NEXT GEN
Trinity Elementary opens doors for first day of school in West Fargo By Aliceyn Magelky
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oungsters from preschool age to 5th grade, all clad in crisp, new uniforms, paraded into the newly constructed Trinity Elementary School in West Fargo on Aug. 25. The day marked the first day of school for the kids and the first time students would use the new learning center. The facility, the latest addition to the St. John Paul II Catholic Schools Network in Fargo, is the home to 188 elementary students primarily from West Fargo and Horace. “As one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and by far the fastest growing in the Diocese, we saw a real need for a Catholic presence in the southwest corner of the metro area, specifically in West Fargo,” said Bishop John Folda. “Catholic education is a mission of the Church, has been, and will continue to be a priority of the Fargo Diocese. It makes perfect sense to meet the needs of families in that area.” Davonne Eldredge, Trinity Elementary principal agreed saying, “Several students are coming into the school because the choice is now available to them. As I’ve talked to parents, they want their children to be a part of a faith-infused community in which to learn. And, they wanted this option close to home.” Groundbreaking and construction on the new school began last
April. Additionally, more than $13.5 million has been raised through the “Together Campaign” to pay for the project. “This is the result of the efforts of the eight parishes in the Network. It really shows what we can accomplish when we put forth our best effort,” said Dr. Michael Smith, JPII Catholic Schools Network superintendent. This build not only meets the needs of the West Fargo area, but garners long-term growth for the entire JPII Catholic Schools Network. According to Smith, more than 100 new families have registered their children. Last year about 60 children were enrolled in kindergarten across the entire school network. That number jumped to 102 this year. Network-wide, the total enrollment reaches 1,132, the highest level since the 2006-2007 school year. “Catholic education is an important way to pass the faith onto the next generation,” said Smith. “With higher numbers it will allow us to operate more efficiently, keep costs down and to offer more opportunities,” he added. Bishop Folda blessed the new school during a ceremony held later that evening.
Trinity Elementary in West Fargo opened its doors for its first ever first day of school August 25. The latest addition to the St. John Paul II Catholic Schools Network has 188 elementary students enrolled. (Aliceyn Magelky/New Earth)
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NEW EARTH SEPTEMBER 2015