Eatontown, NJ – The District’s four San Miguel model middle schools gathered for their biennial winter workshop, hosted by the Office for Mission & Ministry. Focusing on the theme Great Things are Possible, San Miguel Lasallian educators spent two days together in association for learning and sharing.

With prayer, association, and networking central to the workshop, other Lasallian educators were invited to add insights and information. Academic Support and Social Studies teachers Gregg DeMaria and Patrick Kavanagh of La Salle Academy in Providence provided context on students coming from diverse backgrounds and shared ideas and techniques to make San Miguel Schools places of acceptance and engagement.

Dr. Camela Hughes, Program Assessment and Effectiveness Research Specialist at La Salle School for Boys in Albany gave participants an inside look into the brain science and impact of trauma on the development of young people, and how it can affect a young person in the classroom.

Br. Lawrence Goyette, FSC, Auxiliary Visitor, founder of San Miguel School in Providence, and the San Miguel movement, revisited the educational mission’s history through the 12 Virtues while also focusing on all of the accomplishments of the four schools in the District.

Probably the most impactful presentation came from four former San Miguel men, now staff members at these San Miguel Schools. Special thanks to these men for sharing their backgrounds, experiences, and personal stories on how a San Miguel education changed their lives, and how they want to give back, and help their colleagues do the same for this generation of young Miguel men and women.

  • Mr. Patrick Aristhene – Physical Education/Health teacher, and graduate of The De La Salle School, Freeport, NY
  • Mr. Edwin Luna – Math and Science teacher at San Miguel School, Washington, DC (Graduate of De Marillac Academy, San Francisco)
  • Mr. Irving Ogando – Director of Graduate Support, and graduate of San Miguel School, Providence, RI
  • Mr. Alvin Zepeda – Operations, Finance and Admissions, and graduate of San at San Miguel School, Washington, DC