SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORED CONTENT
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL GREAT THINGS HAPPENING EVERY DAY WITH A NEW PRINCIPAL THIS FALL
Holy Family Catholic School in Plum is rooted in tradition , with a firm footing in the future of education . St . Joseph School in Verona and St . John the Baptist School in Plum merged in 2020 to form Holy Family School and provide area students with a well-rounded education . Today they continue to offer an integrated educational experience that speaks not only to academic excellence , but also to the character and spirit of the individual .
Marie DiLonardo , the new principal , is an alum of St . John the Baptist School says , “ Holy Family School is a very special place to me and to my family . I have wonderful memories from my time as a student here . My children are alumni of the school and have really benefited from their experience here . While we have merged schools since then , we now boast a new and very appropriate name , we keep our faith and academic traditions alive . We continue to partner with parents who are their children ’ s first educators , to build on faith foundation and strong academics . A warm family feeling exists in our school , even for students and parents who are new to the school . I ’ m excited about my new role in our school . I strongly encourage any family who might be interested to contact us right away so that you can visit .”
Jonathan Cuniak , regional administrator of Pittsburgh East Regional Catholic Elementary Schools , explains , “ The total needs of the child have always been at the forefront of our education . We ’ re preparing kids not only to be the future workforce , but also to be the future leaders in our churches and in our community .”
Recognizing that some students may shine on the stage , in their artwork or on the basketball court , Holy Family encourages children to grow and excel in all areas of their lives . Kids have the opportunity to participate in band , choir , drama , art and athletics .
They also participate in service projects to help others in the community , which helps build character , with Walk-a-thons and Mission Day , a fundraising event that helps charitable causes .
The academics are extremely important at Holy Family , and the school embraces a program of STREAM — Science , Technology , Religion , Engineering , Art and Math . Cuniak says , “ It is a high-quality , 21st century education with highly qualified teachers in every area . The Pittsburgh Diocese also has additional , rigorous standards for its curriculum goals .”
In addition to learning for kids from grades K-8 , Holy Family has programs for children as young as 3 years old . The youngest students get a taste of learning the alphabet , numbers , shapes , colors and the social skills needed for school and for life .
Jeanne Loebig , preschool director of Holy Family at both the Plum and Oakmont sites , says they also have music with the preschoolers , and frequent arts and crafts activities , along with gym class once a week . This year for the first time , they will be offering Spanish classes to learn basic words , numbers and colors .
Loebig explains , “ At these younger ages , we ’ re getting them ready for school .” They learn pre-reading and pre-math skills that lay the foundation for learning in primary grades and beyond , from teachers who care about their students and go above and beyond to make sure that every child is learning at their optimum level .
The children enjoy class field trips , and speakers and educators are brought into the classes . Loebig says , “ We try to give them as many experiences as possible . At the holidays , we learn little songs and perform them in sign language for their parents and grandparents . This really helps build their confidence .”
Even at the preschool level , character counts . The children participate in a special religious curriculum called , “ I Am Special .” It focuses on how unique we all are and helps each child to develop attitudes about appreciating others and themselves , along with the ability to be grateful , helpful , loving and kind .
You do not have to be Catholic for your child to attend Catholic school . Many families at Holy Family are not Catholic . The education , along with special attention to the spiritual needs of the child , are especially appealing to a lot of parents .
Cuniak says , “ There ’ s a ton of advantages to a Catholic school education and it ’ s well worth the financial sacrifice . There is tuition assistance available and many parents may be surprised at the income level that may qualify for assistance . The first step is to contact the local school .”
There are great things happening at Holy Family Catholic School every day !
HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL 418 Unity Center Road Pittsburgh , PA 15239 Phone : 412-793-0555 www . holyfamilycatholic . net
PENN HILLS ❘ FALL 2022 1