Saint Catherine School is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa and is one of only two Catholic schools in the state that operates under a Total Learning Calendar. With pre-school (three year-olds) through eighth grade curricula, Saint Catherine is accredited by the Oklahoma Conference for Catholic Schools Accrediting Association which is in affiliation with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Saint Catherine School exists to inspire students to become lifelong learners in mind, heart and spirit. Instruction in Roman Catholic doctrine, morals and values blends spiritual knowledge with a comprehensive curriculum that provides a challenging academic environment, a model of stewardship that encourages students to follow Jesus’ example of compassion and respect for self and others, and a faith-filled experience to deepen our students’ love for God as they practice the Catholic faith.
What started as a mission of Holy Family Catholic parish to serve the laboring community on the west side of Tulsa has grown into a successful parish of 240 families and a pre-K through 8th grade school serving 120 students. Today, the school boasts building-wide Iowa test scores in the 80th to 90th percentile, and is the only Catholic school in Oklahoma that operates on a Total Learning Calendar (TLC) of year-round education. These successes trace their beginnings to the faith and hard work of early Tulsa Catholics.
The first Church of Saint Catherine was erected on the rowdy, bustling west bank of the Arkansas River in the spring of 1925 to serve Catholics that worked for refineries and the Frisco Railroad. By September of that year, the church attained parish status and was located at 905 West 23rd Street, encompassing the Red Fork, Carbondale, Oakhurst and Garden City areas. Saint Catherine pastor Father Ersing wrote of his early parish, “My people are all laborers who live from one payday to another and do have families.”
With the help of a few benefactors, the hard-working people of Saint Catherine started a school that thrived on the site for 30 years. It housed two classrooms with two teachers who were Benedictine Sisters, one taught Primer through 4th grade, and the other taught Fifth through Eighth grade. Each row in the respective classrooms was a different class. At this time, the only other Catholic schools in Tulsa, aside from boarding schools Cascia Hall and Monte Cassino, were Holy Family and Marquette, both of which offered elementary as well as high school classes.
By 1938, there were approximately 75 families and 75 children enrolled in the school. This growth, along with a 1949 City of Tulsa decision to widen 23rd Street to build a bridge across the Arkansas River, prompted the school and parish to look for a new home. A tract of 10 acres at 2611 West 46th Street in Carbondale was donated to the Diocese for a new location for Saint Catherine Church and School. Construction of school and rectory buildings began on the site in 1955, with plans to construct a new church building as soon as finances allowed. Unfortunately, the parish could not afford a new church construction for over 30 years, so the school and church were housed in the same building. The eight-room school/church building cost $136,000 and was completed to serve its first class in the fall of 1955. It housed four classrooms, a cafeteria/hall and an enrollment of 103 students.
The community continued to grow over the next 25 years, and by the 1980’s Saint Catherine was a prospering parish. In September of 1986, the long-awaited new Church construction was completed, and the school gained the space of the entire building that it had once shared with the church. In the late 1980’s, a decision to add preschool and kindergarten classes at Saint Catherine gave the struggling school a boost.
During the 1990šs, former Saint Catherine principal Dr. Mimi Schuttloffel began conducting research on the year-round calendar school year. She found that the continuous learning environment was very beneficial to students in that they spent less time relearning previous material at the beginning of the school year, and had a chance to refresh themselves every nine weeks. Suzette Williams was principal when the program called the Total Learning Calendar (TLC) finally came to fruition in July of 1999.
Currently, our facilities house approximately 120 students for pre-school through eighth grade.
Saint Catherine School has proudly served four generations of Tulsans and will continue to provide a quality education to its students for years to come.
Hello Everyone!
Let me take this opportunity to say welcome to the Saint Catherine School web site. We hope you enjoy learning more about the wonderful opportunities we have to offer our students. This year marks my sixth year with the Saint Catherine community. Having grown up in the Catholic School environment, I was eager to return to a small, family-oriented atmosphere where parents and students not only value education, but also value the idea of their faith being a part of it. Prior to the 2002-2003 school year, I served as the Jenks Middle School Curriculum Resource Coordinator for two years after my four year stint as a seventh grade language arts teacher.
Once you have read through our information, please feel free to call us to schedule a tour of our facilities, so you can see first hand the many wonderful activities our teachers and students are involved in on a daily basis. Again, I welcome you to our site and wish you the best in your search for the right educational placement for your children.
