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Mr. and Mrs. Met Surprise Students at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy in Queens

By Currents News

It was a home run for the students of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Academy in Jackson Heights, Queens when two beloved baseball mascots made a surprise visit to the school.

Mr. and Mrs. Met stopped by as part of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s dual initiatives: “Ya Gotta Read,” which promotes literacy, and “Mets on the Move,” which encourages physical fitness.

The mascots visited every classroom, bringing smiles and excitement to students of all grades.

The day reached its peak in the gym, where fourth and fifth graders got the chance to play some ball with the famous duo.

Cheers filled the air as kids took their swings and celebrated each hit.

The visit was a grand slam that created fun and unforgettable memories for the school community.

New York Islanders Visit Queens Catholic Academy, Share Lessons on Teamwork and Nutrition

By Currents News

St. Margaret Catholic Academy in Middle Village, Queens marked Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 30 with a special visit from representatives of the New York Islanders Community Relations team, joined by the hockey team’s mascot, Sparky the Dragon.

Students in grades K through 8 participated in the Islanders’ “Shooting for the Net” program, where they learned about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and teamwork.

Principal Adrienne Terzuoli praised the interactive session, noting how the players encouraged the children to grow together through healthy habits.

Seventh grader Kacey Shuttlewort emphasized the key takeaway: “You have to eat healthy… teamwork is very important.”

Her classmate Emerson Kotarski added that the program taught the value of “a good and balanced meal.”

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Catholic School Support Services, described the visit as “wonderful,” highlighting its positive impact on the school community.

In addition to lessons on physical health and nutrition, the students learned the importance of maintaining a respectful attitude toward others at all times.

The program left a lasting impression on the entire academy.

Catholic News Headlines for Thursday 1/29/26

Seventh graders at St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Queens learned real-world business skills by launching ice cream startups during Catholic Schools Week.

Students at St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy in Brooklyn put their skills to the test during a high-energy STEM Olympics, competing in science- and engineering-based challenges.

The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating after a car repeatedly rammed into the Chabad Lubavitch headquarters in Crown Heights during a major religious gathering.

The Vatican has announced the first restoration in 600 years of the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

A Sweet Lesson in Entrepreneurship for Queens Students

By Katie Vasquez

Milkshakes, sundaes and other sweet treats filled the halls of St. Joseph Catholic Academy this week, but the lesson behind the desserts went far beyond sugar and sprinkles.

Seventh graders at the Astoria school created and ran their own small businesses as part of a hands-on entrepreneurship project, learning how to price products, market to customers and manage responsibilities under a tight deadline.

Teacher John Barry said the goal was to give students an early taste of the real world.

“The kids had a lot more responsibility,” Barry said. “They usually do this over a trimester, but this time they did it in just three weeks.”

Students quickly learned that running a business involved more than just serving ice cream. Teams like Smiley Scoops conducted research to determine how much to charge for each cup or cone.

“We wanted to make it cheap so Astoria could afford it,” said seventh grader Valentina Tominovick. “Who doesn’t like cheap stuff? Get a deal.”

Customer service was also a major focus for businesses such as Frozen Fantasy. Seventh grader Meadow DiChiara said her team made respect a priority.

“We wanted to treat customers with the utmost respect,” DiChiara said. “Like they’re our best friends, supporting us on our journey of making this stand.”

Each of the four student-run businesses presented their plans to classmates Thursday. One group, Cherry on Top, leaned heavily into social media marketing to promote its brand.

“We all shared the login and took turns posting,” said seventh grader Milan Herrera. “We’d design background photos and captions after school or on weekends. When we reached 100 followers, it was a big deal.”

For some students, the project sparked ambitions beyond the classroom. Seventh grader Anthony Primiani said the experience inspired him to start his own year-round neighborhood business.

“I had a really fun time, and it encouraged me to start my own mini business,” Primiani said. “I do things like shoveling, pulling weeds and sweeping leaves.”

A panel of judges sampled the final products and declared a tie between Sundae Scoops and Cherry on Top.

TONIGHT AT 7: Learning Meets Competition at St. Patrick’s STEM Olympics

By Jessica Easthope

Competition and critical thinking fill the gym at St. Patrick’s Catholic Academy in Bay Ridge as students put their science, technology, engineering, and math skills to the test.

