A Message from the President 

What a tremendous school year this has been! While this year brought many changes as a result of the easing of pandemic restrictions, we are proud that so much was achieved by our students and graduates. The 2022 eighth grade class of St. Teresa of Calcutta, consisting of 17 students, just received their diplomas and awards, and are moving on to area high schools to continue their educational journey. We celebrate their accomplishments with joy and gratitude! Now at the completion of our 2021-22 school year, our rising 6-8th grade students will return in July for the summer academic and leadership program. In August, as we approach the start of a new school year, our incoming 5th graders will attend orientation to get ready for their first year at Nativity.

In order to maintain our students’ educational gains, our summer program extends the school year by providing classes in English and math. This summer our program also features a few fun field trips and enrichment activities such as music, sports, and art. We are also excited for our students to return to Camp Asbury for an overnight camping experience for 3 days at the end of July.

Our high schoolers are getting a chance to recharge before their next year of school. Recent college graduates from Nativity’s first 3 graduating classes are heading into jobs or graduate school to begin a new stage of life. Because of your generosity, Nativity can provide our graduates with vital, individualized support through college and career to help them attain their ambitions and dreams.

We are proud to share that our model of middle school education with graduate support is helping students to graduate. Now in our fourteenth year, 97% of Nativity students have graduated from high school, 79% have 2- or 4-year college degrees, and 15% are enrolled in trade schools or the military. The efforts of so many students, teachers, families, and volunteers, along with your support, have created the results as our students thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

It is a blessing to have your support for our students, graduates, and their families. I am profoundly grateful to be a leader in this organization and to have the privilege to witness our students’ growth. Please reach out to me at any time to set up a personal visit to the school, to enjoy a cup of coffee and a conversation together, or to schedule a phone call to hear more about our amazing programs and how you can be involved. I wish you and your families a happy summer!

James C. Smith