30 replies to this topic

[Bill]

The Board of Trustees of Notre Dame High School and the Sisters of Mercy of the NYPPaW Regional Community are pleased to announce the opening of a regional Junior High School on the campus at 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira, NY. Beginning in the fall of 2012, Notre Dame will welcome seventh and eighth graders as a part of the school community.The new Junior High program will provide a 21^st century education which will prepare students for their high school journey. The school will be able to offer a core curriculum which encourages critical thinking and discovery, accelerated courses in language, math and science and a co-curricular program which includes participation in a modified sports program. Emphasis will be on establishing a welcoming, caring community which encourages students to develop their full potential in a safe environment.The school community is excited about offering this opportunity which will ensure quality academics and a faith based Catholic education for the sustainable future. To assist parents with the future planning for their child’s education there will be an informational meeting for the new regional Junior High School on Monday, December 12 at 7:00 pm in the Notre Dame High School Auditorium.

[tony]

Is this new offering, or a transfer from some other location?

[Bill]

New offering it looks like. I don't know what will happen to the Roe ave junior high.

[professoraxim]

Bill, what (who) is the source of this info?

[Bill]

The horses mouth as it were:

[professoraxim]

I just saw a letter passed out to the current Holy Family Middle School students saying the same. Additionally, that letter stated that the middle school is closing Fall 2012.

[Bill]

What a shame, I love that old building. Previod principals allowed me to examine it in miniute detail, from the basemant crawlspaces to the attic storage. And it is amazing where oyu find a name from the 20's in faint pencil. Very cool old building.

[tony]

The bigger shame is this appears to be another step towards downsizing and consolidation.

[Bill]

It was either downsize and consolidate or close the doors.There was no option number three.

[tony]

And that is the shame, we are slowly losing what I consider the only viable non-public school option in the area.

[Bill]

We will see after this school opens up. Change is scary, but this might just be what they needed.

[finepoint]

They needed to do something. As a Notre Dame alumni, I truly value the education I received through the years. However, now, as a parent, I can't afford to send my kids to Catholic school. While I value the education and opportunities available, the tuition is not feasible to the average working family..maybe that's the point? I would rather save our money in 529's and use the money for college. I recall when they built the Joel Stephens park, Chuck Liberatore told me that the park would undoubtedly be in existence longer than the school. The consolidation is just another way to be proactive and keep the schools open, just like the local Catholic churches are forced to do. It's a sad reality, but good for them for being proactive.

[Herb]

Thank you once again Bill. Just so happens my daughters Master(s) and State Certifications are in the 7-8 range and her secondary is in literacy.Thanks for the one up on this ....She will be there on the 12th for sure.....

[Bill]

They needed to do something. As a Notre Dame alumni, I truly value the education I received through the years. However, now, as a parent, I can't afford to send my kids to Catholic school. While I value the education and opportunities available, the tuition is not feasible to the average working family..maybe that's the point? I would rather save our money in 529's and use the money for college. I recall when they built the Joel Stephens park, Chuck Liberatore told me that the park would undoubtedly be in existence longer than the school. The consolidation is just another way to be proactive and keep the schools open, just like the local Catholic churches are forced to do. It's a sad reality, but good for them for being proactive.

I ahve never seen Holy Family, or Notre Dame turn a student away because of lack of money. It always sort of annoyed me that I got to pay full tuition, and usually double full tuition, and some peopel were there for nothing. It is their game though so they make their rules, and I either go along with it or remove myself.

[Bill]

Thank you once again Bill. Just so happens my daughters Master(s) and State Certifications are in the 7-8 range and her secondary is in literacy.Thanks for the one up on this ....She will be there on the 12th for sure.....

Keeping my fingers crossed Herb, as they can always use great teachers.

[Chris]

Too bad, I was hoping our boys could go to school for Jr High where their Dad went for elementary. That's a great building from what I recall, even though I haven't been in there in 30 years. Now I just hope we can afford to pay the tuition up to 8th grade. The alternative does not set well with me.

[finepoint]

I ahve never seen Holy Family, or Notre Dame turn a student away because of lack of money. It always sort of annoyed me that I got to pay full tuition, and usually double full tuition, and some peopel were there for nothing. It is their game though so they make their rules, and I either go along with it or remove myself.

You are right Bill...ND does everything they can to allow anyone who wants to go there have the opportunity to do so. Cleaning desks, fundraisers, athletic event concessions, etc there is no shortage of opportunity to earn your keep. I was very fortunate that my parents paid the whole thing. From an income standpoint, I would probably qualify to pay the entire tuition just like you, and I can't justify that in my budget. I am glad that they made a decision that will sustain them for awhile. It's sad, actually, that it has to come to that, but it's reality.

[JackSprat]

It will intresting to see what happens to tuition since the middle school recieved money from the diocese and Notre Dame is seperate from the diocese...

[finepoint]

I heard that EC is seriously looking at buying Holy Family...they want to buy the whole block. Coming from an insider within the church board.

[Bill]

What a shame that would be, as the building is beuatiful - unless EC was planning on keepign the building. Then have at it folks.