Letters from Parents/Teachers
..."On behalf of my wife and I, we would like to share a few closing thoughts as we say
goodbye to Visitation Academy. We are so thankful that Mossimo was able to spend his
last three years at VA because it has made such a difference in his life. When Mossimo
entered sixth grade as a new student, there was plenty of anxiety and many rough mornings
with tears involved and second guessing going on. We were so concerned about his
transition and the tough time that he was having, but the faculty, staff and students not only
accepted him, but welcomed him and made him feel like he had always been part of the
Visitation family. Mossimo found such caring and encouraging teachers as well as wonderful
and supportive friends. We have watched him grow both personally and spiritually and
blossom in ways we could not have imagined, and for that we are truly grateful. The entire
VA community has played such an important role in our lives. It has helped Mossimo excel
academically and socially and also provided us with experiences and relationships that we
will always hold dear to our hearts. Attending Visitation Academy has touched him in such
a positive way and inspired him to do great things. Visitation has changed his life and
because of that he is a better person. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for
proving to us that our decision to come to Visitation was definitely the best decision we
could have made."
Sincerely,
Christopher & Norma Tampol
Hello everyone,
I am Sr. Asteria, a student teacher from Felician University in Lodi. Time flies! This
semester is coming to an end, so is my student teaching experience here at
Visitation Academy. At Felician University, each student who studies in the Teacher
Education program is provided an excellent opportunity to experience the real
classroom situation starting from the second semester of the freshmen year. I am
no exception. As my study at Felician comes to an end, I have to say that Visitation
Academy is the best school that I had ever been placed in. From the moment that
I walked into the school, I felt I was welcomed by everyone, including the parents.
This is exactly what happens in the Gospel when Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth.
From this perspective, I would say that the community of the Visitation Academy
really lives up to its name.
We know that student achievement not only depends on the school and the
teachers, but the parents as well. My experience at VA tells me that these parties
are really the paramount element for students’ high achievements. I have seen
how the teachers are dedicated to teaching; how the teachers’ passion for teaching
drives student learning. Every creative idea that comes from each teacher every
day is a driving force for the students. I have seen how parents are involved in the
various school activities; how parents have been supportive in their children’s
learning and school life. I am sure that parental involvement gives the students a
sense of belonging and a sense of community here at VA. Such a wonderful
school community truly makes me feel at home, and I have definitely become a part of it.
As the time goes by at VA, I realize that all good things come to an end, yet, I know
in my heart that each of you I have met here has touched my heart and my life so
much. You have been the second inspiration of my teacher dream here in the
United States. I will keep you all in my heart and in my prayers wherever I go.
May our Blessed Mother, Mary, always be your guardian and protector!
Sincerely yours,
Sr.Asteria
SMIC
“I can easily see how Visitation Academy became a Blue Ribbon School. The environment is one which joyfully supports the love of learning. Your students and staff truly want to be there and want to learn. The children were excited to bin school. We appreciate your leadership as principal and appreciate the teachers and support staff.”
Connie Wagner Former Assemblywoman 38th District
“At Visitation I developed a strong work ethic and passion for learning. These qualities provided a strong foundation throughout my years at IHA and Johns Hopkins University. Visitation taught me the importance of using your talents to serve others and I know these values will assist me as I am now entering Medical School.”
Michelle Perez Visitation Class of 2002
Tufts University Medical School
“Visitation Academy is a significant part of my life. I am an alumna of Visitation and have taught here for over 25 years. Seeing former students become confident, successful adults, who believe that God is the center of their lives, is an affirmation of this chosen ministry.”
Mrs. Carolyn O’Leary Former Middle School Math Teacher
“As a former student of OLV I have many great memories of this school. It definitely gave me a good foundation, and the most positive thing was that I always knew the people in charge cared about me and who I was becoming. As a Visitation Academy parent for the past 15 years, I see Visitation as a very different school which has completely modernized academically and technologically. However, the Christian attitude and values are embedded into everything here, and it shows in the students. Students are motivated to do their best here because people care. Visitation is a huge support system for parents.” Mrs. Theresa Bruno / Parent
“Visitation Academy has provided me with an excellent academic foundation, strong morals, and a desire to reach out to the community. I have carried this with me throughout my educational career by using God’s gift of intellect to help those around me. I truly believe that I would not be where I am today if it were not for my faith, which has helped me maintain my motivation to become a physician.”
Jillian Koster, VA Class of 2001
Drexel University College of Medicine ‘14