2019 Blackboard Award Honoree: Our Lady of Lourdes School

Principal Suzanne Kaszynski and former-principal Cathy Hufnagel; photo by Andrew Schwartz

Our Lady of Lourdes School
Former Principal Cathy Hufnagel (2003-2018) & Principal Suzanne Kaszynski
Grades Pre-K-8
468 West 143rd Street
ollnyc.org

Award: Outstanding School

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

Our Lady of Lourdes School welcomes students of varied abilities and diverse ethnic backgrounds. The administration, faculty, and staff recognize the value of each individual and are committed to the spiritual, academic, social, and cultural development of each student… We encourage our students to embrace Catholic principles and to participate in all aspects of the faith. We have an ongoing commitment to the progress and improvement of the individual that Catholicism facilitates, and we strive to live up to our mission every day.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.

Our Lady of Lourdes offers a strong academic curriculum for grades Pre-K through 8th. Our curriculum is in accordance with the guidelines set by New York State, as well as by the Archdiocese of New York. OLL students are taught in a stimulating, nurturing and safe environment. All students receive individual attention to help them reach their fullest potential.

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What’s new?

Our Lady of Lourdes School is proud to share that they saw an average score increase of 19% on the 2018 NYS exams; marking the highest improvements throughout the Archdiocese of New York in ELA.

What do you love about your school?

I am awed each and every day by my unified, committed and ever-evolving faculty and staff. Their commitment to helping each student reach their fullest potential by experiencing the magic of learning of an individualized way inspires me on a daily basis.

Rodeph Sholom School

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rodeph Sholom School, an Early Childhood through 8th Grade Reform Jewish independent school, inspires today&rsquo;s curious learners to become tomorrow&rsquo;s purpose-driven leaders. Located on Manhattan&rsquo;s UWS, the school engages students in meaningful experiences and intellectual exploration through a curriculum infused with Jewish values while fueling their love of learning and sense of responsibility to themselves and society. Students and families of all backgrounds connect and thrive in Rodeph Sholom School&rsquo;s welcoming and inclusive community.

Mott Hall Charter School

Located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the South Bronx, the Mott Hall Charter School is a middle school for grades 6, 7 and 8. In its 12 th year, Mott Hall continues to live by its motto &ldquo;RISE to the Challenge&rdquo;; and through these RISE core values - Responsibility, Integrity, Scholarship, and Excellence - scholars are taught the character skills to overcome obstacles and are introduced to these attributes from the moment they walk through the door and reinforced throughout their time at Mott Hall. The Mott Hall Charter School teaches for the 21st Century through its unique approach to learning, providing a holistic educational experience grounded in evidence-based research on how students learn best. Mott Hall accomplishes this through a whole child approach, not merely addressing content but focusing on the key elements of mind, body, character, and social emotional health. Its distinctive mission prepares scholars to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers, becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world. Mott Hall Charter School offers a rigorous academic program grounded in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Scholars are required to take three years of foreign language, coursework in the arts, and have the opportunity for Regents level classes in mathematics and science in 8th grade. All classes integrate technology and utilize elements of the AVID College and Career Readiness program to provide scholars with the organizational, time management, and study skills they need to succeed. Mott Hall Charter School&rsquo;s programs include access to community-based organizations focused on mentoring, adult civics classes, adult ESL classes, computer science classes, engaging online platforms to increase student learning, after school and Saturday tutoring, art, music, softball, basketball, and much more! Mott Hall is now offering a 6/7 Bridge 12:1:1 self-contained classroom: 1 classroom, 12 scholars, 1 educational teacher, and 1 full-time Special Education teacher.

The Long Island School For The Gifted

A smart start of an educational journey.&nbsp; For over 40 years, The Long Island School For The Gifted has provided an accelerated experience for gifted children in pre-kindergarten through ninth grade, in a nurturing environment where they will be both intellectually challenged and comfortable socially. LISG helps gifted students develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for life. Emotional, and social needs of the gifted child are addressed whilst building strong character as part of the commitment to developing the whole gifted child. The beauty of an independent gifted school like LISG is that students can learn and grow with others who are like them.&nbsp; We have found that LISG&rsquo;s whole-school approach to gifted education has benefitted our students both more broadly and more deeply than alternative approaches&mdash;like isolated &ldquo;enrichment&rdquo; activities, single accelerated classes, or simply placing exceptionally intelligent children with older students in higher-grade classes.&nbsp; With gifted peers, students learn in a cooperative environment that provides for their social and emotional development and in which giftedness is valued and nurtured by every teacher and staff member in the school. &nbsp;LISG has rolling admissions. Availability is limited based on the grade.&nbsp; Contact them today.