LaredoBuzz.Com

“Ain’t no stopping us now!” continues to be school’s motto

 Laredo, TX—Aug. 21 ‘09—With the start of the new school year under way, St. Peter’s Memorial School, one of the oldest Catholic schools in Laredo, continues to build on the success and accomplishments it had last year under the guidance of Dr. Linda Marie Garcia Mitchell in her inaugural year as principal of the school.  In fact, this year promises to be even better.  Mitchell, a well-renowned and established teacher and administrator in Laredo, continues to boost not only the school’s enrollment, academics, activities and community involvement, but also, and just as importantly, its spirit.

 “Last year was a big learning curve for everyone,” said Mitchell.  “I made some changes to the operations of the school, but my mission, the teachers’ mission, the school’s mission remained the same:  we were dedicated to establishing Catholic values while providing a rigorous and challenging curriculum for our students,” she added.  “This year, we only expect to do better.”

 Following a trend set last year, the school continues to increase enrollment.  Last year, it grew by 30%; this year, the school enrollment is slowly increasing, thanks in part to the addition of an 8^th grade class.  The school at one time had offered an academic curriculum up until 8^th grade; however, declining enrollment forced the school to stop offering that grade level.  Nevertheless, this year’s 8^th grade is eager and excited to bring back the tradition of being the highest academic level offered for students.  In fact, this year’s 8^th graders will be one of only a few 8^th grade classes in Laredo participating in the One City, One Book initiative hosted by the City of Laredo, Laredo Public Library and Food for Thought.  When 8^th graders graduate, they will leave with two and a half credits for their next grade level.

 Academics are always the focus of any school, and St. Peter’s is no different.  Last year’s SAT scores increased across four grade levels.  Armed with a roster of several loyal, dedicated teachers to the school – some of who have been there for more than a decade – and some new, fresh faces, as well, the school will continue to provide a curriculum that stimulates the student’s learning, comprehension and thirst for knowledge in all disciplines.  With a small student to teacher ratio, each student is guaranteed to get the attention and guidance to help them achieve success in and out of the classroom.

 In fact, several students participated, placed and won in several literary and creative contests, including the Laredo Literacy Volunteers of America Poetry Contest; Laredo Public Library Poetry Contest; the Catholic Schools Literacy Meet; and the national Catholic School’s art contest, sponsored by Holy Cross Family Ministries “Try Prayer:  It Works!” in which 5-year old kindergartner Joey Garcia, IV won 1^st place in his grade level. 

 St. Peter’s is also making an impact on the court and field of athletic competitions.  Several of the school’s basketball teams made it into the playoffs, and the school beat out many public schools in the end of year track and field meet.

 St. Peter’s is known for throwing parties and this year will be no different.  Their annual Jamaica & Bingo, set this year for October 24, is a wonderful celebration of a fall harvest festival, perfect for the young and young at heart.  However, their traditional Posadas presentation during the Christmas season brings the beautiful story of Mary & Joseph’s search for lodging to life in a way that only small child’s voices, smiles, portrayal and songs can. 

 Finally, students are learning to make an impact in their community, whether it is by collecting recyclable materials, including phone books, to place second among private schools in the annual fall phone book directory collection contest, or earning an Environmental Spirit Stay Green award, for the student’s Earth Day Field Day school clean-up and beautification event.

 “With all of these accomplishments, it is easy to see that St. Peter’s will only get better and better and is an excellent choice for parents wanting to provide an academic-rich environment that teaches to the whole child – mind, body and spirit,” Mitchell said.  She also points to the various leaders in the Laredo community who are alumni of St. Peter’s; alumni who have made their mark in their chosen professions of government, education, business, art, music and other fields.  “Come be a part of this wonderful tradition!” she concluded.   

 For more information about the school or registering your child at St. Peter’s, please call (956) 723-6302 or visit the school at 1519 Houston Street. 

 St. Peter’s Memorial School is one of the oldest Catholic schools in Laredo.  First established in 1925, the school was run under the auspices of the Ursuline Sisters until 1968, and then the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco.  Now part of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo, the school offers classes from level K3 through 8^th grade and typically serves approximately 150 students each year