Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Upgrades for SS Simon and Jude
On Monday, September 8, the Rev. Michael J. Gerlach led a prayer service and blessed the school’s new administrative office with the school staff, faculty and special guest, Mrs. Bernadette Dougherty, Director for Elementary Educational Services for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Renovations on the new office were completed on July 30 and were one of the final stages of the parish-wide Capital Campaign, Building for the Body of Christ Phase II.
In addition to the office, SS. Simon and Jude School installed a number of security upgrades. An additional set of locked doors were added to the school’s main entrance. A security system was installed to scan licenses of all visitors and volunteers. Lastly, every faculty member now has the capability to make an all-call through the building if needed in an emergency.
The Building for the Body of Christ Phase II parish-wide Capital Campaign began in 2008 and has thus far raised $4.1 million. The parish’s fundraising efforts also supported the school with projects such as new roofs, electrical updates, new lighting, the addition of an HVAC system, a refurbished computer lab and other technological updates.
School Principal, Sr. Jeannine Norton, IHM stated, “I am so thrilled with the school renovations and so grateful that parishioners have chosen to demonstrate devotion to their faith by so generously giving to the Capital Campaign. Every dollar helps keep SS. Simon and Jude a destination for a competitive, faith-based education.”