IVC member Beverly Consilvio is delighted to bring her background as a teacher and principal to support the second grade class at partner agency Saint
Francis International School (SFIS) in Silver Spring, Md. Once a week she assists in the classroom by performing a variety of tasks, including organizing paperwork, working individually with students and periodically teaching a lesson. “St. Francis is a warm and welcoming environment,” she says. “They do a lot of responsive instruction, so the students feel validated, especially when learning new concepts.”
Founded in 2010, St. Francis offers a high-quality educational program for students from culturally diverse backgrounds and faiths. The regional school, with over 300 students (Pre-K through Grade 8) is supported by four parishes: St. Camilus (where the school operates), St. Mark the Evangelist, St. Catherine Laboure and Our Lady of Vietnam. The school has a minority enrollment of over 97%, and most participating families are from countries in South America, Central America and Africa.
Beverly’s IVC assignment at SFIS is a natural fit for her. The Cleveland, Ohio native came to the Washington, DC area after graduating with a degree in education from Bowling Green State University. While teaching in Prince George’s County, she earned a master’s degree in social psychology from the University of Maryland – where she met her future husband, Ben (also an IVC member serving at partner agency Christ House).
After taking time away from the classroom to raise their four children, Beverly returned to teaching with the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic school system. She taught at St. Bartholomew School for 11 years and then moved to administration – as a principal for nine years at St. Mary’s School and then in the same role for eight years at St. Catherine Laboure School. In retirement, she applies a career of knowledge to support the SFIS students.
During her day at SFIS, she often circulates individually among students to provide help with math and writing skills. “We’ll then monitor them to make sure they understand the concepts,” she says. At the beginning of the school year, Beverly helps administer standardized tests, and throughout the year she supports second grade teacher Mrs. Sherie Bauman by correcting papers and performing a variety of clerical and related tasks.
“Beverly has been a blessing to me and my class for two years now,” says Mrs. Bauman. “Students look forward to her weekly visits, and she supports SFIS both inside and outside the classroom.” Known as “Mrs. C.” to the second graders, Mrs. Bauman says students read to Beverly and she reads to them. “She gives a motherly touch when she helps students with math and language arts. She not only shares her faith knowledge teaching lessons on parables, miracles, and sacraments, but lives her faith journey.”
Mrs. Bauman is also appreciative of Beverly’s knowledge. “She is flexible and very willing to lend a helping hand. She shares her teaching experiences with me as well as other SFIS staff members. Students look forward to her weekly visits. She is like family!”
Beverly and Ben are glad to be part of IVC. Ben is Jesuit-educated himself, and three of their four children graduated from Jesuit colleges. “We had always considered joining IVC,” she says, and decided to apply after hearing more about opportunities when IVC staffed an information table at their parish, St. Bartholomew. They especially enjoy taking part in regular spiritual programs offered by IVC. “We love going to the monthly meetings and retreats that fulfill our spiritual needs.”