Our Mission
What We Stand For
We are proud to be the only school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore that offers a dual-language program in English and Spanish, creating bilingual learners. Our curriculum, which features an emphasis on multicultural appreciation and the Catholic Faith, prepares our students for their futures in college and beyond. Thank you for your interest in and support of our unique program. Please explore our site to learn more about Archbishop Borders. Whether you are a current or prospective family, we welcome you into our community.
Our Vision
Archbishop Borders School will be recognized as a pre-eminent dual language PreK-8, Catholic school within the Mid-Atlantic region, committed to the growth and success of each child.
Our Mission
Archbishop Borders School is a dual-language Catholic community school that prepares its students to be dynamic members of society through an educational experience informed by diversity, faith and academic excellence.
As a Catholic School, we believe that:
- A Christ-centered school environment fosters growth of spirituality, character and mindfulness, cultivating an enduring dedication to service, social justice and leadership.
- An engaged and intentional dual-language education prepares our students to participate and thrive in a diverse world.
- Each child is a valued individual with unique needs and abilities.
- Exceptional teaching inspires students to be lifelong learners and critical thinkers who are actively engaged in their learning.
- Positive relationships and mutual respect are integral to the success of our school.
- All members of the Archbishop Borders School community share the responsibility for advancing the school’s mission.
Our History
TIMELINE OF ARCHBISHOP BORDERS
Archbishop Borders School is located on the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish campus, where the School Sisters of Notre Dame began educating students in the year 1876. By 1916, over 1,000 students were enrolled at Sacred Heart School! Over the past 150 years, the Sacred Heart School was rebuilt, renovated, and expanded multiple times. Our current building was completed in the year 1932. In 1951, Pope Pius XII bestowed a special Apostolic Benediction upon the School Sisters of Notre Dame for their Diamond Jubilee of 75 years of educating students at Sacred Heart School. In 1974, Sacred Heart School, as it was then called, merged with St. Brigid School in Canton to create Bishop John Neumann School. Archbishop Borders School opened as a community school in 2002 in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore after the merger of St. Elizabeth’s and Our Lady of Pompeii Schools.
We are one of four schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to hold the title of community school. A community school program establishes partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus is on academics, services, supports, and opportunities that lead to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.
In the middle of the first decade of the 2000s, a former principal, Ms. Cathy Marshall, noticed the need to bring the Spanish language component into the classroom. Our students were losing their native Spanish skills, which was a critical part of their cultural identity. So in 2010, Archbishop Borders School partnered with the Roche Center of Boston College and their Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS) and launched its dual-language program in English in Spanish beginning with its Pre-K students. The goal of this program was that students were to be biliterate and bilingual by 5th grade. We are still the only program of this kind in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. Ultimately, we follow the Archdiocese of Baltimore curriculum, but we teach it to our students in both the English and Spanish languages.
With a diverse community, Archbishop Borders School places a special emphasis on fostering an understanding of the different cultures and traditions present. Events focused on this work include the Annual International Fair, celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe and other days dedicated to the various virgins of Latin America, and more.
We are excited to keep developing this program and curriculum and to serve as a model for other schools in our area and across the country.
A Message From
OUR CO-PRINCIPALS
Welcome to Archbishop Borders School!
Thank you for your interest in our school, as we believe a Catholic Education is the foundation to our children’s future. We are a dual language, Catholic community school with a strong mission based on faith, diversity and academic excellence.
As the only dual language school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, we serve families from 36 zip codes who value a faith based, dual language education. Our diverse learning environment serves all ethnic and economic backgrounds and our dedicated staff represent 9 countries, which mirrors our uniquely diverse community.
Archbishop Borders School students are immersed in Spanish and English academics each day. From our three year olds, who immediately acclimate to the dual language environment, to our eighth graders who graduate as bilingual and biliterate scholars who are socioculturally competent- we could not be prouder of our students!