MRS. GAYLA CASTALDI
Administrative Assistant
I was raised in Tulsa and graduated from Daniel Webster High School and Tulsa Technology Center with a certificate of CMA. I worked in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Pediatrics for 12 years. I have been an employee of Saint Catherine School since 1988 and a member of Saint Catherine Parish since 1980.
My husband, Mike, and I have three children, Karen, Richard, and Rebecca. Karen and Richard attended All Saints Catholic School in Broken Arrow and Rebecca attended Saint Catherine School from PK-4 through Eighth grade and was an honors graduate from Bishop Kelley High School. Our family also includes three granddaughters, Kara, Sara, and Rianna.
I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of my job, and it is a nurturing and fulfilling environment in which to work and to educate your children. I truly believe the educational system at Saint Catherine School not only prepares your children academically for High School and beyond, but also spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. My heart swells with pride with each graduating class. Most of the students I have known from infancy and to watch them grow and mature into young adults as they prepare for high school and beyond is very rewarding. It is so wonderful when our alumni stop by for visits and inform us of their current activities (high school, college, marriage, children, etc.).
During my years at Saint Catherine I have seen many changes - all for the betterment of the students and families. The outdoor classroom, central library, science lab, computer lab, and foreign language department are used frequently and enjoyed by all students. The faculty and staff make their students' needs their first priority. A quality education abounds at Saint Catherine School.
MRS. HEIDI HANSEN
Preschool
Dear Saint John Bosco, teach me
how to reach out to my brothers
and sister in need.
This prayer is the Preschool class prayer as well as one of my personal prayers. It reminds me of my dedication to provide a safe, loving classroom atmosphere and a faith-filled education.
My appreciation for a Catholic education began as a student at Monte Cassino. I graduated from high school in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I received an Associates Degree from Bacone College in Muskogee and a Bachelors Degree in Art Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. In 2005, I received my certification in Early Childhood Education, and I am currently seeking my Masters in the field as well.
Because of my degree in art I love to incorporate art, music and movement into my lesson plans.
Outside of the classroom, I spend time with my six-year-old son who keeps me very busy.
MRS. JACQUELINE ROBB
Kindergarten
My name is Jacqueline Robb and I teach first grade. I have a degree from the University of Tulsa, and received my Early Childhood certification two years ago. I am currently working toward my Masters in Reading Instruction. Teaching at Saint Catherine has been both exciting and rewarding. The faculty and students have been so wonderful and have always made me feel right at home.
Prior to working at Saint Catherine, I taught adult classes at Tulsa Technology Center for 7 years; I still enjoy teaching there. I am married and we have two small children, one of whom attends Saint Catherine school. We feel that Catholic schools provide a wonderful spiritual and academic education.
Kindergarten is a very special grade to me. It is exciting to watch a student take his/her first steps towards reading and writing literacy. I feel very privileged to witness their accomplishments and growth in self-pride with each new step they take.
Kindergarten is a year of great growth for a student academically and emotionally. I feel that is my responsibility to make sure that each student is provided with a loving, safe, respectful, and fun environment to grow in.
SISTER MARIA CORDIS GUYER
1st Grade
My name is Sr. Maria Cordis and I teach first grade here at Saint. Catherine School. I have been a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George since 1996. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree from Kent State University in elementary and special education. I have worked in two primary level special education classrooms as well as in Kindergarten, first and second grade elementary classrooms.
I enjoy teaching very much. It is a great privilege to be a part of your child's learning career. Watching the joy when reading finally makes sense and the whole world opens up in a new way is very exciting! Providing a safe environment where this can take place is one of my goals.
MRS. JENNIFER ZUCCONI
Second Grade
I attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through my first year of college and I am eternally grateful to my parents for their sacrifices which made my Catholic education possible. I graduated in 1990 from Northeastern State University and spent several years as a substitute teacher in and around the Tulsa area. My husband and I have been members of Saint Catherine Parish since 1992. My philosophy of education is that every child can learn and it is my responsibility as a teacher to guide my students in becoming independent, critical thinkers.
