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A School is Born - 1938
Gradually jobs became available and parishioners began to get back on their feet. The
thoughts of a parish school began to nurture. Father Kinsella wanted his
"kiddies" at home with him. More knocking on doors, more card parties, more
bingo games, etc. September 10th, 1938 the dream of an elementary school became a reality
- just 8 years after the inception of the parish.
Both convent and school were built in Tudor English to match the church. Mr. English
was again the builder.
In 1938 there were 480 children and a faculty of 9. (See photo
of 4th grade.) In 1963 there were 1430 children and
a faculty of 22 In 1980 there were 602 children and a faculty of 18
Conversing with students attending St. Pascals in the 40's and 50's, you get the
feeling that a well disciplined environment existed. Without it, the Sisters of St. Joseph
would never have been able to handle the 80 or 90 students in a class. There were the good
times ..... like movies on Wednesday afternoons, the bazaars, and school plays galore. To
be called to the principal's office was a traumatic experience. In the 60's attitudes
became more relaxed.
In 1966 KINDERGARTEN came to our school with Mrs. Nancy Keenan as the first teacher.
Those graduation ceremonies, with the caps and gowns, and pink and blue collars and
tassels, brought tears and smiles to all who watched. Mrs. Irma Carroll has kept up the
tradition. Also, during this period, many of our nuns started wearing the new short style
habit. In the 70's they gradually began wearing secular clothing.
Within the last 25 years, each principal, along with her faculty, has left something
special as a heritage for those to still come. For instance, we have the beautiful
library, with many of the books donated as memoriums. Today it is presided over by Sister
Virginia Agnes. Do you remember when Sister Virginia taught 7th and 8th grade math? First
year high school was smooth sailing for our students because of her expertise. Sister
Loyola taught art and ceramics, and our children won several art contests. With the
encouragement of Sister Lucy Blyskall, the Learning Center became a reality. The primary
grades meet in an attractively furnished room in the basement of the school. The upper
grades use the auditorium. The new methods of teaching and new systems for learning
reading and math brought about the involvement of many volunteers. These were mostly
parents, some on their days off, who worked along with the teachers in all the new special
programs. Mercedes Brown has been a constant worker for the past twenty years. Mary
Turnquest and Kay Ruffins have also chalked up many years monitoring the earphones, tapes
and printed material.
Our priests visiting the classrooms became a familiar sight. In the 60's we saw the
beginning of a new First Communion program, and we all became more aware of the changes
being made by Vatican II. Through this program with our children, Father D. Joseph
Finnerty brought the Mass into our homes. It was a delightful treat for a class to plan
the liturgy for Mass, whether it be in the classroom or the church. From this, priest,
teacher and children got to know the thoughts and feelings of the other.
A very capable staff of lay teachers has been attracted to St. Pascals. Mrs. Stewart,
Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Regina, Miss Green and Mrs. Earroll have all been with us for more
than ten years, as has Mrs. Wynter, our school secretary. Here in 1980 we have just two
nuns in our school, Sister Patricia Grant as principal and Sister Virginia Agnes as
librarian.
Because Mass attendance began to dwindle in the early 70's, the church could no longer
support the school. The Home School Association bit the bullet and raised the tuition so
that here in 1980 it is $600 for the first child, and $700 for two or more. The school is
completely self-sustaining. (In case you are curious, tuition was $1 a month back in the
good old days of 1938.)
Next - Our High School
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