Healthy Meals

Children need healthy meals to learn. Elk County Catholic School System offers healthy meals every school day. Lunch costs $3.55 at the St. Marys Catholic Middle School/Elk County Catholic High School, and $3.05 at the St. Marys Catholic Elementary School. Your child(ren) may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. 

SchoolCafe'

ECCSS uses SchoolCafe' where you can:

  • Make Payments
  • Set up Auto Pay
  • Get Low Balance Alerts
  • Submit Meal Applications
  • View Letters
  • View Purchases

Forming Hearts for a Lifetime

Free & Reduced Priced Meals Information

FAQs

  • WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS OR SPECIAL MILK?

    • All children in households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are eligible for free meals. 
    • Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.  
    • Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals. 
    • Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals. 
    • Children may receive free or reduced price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.
  • HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILDREN QUALIFY AS HOMELESS, MIGRANT, OR RUNAWAY?

    Do the members of your household lack a permanent address? Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement? Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis? Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household? If you believe children in your  household meet these descriptions and haven’t been told your children will get free meals, call or email Kim Schlimm at schlimmk@eccss.org.  

  • DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH CHILD?

    No. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. You may request a paper application from the school at any time. Return the completed application to: Kim Schlimm, Director of Food Services, 600

    Maurus St., St. Marys, PA 15857.

    RETREAT ASSISTANT APPLICATION
  • SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE ALREADY APPROVED FOR FREE MEALS?

    No, but read the letter you received carefully and follow the instructions. If any children in your household were missing from your eligibility notification letter, contact Kim Schlimm, schlimmk@eccss.org immediately.

    EMAIL
  • CAN I APPLY ONLINE?

    Yes! You are encouraged to complete an online application instead of a paper application if you are able. The online application has the same requirements and will ask you for the same information as the paper application. Visit the PA Department of Human Services website at www.compass.dhs.pa.gov

    MORE INFO
  • MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT A NEW ONE?

    Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first 30 operating school days of this school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year.

  • I GET WIC. CAN MY CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS?

    Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Send an application.

  • WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE CHECKED?

    Yes. We may also ask you to send written proof of the household income you report.

Crusader Athletics

Athletes First – Winning Second

SUMMER MEALS

Schools & Families may use any of the following methods to locate sites that serve free meals to children during the summer:

• Call 211

• Call 1.866.3Hungry (1-866-348-6479) or 1.877.8Hambre (1-877-842-6273)

• Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 during the summer months

• Text “SUMMER MEALS” or “VERANO” to 914-342-7744.

• Use the website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

• Use the site locator for smartphones - Rangeapp.org

  • Coaching Philosophy

    Athletes First – Winning Second


    Decisions our coaches make and the behavior they display is based first on what they think is best for the athlete (within the context of the dynamics of the team) and second on what may improve the athlete’s or team’s chance of winning.


    Winning, or more accurately, striving to win, is essential to competition. To play sports without striving to win is to be a “dishonest competitor”, says Michael Novak in Joy of Sports.

    Competition is neither good nor evil. Whether competition is healthy depends upon how we compete and what significance is placed on winning.

  • Goal

    The goal of the Athletic Department is to provide a wide range of interscholastic sporting activities that not only allow for maximum participation of our students but also provide an opportunity for each of our students to find an activity in which they can excel.

    RETREAT ASSISTANT APPLICATION
  • Athletic Association

    Objectives

    • To promote interest in all sports at Elk County Catholic High School.
    • To generate funds for the financial obligations of this association to the Athletic Department of the school.

    Athletic Association Officers:

    • Pete Straub – President
    • Andy Gahr- Vice President
    • Jesse Shirey – Treasurer
    • Tricia Wasko – Secretary
    • Aaron Straub – ECCSS Athletic Director
    • Scott Billie-Member
    • Jeremy Brem-Member
    • Tom Gilmore-Member 
    • Aaron Lanzel-Member 
    • Katie Lanzel-Member
    • Shawna Meyer-Member
    • Glen Pistner-Member 
    • Leo Simbeck-Member 
    • Jake Stager-Member
    • Tricia Stauffer-Member
  • Contest Prayer

    We pray to you, oh God, in the spirit of Christian brotherhood.


