Saint Joseph School was built in 1915 by the community
of Saint Joseph Parish. The parishioners have always felt it important
for their children to attend a parish school. The construction of
the school was applauded by members of the surrounding communities, and
the school was dedicated by the Right Reverend Bishop John J. Nilan on
September 5, 1915. An outstanding feature of the new school was a
third floor that had plumbing and electricity which allowed for the "operation
of picture machines."
The teachers on our faculty are dedicated professionals
who hold advanced college degrees and continually strive to excel in their
chosen fields.
Saint Joseph School gained original accreditation from
the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in June 1996, and re-accreditation
in 2006, for an additional ten years of accreditation. Each accreditation
process entailed a year of self study, culminating in the generation of
a five-year strategic plan. Input came from the parish and school
communities, and members of the public. Prior to final approval,
Saint Joseph School was visited by a team from NEAS&C who interviewed
faculty and staff, parents, and students. During the original self evaluation
and vision meetings, it was determined that we would need to renovate the
third floor of the school and put the dormant space back into use to meet
our long-term goals as outlined in the strategic plan.
Through the year-long work of a group of volunteers,
the renovations were completed and the third floor was reopened in September
1999, with the students having computer class and library study in the
media center, and art class and science laboratory periods in the art/science
room. The open area (which includes the renovated stage area) has
allowed the seventh grade to present to fellow students puppet shows (which
incorporated art and English study), the sixth grade to present skits of
ancient civilizations, the fifth grade to present skits of American history,
buddy grades to meet for activities, schooled presentations from visiting
missionaries, and school wide religious instruction programs. The
presence of a chapel in the school building allows the students and faculty
a quiet place for reflection and penance services.
How did we get here?
One Step At
A
Time.
You can help us finance other needed improvements to the
physical plant of Saint Joseph School by "purchasing" a $500.00 step as
a memorial, or as a birthday, anniversary, or graduation remembrance.
A plaque will be placed on your step to acknowledge
your participation and donation. Together we have accomplished the
improvements necessary and brought our school into the new millennium in
a manner that continues the excellent education for which we have been
known since 1915.
You can help us by climbing the steps with us.
Your tax deductible gift to the school will benefit all students who attend
Saint Joseph School.
STEPS TO SUCCESS
94 of the 132 steps have been
bought.
So far we have raised $47,000 toward
our goal of $66,000.
Five of the nine classrooms have
been funded for the purchase of the new students furniture.
There remain naming opportunities
throughout the building.
Please contact the Saint Joseph
School office.
Saint Joseph School
159 West Main Street
Meriden, CT 06451
(203) 237-6800
