Care for Hearts and Minds
Continuity with home life at historic Bronx school

“Every school is concerned about academics,” said Sister Kathleen Marie Gerritse, principal of St. Margaret of Cortona School. “We nurture hearts as well as educate minds.”

Hearts are engaged through relationships at this school, founded by the Sisters of Charity and the parish of St. Margaret of Cortona in 1911.

“We have a caring and dedicated staff concerned about their well-being,” Gerritse said.

Second grade teacher Patricia Hund, who has taught pre-K through 4th grade at the school, said she strives to make her classroom “a nurturing place.” Throughout her 30-year career, she sees the school fulfilling more roles than ever before. She has felt the effects of society’s “breakdown of the family,” she said, citing divorce, abuse and the removal of children from their parents to be raised by relatives.

“What can we expect from these kids in front of us if there’s disruption at home?” she asked. “We have to be aware and make school a happy place.”

Years ago, she recalled, kids went home for lunch. Now, “kids come in even when they’re not feeling well because everybody has to go to work.” Busy schedules are one reason Hund has her students make apple muffins and applesauce in the classroom, a kind of informal science that used to happen more frequently in home kitchens. She has also noticed a difference in attention: “Now, you almost have to be an actress to keep their attention.” Thus, she has increased her use of “math manipulatives”—a variety of colorful objects used for counting—games and field trips to help “develop a love for learning.”

“For some kids, [school is] the best six hours of their day,” she said.

St. Margaret of Cortona is a close-knit community. Priority is given to families from the parish, and parish families make up about 80 percent of the student body. They play sports together and worship together.

“The part of the Bronx we’re in doesn’t have that city feel,” said 7th grade parent Margaret McDonald. “A lot of what community centers around is that church and school.”

The school is more diverse than it used to be; the Asian, Hispanic and black population has grown to a combined 32 percent. This diversity is good, said Hund. “It’s a healthier thing.”

This recently networked school has kids chatting excitedly about Smart Boards, in addition to hands-on science experiments.

“Technology is the world that they live in, were born and bred in,” said Gerritse, who made it part of her mission to bring technology in and sent her teachers for additional training. “We have to move beyond the paper and pencil that I grew up with. It gives them another means, another tool, that helps them gain information and think critically.”

McDonald said her child has had “engaging” teachers at St. Margaret’s. In 6th grade, her daughter was motivated to re-work English compositions, read authors like Gary Paulson and got turned on by a “meat with maggots” science experiment.

“I think that’s kind of great,” said McDonald, adding, “I would never want to have to do that at home.”

At St. Margaret’s, leadership is not narrowly defined as “being in charge”—it’s about becoming aware of your individual ability to make a positive impact in the world. Students are encouraged to serve the wider community, whether it’s planting flowers on the school grounds, stocking the food pantry or tending a nearby park. McDonald has seen her 11-year-old go beyond the required service hours of her own accord.

“We’re leaders, whoever we are,” Gerritse said. “We try to teach them how to live their faith.”
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St. Margaret of Cortona School
452 W. 260th St.
Bronx, N.Y. 10471
Sister Kathleen Marie Gerritse, Principal

                                                                                 — Lydie Raschka