St. Michael School, Pawcatuck, CT

A brief history of St. Michael School

The roots of Saint Michael School go back to the year 1873 when the parish school was built by the Rev. Jeremiah Fitzpatrick, Pastor. Its first home was in a house on the corner of Liberty St. and Robinson St. The sisters lived on the second floor and the school was located on the first. In 1890, the original school was replaced by a larger structure on the current site atop Liberty St. hill across from the Church. In the early part of the 20th century, an addition was put on. Then again, in the mid 1960’s another wing was added to house the seventh and eighth grade classrooms, a boys’ lavatory and a science lab.

Although one Sister of the Holy Cross taught Gr. 5 for several years, Saint Michael School has been staffed primarily by the Sisters of Mercy of Connecticut. The years have seen the transition from a staff of all Sisters to one of all lay teachers with a Sister as Principal, to all lay teachers and administrators. In 1980, the faculty became a totally lay teacher staff with a Sister of Mercy remaining as Principal. June of 1984 saw the end of over a hundred years of service by the Sisters of Mercy. When the pastor learned that the Sisters would no longer be able to provide a Sister for the Principal position, he personally went to invite other religious communities to serve Saint Michael School. This showed his support of the school and his desire to see it continue. He ended his search when the Sisters of the Religious Teachers Fillipini community offered to staff the School. In 1997, the last of the Fillipini Sisters left the school. The Pastor could not find any religious replacements for the Sisters and the first lay principal in the history of the school was hired.

In the early 1950’s, the kindergarten at Saint Michael was closed. At the end of the 1970’s, however, the need to have a kindergarten was apparent. Enrollment had been decreasing in Grade 1, so it was felt that a good kindergarten would be a feeder for the school. The educational value of starting the youngsters in our own program was also considered an important factor. Therefore, a survey was conducted early in 1980 to determine the response of the community. The results indicated that the plans should continue and registration was held. In the summer of 1980, the library was moved from the first floor to the cellar level and the room was converted into a bright cheery kindergarten room. The room, the teacher and the children were ready for kindergarten in September of 1980. It was a joy to welcome the nineteen smiling faces that September. After five years of half-day kindergarten sessions, a full day program was instituted in 1985 and is still in existence today.

Because Saint Michael had no Home School Association or School Board, an Advisory Committee was formed in the spring of 1979. People either volunteered or were nominated by parishioners. One non-parishioner student’s parent was chosen to represent that segment of the school family, and one teacher was chosen as a faculty representative. Members did not have to be parents of children in the school. People with varying backgrounds were chosen in the hopes that they would bring their expertise to help in the continuing development of Saint Michael School. In the spring of 1984 a new Home School Association was formed. Officers were elected, a constitution was written, and various Committees were formed. The enthusiasm of the parents ensures the success of this organization. Its primary purpose is to raise money in support of the school budget.

In addition to supporting the school through membership in the H/SA, parents are urged to volunteer at the school. An information sheet is sent home at the beginning of the year listing ways parents can be directly involved: recess aides, library aides, chaperones for field trips, and working in the school store. Parents are also asked whether they have any special skills or expertise that they would like to share with a group or class.

Changes and/or additions are part of the ongoing efforts to provide a well-rounded curriculum. In 1997 a computer classroom was set up in the former Convent. It was upgraded in 2002. The science lab and equipment are now in the sixth grade classroom where middle school classes are taught. A change in faculty also brought about a change in the language program. Latin was originally taught to grade 8 students. Then Italian taught to four grade levels replaced it. Spanish replaced Italian at all grade levels. And finally in 1998, Spanish was replaced by French and it is offered to students from K through grade 8. This emersion in one language continuously through the nine years gives the students a firm background and readies them to go on to further language studies in high school. In order to allow for flexible scheduling and to accommodate special events, it was also decided to lengthen the school day. Ten minutes were added to the beginning of the day.

To complement the curriculum there are also a variety of activities available to students. Boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have been organized and these compete in local leagues. A boys’ and girls’ cross country team was formed and has been very successful in local meets. Some grade 8 students with a lot of help from dedicated faculty members produce a yearbook. A Drama Club produces two plays a year. A robotics club has been formed as well as a debate club. Additionally, the middle school grades have adopted a community service program that provides for the varying needs of the community. The HS/A established a school store. Items such as pencils, rulers, notebooks and shoelaces are sold along with snacks and juices.

The Convent has been reconstituted on the inside and out. A computer lab was constructed and the library was moved into the front rooms of the Convent and has been computerized. The old breakfast nook has been refurbished to meet the needs of the extended care program.

An after school program was started to accommodate families where both parents work. It quickly became a supplemental care program and is available before school as well. It was started with the hopes of servicing 25 students. It now services over 60 students per week. It began in the basement of the school but has been moved to the first floor of the Convent.

This is just a thumbnail sketch of some of the major changes that have taken place over the years. Many more will be undertaken with the central purpose of making and keeping Saint Michael School on the cutting edge of Catholic education at an affordable price. It is a Catholic school that all parishioners can be proud of.