WHAT: Archdiocese of Chicago school superintendent Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, Ph.D., will mark the official opening of the 2004-05 academic year with a visit to the new building at Frances Xavier Warde School, Old St. Pat’s Campus.

Old St. Pat’s Parish raised $7.9 million to construct a new 58,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility that includes an age-appropriate science lab, art room, music room and a little theater. The school serves students in grades pre-K through 4. It is the first Archdiocese of Chicago elementary school building constructed in the city in more than 40 years.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 25, 2004
10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Frances Xavier Warde School, Old St. Pat’s Campus
120 S. Des Plaines St., Chicago

WHO: Dr. Nicholas Wolsonovich, superintendent of schools;

Sr. Judy Cauley, C.S.J., associate superintendent;

Dr. Jack Sloan, executive director, Frances Xavier Warde Schools;

Fr. Jack Wall, pastor, Old St. Patrick’s Church;

Teachers, students and parents.

Photo/Interview Opportunities:

The superintendent will be available to discuss:

• New curriculum initiative for grades K through 12;
• New schools in the Archdiocese: Frances Xavier Warde (pre-K-4),

St. Martin de Porres (high school), Old St. Mary’s (pre-K) and Christ Our Savior Catholic School (pre-K-8);

• More than $45 million in school expansion projects throughout the Archdiocese;
• Results of the latest standardized tests which place the Archdiocese of Chicago elementary school students above the national norm;

The school’s official first day is Tuesday, September 7, but media are invited to a preview on Wednesday, August 25 to tour the new facility and speak with school leaders.

For the 2004-2005 academic year there are 235 elementary and 41 secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. It is the largest non-public school system in the United States.

Editor’s Note: Guerin College Preparatory High School, begins a new chapter in its 42-year history Aug. 25 when it opens the 2004-2005 school year as a coeducational institution of 755 students, welcoming young men for the first time.

But the admission of 300 young men to the formerly all-girls college preparatory high school is not the only notable occurrence for the school. Among the changes that have taken place in preparation for the school’s expanded mission are: a new name and identity; 25 new administration, faculty or staff members; a renovated science lab and college-counseling area; expanded sports facilities and sports teams; the successful completion of a $100,000 challenge grant; and the initiation of a strategic planning process.

Media are invited to take a tour of the renovated facility, 8001 W. Belmont Ave., River Grove, and interview students and teachers on their first day of school, Wednesday, August 25. Please contact Sr. Dawn Tomaszewski, S.P. at 708-453-6233 to schedule a time to arrive at the school.