St. Denis-St. Columba School

This school has taken a turn, and our children are paying the price. Why aren t there more teacher evaluations? Let s not let tenure get in the way of the true purpose of teaching. Students learn by example, and unfortunately, some of them are not teaching in nurturing and warm way, and there are a few that are not promoting respect and honesty either. Shouldn t it be about our children getting the most out of their education? There are so called specials, art, music & technology. There is no direction in art or music, and the technology teacher doesn t teach technology. Instead,it has become the responsibility of the homeroom teachers. Sounds confusing, doesn t it? Children are supposed to be our future. Why not focus on help them discover not only their intellect, but also their personal talents? Let s talk about the homework load. Nights and weekends are filled with hours of nonstop homework and tests, sometimes 2 or 3 in a day. You may ask why I keep my kids in the school ( 6 years), well it has drastically changed over the past 2 years. Students should not only be afforded a great education, but should also gain a feeling of accomplishment for their efforts.
--Submitted by a parent

I spoke with a John Jay High School Counselor yesterday who said, "St. Columba students are so far above and beyond the other children in academics when entering this school, and they are so respectful." I have also heard from families at Lourdes that teachers say, "You're from St. Columba, aren't you? I could tell." Children come out with great study skills, a solid foundation, well-organized, respectful, kind, and thoughtful. I don't understand why people who I see in the hallway can say such nasty things and hurt the other families who decide to stay with St. Columba. I understand that the additional fees, tuition increase and enforcement of the policy to contribute to the church (most other schools do this - St. Pat's in Yorktown has down this for over 10 years) is a challenge for many families. But, the fees are in line with other parochial schools. Call St. Mary's or St. Martin's - do you think their tuition and fees are less? Whether or not you decide to stay, please don't hurt the families that remain by blemishing its reputation. Many parents are involved here and work to make the school a great place for our children to get an education. Lisa Jeanneret, a parent
--Submitted by a parent

Yes it does appear that we are asked to pay more and more each year. I see the importance of technology,however why dont' we simply get back to the basics ? Oh and maybe just maybe, it would be a good idea for our children to be able to write or highlight in the religion books we paid for ! What ever happened to workbooks for the upper hall students? I never ever heard of 7th and 8th graders not having math workbooks! Did someone mention the Rosary ? WE AS PARENTS BETTER START PRAYING IT!
--Submitted by a parent

As I read the remarks from parents railing against fundraisers for the school, I wonder where do they think the money comes from to improve the school beyond the allotted monies needed to keep our school s doors open? Nobody twists your arm to donate. Many parents are happy to help the school grow and add to the curriculum and class rooms. Our children benefit from these improvements. We are lucky that our donations can go towards the extras that make St. Columba a better school. Many schools use their fundraisers just to keep their doors open. We do not have the benefit of tax payer dollars to provide the school with these extras, but we are lucky that we can use the donated dollars to add to the school. I feel the few disgruntled parents would find fault with any school their child goes to. My guess these few have no idea what it takes to make a competitive school and would also complain if St. Columba did nothing to improve its academic offerings.
--Submitted by a parent

In regards to the walk-a-thon...What a great idea to bring the kids together and collectively work towards a goal. The kids love it, the parents have fun and the teachers enjoy walking with their students. Many parents and kids are excited for this event...it takes very little effort from the families and is fun. The Top Taste of the Town was a wonderful event that adults could enjoy. The idea for this particular event came from a collection of parents who wanted to host/organize this great fundraiser. Over 50% of people who attended where not from the school....So when you make a statement that "they keep asking for money", you are wrong, and perhaps you should know the facts. If a parent does not wish to participate in a fundraiser, then don't....it is unfair to post such negative remarks about OUR school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have had wonderful experiences at this school. From the teachers, principal and even the maintenance gentlemen, we are so happy to have such a great school for our children to attend. We feel fortunate to have met so many wonderful parents through the school and look forward to all the positive changes that will be so beneficial to all the children.
--Submitted by a parent

As an alumni and current parent of a 5th grader at St. Denis - St. Columba, I think the school is great! Lots of positive changes are being made and the administration is working hard at providing new programs including better technology as well as extra-curricular clubs for the children. Writing negative reviews on websites makes you part of the problem. The grass is greener where you plant your seeds and water it. The solution to making our school even better is by working for the greater good - our children. Be part of the solution, not the problem! This is a CHRISTian school, and our children learn from what we say, write and how we act. If you are not willing to sign your name to a review, then you should think twice about what you are writing. My son absolutely loves this school and his friends. I, too, am lucky to have made wonderful friends with so many wonderful parents. We are lucky to have leadership who walk our faith, teach our children and share our love for such a warm, community-minded school. As with anything, the more you put into it, the more you will get out. Heather McHoul Sulca, Proud Alumni and Parent
--Submitted by a parent

We are very happy with the school. My children are very happy. They love their teachers and love going to school every day. It is a very caring, warm and friendly school with a great academic program. They also have a wonderful art program. We feel they are doing their best to improve the school even more and are trying to keep tuition the same so all parties will bestill be able to continue to attend this wonderful program. We would highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! Lots of great changes with the new administration. The students are happy and definitely love the technology that has been brought to the school.
--Submitted by a teacher

On this snow day, I stumbled on this web site. Last Sunday, my grandchildren who attend this school, asked me if I would like to take a tour during Open House. The first thing that I noticed upon entering the school were the large number of student volunteers who were eagerly waiting to give tours. I couldn't help but notice how proud and happy they were to be there on a Sunday afternoon. My grandchilden introduced me to many of the teachers who were in attendance, again on a Sunday afternoon. The children were very proud of the Smart Boards in every room and many rooms were filled with both students, families and teachers actively using the Smart Boards. Both of my grandchildren are kind, well mannered students who enjoy attending school. As I have worked in the public school system for twenty years, I am aware of what is expected academically. They more than meet the criteria. The tour ended in the gym, with many of the parent volunteers sharing their experiences. I have witness the involvement of the student's families during many of the events sponsered by St. Columba. As an outsider, this school promotes all the right values both in education and life.