From Ms. Belz: I have dedicated my career to the schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and my own four children consider their Catholic school education the foundation to their success in higher education. Additionally, I was educated in a bilingual school in Mexico City, so I have firsthand experience in a dual language environment.
From Mrs. Adewuyi: I am honored to work with our teachers and staff to foster a bilingual, supportive learning environment for our students. As a team, our goal is to ensure that students feel loved, challenged, prepared, and have deep joy for learning while striving to reach their full potential. Thank you for being an important part of our school community.
The opportunity to lead this truly unique, dynamic community into the future is a true blessing. The research is clear – a dual language education provides many lifelong benefits to the brain!
We invite you to come pay us a visit- you will not be disappointed!
Amy Belz & Ololade Adewuyi
Co-Principals
Our Faith
WHY CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Now, more than ever, the world needs what Catholic schools have to offer.
So it’s time to tell everyone what we’re about. To find a fresh way to show what makes a Catholic education special: the high standards, the moral foundation and the positive, compassionate energy our society needs right now.
Our story starts with our heritage. Going back to 1634, when Maryland was settled as a refuge for English Catholics. Going back to 1789, when the Archdiocese of Baltimore was established as the first Catholic diocese in the United States. To 1810, when Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton laid the foundation for the Catholic school system in the United States by opening her school for girls in Baltimore. And to 1829, when Mother Mary Lange founded America’s first Catholic school for girls of color.
That spirit of education has been in our hearts ever since, and it’s played out in our schools every day. Here, every student is valued. Learning is celebrated. Faith is strengthened. And we provide the rigorous, advanced education that our children need.
And for all of us, clergy, religious and laity, providing that education is far more than a job. It’s a higher calling. After all, Catholic schools are founded in faith. Helping students realize the full potential of their God-given abilities. Bringing Christ’s message of service to others above self; the promise of eternal life that raises Catholic education to a higher level.
Our schools challenge students and teachers to go beyond the status quo and exceed expectations.
For the Archdiocese of Baltimore: Catholic Schools, Rise Above.
Our Team
FACULTY, STAFF, SCHOOL BOARD and PTO
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B.A. Spanish, Notre Dame of Maryland University M.Ed. Loyola University Maryland |
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B.S. in Education, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria M.Ed. University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria M.A.T. Notre Dame of Maryland University |
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Universidad Pedagogica Nacional en Mexico
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A.A.S. Early Childhood Education, CCBC
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A.A. General Studies, CCBC
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B.S. Criminal Justice and Sociology, York College
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Sra. Carmen Beltran |
Howard County Community College, Licensed Early Childhood Educator, Maryland State Department of Education |
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Sra. Jhoanna Braca |
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Ms. Tamerrah Wood |
Credentialed Early Childhood Teacher, Maryland State Department of Education |
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Sra. Anayensi Ortiz |
Licensed Early Childhood Educator, Maryland State Department of Education |
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Sra. Erika Canales |
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from La Universidad Modular Abierta in San Salvador, El Salvador |
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Mrs. María Rodríguez |
B.A. Early Childhood Education |
| Marly Manzanares PK English Immersion Teacher Assistant | Maestra asistente de inmersión de inglés de Preescolar |
Info coming soon! |
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Sra. Stephanie Funez |
B.A. Universidad Pedagogica Nacional Francisco Morazan |
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Sra. Gisela Aguilera |
M.Ed. Physics and Astronomy, Pedagogical Institute of Holguin, Cuba |
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Ms. Michelle Monaghan |
B.A. Towson University |
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Sra. Ana Munoz |
Info coming soon! |
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Ms. Angela Vodola |
B.A. Elementary and Special Education, Mount St. Mary’s |
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Mrs. Danica Ramirez |
B.A. Elementary Education, College of San Fernando M.A. Arts in Education, Dr. Gloria D. Lacson Foundation Colleges Inc. |
