Stella Niagara Education Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stella Niagara Education Park |
|
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Christianity (Catholic) |
| District | Diocese of Buffalo |
| Province | Archdiocese of New York |
| Rite | Roman Rite |
| Leadership | Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity |
| Year consecrated | 1909 |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Stella Niagara, Lewiston, New York, United States |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 1908 |
| Completed | 1908 or 1909 |
| Construction cost | $300,000 |
| Website | |
| http://www.franciscans-stella-niagara.org/mission.htm | |
Stella Niagara Education Park is a special place in Lewiston, New York. It has a Catholic elementary school, a convent (where nuns live), and a place for visitors. The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity started it in 1908.
Contents
The Story of Stella Niagara
How the Sisters Started
The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity began in 1835 in the Netherlands. Later, some Sisters moved to the United States in 1874. They helped German churches in Buffalo, New York, and opened their first convent there.
Finding a New Home
The Sisters needed more space as their community grew. In 1907, some of them moved to a large house near the Niagara River. The next year, they started building a new convent. They named it "Stella Niagara," which means "Star of Niagara." A friend suggested the name, inspired by an old hymn.
Early School Days
The new building opened in 1908. It was a school for both boys and girls, and also a boarding school for high school girls. This school was called the Seminary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. It taught students until 1970. In 1929, a new part of the building was added. It included a gym, a swimming pool, and an auditorium. Students and local groups still use these facilities today.
New Programs and Changes
In 1935, a new school for boys opened, called the Stella Niagara Cadet Program. Later, in 1964, the Stella Niagara chapel was updated. An artist named Joseph Slawinski decorated it.
In 1971, Stella Niagara Education Park officially opened. It received its charter from the New York State Board of Regents. In 1979, over 200 people from the Love Canal area stayed at Stella Niagara. They were there while their homes were being cleaned up from environmental issues.
The local post office for Stella Niagara is also located on the campus. In 2015, a group bought 29 acres of land from the Sisters. This land, called the Stella Niagara Preserve, is now a protected area along the Niagara River. It is a great place for bird watching.
The School at Stella Niagara
Learning and Growth
The school at Stella Niagara Education Park teaches children from preschool through eighth grade. Preschool starts for children aged three to five years old. In 2022, about 170 students attended the school. There is one teacher for every eight students, which means students get a lot of attention.
What Students Learn
The school teaches important subjects like math, science, and reading. Students also learn computer skills and foreign languages. Art classes are part of the curriculum too. The school is connected to the Western New York Library Resources Council. It is also approved by the Middle States Association, which means it meets high standards.
Activities and Values
Students at Stella Niagara Education Park have regular physical education classes. They are also encouraged to join school sports teams. Religion classes are a required part of the school day. On special religious holidays, Mass is held at the school.
The Center of Renewal
Stella Niagara Education Park also has a special place called the Center of Renewal. This center offers religious and spiritual guidance. It hosts group retreats and workshops for people looking for a peaceful place to learn and reflect.
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