    We ask you to strengthen us in good sportsmanship, fair play, and honest competition.


    We ask that what we do tonight will not separate us, but rather draw us closer together as part of your redeemed people.


    We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, your son and our Lord.


    Amen.

Teams

Elk County Catholic High School is a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The school abides by all rules and regulations set forth by the association.

Fine Arts

Art, Drama, & Music

Art Program

  • High School

    At ECCHS, Mrs. Scacchitti offers coursework in painting (watercolors, acrylics, oils, and mixed media), drawing (charcoal, Prismacolor, pen and ink, and graphite), and three-dimensional work (pottery, sculpture, stained glass, and glass sculpture). She also offers instruction in digital art using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and iPads. She makes every effort to provide a wide range of materials to encourage all students to explore their potential as artists.


    Elk County Catholic High School offers three art courses: Art Pass/Fail, Advanced Art, AP Art and Design. All Students start with Art Pass/Fail. This encourages students to feel free to experiment with art and engage with it outside the high-pressure landscape. If they want to dive deeper into art and do it in the future, we also offer Advanced Art and AP Art and Design.


    In an era of high-stakes testing, when so many schools across the country have stepped away from education in the arts,  ECCHS is immensely proud of its heritage of excellence in this important field. We are also extremely pleased that Mrs. Scacchitti is so committed to giving our students a complete Catholic education, which includes the ability to appreciate and create beautiful and inspiring things.

  • Middle School

    The art classes at St. Marys Catholic Middle School are held twice throughout every six-day schedule and are offered all year for our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Classes include painting, drawing, sculpting, ceramics, collage work, printmaking, etc. One- and two-dimensional work is covered, and art history and critiques are also touched upon.


    Mrs. Lisa Daghir is the art instructor at the middle school level. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art education and elementary education from Edinboro University. She has taught private art classes for over 30 years for local students and adults in our community. Mrs. Daghir has over 20 years of experience as a career development coordinator, instructor, and curriculum specialist at the North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission.

    RETREAT ASSISTANT APPLICATION
  • Elementary

    Mr. Jesse Gradl teaches art classes at St. Marys Catholic Elementary School. Mr. Gradl holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Slippery Rock University. He is well-versed in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and art history. Mr. Gradl has exhibited artwork both nationally and internationally. He has sold work to private collectors in eight countries so far. Mr. Gradl owns Gallery 29 here in St. Marys, where he teaches group and private lessons to adults and kids.


    In the art classes at St. Leo Catholic School, Mrs. Cathy Zore teaches K-5. Mrs. Zore holds a B.S. in elementary education with a minor in history and a Master’s degree in curriculum development and instruction. Grades 6-8 are taught by Mrs. Nancy Hoffman. Mrs. Hoffman holds a BFA in Fine Arts and Communications Graphics from Edinboro University.


    Students at this level typically work with media such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, chalk, pastels, oil crayons, paint, and clay. They are instructed not only on how to perfect their artistic techniques but also learn about the elements of art, the principles of design, and art history.

Drama

  • Elementary

    Mr. Jesse Gradl teaches art classes at St. Marys Catholic Elementary School. Mr. Gradl holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Slippery Rock University. He is well-versed in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and art history. Mr. Gradl has exhibited artwork both nationally and internationally. He has sold work to private collectors in eight countries so far. Mr. Gradl owns Gallery 29 here in St. Marys, where he teaches group and private lessons to adults and kids.


    In the art classes at St. Leo Catholic School, Mrs. Cathy Zore teaches K-5. Mrs. Zore holds a B.S. in elementary education with a minor in history and a Master’s degree in curriculum development and instruction. Grades 6-8 are taught by Mrs. Nancy Hoffman. Mrs. Hoffman holds a BFA in Fine Arts and Communications Graphics from Edinboro University.


