Calvary Christian School With Danielle Cassase

(Written By: Delani Ennis)


Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking with a member of our esteemed leadership team, Danielle Cassase. Mrs Cassase started at Calvary four years ago with her two daughters Natalie and Priscilla.

At first, the Cassase's were uncertain as to whether or not Calvary was the right cooperative for their family. Due to the fact, they were originally looking for a group that was heavily academic in addition to extra curricular activities. However, in no time at all, Calvary with all its charms, won them over.

Being a member of the leadership board has enabled Mrs. Cassase to incorporate her desire for academics which has become a benefit for us all.

One thing that Mrs. Cassase really likes about Calvary is that the classes are hands on and immersive, where students are encouraged to really think and solve important issues. She also enjoys that the parents and teachers can learn as much as the students. She appreciates how the parents and students have a large say in what gets taught, where as at other places she has been the students were given a schedule and they didn't have a lot of say in what went on when it came to education and learning.

Some other things that Mrs. Cassase would like to see happen at Calvary as we move forward, is that she feels we could improve in the area of really getting our students prepared for college.

Such as, learning and studying for CLEP tests, admissions writing, building portfolios, and collage level essay writing. However she does believe that Calvary has an advantage over other cooperatives because of its official New York State school number.

When asked if she would recommend someone to the cooperative; she quickly replied with absolutely! stating “she has previously recommend it to different families; especially those of whom were feeling over whelmed; as it is an outlet where they could bring their children to learn and find different resources, as well as those who could use a social outlet.” Advice she would give to someone on their first day is to stick with it, do not judge it by the first day; wait and see how it goes.

A helpful suggestion would be to write down your child’s class schedule and room number as an attempt to make the day less hectic. She also says to offer up your gifts, as God has blessed everyone with different gifts, for example, if you are good at art teach art, or if you're better with small children try the nursery. Do what makes you comfortable and would be beneficial for all involved and help the co-op run smoothly and attempt to create a stress free day.

When asked why it is she loves teaching, I was surprised at her response; stating that she actually doesn't like it at all. She is much more a learner, than a teacher; her teaching style is more interactive and hands on where she learns along with the students in an attempt to keep them engaged; compared to just lecturing to them or assigning tests. If Mrs. Cassase were to attend Calvary as a student knowing what she does now; her class schedule would look as follows:

It would be two days a week; the first day being writing, a lab science, debate team, and CLEP exams for collage credit, because she felt high school was not challenging enough.

Her second day would be more performance, like drama, choir, and maybe even an organized sport; not just gym class.

She feels meeting a second day for discussion would be good, due to the fact you can't do everything in one day. She feels that teaching one day and then actually working and testing another day would be beneficial because “you can ask a child to read but by the time they get to class, days later, they most likely will not remember it.”

All in all, I think Mrs. Cassase has some great ideas, what do you think?

The Retired Firefighter

(Written By: Priscilla Cassase)


Dominic Cassase has been a retired New York City Firefighter for 11 years. He spent 20 years on the job; working in Woodlawn Bronx and Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn.

He was forced to retire after several job related injuries to his knees, ending his career. Now he’s living the retired life, which to his and many other retiree’s surprise is not what was expected.

When Dominic was asked “What was your ideal for a retired lifestyle?”. He went on to say that for several years he knew he would have house projects to catch up on, the ones he missed while he was working. Then, he thought, he would slip into an effortless life. To his amazement it didn't play out that way in the least.

Moreover, I then asked, “How it was different?”. He began to laugh, then continued to explain how, ironically, he has been working non stop for the past 11 years. He further stated, “Everyday is a Saturday,” pointing out that every task and activity is not forced upon him but are still somewhat impending. The reality of his retirement was an absolute in version of his dream.

Dominic was asked if he would change anything about his retirement and although the ongoing workload wasn't his preference, he would not alter it. After several minutes of conversing, he clearly expressed that to his astonishment his income is larger than it was while employed. He really does love being retired.

Many who are forced to retire live with a dissatisfaction of not completing everything they’ve desired. When I asked Dominic if this was a regret for him, he said it was not, for the most part. One of Dominic’s unaccomplished desires was, first, to become a rescue firefighter at a special company. Second, being promoted as an officer.

Even though it was a regret, he had not made any real attempt to become a rescue fireman. Despite the fact those wishes were unfulfilled, they did not compare to all the benefits he obtained while working there. Dominic made note that he left the job with a certain level of confidence after 20 years of service, as well as the ability to overcome stressful and fear inducing situations on a much higher level than the majority.

There are many positive perks with leaving this line of work, but I was curious to see the negative ones. When I asked, he seemed to strain for a moment to find an answer. He then hesitantly stated that there was a certain cynicism towards others that had developed. Perhaps a prejudice or skepticism against many people.

With that being said there are still countless bonuses, one of which is hand skills. Dominic has a bountiful knowledge of all types of tools, construction and even several kinds of knots and how to work with locks. Being retired, Dominic feels enormously satisfied and accomplished from his years of service and is not in the least regretful of his choice of employment. Now, as a retiree, he his comfortable and confident with his life at home.

Mrs. Ennis - A Mother and Teacher To Many

(Written by Aedan Roach)

The Calvary Christian School held at Calvary Bible Church in Deer Park, NY is a school founded for home schooler's in which homeschooling families can participate in an academic program and/or an activity day that focuses on electives, arts, and physical education. Mrs. Ennis, a homeschooling mother, has been teaching at the school for the last three years, while her children attend classes.

Currently, she teaches science and history for the elementary students and debate and fine arts for the high school students. She enjoys teaching all classes but specifically said that she enjoys the informal debates in her debate class. Mrs. Ennis also assists in the drama department for the Calvary Players for the annual play that they put on. She stated that she appreciates that her children can be a part of this group; however, it can be time consuming. She feels that her children are getting the subjects that she wouldn’t necessarily teach at home. At Calvary, she feels like she is part of a family unlike some of the other home school groups she has encountered. She stated that in other home school groups, it is sometimes hard to get to know people because the groups are larger. She enjoys that Calvary is relaxed, less strict, and less rigid.

During the interview, Mrs. Ennis also gave suggestions for improving the school. She stated that it would be beneficial for the children, if other classes such as an automotive class, carpenter class, computer class, and archery were made available. She stated that she would like the school to have a prom, Yearbook committee, school spirit wear, and provide short term sports. She also suggested field trips and instrumental lessons, but understands that the school would then have to hire someone for these lessons, which would make the tuition raise. She stated that the current tuition is affordable because parents teach the classes. Lastly, she expressed that she would like Calvary to have a week off before Christmas and Easter, so her family’s focus is on church.

Mrs. Ennis explained that the school and church is in a transition. Grace Community Church has taken over Calvary Bible and Calvary Christian School and is planning to renovate the entire building. Mrs. Ennis said that everyone attending the school is unsure of the change. Her opinion on the change is that she hopes that the school will still fit in with the new church. She believes that God is in control and that overall it will be a good thing. 

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