Moral and spiritual leadership
Ray Dora, our principal, went to St. Bernard’s as a boy and taught for 37 years in the Saranac Lake public school system. He is an excellent resource for St. Bernard’s faculty and a bridge for parents, but he spends much of his time with the students: in the classroom, on the playground and in the lunch room. He recently started an after-school nordic skiing program, a walkathon fundraiser and an award-winning fitness challenge. His priorities include respect for children and helping them solve their problems in peaceful ways.
Father Mark Reilly, pastor of the Catholic churches in and around Saranac Lake, makes a point of being involved in daily school life as well as religious education. Before becoming pastor here in 2010, he spent 11 years at Watertown’s Immaculate Heart Central School.
Our faculty has a rich mix of experience and young energy. Kindergarten teacher Cathy Nason and Principal Ray Dora bring a combined 80 years of experience, and we are blessed with excellent and enthusiastic younger teachers, all state certified: Megan Czadzeck, Emily Doyle, Doug Racette, Jamie Rohe and Seamus Lewis.
Faculty:
Our faculty has a rich mix of experience and young energy. Kindergarten teacher Cathy Nason and Principal Ray Dora bring a combined 80 years of experience, and we are blessed with excellent and enthusiastic younger teachers, all state certified.
Cathy Nason, kindergarten teacher
Emily Doyle, grade 1 teacher
Megan Czadzeck, grade 2 teacher
Jamie Rohe, grade 3 teacher
Seamus Lewis, grade 4 teacher
Doug Racette, grade 5 teacher
Amy Hagar, primary aide
Donna Foley, art teacher
Debbie Neill, physical education teacher
Sandra Fiorile , computer teacher
George Cordes, music teacher
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Staff:
Patty Ammon, administrative assistant
Deserah Latham, After School Program director
Tom Clark, After School Program assistant
Kristine Girouard, cafeteria manager
Jo Larabie, custodian
Bernie Cushmann, maintenance
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Education Council
This volunteer advisory board is responsible for formulating and recommending policies and decisions regarding the school’s administration, financial planning, maintenance, advancement, student life and goals.
The Educational Council meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. All meetings are open to anyone interested in the school and its operation.
Educational Council members: Anthony “Chip” Samperi (president), Betsy Corris (vice president), Peter Crowley (secretary), Father Mark Reilly (pastor), Andrea Cooper, Veronica Gillis, Ray Monroe, Darlene Peer, Mary Beth Pelletieri, Beryl Szwed, Nathalie Thill, and Father Bill Muench.
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Mission statement
St. Bernard’s School, with its proud Roman Catholic heritage, is committed to promoting academic excellence, individual responsibility, and spiritual awareness in relationship with God and others.