MRS. CARLA VICTOR
Third Grade
I have lived in Tulsa since I was five years old. I graduated from Union High School and received my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood from Oklahoma State University (GO POKES). This past spring, I added my elementary certification as well. I taught at the preschool level for six years before my children were born. I believe that the educational process is truly a team effort involving the student, the teacher and the parents.
My husband, Craig, and I live in Owasso and have two children that attend Saint Catherine, Cameron and Cailin.
SR. M ELENA COYLE
Fourth Grade
My name is Sr. M. Elena and I was raised in Peoria, Illinois. I consider it a blessing to have come from a large Catholic family of nine children and to have a twin brother. My twenty-two nieces and nephews are additional blessings in my life.
The many sacrifices of my parents allowed me to receive twelve years of Catholic education (grades 1-12). After high school, I attended Illinois Central College and earned an Associate Degree in Arts and Science. Then I transferred to Illinois Sate University and graduated with a B. S. in Elementary Education.
During my senior year of college, I met the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. I decided to enter the congregation after graduation and on September 8, 1989 my life with the Sisters began. My most joyous and memorable day was when I professed my final vows on August 15, 1998!
The Franciscan Sisters consider it their mission to be simply ready in obedience to God’s call. This obedience has led me on a variety of assignments. For two years I visited the dying through St. Anthony’s Hospice Program. My teaching experience has included several grade levels: pre-school, kindergarten, first, second and fourth. This is my first year at St. Catherine School and I am proud to be part of the family!
MRS. CHARLIE REID
Fifth Grade
I have been teaching at Saint Catherine School since 1999. The first two years were spent working with all the students in the library and computer lab. This was a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with every student in the school.
In 2002, I became a full time staff member and taught a self-contained fourth grade class. My students had varied experiences through lots of literature. Students were challenged to read as many books on the annual Sequoyah Award list as possible, and those books became an important part of the reading curriculum. Individual learning styles were accommodated through the use of Choice Menu Projects and by challenging those students who excelled in spelling and math. Students were strongly encouraged to participate in the 4th grade science fair, and a 4th grade academic team was made available to them.
I came to Saint Catherine School because my two sons, Matt and Brett, were attending school here. Even though they've moved on, I chose to stay and continue to be a part of our school community.
This is not the first Catholic school where I've taught! I taught P. E., computers and a combined class of 4th and 5th grade students at Marian Academy School in Okmulgee. My first teaching job was in a public school in Dallas, TX. Since then, I have taught in public schools in Morris, Moore and Okmulgee, OK. My experience includes all grade levels, first through sixth grades. This is my 20th year to teach.
I love books! I do my best to incorporate literature into every area of the curriculum. Lots of experiences with a firm, but loving hand are what make fourth grade a phenomenal experience!
MS. ELIZABETH BRANDS
Middle School/Physical Education
My name is Elizabeth Brands, and I am a second year teacher here at Saint Catherine. I graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in English. I was placed at Saint Catherine as part of the Alliance for Catholic Education program, a program out of the University of Notre Dame that places recent graduates in schools throughout the South and the Southwest. Teachers in my program work toward a Masters in Education while teaching at their schools.
I have always had a desire to serve and to inspire learning and faith in the lives of others. I feel blessed to be at Saint Catherine and grateful to be a part of educating the minds and hearts of Saint Catherine students. I hope to challenge the students to develop intelligent minds and loving hearts that are faithful and respectful of themselves and others. Together we will strive to live out the mission of Saint Catherine School through creating a supportive community who takes pride in their Catholic faith and God-given talents.
MRS. KAREN OSBORN
Middle School Science
My name is Karen Osborn, and I am happy to be teaching at Saint Catherine School again this year. I've made a round about trip getting here! I taught 4th grade in Bartlesville my very first year, then spent 6 years at St. Pius X. I even had the pleasure of teaching Father Matt and Mrs. Adams (I was very young!) while I was there. My husband, Rick, and I have two boys, Nathan and Jacob, 17, and I was blessed to be able to stay home with them until they were both in school. I enjoyed being a big part of their elementary school years. I began substituting in their schools in Union School District when Jake was in 1st grade. That gradually evolved into long-term substituting. I enjoyed what I was doing, but longed to have a classroom of my own again. After a 1/2 year at Sts. Peter and Paul, I taught full-time at Wilson Middle School for a year. I knew I wanted to return to Catholic School. I love Saint Catherine. The students are great, the teachers and parents are wonderful, and the parish is a great support. I feel God's presence in this school and know he will continue to bestow His blessings on us all!
