OUR HIGH SCHOOL

Our High School

Msgr. Kinsella still could not sit back and be content with the fruits of his labor. He was concerned for our teenagers. He wanted them to continue their spiritual and mental growth right here at Pascal's. The parishioners agreed with him. Once again, they went house-to-house soliciting pledges. The support came.

In September 1956 the high school opened its doors. It was a $1,200,000 red brick building that spanned 112th Avenue from 199th Street to 200th Street. The most modern facilities were installed, including an elevator. The doctors in the neighborhood had furnished the biology lab. There was a well-equipped home economics center, library, stainless steel kitchen, large lunchroom and gym. The tuition was $150 for parishioners, $250 for all others.

Once again, the Brentwood Sisters of St. Joseph agreed to staff the school. A new brick convent was built on 200th Street to accommodate them.

A warm, close knit atmosphere developed. Parents were involved. They even shared the stage with the students in the many musical and play productions.

At the end of the sixties, registration began to drop. Even with tuition increases, the school showed deficits. The doors closed June 1975 with a debt of $150,000. Each year the parish pays off about $15,000, including interest charges. In October 1992 the loan will be complete.

Foster Laurie P.A.L. Center

Except for the gym, the high school was vacant for two years. In 1977 the Police Athletic League leased the building for $1.00 a year. It was later dedicated as the FOSTER-LAURIE PAL CENTER and currently serves 900 youngsters on a year-round basis with programs for sports, games and crafts. Even the adults enjoy workshops, the popular ones being ceramics and slimnastics. The summer camp program has given 600 children a wonderful, safe, fun-filled vacation, while providing jobs for our local youth. Day school classes are also held for about 40 children by the Association for Advancement of Blind and Retarded. The PAL has been a fine asset to our community.

Monsignor Archibald V. McLees House

Our High School Convent was leased by St. Christopher's Home for Children in 1977 and was dedicated on Apri] 9, 1978 as The Monsignor A. McLees House. It is a group home for 10 boys, ages 8 to 18, who were from Willowbrook on Staten Island. Here, under the loving care of some 23 workers, these special children are being worked with to prepare them for eventual community living. So far, two children have gone on to live with foster families.

Back to Background list