Rev. Thomas Hickey, Pastor
Mrs. Maria Testa, Principal
Mrs. Ellen Andrews, School Board Chair
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Legacy of Catholic Education at
St. Stephen Catholic School
Our History
 Father Albert Taylor, first pastor of Saint Stephen Church, founded
Saint Stephen School in September of 1964. Staffed by the Sisters of
Mercy, the school served students from grades one to three from
Hamden and neighboring towns. A grade was added each year until
1969 with the completion of eighth grade. The following year, 1970,
marked the first graduation and the establishment of the Home
School Association. Due to an area consolidation of Catholic
schools in 1989, grades seven and eight were moved to a Catholic
middle school and a kindergarten class was established.
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Legacy of Catholic Education at
St. Stephen Catholic School
 In 1990, an after school program was implemented, and a playground
was constructed. Grades seven and eight were reestablished at Saint
Stephen and a pre-kindergarten program was initiated in 1992. This
year also marked the formation of a coeducational sports program.
Three years later, a School Board, Advancement Committee, and a
computer center in the grade six classroom were established. The issue
of additional space was addressed through the completion of the
library/media center, known as the Corcoran Center, which was
dedicated in November 2005.
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Saint Stephen School enrolls students from several towns.
Towns
Percent of Students
Hamden
62%
North Haven
14%
New Haven
12%
East Haven
4%
North Branford
1%
Wallingford
1%
Cheshire
1%
Northford
1%
West Haven
1%
Meriden
< 1%
Naugatuck
< 1%
Oxford
< 1%
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Enrollment
History
School Year
Enrollment
2014-2015
182
2013-2014
186
2012-2013
172
2011-2012
181
2010-2011
199
2009-2010
207
2008-2009
191
2007-2008
186
2006-2007
187
2005-2006
211
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Initiatives to Increase Enrollment
 Open Houses
 Increase marketing:
 neighboring parishes
 local nursery schools
 new school signs
 Hamden and North Haven newspapers and websites (Hamden
Patch)
 Update school website
 Parent Incentive (credit toward tuition)
 Parent Ambassadors
 Enrollment Committee/Enrollment Coordinator
 Publicize in all Christian churches
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Overview ~ Curriculum Design:
 The Iowa Test of Basic Skills is administered in Grades 3 – 7 on
a yearly basis.
 Saint Stephen School students consistently place in the mid to
higher ranks often surpassing their current grade levels and
achieving higher than expected grade level equivalent scores.
 The school boasts of a stable faculty with little turnover.
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Curriculum:
Pre-K: The pre-k program serves four year olds in a full day program. The program
fosters each child’s personal relationship with God through a curriculum that is
integrated with projects, learning centers, and multi-sensory activities that
reflect the children’ interests and needs.
K: Our full day kindergarten program develops the readiness of the child and lays
the groundwork for future learning.
Religion: The mission of our school is to instill an awareness and appreciation of
Christ’s presence within the lives of our students. Students are steeped in the
Catholic faith tradition and have opportunities for prayer and service.
Mathematics: Students will have a solid foundation in mathematical concepts and
skills as well as gain mastery of problem solving strategies. The major goal for K8 mathematics education is:
• Proficiency with whole numbers, fractions (including decimals and
percents), and with aspects of geometry and measurement.
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Curriculum:
Pre-Algebra/Algebra: Our rich and challenging middle school mathematics includes both PreAlgebra and Algebra. We focus on developing computational, procedural, and critical
problem-solving skills which will provide students with a solid foundation for further
mathematical study. Math projects are incorporated to provide students with real life
significance so they can apply math to their daily lives.
Language Arts: Students will develop necessary skills to communicate their ideas, both in
written and oral language, using Standard English. In addition to proficiency in spelling,
language mechanics, creative writing, and penmanship, students will gain the appreciation
and ability to enjoy all forms of quality literature.
Social Studies: Students will be able to recognize and grasp historical trends, unique traditions,
and historical eras. Our students become aware of global cultural differences and come to
appreciate universal natural law, as credited by our God and our Constitution.
Science: The exploration of the four sciences includes observation, classification, interpretation,
and application of the subject matter. Themes covered include: life science, earth and space
science, physical science, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives,
history and nature of science and the scientific method.
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Curriculum:
Technology: Our school views technology as an effective and necessary tool, capable of
enhancing both the communication ability, and productive capacity of our students,
staff and parents. Our goal is the complete integration of technology into the teaching
and learning processes at all levels.
Spanish: Students will gain a familiarity with basic vocabulary and grammar structure in
order to formulate simple sentences. With this introduction to a second language and
the exploration of cultural diversity, students will desire to expand their knowledge of a
second language in high school.
Music and Art: Designed to encourage hands-on creativity and nourish the God-given
talents of each student, music and art lessons expose students to as many art mediums
and artistic genres as possible.
Physical Education: Activities are chosen that demonstrate skill building,
sportsmanship, and fair play. Students develop a level of physical fitness according to
their individual abilities and gain an understanding of teamwork, safety, rules, and
procedures that they can apply to all aspects of their lives.
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Special Programming:
 Spanish Grades K-8
 Future Musicians of America (School Band)
 Opportunities for Scouts
 Church choir
 Before and Afterschool care
 Student Council, Gianelli Group, Lego Team
 Afterschool tutoring- Math and Reading
 Athletics: bowling, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, softball,
baseball/ cross country/GNHPL 2014 1st place BV
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Financials:
Average Pre-K(4) – Grade 8 Per Pupil Tuition (last three years)
 2011 – 2012
 2012 – 2013
 2013 - 2014
$3,935.00
$4,055.00
$4,185.00
Current Average Pre-K (4) – Grade 8 Per Pupil Tuition
 2014 - 2015
$4,310.00
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Financials:
 Archdiocese of Hartford Support


