NORWICH – When it comes to building a strong family, the work is never done.
At Holy Family School in Norwich, they say building the physical, academic and spiritual structure has always been – and even more so recently – a somewhat unconventional, yet successful work in progress.
“It’s come a long way in the last few years,” said Holy Family’s Principal Joseph Gutosky. “Like any school, or any building, or any home, you always have more things you want to do, and can do.”
In the months leading up to this school year, previous plans to improve Holy Family converged with a decision to move the middle school from the Monsignor Festa Parish Center up to the elementary location on Prospect Street. Gutosky said parents, teachers, parishioners and support staff put in unpaid personal time and made Herculean efforts to make sure those challenges were met by September, a demonstration that did not suprise him.
“That’s what makes this school run,” said Gutosky.
With the help of ad hoc moving and contracting crews comprised of the Holy Family community, walls were removed, ceilings were dropped, paint was applied and a school, with all its furnishings, was transported. Once old storage areas then became an art classroom and a brand new library, with updated selections and an on-line card catalog. Gutosky praised the tireless work of librarian Mary Carol Edwards and BOCES in putting the new library services together.
The principal also specifically credited custodian Pete Asma with taking on the nitty-gritty of the moving process, all while keeping the school up to snuff with his normal duties.
“We’ve seen a lot of good changes,” Asma said. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s all been for the positive.”
Aside from the library and art room, the downstairs computer lab was updated with a number of computers and added spaces, allowing twice as many students than was previously available.
“A lot of time has been saved by doing that,” said Sister Sheena, who teaches religion and computer classes. “I can give two more classes, and help out many more students – there’s more time to develop more skills.”
Parents have also seen a difference following the changes they helped create.
“I think it’s been wonderful, It’s nice to have everybody under one roof,” said parent Cindy Runyon. “It wouldn’t have gotten done without the support of the families.”
Gutosky expressed immense gratitude and praised the contracting and carpentry work of parents Dan Parrella and Steve Serafen, who led the project in those respects.
The principal said that the next step will be advancing the school’s handicap accessible facilities and services, a project they hope to begin for the next school year.