Letter from Fr. Casey
Dear St. Mary and Notre Dame Families,
It is hard to believe that we are into July and our school year is fast approaching. As Summer temperatures soar, so too does our excitement for the upcoming school year.
As our teachers and staff are busy planning for the return of our families, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Michelle Cheasty-Christ has accepted the position of Principal of our schools. Dr. Cheasty-Christ, “Doc” as she is most well-known, brings an array of both teaching and administrative experience to our schools.
Dr. Cheasty-Christ teaches various Bachelor’s through Doctoral level college-level courses, as well as English and Math at the high school level in West Virginia. Prior to that, she was both a teacher and school administrator in New Jersey. She has been a curriculum developer for more than 25 years for grades K-20. Further, she has also chaired and participated in dozens of doctoral dissertation studies, helping doctoral students complete their doctoral journey. She is also the former Chief Academic Officer for American Business and Technology University and Global Tech College. She completed her PhD in Education with a dissertation entitled “Impact of Teacher Supports and Workplace Settings on Retaining Teachers in New Jersey Schools” in 2011. She holds teaching licenses in K-8, Social Studies, English, Algebra, Geometry, Mathematics, Business Education, Special Education, Supervisor, Principal, and School Administrator, with AP Pre- Calculus, AP Calculus and General Science pending.
In addition to her teaching licenses and PhD, Dr. Cheasty-Christ also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master’s in Education, completing the master’s coursework for both Educational Technology with a project focusing on special education- assistive technology and Educational Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration.
“I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful education system,” she said. “I am truly honored to be accepted into such a warm and loving community and family. I look forward to all the wonderful things that St. Mary and Notre Dame has to offer our students and families—and what I can, in turn, give back.”
I give special thanks and appreciation to our Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Ms. Jennifer Hornyak, Father Joseph Konikattil, as well as everyone on the Search Committee for their diligent work. The committee team reviewed resumes, conducted on-site interviews, and carefully evaluated each candidate.
It is indeed an exciting time for our school community. I ask you to join me in praying for her success and the continued success of our schools. Thank you again for choosing St. Mary Central School and Notre Dame High School for your children. As always, we will continue to strive to help your children grow in Christ in both the classroom and the community.
Father Casey Mahone
Pastor
Mission Statement
The mission of Saint Mary’s Grade School is to nurture the spirit, challenge the mind, and strengthen the heart of each student who enters her doors. Through the lens of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Mary’s cultivates a Christ-centered environment in which we nurture our children, families, and communities, so that we might see the face of Christ in each other.
Catholic Identity
The students of St. Mary’s Grade School participate in Service projects that help them to grow in their love and understanding of giving and caring for others.
For All Saints Day on November 1, every student researches a saint and presents an oral presentation on the history of their saint. The students also create a visual representation of their saint on an 18 inch paper doll. The Saints are displayed during the month of November.
Monthly service projects are performed by students at all grade levels. In September, students paint and distribute Prayer rocks around the school community. The month of October finds the students donating their Halloween candy to our soldiers overseas. Prayer Blankets are hand crocheted by each class and distributed to the United Hospital Center/ WVU Hospice Program. Ornaments, Prayer signs, Prayer Boxes, and Prayer cards are also distributed to the local Hospice Program. In addition, our students collect food and clothing throughout the year for the local non-profit organization to distribute to those in need.
Snapshot of Our Catholic Schools
