St. Mary's Institute celebrating 125 years

"To trace the history of St. Mary's Institute since its foundation is to record a glorious record of achievement," notes a 1941 history of the Amsterdam school.

A more modern retelling would note that SMI, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this month, also gets high marks for persistence: Despite changing locations four times in its history, it has remained open and grown.

"It's a wonderful accomplishment, especially in the days where Catholic schools are closing, that we can still exist," noted principal Sister Elizabeth Costanzo, CSJ, who has been at SMI since 1993.

Dawning days

In 1880, SMI opened on its first site, next to St. Mary's Church. A year later, its leadership was turned over to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who helped SMI become the first Catholic school in New York State to receive a Regents charter.

Within three years, an addition had to be built to accommodate the increasing number of students; in 1909, a new school was built on a second site.

Historical documents boast that the second school building had "every modern feature known at the time," including fireproofing and an auditorium with "a completely equipped stage and electrical system."

Growing time

SMI continued to grow; its high school split off to become Bishop Scully High in 1966. Then a new arterial being built through Amsterdam forced the elementary school to relocate once again -- this time, to the former East Main Street School.

Bishop Scully High was not as fortunate in growth. Declining enrollment led to its closure in 1990. SMI moved to its fourth home on the high school's campus a year later.

Sister Elizabeth called the newest school "a magnificent facility: It's big; it's got wonderful grounds; it sits off the main road."

Consistency

Recent years have brought more changes, including several classrooms being added in the mid-1990s. But some things have remained consistent. Sister Elizabeth told The Evangelist that there has always been at least one Sister of St. Joseph on SMI's staff throughout its history.

"What keeps me here are the students," she said. And "the parents, teachers and staff are supportive. In September, I'll be starting 14 years here, and it does not seem that long. That must be a good sign!"

SMI provides the only access to a Catholic school education in three counties: Montgomery, Fulton and Schoharie. About 325 students are enrolled in pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade; three years ago, SMI restarted its nursery program for three-year-olds after a brief hiatus.

Plus points

SMI is known for its integration of technology into the classroom. The school's website, www.saintmarysinstitute.com, features pages for each grade and subject. Teachers attend "in-services" to learn how to create the pages, which detail everything from what students are studying to photos of classroom pets.

But, as has been true through a century-and-a-quarter, the Catholic identity remains important. Sister Elizabeth said that students follow the St. Joseph sisters' charism of reaching out to the "dear neighbor" through community service. In addition, school liturgies are held on Fridays and holy days.

"Character education: That's what we're here for," the principal stated.

More to come

In 2001, the school created a strategic plan that included applying for Middle States accreditation (one mark of a quality school, which SMI was awarded in 2004) and working on a marketing/public relations program.

The alumni association, encompassing more than 4,000 men and women, has supported these efforts.

"The fact that our enrollment has grown says that Catholic education is a value in the area," said Sister Elizabeth, who added that SMI has been able to keep its tuition one of the lowest of all Diocese's Catholic schools.

As SMI marks its 125th anniversary, many dreams are still to be fulfilled. Sister Elizabeth would like to see the school get a wireless computer system, as well as an "automated" library with swipe-cards for students to sign out books.

"That's a wish-list for us," she said.

(SMI will hold an anniversary celebration May 13, 7-10 p.m., at the school, with music by MedRock, a display of memorabilia, food and a raffle. Tickets are $20; call 842-4100.)

(5/11/06) [[In-content Ad]]