February 2026 News & Updates

Blessed Lent, dear friends of Saint Basil! We hope that this newsletter finds you well and in good strength during this season of preparation for great and holy Pascha. The month of February was such a special one for all of us at Saint Basil Academy. Unfortunately snowstorms limited many of our planned outings and parish visits, but the month remained a rich one nonetheless.

Four pictures of children doing activities, such as crafts, at the Saint Basil Valentine's Day party.
Four pictures of children doing activities, such as crafts, at the Saint Basil Valentine's Day party.
Four pictures of children doing activities, such as crafts, at the Saint Basil Valentine's Day party.
Two images. The one on the left is of youth riding an inflatable raft that is being pulled behind a boat. The image on the right is of three youth, two young ladies and a young man, standing in a park. The quote under the images, "To me Saint Basil Academy means new opportunities and friendship."
Two images. The one on the left is of youth riding an inflatable raft that is being pulled behind a boat. The image on the right is of three youth, two young ladies and a young man, standing in a park. The quote under the images, "To me Saint Basil Academy means new opportunities and friendship."
A snowy scene of the Saint Basil Academy campus looking out to an icy Hudson River. The quote under the picture, "It gives me a home, a place to stay, food, and everything I need. It's my anchor."
A snowy scene of the Saint Basil Academy campus looking out to an icy Hudson River. The quote under the picture, "It gives me a home, a place to stay, food, and everything I need. It's my anchor."

The playroom staff organized a joyful and festive Valentine’s Day party where the children celebrated, made beautiful crafts, and played their hearts out. We also used the month of February to run a social media campaign highlighting our children’s own thoughts about Saint Basil Academy. Each week, we published social media posts containing their handwritten messages of what Saint Basil Academy means to them, so check those out on our Instagram and Facebook pages if you haven’t already. Their words are so powerful and a great reminder of why we do the work that we do.

A girl standing on a surf board in the wave pool at a surf park and next to her is a boy laying down on a surfboard.
A girl standing on a surf board in the wave pool at a surf park and next to her is a boy laying down on a surfboard.
A girl standing on a surf board in the wave pool at a surf park and next to her is a boy laying down on a surfboard.
A young boy getting surfing instructions from a young lady before they get into the pool.
A young boy getting surfing instructions from a young lady before they get into the pool.
A group of people with a man in the middle holding a folded American flag
A group of people with a man in the middle holding a folded American flag

The highlight of February without a doubt was the absolutely amazing surfing trip to Skudin Surf at the American Dream Mall sponsored by the incredible non-profit Alpha Wave Project and the Saint Paraskevi Philoptochos Society of Clifton, NJ. Volunteer veterans and first responders from Alpha Wave provided surf instruction, taught us safety measures, and cheered us on the whole time. Everyone from the whole Saint Basil family had an absolute blast! It was especially meaningful to watch our children persevere while doing something totally new, getting up every time they fell, and supporting each other on all along the way. The Saint Paraskevi Philoptochos Society provided a delicious breakfast and even gave our children gift cards to enjoy some shopping at the American Dream Mall! One of the highlights of the day was being presented with a beautiful American flag courtesy of Semper Fi Flag Supply, a wonderful company that donates 10% of all its profits to Alpha Wave. God willing, we plan on carrying that flag proudly down Fifth Avenue when we march in the Greek Parade on April 26!

Two images from the trip to Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. The image on the left is a boy dressed firefighter in a mock lift bucket. The image on the right is a child's body imprint on a pinscreen.
Two images from the trip to Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. The image on the left is a boy dressed firefighter in a mock lift bucket. The image on the right is a child's body imprint on a pinscreen.
Two images from the trip to Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. The image on the left is a boy dressed firefighter in a mock lift bucket. The image on the right is a child's body imprint on a pinscreen.
A group from Hellenic College Holy Cross with Father Costa and Deacon Kyriakos inside Saint Basil Academy
A group from Hellenic College Holy Cross with Father Costa and Deacon Kyriakos inside Saint Basil Academy

Most of the children were off from school during President’s Week, so we used it as an opportunity for some very fun day trips. Our younger children enjoyed Saint Basil Experience Fund supported trips to Bounce and the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, while the older children enjoyed some ski time on the slopes. President’s Week culminated with a visit from the seminarians of Hellenic College Holy Cross. We were very honored to be the final stop on their senior trip!

District 6 Daughters of Penelope inside Saint Basil Academy
District 6 Daughters of Penelope inside Saint Basil Academy
District 6 Daughters of Penelope inside Saint Basil Academy
Maids of Athena outside at Saint Basil Academy
Maids of Athena outside at Saint Basil Academy

To close out the month of February, we were delighted to host the District 6 Daughters of Penelope and Maids of Athena for their mid-year conference. They are very dear friends of Saint Basil Academy, and we cannot thank them enough for their support. It is because of them that we now have our amazing Sensory Room, and the Maids are at it again with another incredible service project to improve our library space! Thank you so much to everyone in the District 6 family.

2026 Lenten GOYA Retreat. March 21, 2026 at Saint Basil Academy. Registration is Open!! Sign up your 7th–12th grader today! Registration closes March 7!

We hope to see many of you this month at our Lenten GOYA Retreat happening on March 21. The theme is Creation, and it is shaping up to be a beautiful event. We would love to see your 7th-12th graders there, regardless of whether they are in a formal GOYA group. Please register for the Lenten GOYA Retreat today as spots are limited.

As always, the entire Saint Basil family sends our love and gratitude. Kali Sarakosti!

Did You Know?

Ms. Josephine and Ms. Gav, Orthodox Service Leaders at Saint Basil Academy

Two of our beloved Orthodox Service Leaders, Ms. Josephine and Ms. Gav!

Did you know that Saint Basil Academy is home to the Orthodox Service Leaders Initiative? Service Leaders put their faith into action by living and working on campus as full-time employees who show the beauty of Orthodoxy in action to our program members. Service Leaders support spiritual growth and religious services and events on campus, while working hands-on with Saint Basil residents across all residential programs. For more information about becoming a Saint Basil Orthodox Service Leader, please email serviceleader@sbagoa.org.

Support Our Work

Lady hugging child and kissing them on the forehead with both wrapped in a blue cloth Three girls posing with their kites outdoors

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, Saint Basil Academy depends upon the financial support of its beloved friends and donors. Our supporters contribute in many different ways, from monetary and material donations to naming Saint Basil as a beneficiary in life insurance and estate planning. Saint Basil Academy also has several earmarked funds in place for therapeutic art classes and outdoor excursions. Sponsoring a resident, becoming a host family, and/or referring a child to Saint Basil Academy are other vital ways of providing support as well. When you give to Saint Basil Academy, you are helping a child in need in a powerful way.

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Garrison, NY 10524

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January 2026 News & UpdatesA girl sledding in the snow© Saint Basil Academy