New initiative fills desks at Ss. Cyril & Methodius School

First grader Micaela Trevino works on classwork at Ss. Cyril and Methodius School with her teacher, Sr. Helga Leija, IWBS. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

No student is ever turned away from attending Ss. Cyril & Methodius School and thanks to this innovative open-door policy enrollment has steadily increased the past two years in a row.

"With the full support of Msgr. (Lawrence) White, we decided to fill seats and provide assistance to any student who wanted to join us," Lilly Samaniego, principal at Ss. Cyril & Methodius School, said. "We have to pay teachers whether we have five students in a classroom or 20, so we try our best to fill our classrooms up with children ready to learn."

When Samaniego arrived three years ago, enrollment was at 94 students. This year, enrollment is up to 167.

Samaniego, who has worked in the Diocese of Corpus Christi for 25 years, began her career as a secretary at Holy Family School. From there, she moved to the superintendent's office for seven years, eventually moving to Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School and Incarnate Word Academy.

She has also worked hard to incorporate the latest technology tools for use in the classroom and by parents. A Web site portal for parents allows them to check on their child's progress in real-time, not just when report cards arrive.

Ss. Cyril and Methodius students Kiara Washington, first grader and her brother Logan Washington, third grader, enjoy pancakes with their grandmother, Janice Washington, during a recent event at the school to celebrate Grandparent's Day. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

"It's a rewarding feeling knowing the difference I'm making in the lives of these children, helping to provide them with a quality Catholic education," she said.

Brandi Villarreal has four children and never thought a Catholic education would be possible. Today, all four--two in second grade, one in third and one in fourth--attend Ss. Cyril & Methodius and are thriving at their new school.

"My kids seem to have more of a drive to succeed," Villarreal said. "They have a special connection with each of their teachers that they never had in public school. My little one loves to read now. I know I made the right choice."

Providing a Catholic education costs money and the church counts on the generosity of individuals and businesses to assist with those costs. One day, Samaniego recalled, a generous soul walked into her office. Gary Polasek, president of Red Oak Petroleum Corporation, wanted to make a difference in the lives of current students. Although he had moved away from the city many years ago, he had recently purchased property on Padre Island.

"He was an alumni of the school and said he wanted to give back. I thought of the perfect opportunity for him. We had just learned we needed new science books for the entire school. He is a geologist, so he offered to purchase books for one of our classes," she said.

But his generosity did not stop with just one donation. Polasek came back a week later with a $5,000 check; enough to cover purchasing science books for the entire school.

"I would pass by the church every time I headed to Padre Island and got to thinking about what an amazing influence Ss. Cyril & Methodius School made on my entire life, not only academically, but most importantly spiritually. Finally, one day I decided I had to do something about it and give back a fraction of what was given me," Polasek said.

Johnathon Ramirez (left) and Jacob Guerrero (right), work with fourth-grade teacher Mairaed Gillooly on their spelling words. Gillooly is teaching at Ss. Cyril and Methodius School thanks to the Alliance for Catholic Education Teaching Fellows Master's of Education program through the University of Notre Dame. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

Overcome with the gratitude expressed by the students and staff alike, Polasek said the rewards he has garnered have been priceless. "I'm blessed to have the opportunity to make a donation and would like to challenge other former students of Ss. Cyril and Methodius to give back, as well."

And the blessings do not end there, either. Ss. Cyril & Methodius is hosting a participant of the Alliance for Catholic Education Teaching Fellows masters of education program out of the University of Notre Dame.

Mairaed Gillooly is part of the Alliance for Catholic Education program and teaches fourth grade at the school, while working on her master's degree in the summer.

"At the end of the program, I will have my masters in education from Notre Dame and will have had two years of amazing teaching experience. What is unique about this program is that we are placed in these communities at random, from all over the U.S. to live with, and support other first and second-year teachers while we undergo this journey together," she said.

Gillooly said teaching fourth graders has been an amazing experience and she cannot imagine teaching any other grade.

"I love their wonderful personalities and senses of humor. We really are learning some amazing things. They are so ready and excited to learn," she said.

She is one of six Alliance for Catholic Education participants currently teaching in schools throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi, including St. John Paul II High School, Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School, Christ the King and two at St. Anthony School in Robstown.

"This is my first year here at Ss. Cyril & Methodius, but I feel as though I have been here for years. I love how tightknit the students, staff and parents are. We are like one big family here. I also love how small the class sizes are. I get to focus so closely on each of my students' individual needs, it's the best situation possible for students and teachers alike."

For more information about Ss. Cyril & Methodius School, visit: their Web site at www.sscmc.org or call the school office at (361) 853-9392.