Open House Announced

St. Catherine of Siena School in Cedar Grove has announced an open house for preschool to eighth grade will take place on Sunday, January 31 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, Tuesday, February 2 from 9:30 to 11:00 am, and Wednesday, February 3 from 9:30 to 11:00 am.

St. Catherine of Siena School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school is committed to the Roman Catholic tradition of education providing a challenging and competitive academic curriculum within a nurturing environment.

The school offers a full-day kindergarten, a teacher led before and after-care program, and a hot/cold lunch program. Smart boards, net books, technology lab, science lab, Extreme Thinking (enrichment program), Latin, Spanish, music, art, physical education and public speaking enhance the school’s core curriculum. The school is handicap accessible and has a nurse present five days a week.

The preschool program offers three year old children a morning and afternoon session, two days a week. The four year old program is offered three days a week, with a lunch program. Visitors to the open house can see the three-year-old program in session Tuesday, February 2. The four-year-old program is in session on Wednesday, February 3.

The open house will give visitors an opportunity to visit classrooms, talk with other parents and faculty about the school’s curriculum and philosophy. Registration is now open. For more information, visit scs-school-cedargrovenj.org  or call the office at 973-239-6968.

Living Nativity

Alexa A. stands in prayer over St. Catherine of Siena School’s living nativity re-enacted by the school’s eighth grade class. The school held its annual Christmas Show on December 15 in Siena Hall.  Along with the living nativity, students from grades kindergarten through eight also performed Christmas songs, music, and scenes from Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”.

Student earns 2nd black belt

SCS 7th grade student Alexander U. passed the 2nd Dan Black Belt Testing on October 17, 2009 at Talium Headquarters located at Fairfield, NJ. Alex started taking lessons in Taekwondo at age 6 and earned his 1st Dan Black Belt in December 2006. He intends to continue his training and work towards attaining his 3rd Dan Black Belt by 2012. His martial art training helps Alex to further enhance his self esteem, built confidence, and strengthen his physical coordination and mental discipline

SCS Basketball at the Izod Center

Saint Catherine of Siena students had a special opportunity to play a basketball scrimmage in the NJ Izod Center on November 17. Seventh and eighth grade players felt the up close thrill of playing on the NBA court and then were able to get NBA player autographs and enjoy the NJ Nets game that followed.

St. Catherine's Honor Veterans

St. Catherine of Siena School honored veterans with a Veteran’s Day Assembly attended by students in grades kindergarten through eight on November 11. The assembly included guest speakers from the United States Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. The event was hosted by the school’s eighth grade Forensics Team.

The assembly opened with a prayer service of remembrance, honoring veterans from past US Wars up to present day. The students continued with a presentation on the history of Veteran’s Day and then watched a short film supplied by the Veteran’s Administration, “Honoring All Who Served”.

The school’s guest speakers; Army Sergeant Brindle, retired Air Force Captain Jack Lamb, retired Marine Sergeant Yoon, and Coast Guard Lieutenant Daniel Twomey spoke to students about their training, experiences, and why they joined the military. The speakers each then participated in a question and answer session with the students.

Several sixth grade students gave the officers cloth bracelets symbolizing their gratitude for the speakers’ military service and recognizing them for making a positive difference in the students’ lives. The assembly closed with the singing of “God Bless America”.

Living Saints at SCS

St. Catherine of Siena School students were "living" saints during their school mass on November 7 in honor of All Saints Day. Fr. Robert Suszko presented each of the portrayed saints, to the congregation, during his homily. The students portrayed St. Angela Merici, St. Dominic, St. Bernadette, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Maximillian Kolbe, and St. Gabriel, The Archangel.

Calendar Fundraiser

Catherine of Siena School is accepting donations for a three-month calendar fundraiser to benefit the school. Participants have 92 chances to win a share of $6,250 in prizes during the months of January, February, and March. Calendar entries require a $10 donation and are eligible for all drawings. If interested, contact Luciana Lalande at 973-243-0022.