History

To accommodate the rapid growth in Tonawanda , Saint Andrew's Parish was established in 1944 by Bishop John Duffy with Rev. Msgr. James Donovan as pastor. The first church/school building was completed in 1949 when classes for grades one through four began .Sister Mary Venard, SSMN, presided over the new parish-school that expanded to include grades five through eight in 1954. Originally housing 16 classrooms and a cafeteria, the school expanded under the guidance of Msgr. Joseph E. Scheider to include the Msgr. Donovan Center, containing a double gymnasium, and McNulty Auditorium. Eventually, a Science laboratory, a library, a Cultural Arts Room, two classroom wings, a Reading Resource Center and a computer room were added.

The Felician Sisters began their ministry at the school in 1967, when two sisters joined the faculty of ten sisters of St. Mary of Namur , and twelve lay teachers to serve 829 pupils enrolled at the time. The sisters of St. Mary of Namur withdrew from the administration of the school in 1972. At the invitation of Rev. Joseph E. Schieder, the Felician Sisters assumed the administration of the school. Sister Mary Edmundine Adamczak was the first Felician Principal. The Sisters of St. Mary of Namur continued to be a part of teaching staff until 1977.

A Montessori school was established in 1973. An absolute private charter under the board of regents of the State of New York was granted on June 27, 1975 and we became known as St. Andrew's Country Day School , serving Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades One through Eight. Msgr. Joseph Schieder was instrumental in obtaining the new name "Country Day" that came from the idea of English System of Education. The English form of education focused on the dignity of child -to educate the whole child -intellect, soul, body and emotions.

St. Andrew's Country Day School pioneered innovations in teaching excellence with: the introduction of Montessori Method, closed circuit classroom television, foreign language classes, a reading clinic and a physical education program that includes an extra-curricular program.

Rev. Msgr. Richard Graeber became new pastor in 1976.

As the years progressed there arose a need for all-day Kindergarten program .Thus in 1987, three all day Kindergarten classes were established. With all the innovative programs already established, Sister Mary Kevin Szulega saw the need to work toward Middle States Accreditation and worked with the faculty on Self-Study. The Evaluation Team of Middle States Association came in the fall in 1988 and our action plan was forwarded and accepted .We officially received our Middle States Accreditation on April 21, 1989 and Re-Accreditation in 1999.

Rev. Charles Slisz was appointed pastor upon retirement of Rev. Msgr. Graeber in 1998. In 1999, Mr.Eric Roy, the first lay principal of St. Andrew's Country Day School was appointed.

Today under the guidance of Mr. Dennis Welka, St. Andrew's Country Day School 's enrollment is over 375 students coming from varied backgrounds and outlying areas. St. Andrew's Country Day School is continually working to update our programs to meet the New York Stated Standards and our Diocesan Curriculum so as to prepare ourselves for 21st Century .The most recent updates include the installation of internet accessibility and networking capabilities to all classrooms. Outfitting each classroom with SmartBoards has been a top priority and at the present time we have successfully completed the first phase of a three year project.

St. Andrew's Country Day School has thrust itself into the forefront of advanced techniques in the delivery of education to our children with its involvement in The Renaissance Project.  Thanks to an initial start up grant from the M & T Bank, we have been able to instruct our faculty in the style and techniques of the Modern Socratic Method.

Faith

St. Andrew's parish community is a God-centered and God-called family. Through Baptism each of us has been called to be disciples of Jesus and a member of His family. We are a unique people having citizenship in two countries: here and hereafter. The tension between the citizenships creates the struggle of every Christian.

Academics

The curriculum at St. Andrew's Country Day School follows the guidelines of the New York State Learning Standards. It is developed in accordance with the NYS Department of Education as well as with the Department of Catholic Education at the Diocese of Buffalo.
We believe in the education of the "whole" child; mind, body, spirit, and soul. We accomplish this in a Christian atmosphere where all our students' needs, abilities, and interests are recognized.

Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3 & 4) and Kindergarten (age 5)

The curriculum at the Pre-K and K level provides an educational program based on and adapted to the ages, abilities, needs, and interests of the children. The learning environment is one in which the students can explore, discover, and develop a love for learning.
The curriculum includes:
·  Religious education and faith experiences
·  Reading and Math Readiness
·  Development of communication/social skills
·  Participation in group activities, projects, and discussions
·  Large/small motor skill development
·  "Specials", which include Gym, Art, Music, Library, and Computer.

