St. Patrick School molds ‘the whole child’

St. Patrick School principal Evelyn Burton says the mission of educators at the school is to form the whole child: spiritually, academically, physically, socially and emotionally.

“We believe that St. Patrick School offers a variety of special classes and activities in which each child can find a niche, where they are able to grow and flourish. We try to help them become the best person they can be,” she said.

St. Patrick School is one of the largest elementary schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, with an enrollment of 275 in grades K3 through sixth.

“Our teachers love the school, too,” said assistant principal David Mason. “We have numerous teachers who are also former students. Each child gets weekly music instruction, computer classes, Spanish classes, art, as well as weekly guidance counseling. It’s a beautiful community.”

Lifetime St. Patrick parishioner Monica Lugo knows firsthand the significance of the school’s mission. Lugo, who works part-time at St. Patrick as the health coordinator, has two children who attended St. Patrick, two children currently attending and twins who will attend K3 at the school this fall.

Members of her family were among the first students to walk the halls at St. Patrick School when it first opened its doors in 1950.

“It means the world to have my children attend the very same school where my father, aunts, cousins and myself all received our elementary school Catholic education. This is truly home,” she marveled.

“It feels amazing to see people I went to school with also here with their children,” she said. ‘Things have progressed since I was a student here, but only for the better. What I love best about the education at St. Patrick is my children are educated the same way I would do it on my own.”

Burton, who started her career in education teaching at St. Patrick, shared a story about how children as young as four-years-old receive exposure to some of the most highly acclaimed artists of all-time in art class.

“I walked in on our four-year-olds the other day and they were all under the tables, which intrigued me,” she said. “It turns out they were studying Michelangelo and their teacher had put butcher paper under each table, allowing them to draw on their backs, just like he did in the Sistine Chapel. It was an amazing hands-on lesson they will never forget.”

Mason said the children go to Mass twice a week and take part in many of activities throughout the week. They have structured daily physical education including a healthy snack time.

“During daily recess and other activities, we watch the children closely to monitor their social interactions with other children. If one child looks like they are being left out of things, then we help them better interact and socialize with their peers,” Burton said.

St. Patrick has a large athletic program in which more than 80 percent of the children participate in at least one extracurricular sport. The Shamrock Running Club has 150 children participating and this year–for the first time–they had two teams in the annual Beach to Bay Relay. One team received third place and the other eighth. St. Patrick was one of a few elementary schools in Corpus Christi participating in the annual relay race.

“I believe when children are happy, they thrive in all aspects, socially, academically and spiritually. We’re proud of our community at St. Patrick School,” said Burton. “We foster a positive attitude toward lifelong education by providing our children with an atmosphere where they can grow and develop in every way in a loving environment.”

Burton said the school was extremely grateful for the support of Msgr. Roger Smith, Pastor at St. Patrick Church and School, for his commitment to providing children with the opportunity of a Catholic education by his presence and strong financial support to the school.

“We are fortunate to have a wonderful pastor, who is also an alumni (1956-1964), and very involved in our school. Our parish family provides great support for our school,” she said.

Mason, who had a long and successful career in the military, followed by 14 years in Catholic education, joined St. Patrick this year as assistant principal. He said his first day was one he will never forget.

“No amount of training can prepare you for cafeteria duty with kindergarteners,” he chuckled. “But there is no place I would rather be than with these amazing children. Nurturing their spirits and hearts is a wonderful feeling.”

St. Patrick School is currently registering children for the 2014-15 school year. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying families. To visit the principal and tour the school, call the school office at (361) 852-1211, from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or visit www.stpatrickschoolcc.org for more information.