June 8, 2021

Catholic schools prepare for next academic year with opportunity to grow enrollment 

REGIONAL
Staff report

(Photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Academy)

SPRINGFIELD – With an enrollment increase of more than 5% during the last year, the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Springfield are preparing for the opening of the 2021-2022 school year with hopes of welcoming additional students.

In keeping with Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne’s recent pastoral letter, the theme for the next academic year will be “Catholic Schools: Getting Back to Better.”

Daniel Baillargeon, superintendent of Catholic schools, said the schools will be able to welcome more families this coming year as social distancing restrictions have eased. 

“We feel with our mitigation efforts, a year of in-person learning accomplished, and a downward trend in  our state’s COVID-19 statistics, it is time to get ‘back to better,’” said Baillargeon.  

In spite of the pandemic restrictions imposed during the 2020-2021 school year, Baillargeon said the Catholic schools throughout western Massachusetts were successful in providing a safe, in-person environment for students and staff. 

(Photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Academy)

“In the summer of last year, the Diocese of Springfield made the bold decision to open all of its schools for in-person learning,” he explained. “Working closely with local and state departments of public health and health professionals, and following the guidelines set forth by the State Department of Education, plans were developed to ensure the safe opening and operation of our school facilities. As a result, Catholic school students and families were provided a high quality Catholic education.

“The extraordinary perseverance, leadership, commitment, and faith our principals,  teachers, staff, and families had in ensuring the highest level of education made this victorious achievement  possible,” he said. “As we look forward to the 2021-2022 school year, the Diocese of Springfield will continue to grow and welcome new families into our school communities, ensuring the health and safety of our students, their families, and our faculties and staff.” 

Baillargeon said his department will continue to work with public health officials in monitoring health and safety guidelines. Parents will have the freedom to choose whether or not their children wear masks in the Catholic schools. Handwashing, air purification, and the promotion of continued good hygiene will provide the flexibility necessary to adapt as needed. A complete set of guidelines will be available in the coming months. 

(Photo courtesy of St. Michael’s Academy)

“New families chose our schools because they were open and in-person, and most are remaining with us because they found something special,” Baillargeon said. “Due to the nature of the education we provide, we have not only been successful in preventing learning loss for those who have been with us, but also eliminating learning  loss for new students who came to us in the face of a pandemic.”

Parents who are interested in pursuing a Catholic education should contact their local Catholic school as soon as possible. For more information, contact the Catholic Schools Office at (413)452-0850 or visit www.diospringfield.org.