, with the Horsemen finally crossing the finish line 65-59.  Mattei had a game-high 25 points, Colter 20 points, Ward 15 points, and Manning and Black two points each.  The Horsemen will play for the Catholic Basketball Varsity championships this Tuesday at 5PM at St. Theresa.

Ward Is a Winner

Omari Ward first put in a season-high 31 points against Our Lady of the Assumption to lead the Horsemen to an easy 71-46 win at OLA. Then, he sank another 24 points against Santa Maria to give him a season total of 177 points, making him currently the leading Catholic Basketball League varsity scorer. Peter Lugo hit 4 threes to lead the junior varsity to a 57-34 victory over OLA. 

It was Ward’s night, putting in 5 twos, 6 threes, and 3 free throws, all within the first three quarters.  The Horsemen charged out of the gate and never once looked back, leading 26-17 at the quarter and 46-29 at the half. Francisco Mattei, back in the game after an earlier injury, sank 6 twos and 2 threes and a free throw for 19 points, and Christian Colter hit 5 twos and 3 free throws for 13 points.  William Manning had a two in the third and another in the fourth, while Antonio Martinez hit a two in the third, and Khalil Black hit one in the fourth to round out the Horsemen scoring. The Horsemen were 7 for 8 from the line, while OLA was 10 for 21.

The junior varsity also galloped to an early lead, 18-9 at the quarter and 27-22 at the half.  Three Horsemen were in double digits, while only one OLA player did so. Lugo hit 4 threes, 2 twos, and a free throw to give him a game-high 17 points.  Jahli Ward was the only Horseman to score in all four quarters, sinking 4 twos and 6 free throws for 14 points. Kyle Austin had 5 twos and a free throw for 11 points.  Also contributing to the victory was Joseph Fernandez with 8 points and Isaiah Lacosse with 7. The Horsemen were 8 for 17 from the line, while OLA was 2 for 4.

The varsity players went to St. Raymonds to play a stronger Santa Maria team, but the Horsemen were only trailing by four, 24-28 at the half, and lost by a respectable 46-53. Ward hit 7 twos, 2 threes, and 4 free throws for a game-high 24 points.  Mattei was also in double digits with 10 points, while Colter contributed 6 points, Black 4 points, and Manning a two in the fourth to round out the Horsemen scoring.  Mattei and Colter each now have 162 season points.  The Horsemen went 8 for 16 from the line, while Santa Maria was 10 for 15.

Colter Leads the League in Scoring

Putting in a season-high 30 points, Christian Colter now leads the Catholic Basketball League in scoring with 143 points.  And his efforts almost overcame the St. Theresa dominance and the poor team shooting from the line, as the Horsemen lost their first varsity game of the season 44-45 at home on Monday evening.

St. Theresa came out of the gate fast and led 16-21 at the half, spearheaded by Joe Bruno who had a team-high 19 points.  The Horsemen slowly inched their way back and finally took the lead for the first time 35-34 with 3:42 left in the game.  The lead then alternated back and forth, with Danny Bahora sinking the second three of the game to give the Horsemen a 44-43 lead , but Bruno responded by nailing a two-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in the game.  St. Theresa then stole the ball and held it for the final three seconds. It was as dramatic and nail-biting a finish as one can get.

Colter hit 28 twos and 2 free throws. Khalil Black hit both a two and the second team three in the fourth.  William Manning had a two in the first and another in the third, and finally Eric Cordero sank a two in the fourth to round out the Horsemen scoring.  The Horsemen hit 2 for 7 from the line, while St. Theresa sank 7 for 13.  The next Horsemen home game will be Feb. 15 against Loyola.

Peter Lugo sank the only three of the game late in the fourth quarter to give him 55 season points, as the JV Horsemen also fell to St. Theresa 19-27.  Joseph Fernandez hit the first basket of the game and another in the second to tie the game 8-8 at the half.  He sank a final basket and a free throw in the fourth for a 7-point total - his highest of the season -, just behind Jahli Ward’s 2 twos in both the second and fourth quarters for a team-high 8 points. Ward now leads the team in scoring with 109 season points. Kyle Austin rounded out the Horsemen scoring with a free throw in the final minutes of the game. St. Theresa dominated the third quarter, and that was enough to assure the victory.  Edwin Betances was the only player in double digits, hitting a game-high 12 points for St. Theresa.  The Horsemen were 2 for 7 from the line, while St. Theresa was one better, 3 for 7.

St. Helena Wins Catholic Basketball Tourney

Christian Colter became the third member of the varsity basketballl team to score over 100 points this season, as the Horsemen easily sailed to a 50-30 victory over St. Ignatius Loyola to win the Catholic Basketball League Tip Off Tournament.

