By Jeff Peters
Catholic Herald Correspondent
$3.5 million Holy Rosary School opened Sept. 2
|
The new $3.5 million dollar Holy Rosary Grade School greeted students as they arrived for their first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The new school replaces the outdated two-story school built in 1927 (Photo by Jeff Peters) |
MEDFORD -- The brand new $3.5 million Holy Rosary School is already earning high grades from both students and faculty who commented on the facility during the school opener on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Second-grader, Kendall Hoffman, 7, said she was "delighted" with the new school. "I really like the new school because we don't have to go up any stairs.
"Last year in the old school," she said, "we had to climb stairs all the time to get to art, music, the computer lab and music. It tired us out because we had to go up over 50 stairs. I didn't like that at all."
"And I really like the air-conditioning in the new school, the bigger and brighter classrooms. There is so much more room in the new school. It's really nice," Hoffman said.
School principal Barbara Bugar said the 13 new classrooms, which include the new art and music room and the library, are state-of-the-art and provide a perfect environment for learning. The school also features a new computer room, gymnasium and commons area.
"The students and faculty are very excited about being in this building," she said, noting the entire $3.5 million for the school and adjoining social and religious education center has been raised through donations or pledges, including a $1 million donation from parish members Pep and Francis Simek.
Over 860 (and counting) pledges of $500 are listed on the leaves of the wooden "Giving Tree" located near the front entrance on the wall of the commons area.
"This whole project says a whole lot about the parishioner's dedication to a Catholic education and a safe environment for the school children," said Bugar, noting there are 137 students in pre-school through 6th grade enrolled this school year.
"I just love the new school, it's airy, bright and there are no stairs to climb. The whole thing just has a nice flow. I also like the location of the new gymnasium and commons area in relationship to the rest of the school," Bugar said.
School secretary Diane Krultz said the new school is a welcome addition to the parish community. "The old school was outdated with lots of problems. Everyone just loves the new school."
Preschool teacher Carol Jahsman, a member of the parish her entire life, said, "This is so much roomier and brighter. In the old school the children couldn't see out of the windows."
"Now I also have a bathroom and sink in the room for the children. The air exchange and climate control is also greatly improved. We also have improved communications with a phone and intercom system connecting each room.
"I had mixed feelings when they tore down the old school," said Jahsman, who attended the old school. "I knew every inch of the old building, but there is such excitement in new building."
Music teacher and librarian, Minette Wendland, said the new building enables the faculty to provide the best in Catholic education for their students.
"I am truly grateful to be here," Wendland said. "This is a great place to work and the staff and curriculum here is excellent. We also have great kids. I also believe that a Catholic education is superior in the way it incorporates religion as part of our life."
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003