More than 500 students, parents and teachers gathered in the
playground at St. Mary School to open the school year with a
blessing.
Gilroy – More than 500 students, parents and teachers gathered in the playground at St. Mary School to open the school year with a blessing.
“As we gather today, we pray for the success of all schools that open today,” principal Christa Hanson said.
The school, which hosts kindergarten through eighth-grade classes, began the fall semester Wednesday morning with a half day of classes. More than 200 parents accompanied 305 children through the morning assembly before leading them to their classroom and bidding goodbye.
Students returned to find the campus greener – the school graded and put new sod on the baseball and playing fields during the summer. The school also received a new paint job and a maintenance makeover thanks to parents who volunteered in early August.
However, students were less concerned with the facilities than rekindling friendships and spending time with peers.
“I’m excited to meet new people,” said 12-year-old Arajenda Villegas.
Villegas was one of three new students in the 30-student seventh-grade class, which is about an average size grade for the school.
Principal Hanson echoed Villegas’ comments in her opening address to parents and students.
“In the two short weeks in August, we want to focus on building bridges,” she said.
In addition to welcoming new students, the school added three new members to the 31-person staff.
“It’s not a lot of turnover, but enough to get new ideas,” Hanson said.
The school will retain its driving factors, which include integrating technology into the classroom, developing respect and empathy in students, and connecting faith with learning. However, the core tenet remains individualized instruction, Hanson said.
“One of the things we want to do is meet the needs of all the kids,” she said. “We really want them to feel that they are all included. We all have our gifts and there’s room for everybody.”