    Students at this level typically work with media such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, chalk, pastels, oil crayons, paint, and clay. They are instructed not only on how to perfect their artistic techniques but also learn about the elements of art, the principles of design, and art history.

  • Middle & High School

    At ECCHS, Mrs. Scacchitti offers coursework in painting (watercolors, acrylics, oils, and mixed media), drawing (charcoal, Prismacolor, pen and ink, and graphite), and three-dimensional work (pottery, sculpture, stained glass, and glass sculpture). She also offers instruction in digital art using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and iPads. She makes every effort to provide a wide range of materials to encourage all students to explore their potential as artists.


    Elk County Catholic High School offers three art courses: Art Pass/Fail, Advanced Art, AP Art and Design. All Students start with Art Pass/Fail. This encourages students to feel free to experiment with art and engage with it outside the high-pressure landscape. If they want to dive deeper into art and do it in the future, we also offer Advanced Art and AP Art and Design.


    In an era of high-stakes testing, when so many schools across the country have stepped away from education in the arts,  ECCHS is immensely proud of its heritage of excellence in this important field. We are also extremely pleased that Mrs. Scacchitti is so committed to giving our students a complete Catholic education, which includes the ability to appreciate and create beautiful and inspiring things.

Music Program

  • Programs

    Mr. Jesse Gradl teaches art classes at St. Marys Catholic Elementary School. Mr. Gradl holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Slippery Rock University. He is well-versed in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and art history. Mr. Gradl has exhibited artwork both nationally and internationally. He has sold work to private collectors in eight countries so far. Mr. Gradl owns Gallery 29 here in St. Marys, where he teaches group and private lessons to adults and kids.


    In the art classes at St. Leo Catholic School, Mrs. Cathy Zore teaches K-5. Mrs. Zore holds a B.S. in elementary education with a minor in history and a Master’s degree in curriculum development and instruction. Grades 6-8 are taught by Mrs. Nancy Hoffman. Mrs. Hoffman holds a BFA in Fine Arts and Communications Graphics from Edinboro University.


    Students at this level typically work with media such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, chalk, pastels, oil crayons, paint, and clay. They are instructed not only on how to perfect their artistic techniques but also learn about the elements of art, the principles of design, and art history.

  • Boosters

    At ECCHS, Mrs. Scacchitti offers coursework in painting (watercolors, acrylics, oils, and mixed media), drawing (charcoal, Prismacolor, pen and ink, and graphite), and three-dimensional work (pottery, sculpture, stained glass, and glass sculpture). She also offers instruction in digital art using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and iPads. She makes every effort to provide a wide range of materials to encourage all students to explore their potential as artists.


    Elk County Catholic High School offers three art courses: Art Pass/Fail, Advanced Art, AP Art and Design. All Students start with Art Pass/Fail. This encourages students to feel free to experiment with art and engage with it outside the high-pressure landscape. If they want to dive deeper into art and do it in the future, we also offer Advanced Art and AP Art and Design.


    In an era of high-stakes testing, when so many schools across the country have stepped away from education in the arts,  ECCHS is immensely proud of its heritage of excellence in this important field. We are also extremely pleased that Mrs. Scacchitti is so committed to giving our students a complete Catholic education, which includes the ability to appreciate and create beautiful and inspiring things.

  • Contact Us

    We invite you to learn more about our music programs and what we have to offer.


    Adam Baranik, High School Marching Band and Concert Band Director 


  • Music Boosters

    Board Members

    • President-Laura Wingard
    • Vice President-Norene Glynn
    • Secretary-Anna Bish
    • Treasurer-Barb Glatt

    Events/Fundraisers:

    • August-Band Camp
    • Fall-Mum Sale click here.
    • September-Chicken BBQ
    • November-Blood Screening
    • Candy Sale
    • Cash Bash-June & January