The Horsemen stormed out of the gate and led 33-8 at the half.  Spearheaded  by Alex O’Donnell, who was their only player to score in double digits, Ignatius fought back, putting up 22 points in the second half, but that was not enough to overcome their first half deficit.

Omari Ward had a game-high 21 points for the Horsemen, which included two of the team’s 3 threes.  He now has 122 season points.  The team’s leading scorer, Francisco Mattei, who has 133 season points, was sidelined with an injury, but his team mates stepped up.  Colter scored 8 twos and a free throw to bring him to 113 season points. Khalil Black hit a three in the second and a two in the fourth to bring him to 41 season points.  Jose Velez sank a three in the second to bring him to 15 season points.  Cindy Pratt sank two free throws in the fourth, which doubled her season points, and Eric Cordero hit a two in the fourth to bring him up to 7 season points.  

The Horsemen were 6 for 10 from the line, while Ignatius was 3 for 10.  The 11 cheerleaders provided strong vocal support for the team.  Trophies were awarded to each player after the game to recognize their team’s first and second place tournament standings.  The next varsity home game will be Monday, Feb. 5 against St. Theresa.  The JV game begins at 5PM and the varsity game at 6PM.

Three Horsemen Score in Every Quarter

Francisco Mattei and Omari Ward each scored a game-high 18 points and scored in all four quarters to lead the Varsity Horsemen to their seventh consecutive win, a 52-41 victory at home against Our Lady of the Assumption. Jahli Ward put 17 points on the boards for the JV Horsemen, also scoring in all four quarters, but the JV failed to score in overtime, giving OLA the 35-26 win.  These three Horsemen were the only players to score in all four quarters in either game. 

The first quarter saw the most scoring action, with the Varsity Horsemen putting in 23 points and OLA 15 points. Mattei hit 2 threes and 6 twos, while Ward sank a very trinitarian 3 threes. 3 twos, and 3 free throws for his 18 points. Christian Colter had 4 twos in the first quarter and a free throw in the third for his nine points.  Khalil Black hit a two in the first and another in the next quarter for four points, and Eric Cordero rounded out the Horsemen scoring with a three in the fourth. The Horsemen were 4 for 12 from the line, while OLA went 8 for 14.

In the JV game, the teams were tied 4-4 at the end of the first, and the Horsemen developed some steam and surged ahead 13-8 at the half and 22-14 at the third, but OLA found their second wind and fought back hard in the fourth to tie the game 26-26 just before the final buzzer and then kept up their momentum and went on to decidedly win the game in overtime. Horseman Jahli Ward had 7 twos and the only Horsemen three, while Peter Lugo had a 2 in the first, and Isaiah LaCasse had 2 twos in the second and Joseph Fernandez had a two and sank the only Horsemen free throw also in the second.  The Horsemen were 1 for 8 from the line, while OLA went 2 for 5.

The next home Horsemen game will be February 5.

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THREE HORSEMEN IN DOUBLE DIGITS

Three St. Helena Horsemen were the only varsity players on either team to hit in double digits during Tuesday’s away game at St. Theresa, on their way to an easy 58-40 win.  The JV had a 14-10 lead in the first half and Horsemen shooters sank the only threes during the JV game, but poor free throw and twos shooting contributed to the final 30-40 St. Theresa win.

The Horsemen galloped out to a comfortable 30-7 lead in the first quarter of the varsity game. Francisco Mattei had a game-high 18 points, scoring 14 of them in the first quarter. Omari Ward hit for 16 points, sinking one of the team’s 3 threes.  Christian Colter was the only player on either team to score in all four quarters, hitting for 10 points.  Willam Manning sank a 2 in both the first and second quarters and a free throw in the final quarter for 5 points.  Khalil Black sank a three in the first and 2 free throws in the fourth, while Jose Velez hit the final three in the second quarter and a free throw in the fourth to round out the Horsemen scoring.  The Horsemen were 11 for 16 from the line. Jeff Padilla had a team-high 9 points, including one of the 2 threes for St. Theresa.

The JV Horsemen started strong, taking an early 10-6 lead in the first quarter. Jahli Ward had a team-high 8 points, including a two, a three and 3 free throws for the JV Horsemen.  Peter Lugo had the other team three in the first and a two in the second for five points, while Kyle Austin scored all five of his points in the first quarter.  Joseph Fernandez had the only team two in the fourth quarter.  The Horsemen were 4 for 10 from the line. Edwin Betances and Antonio Bruno each scored game-high ten points for St. Theresa. St. Theresa was 6 for 8 from the line.

The Horsemen will take a break for Christmas and will play again January 8 at home against Our Lady of the Assumption.

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