St. Paschal Catholic School closes down

No more teachers. No more books. No more school.

After 68 years, St. Paschal’s Catholic School has graduated its last student. Students, teachers and church members said goodbye to the school during a graduation Mass held Friday.

The three eighth-grade graduates received certificates marking their achievement, but every student in the school was also given a certificate in honor of being part of the school’s final year. Each of the four teachers got a chance to talk about their career at the school and to thank their students. “All you children were such a joy in my life,” said kindergarten teacher Emily Klein. “I thank God for these wonderful, wonderful years.”

School staff, students and church members have been saddened by the closure, even though it has been expected for years. The number of students has been dropping steadily. In 2006, the school had 64 students in grades K-8. Only 50 remained this year and only 25 said they would be returning next year, too few to support the school financially. The church has a small, elderly congregation and was unable to keep the school afloat.

Fourth- and fifth-grade teacher Lori Cossette has been hard-hit by the closure. She attended St. Paschal’s as a child. During her 11 years as a teacher at the school, she taught her two sons. “It’s very sad for me personally,” she said. “I wish there could have been a better solution to the money problems. We could all see the writing on the wall.”

While some of the teachers have already landed other jobs, Cossette is still interviewing for positions at other local Catholic schools. “I want to stay parochial,” she said. “I like to teach about God.”

During the Mass, teacher Sarah Arte was already in tears before she reached the podium to speak. “I’m already crying,” she said. “I’m really sorry. I just love my students so much. It’s hard to say goodbye.”

Principal Dick Pelkie thanked several longtime volunteers from the church who continued to help at the school long after their children had graduated. “That’s the reason we’ve stayed open as long as we have,” he said. “People have been willing to continue to give.”

Parent Christina Strand had two daughters and a son attending the school, who will attend St. John Vianney Catholic School in the fall. They are both happy and sad about the move. “They’re happy because some of their friends are going,” she said. “I’m so sad. I love the teachers here so much.”

Sherry Tuite, Strand’s mother, said it’s a shame that students who have attended the small school together will be broken up. “They’re like cousins or something,” she said. “It’s always terrible when children who have been together all these years have to split up.”

Perhaps the most poignant farewell was by second- and third-grade teacher Joe Ormsby, referred to by his students as simply “Mister.” He read a story called “Bear’s Egg” about a bear who raised and nurtured three chicks, even teaching them how to fly. “Ladies and gentleman, spread your wings and fly,” he said. “Be kind to one another. I’m so very proud of you. Thank you for being my babies this year.

“For you parents, thank you for sharing them with me. You may have them back.”