With teamwork, problem-solving, and a little pressure on the clock, only one group will come out on top during the school’s STEM Olympics — showcasing how hands-on learning brings classroom lessons to life.

Pulse of the Parish: St. Teresa of Avila

By Christine Persichette

Behind every Mass at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Prospect Heights is a quiet, faithful presence keeping everything running smoothly. Meet Denise Etienne, the longtime sacristan whose behind-the-scenes devotion prepares the altar, supports the liturgy, and sustains the spiritual life of the parish day after day.

From early mornings to late evenings, Denise’s dedication reflects a life of service rooted in gratitude, prayer, and love for the Church. In this installment of Pulse of the Parish, Currents News shines a light on the woman whose steady faith is the heartbeat of her community.

Vegetables and Students Thrive Inside Incarnation Catholic Academy’s Hydroponics Lab

By Jessica Easthope

Fragrant notes of garlic, onion and basil pour out of Incarnation Catholic Academy in Queens Village. It’s not coming from the cafeteria — it’s coming from a lab way up on the third floor.

“It’s supposed to be healthier for people who don’t have soil so they can put it here and build plants,” said Isaac Gil, a sixth-grader at Incarnation Catholic Academy.

Gil and his classmates suit up in their white lab coats and get to work, tending, snipping, watering and harvesting their fresh produce inside the hydroponics lab. Science teacher and chemist Maria Nenita Alonso says the work the kids do in the lab is rooted in environmental and economic sustainability.

“It’s really beneficial, especially here in New York where the winter and cold season is usually longer than the summer season so that even if you’re indoor you can still raise vegetables inside your houses,” Alonso said.

Growing produce without soil takes some trial and error. Gil is into the science and technology part of this STEM lesson.

“It’s interesting,” Gil said. “You could make plants with just water and like, seeds and a little sponge. It’s really cool.”

But his classmate Chassidy Tyrell says the engineering and math are what get her pumped up.

“Hands on stuff like this, we get to do problem solving, like, what’s wrong with the plants?” Tyrell said.

Mrs. Alonso explains to her students the plants need a lot of love, but once she planted the seed — it bloomed.

“They’re very much involved in taking care of the plants,” Alonso said. “Maybe it’s because they know how to love each other, care for each other.”

Every few weeks the students harvest their produce. They take some home and share it with faculty.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 1/28/26   

Sixth graders at Incarnation Catholic Academy in Queens are using a hydroponics lab to grow fresh produce indoors while learning hands-on lessons in science, sustainability, and faith.

Students and teachers at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy faced off in a friendly volleyball match, continuing a Catholic Schools Week tradition that builds sportsmanship, leadership, and school spirit.

For the first time in its 1,400-year history, the Church of England is installing a woman as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Denise Etienne, the longtime sacristan at St. Teresa of Avila in Brooklyn, is honored as the Pulse of the Parish for her daily service behind the scenes of parish life.

Teachers, Students Face Off in Annual Volleyball Game at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy

By Currents News

On Jan. 27, teachers and students at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy in Queens went head-to-head in a spirited volleyball match as part of a cherished annual tradition during Catholic Schools Week.

Eighth graders competed for bragging rights against the faculty, while the rest of the school cheered from the sidelines with handmade signs.

Principal Joseph Paniccia explained that the event serves as a fun send-off for the eighth graders in their final year.The game offered more than exercise — it taught valuable life lessons.

Eighth grader Danielle Francis highlighted the supportive atmosphere: “I like the fact that, like, even if somebody messes up, we’re always like, ‘Oh, it’s okay.’ I think that’s the best part. And just playing in general.”

Her classmate Raymond Clemente added that the match builds resilience: “It’s pretty much teaching you not to crush against very hard pressure… how to dig out of it is pretty much the lesson here today.”

Kindergarten teacher Megan Carroll noted the bonding benefits: “I feel like it gives them a really good bonding moment with the teachers as well and show them that they can have fun outside of the classroom.”

Principal Paniccia emphasized the broader lessons: “It teaches them sportsmanship. It teaches them leadership, how to win, how to lose. They obviously are having a ton of fun out there. And it’s really exciting. And it builds a better relationship between teachers and students.”

After three matches, the teachers emerged victorious, winning two rounds. The friendly rivalry strengthened community spirit and created lasting memories for the entire school.