Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

The Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS) at St. John’s University has donated academic and sensory learning tools valued at approximately $2,800 to Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy (FVCCA) in Staten Island, New York. FVCCA is one of the few Catholic elementary schools in the area that offers a special education program.

After losing grant funding for its special education program, FVCCA sought assistance from ICS through research teacher Theresa Hollnsteiner, an alumna of St. John’s University. The donation from ICS includes resources such as math manipulatives, fidget spinners, and Playfoam, all aimed at supporting classroom instruction and meeting the needs of students with diverse learning styles.

Three representatives from The School of Education—Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships; Robert DiNardo, Director of the Institute for Catholic Schools; and Lisa Ninnivaggio, Budget and Planning Coordinator—delivered the materials to FVCCA. They visited classrooms to encourage students in their studies.

Administrators at FVCCA expressed gratitude for the support and said these resources would help maintain educational quality despite financial challenges.

"The Institute for Catholic Schools is proud to be leader in supporting Catholic education in the New York City metropolitan area. If you would like to learn more about our work or support our efforts, please contact Director Robert DiNardo at [email protected] or Dean James Wolfinger at [email protected]."