Empowering the Young with Knowledge, Faith and Love

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As Salesian educators our objective is to empower the young; helping them to achieve academic success. We see academic rigor as an essential quality of teaching and learning. Our teachers are attentive to adapt to student's needs, skillfully supplementing what textbooks do not cover. Our teachers take pride in being facilitators in the learning experience of your child. Your child is encouraged to take ownership of his/her learning so as to help them become life-long learners.

In order for us to evaluate and see if we have reached our goals, we, as educators, take the time to assess our students throughout the year. The Diocese of Monterey has adopted the Renaissance testing process for our schools to use regularly, which teachers use to make adjustments to their instructions. Our world is continually changing and our students need not only basic skills but skills to face the challenges that the fast-moving world of education presents on a daily basis.

The rationale behind our ongoing assessments is to assist students in deepening their sense of responsibility for their learning process and thereby giving them the tools to develop their own problem-solving skills. Our goal is to continue to, "Empower our students, with Knowledge, Faith and Love".

We encourage you to continue to take an active role in your child's educational journey. Our teachers are passionate about teaching and it is evident that this is passed on to your child. Let us work together as your child grows through the different grade levels and keep challenging them to take ownership of their academic performance as the search for solutions and arrive at inspiring responses.

God Bless,
Sr. Carmen Botello, FMA
Principal

Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Art and design have always been a crucial part of my life. From coloring when I was a child to taking every art class I could in high school, it's the only thing I ever really wanted to do. I studied all aspects of art for 7 years and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design in 2006. Since then I have worked as a freelance artist and writer, specializing in layout and album design. I also love photography and film.

I've been a professional designer since 2006 and have experience in all types of graphic design and the arts. My clients include DaVinci Roofscapes, Kayu, Terri Cole, Sheherezade, Kate Smith, Patti Green, Christine Gutierrez, and many more. I like to work with people from various fields which has given me a wide range of projects to apply my aesthetic. I have also written for Patch.com, as well as edited texts and books, so if you need writing services I can help you with that too! 

Besides graphic design, I also run a small stationery business that offers all kinds of invitations and other type of paper goods. You can view my shop and check out my blog on my website. I live and work in New York with my husband Dan, son Elliot (5.22.16), and 2 dogs. Both vegetarian and eco-consious, I do my best to live the most natural, organic life I can, and now create the same environment for my son. Besides design, my hobbies include photography, reading, writing, interior design, and cooking. I love music and used to play bass in a band when I lived in Jersey and of course I sing and dance every chance I get. Working with me is like teaming up with a friend, I am easy going, honest, and kind. My mission is to bring beauty to as many lives as I can through art and design and I look forward to working with you!