Florida Catholic | St. James School Improvements

St. James School melds historic with modern improvements

LAURA DODSON | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 09.28.07

ORLANDO | Light, cameras and action awaited staff and students at St. James Cathedral School in Orlando as it opened the 2007-2008 school year.

The Aug. 20 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the school’s major renovations. The increased physical light and brightness of the building elicited compliments of students and staff.

Lindsey Strube, a sixth-grader who has been enrolled since kindergarten said, “When I left the school last May, it was dull. After the ribbon cutting, we walked in and it was unbelievable. There are new lights and fans and it’s cool with the air conditioning.

“We have Internet in the classrooms and our parents can use their laptops in the car while they’re waiting to pick us up. It makes learning and understanding better,” Lindsey added. “This is the best place for my sister and me to both go to school and learn. I have a twin sister, Ashley, who has Down syndrome and is in the fifth grade.”

Ashley Strube eagerly shared her thoughts. “I like St. James school and I like the subjects,” she said. She was most impressed with the new computers, the lights and the new painting on the walls.

The school was built in 1928 and because it is important architecture within the historic district, innovative techniques were used to introduce the new 21st-century improvements while preserving the integrity of the old style.

Gerri Gendall, starting her fifth year as principal, explained, “God is our master teacher and has been lighting the way since 1928. Now that light can shine even brighter as a result of the generosity of a few parents who donated the first third for the $1.5 million renovation.

Gendall also recognized the generosity of the parishioners. “They believed in us enough to continue quality Catholic education and allowed us to borrow the remainder.”

The school has been completely rewired for electricity, sound and high-speed technology. Halls and classrooms have new light fixtures and ceiling fans. The new intercom and sound systems provide better listening in classrooms, and communication between classrooms and administration. The improved computer technology allows efficient use of smart boards, wireless laptops and mounted projectors and televised announcements.

Safety and security are enhanced with mounted cameras inside and out, sky shades protect children from the sun outside and new air conditioning gives relief from the heat inside.

There are other changes as well — four new staff members: Ranata Farnell, Montessori head teacher; America Calderon, fourth- and fifth-grade science and religion teacher; Dawn Helwig, guidance counselor; and Laura McDonald, who shares a position teaching fourth- and fifth-grade English and writing. The school serves 505 students in Pre-K 3 through eighth grade.

“I am so blessed by the community that they recognize and are dedicated to excellence in Catholic education. Our mission statement is truly a living document in all our daily activities,” Gendall said. “We are committed to outstanding academic and spiritual development of all our students and provide varied opportunities for them to discover and develop their unique and God-given gifts in a safe and stimulating environment. The love and stewardship of Jesus is our inspiration.”

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St. James School melds historic with modern improvements

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