$15,000 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
Annual Columbus Day Breakfast
 CSSP – Catholic School Support

$10,000 Yearly Grant
 Scholarships

Virginia Flanagan, Father Albert Taylor, Cecelia and Arthur Asor, Michael McHale, Father
John Killeen, Lyons, Nicholas and Mary Greco, Eugene Dombrowski, Marc Casella, and
June Nathans
 Endowment Fund
 Annual Fund
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Financials:
 Parish Subsidy

The school does not receive a yearly subsidy from Saint Stephen
Church. It is on a needed basis. In 2013-2014, the school did not
receive a parish subsidy. Saint Stephen Church and other Catholic
Churches do give grants of $250 per student to those families who
are active parishioners of their respective churches.
 Tuition Collection Rate

Two tuition plans are offered: Plan A which if full payment before
the start of school, and Plan B, a 10 month interest free payment
plan through FACTS.
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Initiatives to Increase Income:
 School Fundraisers
Fall Fundraiser
Walkathon
Shred Day
Cookie Dough
Candy Drive
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
 Various other events sponsored by the Home-School
Association and the Sports program
 Annual Fund Drive
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Initiatives to Decrease Spending:
 Reuse and cover books for multi-year use
 Electronic updates/notices via email (less paper)
 Use parent volunteers for painting and other tasks
 Use parent/volunteer resources for marketing and advancement
 School website created and maintained by a school parent
 Installation of new energy efficient windows and draperies in
church /school hall
 New energy efficient lights and wall sensors have decreased
school’s electrical bill
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Projected Capital Needs/Expenses:
 Immediate
The
following improvements have already taken place:
Installation of
new burglar and fire alarm
Repainting of classrooms and ceilings of two hallways
New stall doors in lavatories
Replaced
rug in grade 5 classroom
Replaced broken floor tiles in grades 1 and 3
 2 – 5 Years
Continue to replace rugs in upstairs classrooms
Replacement of playscapes in playground
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Annual State of the Catholic School Report
Sampling of
per-pupil
cost in
public
schools
(of other towns
from which
students come)
$16,000
$14,000
$12,000
$10,000
$8,000
$6,000
$4,000
$2,000
$0
New Haven
Hamden
North Haven
St. Stephen
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