August 5, 2025

Dear Academy Family,

I hope this letter finds you well and taking advantage of all that the summer has to offer. For me, it has been wonderful to see our campus transform into an enriching, joyful summer program for children of all ages. Personally, the summer also allows me to spend more time with family and friends. I have gotten a chance to read more, cheer on the New York Liberty, spend time at the beach, and happily plan for the exciting 141st school year at Staten Island Academy.

I know we have more time to enjoy the summer but, I can’t wait to start the school year. Our students and faculty will be exploring even more opportunities at Staten Island Academy in our new 2D Art Studio, our New Library and Multi-Cultural Center and our newly installed Innovation Lab. The new art studio will be a dedicated space that cultivates artistic expression, nurtures creativity and offers opportunities for growth and collaboration. Our library and multi-cultural space will create a dynamic and enriching environment where knowledge and culture intersect. This new space will promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures through culturally diverse materials, programs and events. By combining the functions of a library and multi-cultural space, this will enable us to a more inclusive, informed and empathetic to our culturally rich community. Our newly installed Innovation Lab is a dedicated space designed to foster creativity, experimentation and collaboration among individuals, with a focus on various technologies, engineering and creative problem-solving. This lab will play a crucial role in driving innovation and progress across various areas of our curriculum as well as entrepreneurship. The Innovation Lab will serve as incubators for aspiring young learners to develop and launch their ideas.

Join us for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for these new learning spaces on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00 PM followed by our Parents' League Meeting at 7:00 to hear from our guest speaker, Dr. Paula Chu. Dr. Chu is the Director of the long-standing Stanley King Institute who will give a talk on adolescent development and existential “wobble,” as well as how to stay steady when our children are experiencing these essential, organic processes. Even if your children are not yet in their teen years, they will be soon, and many of the principles of remaining grounded as our children careen through time hold true no matter their age. An invitation will be e-mailed to the Academy community later this month.

We also have been working closely with our Administrative Team, Board of Trustees and an architect to implement a Facilities and Master to enhance physical spaces and programs not just this year, but in the years to come.

I would be remiss if I didn’t update you on our furry, four-legged friend, Tigger! He is still attending behavior classes and is doing really well. On September 12th he will be TWO, hope it is not terrible. As you know, Tigger is in training to be our school therapy dog. It is not an easy process, but one we are committed to completing. I also understand that dogs are not for everyone. People have valid worries; including allergies and fears. We will do everything we can to respect these genuine concerns. I know it is important to address these apprehensions and have open communication within our school community. We have created individualized plans for people who have these trepidations. No one will be forced to interact with Tigger at any time. We ask them to be respectful of him and we respect their need to not be near him. Allergies are also an important issue to address because even though some dogs shed less than others, no dog is allergy free for everyone. Although Tigger has brought nothing but joy to our community, we ask that you refrain from bringing your dogs to campus. Pick up and drop off can be crazy enough and pets sometimes bring greater apprehensions during these times.

Everything we do at Staten Island Academy is through the lens of our Mission Statement. Please take the time to read the Mission Statement and know that all Academy community members are expected to respect and abide by these words.

Students are at the heart of the Staten Island Academy community. Rooted in our history as an independent school since 1884, Staten Island Academy provides an atmosphere that balances intellectual challenge, artistic expression, athletic engagement, and service learning. On our campus, we prepare students to be analytical and ethical thinkers, bold advocates, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners. We embrace the differences of our shared humanity through open and ongoing dialogue, fostering an individual and collective sense of belonging. Ultimately, student growth is the measure of our success. 

Thanks to Chris Bruno, our Summer Day Camp and all the specialty summer programs have been a tremendous success! However, I have to say, I look forward to having you all back on campus and officially welcome the new members of our Academy Family. New Employee and Board Member spotlights have been posted on our Instagram throughout the summer.

Please enjoy the next few weeks before we all come back to campus. Check the Portal and online calendar so that you are aware of all that is expected of you in late August and the days that follow. 

Additionally, please mark your calendars for our Parent Book Clubs, Tea Tuesdays and Casa Events.



Please do not hesitate to reach out (e-mail or call) anytime if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Eileen F. Corigliano, EdD

Head of School