St. Joseph Catholic School was in existence from September, 1962, until June, 2010. Prior to the completion of the new church and school on Pioneer Trail, Fr. Hughes opened St. Joseph's first "school" in the basement of the church at 4571 Prospect St. (grade 1) and the facilities across the street loaned by the Hilltop Christian Church (grades 2-4). Climaxing nearly a century of spiritual service to the Catholics of Mantua, St. Joseph's formally dedicated its new church and school (current facility off Pioneer Tr.) on July 28, 1963. In September of 1963, St. Joseph School had five grades and continued to add another grade each year. Since 1983, the K-8 program included an all-day Kindergarten and a middle school approach to the upper grades that addressed their unique needs.

Throughout these years, St. Joseph School developed a reputation as a progressive learning institution providing a well-rounded curriculum complimented with a Catholic based foundation of equal importance. St. Joseph's offered an open and welcoming environment to members of the school, parish, and surrounding communities. Collectively, St. Joseph offered a place to worship, a place to learn, and a place to gather with family and friends.

Very sadly, in 2010 St. Joseph School had to close due to declining enrollment.
For more history of St. Joseph School, it's faculty, staff & principals,
or for alumni & SJS Trust Fund news, please click buttons to the left.

A REFLECTION ABOUT ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL
Many of our diocesan and public schools either started or will start around this time of year. What was known as St. Joseph School will not be one of them. It would take millions of words for each of us to express both positive and negative thoughts and feelings about this.

What happened to the "stuff"?
The 8/15/10 bulletin had pictures and an article showing the removal of the mobile unit, which is now located by Crestwood High School. The teachers from Crestwood came "shopping" here at SJS in June and will have more wonderful resources for their (some will be our) students. Sts. Mary and Joseph in Newton Falls have some of the math books for the older grades (Ms Folan, our sixth grade teacher, will be teaching at this diocesan school). St. Patrick School in Kent came for almost all of the text books for grades 5-8. Fr. Luoni and a dedicated group of parishioners from Kent State Newman Center packed a "pod" full of all of our art supplies, textbooks, grades K-4, and everything else that was left and shipped it to El Salvador. It was so wonderful to hear them talk about how every ribbon, every piece of cardboard, "every everything" will be used in those homes and at the school. It is affirming to know that the "stuff" of SJS will be put to good use.

St. Joseph School was about children. What is happening to the children?
All of our SJS students' records have been transferred to their new schools except for eleven, who are still undecided. Even during these past few weeks we know that circumstances like job down-sizing, relocation out of state, etc. have affected and changed families' original plans for their child's education. However, because students had an opportunity to work through the "grieving" process here at SJS and families went to visit and shadow at new schools, their transition may have minimal anxiety. Many are excited and looking forward to a new "adventure" while wishing they were coming here to their "best" school.

We are inviting all former students from SJS presently in grades 1-8 to the dance and PSR Social on Friday, September 17, 6:00-8:30 p.m. The former teachers and staff will also be invited. In addition, they will be welcomed at the Respect Life Walk (October 21, 2010) and the retreat (March 19, 2011). Watch the parish bulletin for more news about how many students ended up attending what schools and what is happening with all our faculty and staff.

Our hope is that all of our parish children and all of our SJS Alumni stay connected as a strong part St. Joseph's, no matter where they are.

For 47 years St. Joseph Parish, with the help of all our support parishes, has given students a solid, well-rounded, individualized, faith-grounded, Catholic experience of education. The only thing that happened on June 5 was that the building closed. Those thousands who "walked" through this building are going to take the experience of St. Joseph School and use it to enter into a new part of their life. As we know, change will always be part of their experience. All of us, teachers, staff, administrators, pastors, Home and School leaders, and families pray that each and every one of them,

SPEAKING OF MEMORIES . . .

. . . There is a limited amount of items available at bargain basement prices including pencil pouches and various SJS Spirit Wear odds and ends. Please contact the Parish Office (330-274-2253) for more details. Your help in clearing out these items to help with our deficit is greatly appreciated.
. . . We are missing graduating 8th grade class photos from 1968 and 1988. If you can help complete our display, please call 330-274-2253.
. . . Check out "St. Joseph's School Mantua - Memories" on www.Facebook.com. Former students and teachers are encouraged to join, write down their memories of their time at SJS, and share photos.
. . . This website has quite a bit of history especially about the sisters who've served St. Joseph's. Feel free to browse our parish history page and St. Joseph School history page.

St. Joseph School in Mantua Closed at End of 2009-2010 School Year

St. Joseph School in Mantua will close at the end of the current 2009-2010 school year. Declining enrollment was a major factor in the decision. In mid-March, only 59 students in kindergarten through eighth grade registered for the 2010-2011 school year. Reverend Michael Garvey, pastor, informed parents of the decision by letter on March 26, 2010 and during weekend Masses on March 27-28, 2010.
Saint Joseph Parish was founded in 1864 and the school opened in 1962. The staff includes Principal Beth Frank, seven teachers and several part-time aides. In announcing the closing of the school, Reverend Garvey acknowledged that "Saint Joseph School has been an important part of the Catholic communities of northern Portage County for almost 50 years. It has remained an outstanding school to this day."
Reverend Garvey encourages parishioners to seek other area Catholic schools for their children and promises that the parish will make every effort to support them. In his letter to parents, he stated: "Miss Frank and all Saint Joseph staff members will work very hard to ensure a smooth transition for your child/children." To that end, there will be a Parent Information Night on Thursday, April 15, 2010.
Reverend Garvey thanked the parents, professional staff members, and parishioners for their loyal support of the school since it opened in 1962. Monsignor Siffrin, Vicar General of the Diocese of Youngstown, also recognized the efforts of the parish community. He said: "It is evident that the Saint Joseph Parish community has made extraordinary efforts to support and maintain the school despite declining enrollment." He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the many priests, religious, lay men and women who staffed the school over these many years, and the countless families who entrusted their children to Saint Joseph School. Dr. Michael Skube, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, added that the Diocese of Youngstown continues to be committed to providing Catholic education to those who desire it and will make every effort to provide a smooth transition for the students from Saint Joseph School to other Catholic schools. For more information, contact Dr. Skube, Office of Catholic Schools, 330.744.8451.

SJS Closing Parent Letter (3-26-10) • SJS Closing Bulletin Insert (3-28-10)
Catholic School in Mantua to Close This Year (Record Courier article 3-30-10)
Tough Lesson for Students (Record Courier article 3-31-10)
Join the Facebook Group: St. Joseph's School Mantua - Memories

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