HASA PARENT GROUP - A BRIGHT & SHINING LIGHT AT SCS

HASA – A LIGHT THAT SHINES BRIGHTLY at Saint Catherine of Siena School

Saint Catherine of Siena has a bright and shining group of enthusiastic and dedicated parents who tirelessly prove how rewarding it is when you give of your time and talents to bring a program or special event to your child’s school. This large parent group, called “HASA” (Home and School Association), works faithfully year after year hosting special events and bringing enrichment opportunities to supplement the curriculum at the school. HASA parents serve as coaches, room parents, event chairs, field trip coordinators, grant writers, and ambassadors for the school – a list too big to include here! As Mrs. Mary Russo, Principal of Saint Catherine School, points out: “We are so blessed to have such committed and dedicated parents. Their level of giving is impressive and they never tire of finding ways to help our school!

HASA also runs a SCRIP Program where parents purchase gift cards and proceeds are given back to the school. Having a successful SCRIP Program has brought several interesting programs into the school for the past 3 years. Mrs. Jennifer Rogala, who organizes this program, creates a robust calendar of enrichment opportunities, managed through volunteer efforts to add to this school’s already strong science and arts program. Examples of these activities over the years include a New England Aquarium whale experience, hands-on geography lessons, a local authors program, a science lesson about owls and falcons, an Acapella group and Jazz Performance, and a workshop on Colonial times which even included a debate between the Whigs and the Tories for the 8th grade class. Mrs. Rogala has also written grants for additional equipment for the classrooms such as Ipads and microscopes for the science lab.

HASA volunteers also run the school’s athletic program for middle school students and other after-school sports activities. Coaches typically spend over 100 hours during the basketball season, in the playoffs that follow and in various summer leagues.

The HASA parents provide a series of welcome receptions for the first day of school and “Meet the Teacher” nights and a welcome packet for new families. Parent ambassadors also frequently refer future families to the school and are available at Open Houses and special workshops during the school year.

The modest fee charged annually by HASA funds several programs in the school as well as the annual field trips for each grade. Parents support the priests of the parish and teachers during Catholic Schools Week by baking homemade goods and providing several luncheons to show their appreciation for the people who work at the school. HASA hosts a Family Breakfast, a Halloween Party and a Christmas Party every year. They even host a Father Daughter Dance and a Mother/Son Bowling Night. As one parent exclaimed, “I had so much fun with my son! Usually he is doing the activities and I am the spectator. It was great to be on the same team working together and having fun.”

Knowing that the HASA group has the school and its students at the core of its mission, allows the faculty to focus on the academic curriculum while allowing parents to be a part of their children’s education experience. As partners in the job of educating and raising students in today’s challenging world, Saint Catherine of Siena School’s parents and staff create a strong sense of community that is a hallmark of the school. Mrs. Matthews, a Grade One Teacher, put it best by stating, “The hard work done by HASA is what makes this school a community. From age-old traditions like the annual Halloween party, to the various academic enrichment programs offered each year, our families know that their children are not merely enrolled in a school, they are welcomed into a larger family. Parents are encouraged to contribute as much as they can for the betterment of all. Teachers welcome the support and really appreciate parent feedback and suggestions. Students love seeing their parents involved and making so many wonderful opportunities possible.”

If you are interested in becoming part of our family (pre-school through 8th grade) at Saint Catherine of Siena School, Norwood, MA, please contact Mrs. Linda Canniff, Director of Admissions, at (781) 769-5354 ext. 262.

Pictures submitted: Pre-Kindergarten students experiencing the New England Aquarium Tide Pool. Elementary students learning about Owls & Falcons.