November 24, 2025
The Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS) in The School of Education at St. John’s University recently donated approximately $2,800 worth of academic and sensory learning tools to Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy (FVCCA) on Staten Island, NY, one of the few Catholic elementary schools with a special education program.
FVCAA, part of the Archdiocese of New York, recently lost grant funding that supported its special education program. Research teacher Theresa Hollnsteiner ’88Ed reached out to her alma mater for assistance and found the Institute for Catholic Schools. ICS fosters the long-term sustainability, growth, and excellence of Catholic education.
While this can be exhibited in many ways, ICS in this case responded with a donation of items curated by the faculty. The donation includes a variety of resources designed to enhance classroom instruction and support students with diverse learning needs, including math manipulatives, fidget spinners, and Playfoam. These academic tools will help strengthen core subjects such as math, reading, and science, while sensory learning materials aim to create an inclusive environment for students who benefit from hands-on and multisensory approaches.
"We are excited to partner with St. John's University on the educational journey of the students at Fr. Capodanno Catholic Academy. The hands-on materials, along with the sensory manipulatives that St. John's University provided to us will certainly aid our students in their academic pursuits. More specifically, our students who learn differently will benefit greatly from varied approaches to learning that can be supported through the resources provided by The School of Education," said Mrs. Theresa Hollnsteiner, resource teacher at the school.
Three representatives from The School of Education—Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships; Robert DiNardo, Director of the Institute for Catholic Schools; and Lisa Ninnivaggio, Budget and Planning Coordinator—transported the items to FVCCA and went to several classrooms to encourage students to continue working hard in their classes.
Administrators were deeply grateful for the contribution, noting that these resources will make a tremendous difference in maintaining high-quality education in this climate.
“We are so grateful to St. John’s for supporting our students as they pursue a Catholic education and for helping us live our mission,” said Debbie Cretella, Principal of Fr. Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy. “We embrace the diversity within our school family, which enriches the fabric of our faith-based Catholic school community and creates a stronger, united bond.”
The Institute for Catholic Schools is proud to be a leader in supporting Catholic education in the New York City metropolitan area. If you would like to learn more about our work or support our efforts, please contact Director Robert DiNardo at [email protected] or Dean James Wolfinger at [email protected].
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