Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz, President of St. Francis College, made a special visit to Bay Ridge Catholic Academy this morning to officially launch a new partnership between the college and elementary academy. This collaborative opportunity has been designed to enrich the academic programs at both schools.
Dr. Martinez-Saenz joined Bay Ridge Catholic Academy Principal Gary Williams, and St. Francis College Assistant Vice President Robert Oliva in visiting classrooms from Pre-K through the eighth grade. Dr. Saenz also met with Monsignor John Maloney, Pastor of St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church, Father Kevin Abels, Pastor of Our Lady of Angels, and members of the Bay Ridge Catholic Academy Board including Chair Vincent Iannelli and member George Prezioso.
“I know this will be a flourishing experience and I know the students at Bay Ridge Catholic Academy will benefit immensely. I am proud to say that this is the only such grammar school partnership with Saint Francis College. We are eager to embark on this distinguished alliance to advance the educational opportunities at our school,” said Dr. Gary Williams, Principal of Bay Ridge Catholic Academy.
“Building these kinds of relationships is important and it is never too early to engage students. It is never too early to inspire people to dream and get them focused on the importance of service to others. It was inspiring to see the future right in front of us, and I think we have an obligation to get that future orientated in a positive way. The students at St. Francis College will have the opportunity to come in and be role models for these young folks. This is what we are committed to; this is our values in action,” stated Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz, President of St. Francis College.
The partnership will include student teachers from St. Francis College, as well as student volunteers assisting at Bay Ridge Catholic Academy in their field of study. There will also be tutorials in subject areas, class trips to the science and communication arts labs at the college, and a foreign language after-school program. The collaborative summer program will feature a science program, CPR training, and E-Boot camp.
“St. Francis College is a college of opportunity and we are constantly seeking opportunities for our students to go out into the community to make a difference in the world. This partnership allows us to do that, whether by student teachers, mentors, tutors, or simply having Bay Ridge Catholic Academy students experience a day in the life of a college student. We are providing opportunities for our young people in our Diocese,” Robert Oliva, Assistant Vice President of St. Francis College.
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