Parents often ask the question, “Can I afford to send my child to Catholic school?” My response is another question: “How can you not afford it?” All parents want what is best for their children and often sacrifice in order to provide it.

In my career as a Catholic educator, I have learned that Holy Name of Mary School has so many compelling advantages. Here are my top five:

• Catholic Identity

In our school there is an atmosphere that provides a sound spirituality for the students. There are experiences and opportunities for the children to know that God is a very real presence in life. Our new website says, “Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school. The unseen but ever present teacher in our classes, the model in our faculty, the inspiration of our students.”  The Catholic identity of our school is not taken for granted, it is worked at, it is nourished, it is engaged by the students, the faculty, the community.

• A Rigorous Curriculum

Solid academics have always been the hallmark at HNM. Excellence is the norm. Teachers are expected to teach; students are expected to learn. In partnership with parents we strive to equip our students with the best possible tools to reach their fullest potential. Although no Sisters of St. Louis teach in our school today, their legacy of high expectations continues.

• Self-discipline with a Christian focus

Discipline has become synonymous with respect and responsibility. In simple terms, the children are taught to be kind. Children are the concern of everyone at HNM School.  The school is not just a building, but a place where the children know they are loved, protected and safe. They are free to learn and love each other in an atmosphere of care and concern. Students are taught to recognize the presence of Christ in themselves and others. This reverence for people permeates all aspects of school life.

• Commitment of Parents

Parents are the first educators of their children. The school serves the parents and works with them for the good of the children. Our parents take an active part in their children’s education. Each year, the parents of our school provide thousands of hours of volunteer service to our school.  I have always said it is one of the reasons for our success. 

• Local Finance and Governance

Stakeholders is the term used in governance. Today the stakeholders are you the families who send your children and also our parish family. Sharing responsibility with the Pastor, the School Board is established as a consultative body responsible for advising the Pastor and Principal in matters of policy at Holy Name of Mary School.  The Finance Committee assists in the preparation of the school budget, as well as monitoring it on an ongoing basis. Keeping tuition affordable, providing just salaries, properly equipping our school in technology and educational programs are the work of the School Board.  The No Child Left Behind program of the federal government includes provisions for children who are in nonpublic schools.

Our school exists not only to teach academics, but mainly to help families educate the whole child: mind, body and spirit. In so doing, it is our goal that our  students will comprehend that education is an evolving, lifetime process and will make a personal commitment to mature into self-actualized productive members of tomorrow’s society.

Sincerely in Christ,

Candice Kuzmickas