{"id":336729,"date":"2026-09-03T06:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T06:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/336729\/"},"modified":"2026-09-03T06:01:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T06:01:00","slug":"staten-island-catholic-school-region-hosts-workshop-on-online-safety-and-parent-partnership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/336729\/","title":{"rendered":"Staten Island Catholic School Region Hosts Workshop on Online Safety and Parent Partnership"},"content":{"rendered":"

Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York gathered parents, educators, and community leaders for a Parents as Partners Workshop on Wednesday, September 24, at the CYO MIV Center at Mt. Loretto. The session focused on helping families navigate the challenges of the digital world while deepening collaboration between schools and parents. Click here to view our press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The event was co-sponsored by Catholic Charities of Staten Island and the Office of the Richmond County District Attorney. Together, presenters highlighted the responsibility schools and parents share in protecting children from online dangers while fostering environments of faith and trust.<\/p>\n

Regional Superintendent Jann Amato underscored the importance of this collaboration. \u201cAll of you signed the handbook, and part of the handbook is the section Parents as Partners. I don\u2019t want you to walk away with the catchy phrase from our handbook, but it\u2019s the commitment that we make to you that you make with us. So, we can walk together, ensuring that your most precious gift is safe, protected, and filled with the Holy Spirit as they learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

She continued, \u201cIt\u2019s so important that parents and teachers, principals and school staff, are here together to ensure that we give our students everything they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Representing the Richmond County District Attorney\u2019s Office, Agnes McBeth, Community Youth and Education Liaison, offered a clear assessment of online risks. \u201cThis conversation is not about taking away devices \u2026 I am going to give you as much information as I can so that you can make more informed decisions about what your children are exposed to online.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her advice to parents emphasized the importance of accountability and setting a good example. \u201cWhat can we do to keep our kids safe? Make your children accountable for their online usage. Don\u2019t just give them a device because they ask for it.\u201d She added, \u201cYou know the best way to close the digital door, you unplug. Children mimic our behavior, and if we\u2019re online all the time, and all we do is sit in our chairs and scroll \u2026 they are going to mimic our behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

Former Port Richmond High School Principal and Catholic Charities Staten Island board member Timothy Gannon pointed to the enduring strength of Catholic schools. \u201cSo, when we talk about a Catholic education, you should feel great about where your child is. They are getting a foundation of Christ and the Gospels that is irreplaceable. You should feel great about the people and their dedication. Staten Island needs this; we need to work together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout the evening, trust and communication were recurring themes. Amato encouraged parents to engage in conversations that went beyond surface-level discussions. \u201cThe question isn\u2019t necessarily just how your day was, because you will get \u2018fine\u2019 \u2026 We need to ask our kids questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, she acknowledged the challenges that arise when communication breaks down. \u201cSometimes the struggle our teachers and principals are having is the conversations that are going home \u2026 it\u2019s time for you to partner with us.\u201d She added, \u201cThere is one person who wants your kids to have a better day in school than you do, and it\u2019s your principal. If there is one person in the world who wants your kid to be happier every day in school, it\u2019s your principal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gannon echoed the same point from his years as principal: \u201cYou have to trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amato reinforced the message of trust, saying, \u201cInstead of being fearful, trust us, \u2026 all we want is for your kid to come in the next day and feel like he or she is loved.\u201d Gannon added, \u201cWe have teachers who care, let\u2019s let them do their thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sister Mary Grace Walsh, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, concluded by affirming what sets Catholic schools apart. \u201cThis makes the difference in our Catholic schools. I won\u2019t say other schools don\u2019t do it, but we do it very well. The point is the partnership and working together.\u201d<\/p>\n

She ended with a reminder of faith and hope. \u201cWe don\u2019t need to be afraid. What did Jesus say? \u2018Do not be afraid,\u2019 we work together, we collaborate, we keep learning\u201d<\/p>\n

The workshop served as both a practical guide to online safety and a reaffirmation of the mission of Catholic schools: to walk hand in hand with parents in forming children who are safe, supported, and rooted in faith.<\/p>\n

Photos:<\/p>\n

Above: Speakers at the Parents as Partners Workshop on Online Safety, held at the CYO MIV Center at Mt. Loretto, included Timothy Gannon, former principal of Port Richmond High School and board member of Staten Island Catholic Charities; Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York; Jann Amato, Regional Superintendent of the Staten Island Catholic School Region; and Agnes McBeth, Community, Youth & Education Liaison from the Office of the Richmond County District Attorney.<\/p>\n

Below: Agnes McBeth, Community, Youth & Education Liaison from the Office of the Richmond County District Attorney, speaks with parents and educators about the challenges of guiding children safely in today\u2019s digital world.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Below: Timothy Gannon, former principal of Port Richmond High School and board member of Staten Island Catholic Charities, and Jann Amato, Regional Superintendent of the Staten Island Catholic School Region, share practical guidance on digital safety during the Parents as Partners Workshop at the CYO MIV Center at Mt. Loretto.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Below: Parents listen attentively during the online safety session, reflecting the shared commitment of Catholic schools and families to protecting children.<\/p>\n

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