WEST WARWICK — Complete with new, state-of-the-art-technology, St. Joseph School has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a four classroom schoolhouse of the 1920s.
This year, as they celebrate the milestone of their 90th anniversary, there is excitement throughout the halls, as the school community unveils the completion of the first phase of a new technology lab.
On Monday, Sept. 30, students, parents, faculty and staff marked the occasion with a school-wide celebration to bless the new computer classroom and to thank those who contributed to the success of the project. Through this new lab, students utilize 31 computers to enrich the elementary school curriculum. In addition to the new computers, renovations to the classroom itself included new walls, furniture and flooring, creating a modern and learning-friendly environment.
Principal Louise Kodzis said that St. Joseph School has been blessed with supportive parents, families, parish and community members who care deeply about the students.
“These are exciting times at St. Joseph School,” she said. “We are thrilled with the completion of the first phase of a technology upgrade designed to make state of the art technology available to students and teachers. The key to the success of this project were the very generous donors who made the dream of modern technology a reality for our students.”
Funding for the technology lab was raised through donations from parents, businesses and members of the parish and community. The second phase of this project will be to further expand technology into the classrooms. The school hopes to continue to raise funds to bring computers and interactive technology to every classroom this year, upgrades that will keep Saint Joseph’s School viable and competitive in an increasingly changing world.
Father Michael Colello, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, explained that updating the lab and the school’s technology is vital and only the beginning of great enhancements to come.
“We are dealing with a different type of learner — the digital learner,” he said. “It’s a major responsibility for 21st century — to prepare them for jobs of the future.”
Father Colello believes the school’s greatest asset is the soul nurturing environment centered in Jesus Christ.
“The school is known for its community involvement and parental support,” he said. “St. Joseph School is shaped by communion and community.”
Along with the quality of education and the opportunity to participate in a variety of afterschool activities and sports, eighth grader Julia Pimentel said that the spiritual aspects of her schooling are invaluable.
“We get a good base in our faith so when we get older we can build on it and get closer to God,” she said.
Shawn Bailey of Cranston has two children enrolled at St. Joseph, second grader Ella and kindergartener Grant. He and his wife both felt strongly that a Catholic school was where they wanted to send their children.
“The thing that the kids always talk about is the art, the music and the language,” he said. “They are not missing out on anything. We love that they are getting a well-rounded education.”
Bailey recalled a painting that Ella brought home to proudly show him. He described his daughter’s creative design of a large ice cream cone, each scoop a different vibrant color.
“She began talking to me about the artist her painting was influenced by,” he said, smiling. “Here was a first grader getting that type of education. It speaks volumes of the quality of teachers. We couldn’t be happier. We made this choice because we think it is so worth it.”
When the school opened in September of 1923, the enrollment was 135 pupils with grades one through seven. As enrollment increased to 252 students in 1956, permission was given for the construction of the new St. Joseph’s School in its current location. In 1957, Bishop Russell J. McVinney dedicated the new school which consisted of nine grades.
It was 1941 when Daniel Burns entered his first grade classroom at St. Joseph, then run by the Sisters of the Divine Providence. Today, the parish trustee and earnest supporter of the school, is grateful for his Catholic foundation.
“I went onto LaSalle Academy and Providence College and I think a lot of it is because of the education I received at St. Joseph and from the dedication of the sisters,” he said.
For 26 years, Burns also served as the former chairman of the West Warwick school system. He shared that the quality of the instruction students receive at St. Joseph School is extraordinary.
“The difference in the education is obvious when you are on both sides of the fence,” he said.
Delighted with educational efforts the new pastor Father Colello and new principal Kodzis, Burns shared that there have been many responsible for the success of the school including Father Laurent Burke who served at the parish from the late 1930s to 1970.
“He was the person responsible and the main motivator of this school,” he said. “He was dedicated, he was a driving force.”
The alum also credited former pastor, Father Charles Downing, for his efforts in keeping the school open.
“He was the one who resurrected St. Joseph School when they were contemplating closing,” he said. “Keeping St. Joe’s open was his main objective and he kept it going.”
Burns added that his experiences and friendships made at St. Joseph School have been unforgettable.
“I’m 77 years old and I still remember every single kid in my first grade class and I still communicate with most of them,” he said. “St. Joe’s gave me lifelong friendships.”
