Rosa Delia Quintana, director for Lestonnac Preschool on 10th Street, informed the parents of her 35 students last week the school will be closing at the end of this school year.
 Lestonnac Preschool on 10th Street will be closing at the end of this school year. Lestonnac has been operating in Douglas since 1926. Bruce Whetten/Douglas Dispatch |
The press release goes on to state that demographic changes and other educational resources within the city have impacted overall enrollment thus bringing about the closure.
“(This) is a painful decision given that Douglas holds a special place in the history of our province,” the release states. “Our sisters first came to Douglas in 1926 and opened the first convent of our community in the United States. We wish to stress that it has been our privilege to have served the people of Douglas throughout these many years and we wish to thank you most heartedly for entrusting the formation of your children to us.
“The closing of the school is not a termination of our relationship with the people of Douglas. We look forward to collaborating periodically in the ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame who live in our convent. God willing, we can continue with some contact.”
Quintana who has been at the school 32 years said she’s going to miss the children.
Kindergarten was dropped from the school several years ago and now the school, which employees six people, teaches kids ages 3, 4 and 5.
Sister Ernestine Velarde of the Sisters of the Company of Mary said from her office in California, enrollment has declined over the years and there was consideration of raising tuition but that would not adequately meet the needs.
“The funds have been exhausted,” she said.
The school is inviting its former students, their families and friends to a celebration of Thanksgiving on May 11, 2013.
Further details about that event will be forthcoming.
Comments
ponchito wrote on Mar 12, 2013 2:17 PM:
Who could step in. wrote on Mar 6, 2013 5:43 PM:
Loretto(Carmalites) would be the obvious solution,esp.since they took over Lestonnacs Kinder program which was part of the intended exit plan.
But I seriously doubt Loretto (Carmalites) would do that. "
To ELC wrote on Mar 6, 2013 10:47 AM:
Concerned Douglas Native wrote on Mar 5, 2013 2:30 PM:
ELC wrote on Mar 5, 2013 11:32 AM:
KK1 wrote on Mar 5, 2013 10:23 AM:
Equate wrote on Mar 4, 2013 4:05 PM:
Concerned Parent wrote on Mar 1, 2013 12:54 PM:
My child who currently goes to Lestonnac has learnt so much in the few short months she has been there. It makes me sad that she nor her younger siblings will not have the same opportunities in the next years. "
Sad Mother wrote on Mar 1, 2013 12:38 PM:
former student wrote on Mar 1, 2013 7:57 AM:
Im sad wrote on Feb 28, 2013 8:59 PM:
Mrs Quintaqna your a wonderful wonderful teacher, leader and friend of the families my children enjoyed thier days with Sr Amparo, Sr. Jean, staff, and yourself.
I hope and pray that there is a plan to comntinue or "re-start" a Catholic pre-school/day-care facility for our Douglas little ones.
Thank you Lestonnac, this catholic family will remember your importance to our Douglas community,and our children... "
sad wrote on Feb 28, 2013 8:49 PM:
OUCH wrote on Feb 28, 2013 2:37 PM:
To this day I hold it correctly and sometimes smile with the memories of Sister Helen.
(Please note, Sister Helen had permission from my parents to do this and IT WAS NOT ABUSE! This was 32 years ago and was warranted!!!!)
Thank you!!! "
sad parent wrote on Feb 28, 2013 10:44 AM:
UPSET PARENT wrote on Feb 28, 2013 8:30 AM:
Parent wrote on Feb 28, 2013 7:26 AM:
Lestonnac Alumni wrote on Feb 27, 2013 7:19 PM: