Catholic Schools Prepare For 2024-25 School Year

Amarillo—The first day of school for Catholic School students in the Diocese of Amarillo is Thursday, Aug. 8. Here are thumbnail previews from all five diocesan Catholic Schools.
Holy Cross Catholic Academy, Amarillo
Location: 4110 South Bonham, just north of St. Joseph’s School
Phone number: 806-355-9637
Website: holycrossama.org
Registration Information: Registration for the 2024-2025 school year for grades six through twelve is ongoing, according to Craig Logan, Principal at Holy Cross Catholic Academy.
Prospective students are asked to begin the admissions process with one simple application at holycrossama.org/admissions. Students and/or parents can then call the school to set up a tour and an interview with the administration at 806-355-9637.

Welcome to Holy Cross: Sixth grade orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 3:00pm until 5:15pm, followed by a meeting for sixth grade parents and families new to HCCA at 5:00. Back To School Night will be the same evening and begins at 5:30 where students and their families have the opportunity to drop off their school supplies and meet the teachers. The evening will wrap up at 7:00.
“Our normal office hours resume Thursday, Aug. 1 and teachers return for In-Service on Aug. 1 as well.” Logan said.

Noteable Anniversary: The 2024-2025 school year marks 25 years of Holy Cross Catholic Academy, formerly Alamo Catholic High School. The current building housing HCCA was refurbished in the summer of 2000 and dedicated on Oct. 11, 2000.
The first graduating class was the Class of 2001, graduating in May of that year, making the Class of 2025 the 25th graduating class of Holy Cross Catholic Academy. Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2025 are set for Friday, May 23.
“We have plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of HCCA this year,” said Logan.

New Title, Same Responsibilities: Beginning this year, 2024-2025, Logan’s title Head of School, will be transitioning to the title Principal.
New to the Family: Holy Cross welcomes five new members to the staff and faculty:
• Caty Tanaka will be teaching two middle school Theology classes.  She comes to HCCA with a Catholic educator background and dual Masters degrees from the Franciscan University of Steubenville;
• Randie Christian will be providing special programs support and teaching a Social Studies class. She is a career educator and comes out of retirement to become part of the HCCA team;
• Nichole Wells is joining HCCA as the new choir director and will be working with St. Mary’s Cathedral School as well;
• Joe Sharp comes to Holy Cross to teach High School Math. He comes to HCCA from Dumas High School; and,
• Kevin Metzler will be teaching Physical Education (PE) and work with the Religion teachers and classes. He continues to be on the faculty at St. Mary’s Cathedral School and will spend time on both campuses.

Returning Faculty: Back for another year at Holy Cross are:
• Tim Gallegos, Athletic Director;
• Donna Kerr, High School/Dual Credit English, Capstone and Speech Coach;
• Cassy Summerlin, High School/Dual Credit Science;
• Sara Burkhard, Middle School Science and Math;
• Kim Maki, Math, Art, Social Studies;
• Veronica Mullen, Religion, Campus Minister;
• Lynette Rickwartz, Computer Technology, Sixth Grade Technical Skills, Registrar;
• Roy Christian, Associate Principal;
• Stephanie Littlejohn, Orchestra;
• Tiffany Williamson, Social Studies, PE;
• Jessica Huerta, Soul Core;
• Dollie Henderson, Middle School and High School English, Yearbook;
• Stacy Wilhelm, Senior English, Quantum Growth, Creative Writing, Personal Finance;
• Cindy Irlas, Campus Clerk;
• April Fetterman, Office Manager;
• Miechele Ronquillo, Marketing and Development Director;
• Zach Zuniga, School Counselor; and,
• Joe Bosquez, Maintenance.

St. Joseph’s School, Amarillo
Location: 4118 South Bonham, in between St. Joseph’s Church and Holy Cross Catholic Academy
Phone number: 806-359-1604
Website: stjosephamarillo.com
Email: [email protected]
Registration Information: Registration for the 2024-2025 school year for PreKindergarten through fifth grade is ongoing. Prospective families are asked to begin the registration process by filling out the admission application at stjosephschoolamarillo.com/admissions. Parents may contact the school to set up an appointment for school tours at 806-359-1604.

Looking Back to 23-24: “Last year was a year of rebuilding and stabilizing for our St. Joseph community,” said principal Angela Seidenberger. “We implemented all new programs to support our curriculum and bring a cohesiveness across the school. On top of our strong academic and religious programs recently implemented, we have a great staff that serve and truly love our students. They go above and beyond for our families.
“This coming school year, we will departmentalize in our second through fifth grades, allowing teachers to focus on two subject areas across two grade levels. Teachers having a class two years in a row enables them to hit the ground running the following year because relationships are already established with students and families as well as knowing the student’s knowledge base and capabilities.”
 
