February 3, 2010…Word has become public about a new partnership between the Nazareth Schools, and Aquinas Institute beginning next school year. Clearly these are times of great upheaval in Catholic education in our community. In effect, the announcement represents the closure of Nazareth Academy and the merger with Aquinas of the grades 7-12 program the Sisters of Saint Joseph have operated in Rochester for decades.
This is one more change in the context of multiple restructurings recently in our Catholic diocese. I'm writing to you to reiterate that Bishop Kearney remains committed to delivering the same quality Catholic education we have delivered for nearly 50 years, in the tradition of Christian Brothers and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
We certainly recognize that this change will be disheartening and very sad for many Nazareth families now faced with making a difficult decision about how and where to complete their Catholic education. I know that Kearney students and parents will join our faculty and staff in making Nazareth families feel welcome as part of the hopefully expanding Kearney family.
You will hear, in the coming days, of a variety of developments here at Kearney which will expand our offerings for the benefit of all of our students—including new ones coming from Nazareth. This, of course, is part of our ongoing efforts toward continuous improvement of our College Prep. Plus. Curriculum, and our focus on 21st century learning.
In fact, one of Kearney's greatest gifts is that it is one of the most inclusive and welcoming school environments. That is what we hear from our current students and parents every day. Nazareth students will feel welcomed in an environment which embraces their traditions and is mindful of healing the wounds that sudden change can bring.
We hope that you will help spread the good word about Bishop Kearney, its mission, the values-centered school community and our commitment to Catholic education. We have a wonderful story to tell. And, we want people to come visit us to see it in action.
Sincerely,
Donna M. Dedee
President
P.S. Anyone interested in setting up a tour or informational interview should call Director of Admissions Ellen Nolan at 342-4000 x246