St. Anthony-St. Paul school opens new year in Nanuet
St. Paul, formerly located in Valley Cottage, was moved to the St. Anthony campus in Nanuet this year after the consolidation was announced last March.
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Classes are back in session for Catholic school students in Rockland County, but this school year marks a change.
A total of 260 students started the new school year Thursday in Nanuet at the newly consolidated St. Anthony-St. Paul School.
St. Paul, formerly located in Valley Cottage, was moved to the St. Anthony campus in Nanuet this year after the consolidation was announced last March.
Catholic schools across the region and the nation have faced declining enrollment and rising operating expenses.
"We're looking forward to a great year together as one community," said Principal Joan Fox.
Fox shared how the school functions now under the consolidation that nearly doubled the number of classrooms.
"Previously, the school was [grades] three through eight. With two sections of UPK-4. Now we are structured with PK-3. Four sections of UPK. And our K through eight are throughout the building," Fox said.
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York, was on hand to welcome students on the first day of school and spoke about the reasons for combining the two schools.
"To have two schools in such close proximity. It makes much more sense to be in one school. Financially is one piece of it. But also for the enthusiasm, for the learning, for the continuity, for the prayer, for the worship. The church is right here," Walsh said.
News 12 has been told that no decision has been made yet regarding the future of the former St. Paul school building in Valley Cottage.
