STM Opens Five New Outdoor Classrooms with Parent-led Fundraising

The Very Rev. Patrick L. Posey, Cathedral Rector, blessed the 5 new classrooms alongside Principal Davis and Assistant Principal Thomas. They were accompanied by children of the parents who led the Race for Education Committee which brought in nearly $70,000 this fall via donations from the STM community of parents, grandparents, extended family and friends, as well as parishioners. The classrooms will be used for a variety of purposes including student instruction, lunch and even ministry groups like Boy Scouts. 

Father Posey blessed the new spaces as, "a place to hold meetings and functions, to be outside during lunch with your classmates, to be nourished and strengthened in mind, body and soul.." 

“The outdoor classrooms are named in honor of Catholic saints selected by our students,” Davis shared. “They chose St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Juan Diego, St. Juniperro Serra, St. Rose of Lima and St. Martin de Porres,” she added. “Numerous studies have shown students benefit from being outdoors and our parents supported this project because with Covid it is a priority to have fresh air and circulation as much as possible. The community has been incredibly grateful and supportive of our in-person instruction five days a week.”