Merged school named

The new name reflects the devotion of both schools to the Blessed Mother, said Thomas Fitzgerald, assistant superintendent for administrative services for the Catholic School Office (CSO).

The new name is a symbol of the unique way the community is viewing the merger, said Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of diocesan schools. People have viewed the merger as an opportunity, "a way to strengthen schools. We want to bring the best of both schools together. We want to make this situation unique."

A transition committee of 14 people, representing both schools and the CSO, has been meeting monthly on the transition of the two schools, striving to create a school that truly is unique, rather than having one school absorb the other, Dr. Fitzgerald said.

Among the special features of Marian Academy is the administration. Marjorie Edgar, current principal of Immaculate Conception, will serve as principal and be responsible for regular administrative duties. Ninnette Kondratowicz, current principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, will serve as associate principal and be responsible for curriculum development, public relations and development.

Academically, Dr. Fitzgerald said, there will be emphasis on communication and literacy skills, using technology and integrated curriculum. The transition team is discussing co-curricular activities, which may include music instruction, mentoring and foreign language. The team will also discuss tuition structure and a tentative budget.

The CSO and the two administrators have reviewed the teaching applicants from the two schools and have hired faculty that represent both communities.

"The staff has exceptional skills and experience," Dr. Fitzgerald said.

While the Mount Carmel community is still grieving the loss of a school on parish grounds, the possibilities are beginning to become evident to the community.

"It's beginning to generate excitement," Mrs. Kondratowicz said. "The committee is absolutely ecstatic about the name."

Both the school and its students will be dedicated to the Blessed Mother during a liturgy in the fall.

(For Marian Academy registration information, call 377-7470 or 372-0336. Marian Academy will be located at 520 Bradt Street, the current location of Immaculate Conception School.)

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