St. Gertrude's School prepares the 'whole' child

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Fourth graders, from left, Emmie Purdy, Lainey Pickard and Maddie Moreno practice playing on their recorders in Rachael Bustamante's music class at St. Gertrude.

Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

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JoAnn Castro smiled with great fondness when she recalled what a special year 2004 was for her family. Castro, librarian and financial record keeper at St. Gertrude School in Kingsville for the past nine years, said 2004 was the year all six of her children were enrolled at the school, all at the same time.

"It made laundry easy and we didn't have to make several stops around town to drop off children at different schools," she laughed. "It was actually easier for us in a lot of ways, but most of all, we were extremely pleased with the education our kids received at St. Gertrude."

She and her husband Mauro had all six of their children enrolled at the school that year: K3, K4, second, third, fourth and sixth grades. The chance occurrence would never be repeated again, but Castro said a quality Catholic education is not as expensive as people may first think. And the rewards are priceless.

"Yes, it's a sacrifice, but it's worth it. We can do without luxuries so our kids can have this foundation that will last for a lifetime. Having the Catholic doctrine be a part of the daily curriculum is important and the academics are strong, too. Each of our children excelled when they had to attend public school for middle and high school," she said.

Seven-year-old Leanna Aguilar solves a math problem as her teacher, Anna L. Huerta observes. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

"I like the fact that we can talk openly about our beliefs in every subject taught. That's something you can't do in public school. Everything we teach here has a moral compass and a link back to the Bible," she said.

Established in 1951 by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word of the Blessed Sacrament, St. Gertrude currently has an enrollment of 98 school children, according to Principal Griselda Gonzalez-White.

"We teach the 'whole' child, academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are the only Catholic school in the Kingsville area and also the only private school that offers fifth and sixth grade. We have students that attend our school from all the surrounding areas," she said.

Gonzalez-White taught for six years at Santa Gertrudis Independent School District prior to joining St. Gertrude's as principal this year. Her favorite part of the job is based in the knowledge this is where she truly belongs.

"I feel at home here and look forward to coming to work every single day. I know this is where God wants me," she said.

Despite the fact she does miss the classroom environment, Gonzalez-White said she now has the chance to be a part of so many classrooms, not just one.

"I enjoy walking in and seeing the students full of enthusiasm and ready to learn. Their smiles and kindness towards everyone around them makes my day worthwhile, because I know that my faculty, staff and I are a huge part of these children's lives and success. I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child," she said.

Not only do children at St. Gertrude receive the educational structure that is the basis of a quality, well-rounded education, but the school also places a great deal of emphasis on service.

"Each class is responsible for their own service project that takes place throughout the school year. For example, our fifth and sixth grade classes assist our parish outreach ministry. We teach our students to be disciples of God and to live like Jesus Christ. Our students discuss their faith in classes and feel comfortable discussing their faith with others. We raise confident and bright students," Gonzalez-White said.

This year marks another special occasion for the Castro family: their only granddaughter is now a student at St. Gertrude, attending Pre-K 3, so the tradition continues with the next generation.

For more information on St. Gertrude School in Kingsville, visit www.stgertrudechurchkingsville.org or call (361) 592-6522.