Wynantskill school marks 50th

Last fall, St. Jude's School in Wynantskill began its 50th year of providing Catholic education in the Troy suburbs.

The year of celebration has included a Mass with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, a strawberry festival, a family brunch, a school tribute book and an anniversary dinner. But more is still to come.

The grade school is one of the fastest-growing elementary schools in the Albany Diocese. In the past two years, the enrollment has jumped by almost 100, with 225-235 students expected in the fall.

Growing school

Cathleen A. Carney, principal of St. Jude's School, credits the growth to the collaborative efforts of the pastor, parents, faculty and the school board.

"First, getting the message out to this community about our school has been one of my biggest efforts," she said. "I have literally walked the streets of Wynantskill, talking to business owners and letting them know about our school."

This year, the school advertised on five billboards in the Troy area, with the cost sponsored by local businesses.

Miss Carney also credits "our satisfied parents, who, by word of mouth, have given high praise for our school throughout the community. They are our best spokespersons."

Accreditation

The faculty and staff have also developed a strategic plan that will guide the school towards accreditation by the Middle States Association of Elementary and Secondary Schools. The plan takes five years to complete.

"The Middle States Association provides 12 standards by which our school is judged for competency," Miss Carney explained. "They include finance, building and grounds -- everything that one can think of in the operation of a school. This summer, our staff will be busy concentrating on two goals that we wish to implement next year."

The "long, arduous process" is well worth the effort, she said, and the school hopes to be accredited by next spring.

History

St. Jude's School opened its doors on Sept. 8, 1953, with classes from kindergarten through grade four. The students were taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who were bused to the parish from their convent in Troy until a convent was built at the parish site.

The school, which has been completely staffed by lay teachers since 1998, now runs through sixth grade. It will open a second kindergarten in the fall.

Two events will conclude the year-long anniversary celebration, Miss Carney noted.

"We are getting ready to host a gala alumni event this weekend, with a dinner and dance," she said. The staff was successful in locating more than 500 names and addresses of people who have attended St. Jude's School over the years.

Secondly, St. Jude's students have been invited to attend the Valley Cats opening baseball game on June 23 at the Sen. Joseph Bruno Stadium in North Greenbush. The school's name will be in lights on the scoreboard throughout the game, and students will have an opportunity to step onto the field to be congratulated by the players.

"There is an excitement and energy surrounding our school as we look toward the next 50 years," Miss Carney enthused.

(For information on the Alumni Dinner and Dance, June 12, call 283-0333.)

(6/10/04)