Letter from Fr. Casey

Dear St. Mary and Notre Dame Families,

It is hard to believe that we are into July and our school year is fast approaching. As Summer temperatures soar, so too does our excitement for the upcoming school year.

As our teachers and staff are busy planning for the return of our families, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Michelle Cheasty-Christ has accepted the position of Principal of our schools. Dr. Cheasty-Christ, “Doc” as she is most well-known, brings an array of both teaching and administrative experience to our schools.

Dr. Cheasty-Christ teaches various Bachelor’s through Doctoral level college-level courses, as well as English and Math at the high school level in West Virginia. Prior to that, she was both a teacher and school administrator in New Jersey. She has been a curriculum developer for more than 25 years for grades K-20. Further, she has also chaired and participated in dozens of doctoral dissertation studies, helping doctoral students complete their doctoral journey. She is also the former Chief Academic Officer for American Business and Technology University and Global Tech College. She completed her PhD in Education with a dissertation entitled “Impact of Teacher Supports and Workplace Settings on Retaining Teachers in New Jersey Schools” in 2011. She holds teaching licenses in K-8, Social Studies, English, Algebra, Geometry, Mathematics, Business Education, Special Education, Supervisor, Principal, and School Administrator, with AP Pre- Calculus, AP Calculus and General Science pending.

In addition to her teaching licenses and PhD, Dr. Cheasty-Christ also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master’s in Education, completing the master’s coursework for both Educational Technology with a project focusing on special education- assistive technology and Educational Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration.

“I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful education system,” she said. “I am truly honored to be accepted into such a warm and loving community and family. I look forward to all the wonderful things that St. Mary and Notre Dame has to offer our students and families—and what I can, in turn, give back.”

I give special thanks and appreciation to our Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Ms. Jennifer Hornyak, Father Joseph Konikattil, as well as everyone on the Search Committee for their diligent work. The committee team reviewed resumes, conducted on-site interviews, and carefully evaluated each candidate.

It is indeed an exciting time for our school community. I ask you to join me in praying for her success and the continued success of our schools. Thank you again for choosing St. Mary Central School and Notre Dame High School for your children. As always, we will continue to strive to help your children grow in Christ in both the classroom and the community.

Father Casey Mahone
Pastor