Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall began new school year Aug. 24

Tribune-Review
Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023 6:00 a.m. | Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023 6:00 a.m.

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Courtesy of Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy

Aspinwall Police Chief David Nemec stands outside Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall on Aug. 24, the first day of school for the 2023-24 year, with fifth graders Madison Jankowski, Chloe Beeson and Elaina Petyak. The police chief was on hand to help direct opening day traffic.

Courtesy of Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy

Mark Grgurich, principal of Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall, greets second graders Anna DeStout, Harper Muscia, Gavin Sickenberger and Liam Lewis on Aug. 24, the first day of school for the 2023-24 academic year, which ended for students with a tradition — Popsicles.

Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy began the new school year on Aug. 24 with 177 preschool through eighth graders.

Each year, the school focuses on a religious value. This year’s value is “Courage,” having the ability to face difficulties and overcome fear with faith, school officials said.

Enrollment is about the same as last year, with 11 new students in first through eighth grades and a kindergarten class of 16.

“With the addition of a full day pre-K option, our preschool has doubled in size,” said Katie Lovett, director of marketing and admissions. “We had a great response from parents in the community who were thankful for a full day option in Aspinwall.”

Technology upgrades made over the summer include 16 new SmartBoards in every classroom, 30 new Google Chromebooks in the middle school and 60 tablets for kindergarten and first graders.

A new curriculum and book series for reading, social studies and science was implemented in grades kindergarten through five. Facility upgrades include: new fencing around the playground, new alarm system and a new generator.

The schoolwide Back To School picnic will be Aug. 31 at Aspinwall’s Fireman’s Memorial Park.

“CDTCA continues to flourish both spiritually and academically, and I am grateful to share another year with the students, staff and school families,” said Principal Mark Grgurich.