Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton turns 60 this year

Originally posted on www.anchornews.org
By Joan Warren

TAUNTON — The more things change, the more they stay the same. Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton, which opened 60 years ago this year, looks eerily similar to the day it opened, but the curriculum has evolved, providing exemplary Catholic education that includes STEM instruction.

The pre-kindergarten through grade 8 school has been diligent with keeping and hiring teachers who continue educating at a high level.

Principal Mary Turner has spent a better part of her life in the First Street building and remembers her first day of kindergarten as a student there in 1966.

“It looks the same as it did back then, with a few updates. We made some improvements recently, including a new roof and furnace, but besides that, we haven’t changed,” she said.

When the school opened in 1963, it was run by the Sisters of Mercy, with nuns doing the majority of instruction. One nun, Sister Donald, was on staff for many years and currently helps with the after school program.

“She is amazing. Sister Donald is dedicated to the school and our students,” Turner said.

Until last year, Sister Mary Margretta Sol, a past principal and staff member, continued to act as head of development at 98 years old. Her passing in 2023 was a great loss to the school and a scholarship in her name has been instituted.

Turner’s three children attended Our Lady of Lourdes, following in their mother’s footsteps.

Turner came back to the school as a parent volunteer and eventually became a 5th grade teacher. Two of her students are now teachers there.

Collectively, the staff is planning a 60th anniversary celebration, although details are still in the works.

Enrollment is at capacity with 161 students and holds a substantial waiting list.

What is new to the school is the updated quality of education. In particular, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program has taken off with the addition of science and math teacher, Ellen Russell.

A retired Easton public school teacher, she also taught at the former Coyle and Cassidy High School as well as Bishop Connolly High School.

Vice Principal Kara Lawrence said the addition of Russell to the staff has opened possibilities for students to expand their minds and receive experiential learning or active learning, an educational method involving the learner’s hands-on engagement and practical experience during the learning process.

This style of learning connects aerodynamics, engineering, math, design, coding, writing and more.

‘‘Last year the middle school students made an actual battery powered car. This year, they are designing and constructing dollhouses. It is amazing what they are learning using computer based programs and 3-D printing,” Lawrence said.

Students are embracing the STEM curriculum and are thankful for the experiences they are given.

Seventh grade student Alivia Quinn enjoys the hands-on learning style.

‘‘Last year we read from books. Mrs. Russell has brought science to a new level. We are
actually building things and working onprojects constantly. It makes coming to school and learning fun,” she said.

Russell hopes this method of instruction  will inspire her students to go into the STEM field.

‘‘STEM is the way of the future. Offering these skills will open doors for them that weren’t available in the past,” she said.