Planning bears fruit

According to Sister Maureen, 85 students were enrolled in the school seven years ago. The enrollment is now 250.

The school and parish are in the process of planning an addition that would provide four classrooms, a science lab, library and computer space, bathrooms, and a large gathering room. Sister Maureen said they hope to break ground next spring.

Through the planning process, the school determined that the Pre-K program should be reconfigured. Currently, it consists of three half-day sessions. Next year, the program will include five half-day sessions. Parents will still have the option of sending their child for three days.

"Because of the New York State standards, we couldn't do everything we needed in three days," she said. "Pre-K is now what kindergarten used to be."

The planning process has also allowed the school to stay on top of computer technology and state education standards.

Sister Maureen said the planning process involved parents, faculty, as well as community members. This cross section is one reason for the school's successful planning efforts, the principal said.

St. Mary's School in Ballston Spa added a Pre-K program this year as a result of its long-range planning. Sister Annette Marie Allard, CSJ, principal, anticipated the need for Pre-K several years ago. The planning process included finding space for the program, furnishings and personnel.

St. Mary's is also in the stages of planning for an addition that will include space for computers, the Pre-K program, a lunch room, parish offices and meeting space.

Currently, the school is involved in planning that would allow them to upgrade their technology and textbook materials, as well as introduce different methods of teaching.

Sister Annette would encourage other schools to begin their planning process if they haven't already done so. "If you don't take a risk," she said, "you don't take a step." (MM)

(04-08-99) [[In-content Ad]]