Changes set for Catskill school

St. Patrick's Academy in Catskill is eliminating grades 7 and 8, and suspending grade 6 for a year, in order to improve the curriculum and enrichment of students.

The changes, which go into effect in September, were recommended by the pastor, principal and St. Patrick's school board, and approved by the Diocese of Albany.

Among the causes of the changes, according to a press release from St. Patrick's, were declining enrollment and the need to combine classes.

New focus

"Discontinuing the middle-school grades will allow St. Patrick's Academy to return to a more traditional grades K-6 structure," said the press release. "This change lets the staff focus on the elementary program, which has been strong over the years, has high performance on New York State and local tests, and is well supported by parents."

Edith Toohey, assistant superintendent for instruction at the diocesan Catholic Schools Office, said that the staff will be able to focus more of their attention and expertise on the K-6 curriculum, and on providing more creative instructional strategies to challenge students.

Rita Kunkel, principal, said she was "enthusiastic about the future direction of this school. We have a good enrollment in these [lower] grades and an excellent faculty dedicated to providing a faith-based education necessary for our Church and society."

'Vibrant'

"I view the new organization as a necessary step to build a strong, vibrant setting for Catholic education in the 21st century," said Rev. James Clark, pastor. "The return to the traditional K-6 configuration will enable the faculty and staff to focus their efforts on the educational program at the primary and intermediate grades."

Ms. Kunkel and Father Clark have scheduled a meeting for parents and parishioners to hear more details about the changes.

(For more information, call Ms. Kunkel at 943-2952 or email [email protected].)

(2/9/06) [[In-content Ad]]