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Ms. Isabella Teves |
B.A. Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County |
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Sra. Elsy Pineda |
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de HondurasTeaching Certificate, Escuela Normal Mixta Valle de Sula en Honduras |
| Ms. Joan Noble 5th Grade Homeroom English Immersion Teacher | Maestra de inmersión de inglés jnoble@abbschool.com |
B.A. Towson University, Elementary Education, M.Ed. Loyola University Maryland Notre Dame of Maryland University, Continuing Education Certificate |
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Mr. Ruel Ramirez |
B.A. College of San Fernando, Pampanga, Secondary Education Mathematics M.A. Don Honorio Ventura State University, Educational Management |
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Sr. Marvin Paisano |
B.A. Escuela Normal Mixta Pedro Nufio M.A. Universidad Pedagogica Nacional Francisco Morazan |
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Ms. Najla Miller |
B.A. Claflin University in Psychology MAT, Secondary Education, University of Phoenix |
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Mrs. Roshawna Cunningham |
B.A. Elementary Education Bowie State University M.A. Special Education, Bowie State University |
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Mr. Gilberto Bonilla |
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Ms. Cecile Audette |
Music. Vocal performance, Hartt School, West Hartford, Connecticut Post Baccalaureate K-12 Teacher’s Certification, Vocal/General Music – UMASS, Amherst MM. Choral Conducting – Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJMM in Vocal Pedagogy/Performance – Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ |
| Art with a Heart Art Teachers | Maestra de arte |
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| Ms. Tory Gomez Title 1 Teacher | Maestra de Título 1 |
B.A Early Childhood Education,
Hood College |
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It is Archdiocesan policy that every school have a school board, regardless of its model of governance. School boards are diverse and seek to reflect the student population, include community representation, and have persons with expertise related to school needs. Meet our current school board members:
- Ololade Adewuyi, ABS Co-Principal (non-voting)
- Amy Belz, ABS Co-Principal (non-voting)
- Guillermo Brown
- Kristina Collins
- Patricia Cudjoe
- Steve Endres, President
- Stephen Ferrandi
- Gregory Scott Fridley, Treasurer
- Ana Gray, ABS (non-voting)
- Gabriela Kahrl
- Beth Mayr
- Kim Stark, ABS Advancement Director (non-voting)
- Fr. Ako Walker, SHJ Pastor
Dear Archbishop Borders School Families,
On behalf of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Archbishop Borders School, we welcome you and thank you for being part of this wonderful community.
The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for us to meet new families and recruit families to become engaged in the various activities and events that are planned during the school year!
The PTO provides a formal avenue for parents of students to participate with faculty and administration in their child’s education. The PTO also provides programs that engage the school in spiritual, education, outreach, social, legislative, service and fundraising activities that further the mission of the school.
As parents to students at Archbishop Borders School, YOU ARE ALL MEMBERS OF THE PTO. You are invited to all General Meetings, events, fundraisers, etc.
The Executive Officers of the PTO will lead discussions about the school year’s activities and events. Some of the activities and events that will take place during the school year include:
- Night Fundraisers
- International Festival
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration
- Catholic Schools Week
- ABS Moves
- Mary Crowning Event
- Fun Field Day
During the Back to School Orientation, the PTO Executive Officers will give an overview and how you can get involved. We hope you will consider participating as part of the PTO during the school year and look forward to meeting each of you at the Back to School Orientation.
For more information, please email PTO@abbschool.com.
Archbishop Borders School depends on many organizations and people who contribute their time, energy, and services to our students and staff. Through these partnerships, we are able to expand our academic offerings, and create interesting, fun and invigorating opportunities for our students. If you are interested in partnering with us, please call our principal, Mrs. Amy Belz, at 410-276-6534.
Thank you for your support!
- Archdiocese of Baltimore Partners in Excellence
- Boston College Roche Center for Catholic Education
- Boston College TWIN-CS – Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools
- Baltimore Latino
- BUS- Baltimore Urban Studies- Living and Learning East Coast
- FutureMakers
- Girls on the Run
- Loyola University
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Port Discovery
- Somos Baltimore Latino
- Towson University
- University of Notre Dame
- Women’s Education Alliance