History of St. Stanislaus School
On January 6, 1906, St. Stanislaus School opened its doors for the first time. The school was established by the community of St. Stanislaus Parish, under the leadership of Reverend Peter Basinski, with the purpose of educating first and second generation Polish immigrants. Sisters from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice (Felician Sisters) would staff the four-room schoolhouse. Instruction was bilingual, in order to preserve the Polish language and customs. The initial enrollment of seventy students rapidly increased. The system of multiage classrooms was developed as a means of accommodating all the grade levels within the building’s structure. Originally, the early childhood classes (K, 1, 2) were in one classroom. The other three rooms accommodated two grades each.
In 1967, a new school was built. It contained five classrooms, a multipurpose hall, and a kitchen, all on one level. The fifth classroom housed a self-contained Kindergarten. The other classrooms were multiage.
In 1985, the Felician Sisters terminated their services at the parish. Their more than 75 years of presence in the parish community were marked by a singular dedication, which is still remembered by their former students. Over the course of their last years, the teaching staff gradually changed as religious women were replaced by lay professionals. This gradual transformation, and the fact that many of the teachers, as well as the first lay Principal, were parishioners, enabled a continuity in the mission of the school.
As patterns of immigration changed, the school was transformed from being a Polish school to being a school of Polish tradition. This tradition is still treasured today, and is characterized by a Slavic spirituality which, through its devotion to Mary under her title of Our Lady of Czestochowa, guides each of us to follow her example of prayerful listening and joyful response to God’s call.
On April 21, 1991, a major fire destroyed the St. Stanislaus Church building. After much deliberation by the Diocese, it was determined that our parish would remain intact. However, the new worship space would have to be built on the school property, which was located across the street from the now-condemned church structure. Plans were drawn up that would transform the multipurpose hall into the parish worship space. The plans also included the addition of a second floor to the school and the building of a new multipurpose hall with a basement. While construction was in progress, St. Stanislaus School held classes in the former St. Patrick School.
The new building was dedicated on November 29, 1993. In keeping with Polish tradition, each grade level was dedicated to a Polish saint. A new grade level, preschool, was added. A major feature of the new building was the physical connection of the school and the church, enabling the school community to use the church for communal prayer in all seasons.
Four years after the dedication, it was determined that the small computer lab on the second floor had become outdated. A new computer lab/library was built in the basement. Two years later, it was apparent that both the first and second grade classrooms lacked adequate space. A new classroom was built in the basement. This would house the 7/8 multiage room. The second grade moved to the second floor, occupying the room previously used by grade 7/8. The wall between the small first and second grade rooms was removed, creating one large room for first grade.
Presently, the school is under the leadership of its second lay principal. The staff has been increased with the addition of specialist teachers and classroom aides. The curriculum has undergone a major revision, beginning in September 2003. A School Advisory Board and a Parent Group were established in the 2003-2004 academic year.
The mission of quality Catholic education is alive at St. Stanislaus School. Treasuring our past helps us create a vibrant present, and allows us to look forward to a faith-filled future.
Traditions
As a School family, we join in the celebration of certain traditional feasts. Three mornings each week, we gather for the Morning Prayer in church. On Mondays, this includes adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On the mornings when we are not gathered together, prayer is led by the teacher or students in each calssroom.
October
Polish Heritage Month
we celebrate Mary under her title ‘Our Lady of Czestochowa’ |
November 22
Blessing of Musicians on the Feast of St. Cecilia
the junior choir and all who play instruments |
December 6
Feast of St. Nicholas
celebrated with a prayer service and a visit from St. Nicholas (portrayed as bishop). |
January 6
Feast of the Epiphany and the anniversary of the founding of our school
celebrated by blessing the classrooms and marking the doors |
Holy Week
Special prayers are offered for the bishop and priests of the diocese |
Easter Tuesday
Dyngus Day (a Polish tradition celebrating new life in Baptism)
we throw water on each other as a sign of our baptism |
April 11
Feast of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr
celebrated with a prayer service or Mass |
May 3
Mary, Queen of Poland
celebrated with a May crowning |
May 8
Feast of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr (in the Slavic calendar)
celebrated with a prayer service |
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In addition, each class celebrates its patronal feast.
Preschool
Blessed Angela Truszkowska
March 3 |
Kindergarten
St. Paul the First Hermit
January 14 |
First Grade
St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr
April 11 (Roman Calendar)
May 8 (Slavic Calendar) |
Second Grade
St. Casimir
March 4 |
Third Grade
St. Faustina Kowalska
October 4 |
Fourth Grade
St. Brother Albert Chmielowski
June 17 |
Fifth Grade
Blessed Karolina Kozka
November 18 |
Sixth Grade
St. Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr
November 12 |
Seventh Grade
St. Raphael Kalinowski
November 19 |
Eighth Grade
Queen St. Jadwiga
June 8 |
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