Grades 1-6

Students participate in the following academic areas:
·  Religion
·  Reading
·  Language Arts
·  Handwriting (grades 1-3)
·  Mathematics
·  Science
·  Social Studies
·  Spanish or French (grades 5 & 6)
·  Physical Education
·  Health/Safety Education
·  Art
·  Music
·  Library Skills
·  Computer Technology
·  Theme (grades 5 & 6) *

Grades 7 & 8

·  Religion
·  Literature
·  Language Arts
·  Mathematics **(Algebra)
·  Science**(Biology)
·  Social Studies
·  Foreign Language (French or Spanish)
·  Theme *
·  Health Education ( Grade 7)
·  Physical Education
·  Music
·  Art
·  Computer Technology
·  Library Information Skills
* Theme is a unique writing program developed here at St. Andrew's over 15 years ago. In addition to writing assignments given in their regular academic areas, students are required to write a topic driven writing piece each week. This is under the guidance of a theme teacher. This is a required, graded class.
** Advanced Placement Math is available for qualified students beginning in 7th grade.

ST. ANDREW’S SPORTS

ST. ANDREW’S OFFERS A STRONG SPORTS PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP BEGINNER ATHLETES LEARN AND GROW THROUGH SPORTSMANSHIP, AND ENABLE OLDER STUDENTS TO ACTIVELY DEVELOP TALENTS THROUGH COMPETITION.

OUR ATHLETIC PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• SWIMMING - COMPETITIVE AND “LEARN TO SWIM - GRADES 1-8
  
  
• INDOOR SOCCER - TOWN LEAGUE CO-ED - GRADES 2-8
  
  
• CHEERLEADING VARSITY AND JV - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 5-8
  
  
• GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, VARSITY - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 7-8
  
  
• GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, JV - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 4-6
  
  
• BOYS VOLLEYBALL, VARSITY - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 7-8
  
  
• BOYS VOLLEYBALL, JV - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 4-6
  
  
• BOYS BASEBALL, VARSITY & JV - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 5-8
  
  
• BOYS BASEBALL, INTRAMURAL - TOWN LEAGUE
  
  
• GIRLS BASEBALL, VARSITY & JV - COMPETITIVE GRADES 6-8
  
  
• T-BALL, BOYS & GIRLS -------------------- PK 4 – AGE 7
  
  
• GIRLS BASKETBALL, VARSITY & JV - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 5-8
  
  
• BOYS BASKETBALL, VARSITY & JV - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 5-8
  
  
• INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL, GIRLS AND BOYS - GRADES 1-8
  
  
• WINTER INDOOR SOCCER - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 1-8
  
  
• SPRING SOCCER, BOYS &GIRLS - TOWN LEAGUE - GRADES 1-8
  
  
• VARSITY SOCCER - COMPETITIVE
  
  
• TRACK & FIELD - COMPETITIVE - GRADES 3-8
  
  
• ANNUAL TURKEY TROT RUN/WALK OPEN TO ENTIRE SCHOOL COMMUNITY DONATIONS IN SUPPORT OF ST. VINCENT DEPAUL FOOD PANTRY
  

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE A SPORT'S PHYSICAL COMPLETED AND ON FILE PRIOR TO THE FIRST PRACTICE

Art & Music

St. Andrew’s holds a firm belief that student’s work should be personal and creative. While learning skills, they are also encouraged to generate their own ideas for each project they developed. It is also our belief that art work should be shared with the school and broader community. We have had exhibits at M&T Bank as well as the Annual Catholic Diocesan Art Exhibition and the Annual Celebrate the Arts night at St. Andrews. It is at this last exhibit that each child will display their choice of work.

CHORUS

Children in grades 2 - 8 are invited to join chorus. Children perform in Christmas and spring concerts. Chorus members perform in the Fantasy Island Music Festival in May.

CHIME PLAYERS

This music group is offered exclusively to first graders. The children play the chimes in either the Christmas or spring concert.

BELL HANDBELL GROUP

Children in grades 7 & 8 have an opportunity to perform in a handbell ensemble for both Christmas and spring concerts. This group also performs in the Fantasy Island Music Festival.

CANTILE HANDBELL GROUP

Children in grades 5 & 6 have an opportunity to perform in a handbell ensemble for both Christmas and spring concerts. This group also performs in the Fantasy Island Music Festival. * Both handbell groups are invited to perform during school mass during various times of the year.

Student Clubs & Activities

St. Andrew’s offers a diverse assortment of extracurricular activities and clubs, designed to give each student an opportunity to explore and develop their individual talents.

• National Jr. Honor Society

The National Junior Honor Society was founded in 1929 in the hopes of creating an organization that would recognize and encourage academic achievement while also developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. The ideals of character, scholarship, leadership, service, and citizenship remain as relevant today as they were in 1929. Through the NJHS chapter service activities and academic standards, members maintain and extend the qualities that won them selection. All 7th and 8th Graders who meet the criteria based on scholarship (cumulative average of 93 or higher), character, leadership, citizenship qualities in and out of school, and have completed service hour requirements are invited and encouraged to apply for membership. All decisions based on membership are final.

