Little Flower School May Combine Classrooms

Declining enrollment is a problem that schools across North Dakota are facing. Now some like the Little Flower School in Rugby may have to make some major changes to stay open. The parochial school, which is kindergarten through sixth grade, may combine classrooms and grade levels.

Staff members, parishioners, and parents met to talk about what this would mean for the students. They heard from staff members from Saint Catherine School in Valley City-a school in the same diocese that's almost the same size that has had combined classes since 1996. They also heard from a teacher in Wolford who teaches in a combined class. The school board hasn't made a decision yet, but may combine the first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth and sixth grades.

Bruce Gannarelli/Principal: "I think some of the real concerns for parents are can our kids learn in a classroom that has another grade in it? Are they going to get the same attention? Are they going to get the same curricula?"

The school board hopes to make a decision in the next month or two.

Tags: reporter stories, renee chmiel, little flower school, combined classes, low enrollment, education, news