New School Year Begins at Bishop McHugh

CLERMONT – Nervous parents and excited children were the hallmarks of the first day of school Sept. 6 at Bishop McHugh Regional School. Teachers such as Patricia Massood and Lisa Barry stood by the gym doors and shepherded the children who ranged in age from 2 years to young teens into an assembly. 
There are lots of fathers present. One was Kevin Capone. He was there with his wife, Melissa. They brought their four children and stood watchfully by as the youngsters found their classmates.
All but the 2-year-old, who clung to his father’s arms, looked wide-eyed at the mass of children before him.
The Herald asked the Capones, who live in Sea Isle City, why they made the financial choice to send their children to parochial school. Besides doing well academically, Melissa said that when she visited the school before enrolling the children, she was impressed by the overall atmosphere.
“Everyone here from the principal to the teachers and administrative support (people) foster a spirit of kindness and understanding and emphasize the importance of character in the children,” she observed. She also liked the small class size, which is usually between 10 to 12 students.
After a few minutes, the children in their crisp uniforms are directed to form into lines. They do.
Principal Tom McGuire then led them in prayer, which includes a prayer for members of the community who are sick or have experienced some hardship and then the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
They ended by singing “God Bless America.” Then they were off to their classrooms as parents caught a last glance looking more upset than the students who seemed happy to be back.
McGuire, whose youthful appearance belies many years of teaching and working as assistant principal of Our Lady of Czestochowa and Little Harbor Academy in Jersey City, told the Herald that he was thrilled at the opportunity to educate young people and help them reach their full potential.
”Catholic schools develop the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, physically and academically,” the Ocean County native said. It is that extra spiritual element that he believes is most crucial.
“Catholic identity cannot be replicated in the public school,” he said.
McGuire also noted the commitment and involvement of parents, “We are very family oriented. Parents are very invested both financially and by their participation in the activities of their children,” McGuire added.
In addition to paying property taxes that fund public schools, parents must pay tuition which ranges from $2,000 to $5,300 per year. Discounts are given for second, third, fourth, etc. child.
The school offers scholarships, and there is a “Foster a Child” program. This program allows anyone to “adopt” a child and pay for their tuition. There is no doubt that despite the additional expense, parents assembled on the first day of school at Bishop McHugh Regional School thought the price is well worth it.
The school, located on a 10-acre campus off Route 9 North, has an enrollment of 204 pupils and has grown every year. It has a staff of 55 which includes faculty and support personnel.
Bishop McHugh School is a Preschool to eighth-grade regional school with a student-centered curriculum grounded in the Gospel values, according to its website.
It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and follows state and national standards.
The school is part of the Diocese of Camden and is supported by the four regional parishes of Avalon/Stone Harbor, Court House, Marmora/Woodbine, and Sea Isle City.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey @cmcherald.com.