Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: Pre-kindergarten 3-year-olds learn the movements to “If You’re Happy and You Know It” as music teacher Eugene Lorini demonstrates how to tap a foot. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: Pre-kindergartener Emma Godfrey, 4, sends a marble down a twisty ramp during STEM class. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: Students pray together during the morning meeting. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: First-grader Miracle Moore, 7, and students of all grades write “Get well” letters to their beloved crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: A giraffe greets students outside the first-grade classroom and reminds them to “speak with kindness.” Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: Second-grade teacher Laurie Delsignore helps her students with a writing assignment. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: Third-graders Max Johnston (l.) and Aviana Marinucci work together on an assignment. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: All hands are up as third-grade teacher Lynn Slater leads the discussion as her students learn about the state of Texas. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: The Virgin Mary has a prominent position in the fourth-grade class. Photos by Cindy Schultz
Students in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany, like at St. Mary’s School in Waterford, finished their first full week of education for the 2021-22 school year last week. Principal Matthew Rucinski said although the students and teachers were wearing masks, you could feel the excitement on their faces. “The kids have been awesome all week. I just think that they are so excited to be at school!” Rucinski said. “I’ve always said that the kids are so resilient. Our kids are generally rule-followers and we do a good job of explaining to the kids why it’s important to follow our safety procedures. “All of our students are fully in-person this year and it’s made such a difference. One of my favorite parts of the first week of school was seeing the excitement on the faces of those students who were remote all of last year. You could see their smiles bursting through their masks.” St. Mary’s School, which is pre-K through Grade 8, has been successful in attracting new students during the pandemic, as well. “We have 214 students in our school, which is an increase of about 30 students,” Rucinski said. “We’ve especially seen a huge growth in our pre-K program this year.” The Evangelist sent photographer Cindy Schultz to spend a day at the school last week to document what she saw in pictures. This was not the first time that Schultz had been to the school. In 2001, while working for the Times Union, Schultz took photos and wrote a story on the school’s famed crossing guard, “Papa Joe” Avarello. On this day, students in the fourth grade wrote “Get well” letters for Avarello, 91, who is recovering from a medical condition. Caption: Sixth graders change out books in their lockers as the Virgin Mary watches nearby. Photos by Cindy Schultz