New to St. Joseph’s School:
• Isabel Peña, PreKindergarten-3, Spanish;
• Mariela Guadian, PreKindergarten-4;
• Saharay Regalado, Kindergarten;
• Colleen Huseman, First Grade; and,
• Jana Harold, Fourth Grade homeroom, fourth and fifth ELAR (English, Language, Art and Reading) and Social Studies.

They join the returning faculty consisting of:
• Angela Seidenberger, Principal;
• Amanda Almanza, Administrative Assistant;
• Angie Warren, Business Manager;
• Miechele Ronquillo, Marketing Director;
• Caryn Hawkins, Second Grade homeroom; second and Third Grade ELAR and Social Studies;
• Eufemia Rayos, Third Grade homeroom; second and Third Grade Math and Science;
• Emily Grandmaison, Music;
• Tiffany Williamson, Physical Education;
• Judi Correa and Imelda Medina, Cooks; and,
• Mariana Fragaso, Custodian.

Coming Attractions: Among the events of note at St. Joseph’s School this school year include:
• The annual St. Joseph’s School Carnival is set for Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11:00am to 7:00pm;
• The 17th annual Catholic Schools Sweepstakes, sponsored by Catholic Life Insurance. Tickets will be sold following the school carnival; and,
• The school will sponsor its fourth annual Scrambling for Scholarships Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 26.  

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Amarillo
Location: 1200 South Washington
Phone Number: 806-376-9112
Website: stmarysamarillo.org

An Overview: “St. Mary’s Cathedral School has humbly served the community of Amarillo since 1913,” said interim Principal Kim Lackey. “Nestled near the heart of the vibrant city, our school offers a nurturing environment where children thrive from Montessori Preschool through Grade Five.
“At St. Mary’s, we are dedicated to fostering academic excellence while nurturing a strong Catholic identity. Our mission, Forming Families for Eternity, informs every facet of our educational approach, fostering holistic growth that engages the mind, heart and soul.
“Our faculty and staff are the backbone of our institution. With unwavering dedication and professionalism, they devote themselves to the development of each child. Beyond academics, they instill values of integrity, compassion and social responsibility, forming well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute positively to society.
“We recognize the vital role families play in a child’s education. At St. Mary’s, we view parents as our partners, working together to support and guide each student on their educational journey.
“Central to our school is the vibrant community of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Their involvement, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being present, creates a sense of belonging and unity that defines the St. Mary’s experience. At St. Mary’s Cathedral School, where tradition meets innovation, every child is valued, cherished, and empowered to reach his or her full potential. To schedule a tour or register your child, contact our office at 806-376-9112.”
New to the Family: There are five new members of the faculty at St. Mary’s Cathedral:
• Debra Bridenbaugh, Star Lab;
• Hallie Lackey, Second Grade;
• Julia Mason, Kindergarten;
• Tifanie Rathbun, Reading Specialist; and,
• Chelsea Schulze, Second Grade;

At Your Service: The staff and faculty at St. Mary’s Cathedral School has a collective tenure of 79 years at the school. Returning staff includes:
• Molly Barnes, Librarian;
• Veronica Becerra, Fourth/Fifth Grade ELAR (English, Language, Art and Reading)/Social Studies;
• Emma Beckham, Montessori;
• Kate Beckham, Montessori;
• Jannett Camarillo, Instructional Specialist;
• Jordan Carrasco, First Grade;
• Regina Detten, Montessori;
• Angela Gladman, First Grade;
• Hattie Johnson, Kindergarten;
• Ashley Leake, Montessori;
• Kevin Metzler, PE (Physical Education)/ Art;  
• Amy Monroe, Third Grade;
• Missy Musick, Third Grade;
• Mother Angela Marie Ricigliano, ACK, Atrium; and,
• Makayla Smith, Fourth/Fifth Grade Math/Science.

Coming Attractions: Among the events scheduled this fall at St. Mary’s Cathedral School include:
• Ticket Sales for the Fall Carnival Drawing begin on Thursday, Aug. 1;
• Back to School Cookout and Meet the Teacher Night on Monday, Aug. 5;
• First Day of School on Thursday, Aug. 8;
• St. Mary’s Cathedral School Tailgate Party at the West Texas A&M University football game on Saturday, Sept. 14; and,
• The annual Fall Carnival Back and Better Than Ever, on Saturday, Oct. 5.