• Drama Club

Drama Club is an extracurricular activity for junior high students.  Drama Club sponsors a winter production, a spring talent show, and a spring musical.  Drama Club enhances students’ public speaking and performance skills and is a great activity for theater enthusiasts and movie buffs.  Drama club will hold monthly Thursday meetings, but each performance will have its own practice schedule so that each performance is prepared for properly. 

• Student Council

• Yearbook Staff

• Chess Club

• Service Club

• Art Club

• Chorus

• Altar Servers

• Bus Patrol

Admissions

Thank you for your interest in St. Andrew’s Country Day School. All applications for admission are required to have the child’s Original Birth Certificate submitted with the registration form. The birth certificate will be copied in the main office and returned to the parent or guardian.

Students attending Pre-Kindergarten 3 must be 3 years of age by December 1st of the year attending, Pre-Kindergarten 4 students must be 4 by December 1st , and Kindergarten student must be 5 by December 1st of the year attending. All registration forms, school records including testing, birth certificates, baptismal certificates, and legal or custody documents are required before acceptance to St. Andrew’s Country Day School. Medical forms including immunization information are required before school begins in September. Records will be reviewed by the Principal before the decision of final acceptance is made.

Once your child is accepted into the program a tuition packet will be sent to you by the Business Office. The business office will guide you through the financial steps needed to complete enrollment.

Financial Assistance is available to students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

Financial Programs Include:

Bison Fund: The BISON fund is a privately funded program that offers tuition assistance to low income families. Families are awarded a Bison grant in an annual lottery drawing and will be able to enroll their children in a private grammar school of choice. Award amounts vary depending on the family’s income, household size and school’s tuition cost. Families may apply by filling out an application and mailing it to the Bison Fund Office. Applications are available on line at www.bisonfund.com, at the school office, the business office in the rectory or by calling 1-888-216-8380.

GTGP (Catholic Tuition Grant Program): This program is offered to families who are deemed “Active Parishioners” of a parish without a school and who wish to enroll their child(ren) in another Catholic school in the Diocese of Buffalo. A tuition grant of $1,000 per child is credited to families that meet the criteria and when the Parishioner Verification Form is completed and signed by the pastor. Forms are available on line through the Diocese and in the school and business offices.

Please consider our Pre-K program
Pre-Kindergarten (ages 3 & 4) and Kindergarten (age 5)
The curriculum at the Pre-K and K level provides an educational program based on and adapted to the ages, abilities, needs, and interests of the children. The learning environment is one in which the students can explore, discover, and develop a love for learning.

The curriculum includes:

• Religious education and faith experiences.
  
• Reading and Math Readiness.
  
• Development of communication/social skills
  
• Participation in group activities, projects, and discussions.
  
• Large/small motor skill development.
  
• "Specials", which include Gym, Art, Music, Library, and Computer

Application

Welcome Home St. Andrew's Alumni, Parents and Friends

Welcome! I am pleased to inform you that St. Andrews School is now part of the which is a new, privately funded effort to support Catholic elementary schools by helping to develop or strengthen their fundraising programs. The project aims to do that by providing the tools and support needed to identify, cultivate and eventually solicit alumni. Ultimately, the Catholic Alumni Partnership project’s vision is to create a sustainable fundraising program for every Catholic elementary school, with alumni support as its foundation.

Catholic schools are a proven product. Today, despite their strong history of academic excellence, Catholic schools are faced with tremendous challenges including school closures resulting from their inability to keep up with rising costs, involves the collaboration among more than 300 Catholic elementary schools from seven arch/dioceses, including the, the dioceses of Brooklyn, Bridgeport, Norwich and Rockville Center along with the Archdioceses of New York and Hartford. They are working in partnership with Changing Our World, Inc. to ensure the success of this groundbreaking initiative.

For more information about how you can re-connect with your St. Andrews classmates and be part of this exciting initiative, or phone us at 716-877-0422 and please pass this message on to all your classmates and fellow St. Andrew’s graduates.

"Our Catholic schools have produced countless numbers of well-educated and moral citizens who are leaders in our civic and ecclesial communities. We must work with all parents so they have the choice of an education that no other school can supply." - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005

Contact

The school office can be contacted at: 716-877-0422.

The school fax line is:
716-877-3973.

The schools address is:
1545 Sheridan Drive
Kenmore, NY 14217.

We look forward to hearing from you.