The School of Education Celebrates Catholic Schools Week with Special Gift to Our Lady of Victory School

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, The School of Education at St. John’s University donated 14 digital microscopes to Our Lady of Victory School in Mount Vernon, NY.

Robert DiNardo, Director of the Institute for Catholic Schools; Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships; and Lisa Ninnivaggio, Budget and Planning Coordinator for The School of Education, personally delivered them to the K–8 school on January 29.

Our Lady of Victory is led by Principal Helena Castilla-Byrne ’91AS, ’93ED, ’03M.S.Ed., ’10M.S.Ed., a four-time alumna of St. John’s University who is currently completing her fifth degree in The School of Education, an Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision.

Principal Castilla Byrne shared insight on the school demographics and potential impact of this gift. “Our school serves an inner-city community where about 90 percent of students live in poverty. Many of our students do not always have access to advanced technology, so having 14 handheld microscopes allows more students to participate at the same time and really explore and learn in a new and exciting way. Students can look closely at everyday objects and better understand how things work, which makes learning more interesting and fun.”

This act of generosity grew out of a message Principal Castilla-Byrne sent to Mr. DiNardo requesting support for instructional resources. The Institute for Catholic Schools provided enough microscopes to ensure each teacher received at least one digital microscope, which projects microscopic images onto a computer screen or digital monitor, allowing entire classes to observe and engage together. While the microscopes are ideal for science instruction, conversations with students and school leaders revealed their potential for use across multiple subject areas.

“Microscopes help us to focus on critical aspects of life that are often overlooked and neglected,” said Dr. Holmes. “A digital microscope projects the brilliance hidden in small things, giving the whole class access while igniting the curiosity of young learners. This concept is also reflected in our calling as teachers. Teachers should magnify the brilliance within small things.” 

Principal Castilla-Byrne added, “Our STREAM program focuses on science, technology, reading and religion, the arts, and math, and these microscopes help bring all of those areas together. The microscopes help students practice important skills like observing, asking questions, reading and writing about what they see, and connecting science to creativity and faith. They help students feel more confident in their learning and show them that science and discovery are for everyone. This donation helps our students see new possibilities for their future and reminds them that they are supported by a community that believes in them.”

During the visit, representatives from The School of Education toured several classrooms to distribute microscopes and shared messages of encouragement and hope for a successful spring semester.

Reflecting on the visit, Mr. DiNardo remarked: “Our visit to Our Lady of Victory School was truly enjoyable. The school represents what all Catholic schools should be—places that provide a safe, values-based learning environment. It was a joy to see happy students, dedicated teachers, and a principal like Ms. Castilla Byrne, who truly represents what a Catholic school leader should be. It was a wonderful opportunity for the Institute for Catholic Schools to contribute to the education of these students, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Our Lady of Victory.”

Principal Castilla-Byrne shared her appreciation for the support, noting the value of hands-on learning tools that inspire curiosity and engagement among students. “Thank you to St. John’s University for donating 14 Beaverlab Finder 4.0 digital microscopes to Our Lady of Victory School,” she said. “This donation helps our STREAM program in a big way.”