St. Therese Chinese Catholic strong financially, academically
By Susan Fong
St.
Therese Chinese Catholic School, located in the heart of Chinatown at 247 W.
23rd St., has much to celebrate. Last year, the school was selected by
Chicago Magazine as one of the top 25 elementary schools in Chicago and
listed as the only “Midwest Catholic school to teach Cantonese and
Mandarin.”
Yet St. Therese’s story goes beyond these accolades to demonstrate how community and educational leadership have worked together overcome a tough financial situation.
With the dawn of this century, the small Catholic school faced increasing educational costs and decreasing enrollment, losing nearly 50 students. When only 37 children planned to enroll for the 2004-05 academic year, the school began searching for a new principal.
“I had known several St. Therese’s students from my classes at William Jones College Preparatory, and all performed quite well,” said Phyllis Cavallone, a Jones math and science teacher with firm ideas about primary education and aspirations for becoming a principal.
After her friends told her about the opening at St. Therese, the quiet thirtysomething Chicagoan checked it out and fell in love with the school and its many possibilities. The admiration was mutual, because Cavallone got the job. Her 100% commitment to the institution became clear when she enrolled her two sons there right after being hired.
“Had I known the real situation, I may have had second thoughts,” laughed Cavallone. In reality, she has had no regrets.
Cultural program
Her first
decision at St. Therese was hiring a new Chinese choreographer to develop a
traditional cultural program. Creating such a vehicle, Cavallone felt, would
bring the school needed visibility.
The school has since attracted much attention, and students perform at public and media events throughout the city.
Cavallone then enlisted financial help from the nonprofit organization Big Shoulders, which provides capital and operating grants as well as scholarships for Chicago Catholic schools in which 20% of the student population is at or below the poverty level.
“We had been involved, but not to the level as when Principal Cavallone had approached us,” said Big Shoulders Executive Director Joshua Hale.
Big Shoulders also helps schools find patrons and develop a patron board. In November 2004, philanthropist Robert Gallagher agreed to become the school’s first patron.
“Phyllis Cavallone represents a new generation of principal who works not only with programming but with community and fundraising,” said Hale.
Tuition low
The school intentionally has kept tuition low at $3,190 to serve the neighborhood’s working parents. Tuition provides only 70% of operating costs, however, so Cavallone looks to the community and parents for additional resources.
“We have 22 types of scholarships available,” said Big Shoulders Outreach Director Thomas Zbierski. “Our application never asks for religious affiliation, only that the student be interested in a Catholic school education.”
When Cavallone came on board, parents wanted to meet her before re-enrolling their children. Cavallone went to every event in Chinatown during that period and even called a media conference with the Chinese-language press to get word out.
That first year, enrollment jumped from 37 to 190 students.
“Our children can achieve more when parents are concerned and involved,” said Dominic Lai, parent and volunteer school board member. The school's good results come from joint efforts of the faculty, the parents, and the students, he added.
Dedicated teachers
Cavallone affirmed that, without teachers’ dedication, the school would not have produced such strong, longstanding results.
“Our 8th grade instructor Carol Hang volunteers Saturdays every fall so that the students are prepared for their final year [8th grade] testing and applications” to high school, Cavallone said.
“It is my chance to give back, said Hang.
Recently, five 8th graders congregated in the third floor computer lab to discuss their school experience.
“When we started,” said 8th grader Kelly Uchima, “we couldn’t even finish all of the test pages. Ms. Hang just pushed us; she really cares.
After several Saturdays of testing, all students not only finished each test but were able to score higher each successive week.
“Since the school has been reorganized academically, the classes show us more of where we are strong,” said 8th grader Sean Chang.
Cavallone works with teachers to guarantee each student gets attention, noted student David Szeto.
Colin Lee, who transferred from a public school, said being at St. Therese allows him to concentrate better on what he has to learn, with fewer problems from other students.
Students agreed the school operates more like a family, in which everybody cares about each other. They also acknowledged their excitement about entering high school is mixed with a bit of apprehension.
“Asian students are traditionally a bit more reticent,” said Cavallone, noting the school is predominantly Chinese, with only 15% non-Asian.
“The performances have helped us feel more comfortable in the different situations,” said 8th grader Cindy Liang.
“We are at 225 students and can take about 25 more into the upper grades,” said Cavallone, “Any more may compromise the quality of our education.”
Funders pleased
On Jan. 16, funders Sue Gin McGowan, CEO of Flying Foods Group; Diana Spencer, executive director of the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund; and Hale from Big Shoulders gathered at St. Therese for a site visit.
Spencer noted the school’s strong language and academic programs both impress and inspire the community.
After 18 months of intense planning, upgrades for the computer lab, which now is wireless, occurred last year. Technology funding came through Digital Divide, Robert Gallagher, the McGowan Fund, and Michael Ferro of Click Commerce.
“Without the effort from all parties at every level—staff, community, funders, and students alike—none of this would have been possible,” said Cavallone
“What we encounter at St. Therese is a real sense of belonging and accomplishment from students and what they would like to achieve,” said McGowan. “This is a wonderful example of what can be done in preparing our youth for a global economy.”
For more information about St. Therese School, call (312) 326-2837 or go to www.sttheresechinatown.org.
