Dear St. Patrick Families,
This year is a transitional year for the school. In the recent past, we have received a larger subsidy than normal from the parish, which has been a financial hardship on the church budget. Please be assured that St. Patrick Church has always been financially solvent. And under the umbrella of St. Katharine Drexel Parish that status will remain. Additionally, there has never been any discussion about the school closing. Never. Now or in the future.
With input from the diocese, we have had to make the following changes to the school to reduce the subsidy and make the school more fiscally responsible. Most classes this year and moving forward will be capped at 24 students, except those already in place prior to the end of the last school year. New students wishing to attend after the maximum number has been reached will be placed on a waiting list until openings become available in a particular grade.
The good news is that our enrollment has increased for the upcoming school year. Presently we will have two kindergarten classes, one first grade, one second grade, two third grades, one fourth grade, one fifth grade, two sixth grades, one seventh grade, and one eighth grade. An additional teacher may be hired if classroom size dictates. Aides have already been hired for additional teacher support to ensure students’ needs are addressed.
I know this is a drastic change from how the school was previously operated, but this is necessary for the financial well-being of both the school and parish to ensure our longevity. In addition, we have established a Panther Legacy Committee made up of teachers, staff, parishioners, and Home and School representatives, who have been meeting throughout the summer. They are already planning a number of fundraisers and other cost-effective programs to ensure the success of our school for decades into the future. More information about those plans will be forthcoming.
Rest assured, our students will still receive the same strong, faith-based, academically proficient education we have always provided. So, please bear with us as we begin the new school year. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we navigate these changes. Please call if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Howard Mancini
Principal
St. Patrick School
