 Planned in 1928 by the Pastor, Reverend James Collin, Our Lady of Lourdes School was completed at a cost of $250,000,00. In September of 1929, the parish school opened its doors for grades one through six with 315 students and was staffed by four Daughters of Charity and three lay teachers. Shortly thereafter, kindergarten was added, and by 1931, seventh and eighth grades were included. In accordance with the most progressive trends in school architecture, this South Utica icon housed thirteen large classrooms, an auditorium, which seats 700, a gymnasium, and library which was recently renovated and automated. A full kitchen and large cafeteria were added and in 1966, a new wing was built to include six more classrooms. In 1973, the modified Montessori Pre-Kindergarten Program was established and is still in existence today. With the onset of technology in education, a computer lab was added and in 2004, the building was equipped with wireless installation so as to included laptops on carts in classrooms 3rd-6th. As the result of consolidation of the Catholic School in the Utica area, Our Lady of Lourdes became a regional school within the Diocese, and in 1994, the last of the Daughters of Charity were transferred to school that were considered to be in greater need of service. Today, through parishioner, parent and community donations, and funding from the Diocesan Heritage Campaign, renovations continue to be made in order to enhance the learning environment for our students. With double classes of Pre-K through six grades, it is the largest elementary school in the Eastern Region. Presently, we are a staff of thirty-five which includes one Sister of St. Joseph and twenty-one lay teachers. Mrs. Carol Polito, serves as principal. Our Lady of Lourdes is the only elementary school in the city, public or parochial, that has a full cafeteria staff with breakfasts and lunches cooked on its premises. We provide Before Care, After-Care, and No School Day Programs, as well as Summer Recreational and Tutoring Programs. In conjunction with the Utica City School District, we offer the services of a school social worker, a Universal Pre-K Program, remedial services, resource classes, speech and occupational therapy and ESL classes on site. The music program consists of weekly instructional classes, instrumental and band lessons, and membership in the school/parish choir. Our students reach out to help community through special charitable activities and programs. Our Lady of Lourdes Faculty proudly continues to teach and implement the values of the Christian faith in the same way as those who came before us! |
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| Our Lady of Lourdes School | 11 Barton Avenue | Utica, NY | ph 315-732-4374 | fax 315-738-9720 |