As a teacher I strive to help each child to feel successful, to take responsibility for his/her learning, and to recognize and use the gifts they've been given. I believe all children have great God-given potential!
MR. BOB LAFORTUNE, Jr.
Middle School Math
Hello, my name is Bob LaFortune, Jr. and I will be teaching the middle school mathematics classes at Saint Catherine this year. I have been substituting and tutoring here for the last year and a half and am excited to have the chance to be a “regular” classroom teacher. I graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Finance and worked as a real estate agent and property manager for 15 years before becoming an at-home dad 10 years ago. Teaching began to interest me after I did some volunteer work in our children’s schools. This led me to enroll in Northeastern State University’s teacher education program and work towards my Oklahoma certification in intermediate mathematics, which I completed in May of 2005.
I’ve been married for 25 years to my wife, Cheryl, and we have three wonderful daughters, Emy, Lauren, and Lea. Their experiences in Tulsa’s Catholic schools have shown us how valuable a Catholic education can be when a school is united with a church. The sense of community that results, both in social interactions and in religious faith, is remarkable. I see that same kind of community here at Saint Catherine School and I’m excited to be a part of it.
MRS. MICHELLE ANTHAMATTEN
Assistant Principal
Middle School Social Studies
Hello! My name is Michelle Anthamatten. I began thinking about being a teacher when I was in my senior year of high school -- before that I wanted to be an interior decorator. I attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, where I was able to spend a lot of time in the lab school on campus. After graduating with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary K-8 Education, I was blessed enough to receive a Kindergarten position here at Saint Catherine. I spent 5 years in Kindergarten before being "promoted" to fifth grade. More recently I was "promoted" yet again to Middle School Social Studies, 7th Grade Reading and even a few physical education classes. In addition to my teaching duties, I have also been the Assistant Principal of the school for the last nine years. In 2005, I completed my Masters in School Administration at OSU-Tulsa.
My husband, Rusty, and I have three children, Kayley and Daniel, who attend Saint Catherine School like their father and his family before him, and Emma, who is not yet old enough for preschool. We believe in the faith-filled environment that educates the whole student.
SR. M. MONICA EFINGER
Middle School Religion
PK-8 Music and K-8 Art
My name is Sister M. (M=Mary) Monica and I’m originally from Massapequa, N.Y.
I find myself in Tulsa because I’m a Sister of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George so I never know where God will send me. Nor what I will be asked to do.
In my nearly 25 years in the order I have worked as a therapist in our hospital in Alton, IL and in the Alton school district on various levels in special education. I’ve also worked with the geriatric population in our hospital and nursing home. After I (finally!) finished a master’s degree in secondary music education (MMEd) with an emphasis in technology (University of Missouri, St. Louis) in 1998, I ventured into education. I taught music, art, and religion at an elementary school outside of St. Louis, MO, where Sister M. Philippa is now assigned. From there I taught music and religion at St. Mary’s High School (now known as Cardinal McCarrick) in South Amboy, N.J. From there I went back to school briefly to become a certified ESL teacher in order to teach English at Fuji Women’s University
in Sapporo, Japan. While in Japan, I also taught computers, a music
therapy seminar, and a Bible study for the students, all in Japanese!
Being the university’s only “full time” native speaker of English, I
worked in the Center for Exchange Students and had the opportunity to
work and correspond with students and professors from all over the
world. I returned to the States in April 2005 and had been teaching
music at St. Mary’s grade school in Alton, IL.
On a personal note, I’m #6 of 8 siblings – 6 brothers and an older sister. I was a pre-med student prior to entering the convent because I always wanted to be a missionary doctor. Well, God obviously had better plans for my life and now I’m blessed to be here at Saint Catherine with all of you!
Contact Information
Saint Catherine School
2515 West 46 Street
Tulsa, OK 74107
Phone: 918-446-9756
Fax: 918-447-3780
school@saint-catherine.org
Vicky Adams: Principal
Michelle Anthamatten: Assistant Principal
Gayla Castaldi: Site Secretary
Father Matt Gerlach: Pastor
Map
Map of 2515 W 46th St
Tulsa, OK 74107-6629