St. Anthony of Padua School, Dalhart:
Location: 410 East 13th Street
Phone number: 806-244-4811
Website: stanthonydalhart.com
Registration Information: Registration for the 2024-2025 school year continues at St. Anthony of Padua School, with spaces still available in all grade level classrooms, according to Principal Shay Batenhorst. Registration information can be accessed on the school’s website, stanthonydalhart.com.
The school office will open from 9:00am to noon, beginning Thursday Aug. 1.
 
At Your Service: St. Anthony of Padua School welcomes five new staff for the 2024-25 school year:
• Kirsten Bezner, Kindergarten;
• Sara Jones, Second Grade;
• Ann Hoang, Fifth and Sixth Grade;
• Whitlea Mason, Classroom Aide; and,
• Meghan Rogers, Interventionist.
Returning staff and faculty at St. Anthony of Padua School includes:
• Shay Batenhorst, Principal;
• Betty Rivero, PreKindergarten;
• Olivia Olvera, Kindergarten;
• Nikki Smith, First Grade;
• Paige Davis, Third and Fourth Grade;
• Sarah Hininger, K-6th Grade Science teacher;
• Jennifer Lopez, Secretary;
• Joanna McGaugh, Technology Director;
• Sarah Pollard, Religion and Library Manager;
• Virginia Cendejas, Classroom aide; and,
• Chance Helms, Physical Education/Health.

Important Dates: Dates for St. Anthony of Padua School parents to put on the calendar this fall include:
• Back to School Social on Sunday Aug. 4;
• First Day of School on Thursday, Aug. 8;
• First meeting of the Home and School Association on Tuesday, Aug. 27; and,
• 43rd annual Oktoberfest and Auction, Sunday, Oct. 20, at Rita Blanca Coliseum.

St. Anthony’s School, Hereford
Location: 120 West Park Avenue
Phone number: 806-364-1952
Website: stanthonysaints.com
Registration Information: St. Anthony’s School is filling up fast in grades K5 through Second Grade. There are still available spots for students in grades K4, and third through fifth grades. For additional information or to register this month, please contact school principal Linda Gonzalez at 806-364-1952 or download an enrollment/registration packet from the school’s website, stanthonysaints.com. The school office is closed this month and Gonzalez will be available by appointment only. St. Anthony’s School will reopen for regular business hours on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Theme for School Year: The theme for the 2024-2025 School Year is: Be Strong in the Lord and in the Strength of His Power (Ephesians 6:10).

At Your Service: New to the St. Anthony’s School staff this year is Fourth Grade teacher Andrea Olivarez.
Faculty and staff returning for the new school year includes:
• Linda Gonzalez, Principal;
• Maria Gonzalez, Administrative Secretary;
• Diana Guerrero, Kindergarten-4; and Physical Education (PE)
• Bridget Maldonado, Kindergarten-5;
• Destiny Rivera, First Grade;
• Yvette Alaniz, Second Grade;
• Lesley Lomas, Third Grade;
• Diane Stokes, Fifth Grade;
• Elaine McNutt, Religion/Marketing Director;
• Susan Hicks, Librarian;
• Amy Yosten, Technology Lab;
• Aida Niño, Counselor;
• Rocio Ochoa, Kindergarten-4 Para and Extended Day;
• Susan Shaw, Music;
• Cynthia Rolley, Tutor;
• Delia Garcia, Cafeteria Manager;
• Juanita Chavez, Cafeteria Assistant; and,
• Rosanne Garcia, Custodian.

Coming Attractions: Among the events scheduled this school year at St. Anthony’s School include:
• Back to School Night, on Wednesday, Aug. 7;
• Grandparent’s Week, Monday, Sept. 9 through Friday, Sept. 13;
• Blessing of the Pets on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, on Friday, Oct. 4;
• The annual Gala, on Saturday, Oct. 5;
• Trunk or Treat, at St. Anthony’s Church, on Thursday, Oct. 31;
• Children’s Business Fair, on Saturday Dec. 7;
• Annual Christmas Program on Thursday, Dec. 19;
• Catholic School Week, Sunday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Feb. 2. Opening Mass on Jan. 26 at St. Anthony’s Church, with closing Mass on Feb. 2 at San Jose Church;
• Annual PTO Auction, on Sunday, March 2;
• Shadow stations, conducted by the fifth-grade class, on Friday, March 7; and,
• Seder Meal on Thursday, March 17.