Small classrooms with 10 to 15 students are the norm at Immaculate Conception School in Port Clinton. Classes are often broken into even smaller groups, and one-on-one education is common.

BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN

It’s been almost a decade since 6th graders were a part of the learning experience at Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Port Clinton. With space now available, Pastor Jonathon Wright and school officials are eager to offer newcomers and graduating 5th graders another year of structured education.

“Catholic Schools Week on Sunday, Jan. 30 is the perfect time for parents and families to visit,” said Principal Margaret Drew. “We’ll begin the morning with the celebration of a Catholic Mass, and will have the children proudly wear their uniforms.

“After Mass, everyone can join us in the gym where we’ll field questions, enjoy donuts, pick up enrollment packets and tour the school.”

Communications Director Jen Roberts said the addition of 6th grade classes will begin in Fall 2022.

“We want people to see our small classrooms of 10 to 15 students. Our students do not have to be of the Catholic faith, just ready to learn,” said Roberts.

Spirited students perform at the annual Christmas Choir at Immaculate Conception Church as parents enjoy the holiday music, especially the bell ringers. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

The driving force of adding a 6th grade, which had been discontinued in 2013, has been Father Wright, said Drew.

“Father Wright is a real go-getter, and wants to offer classroom subjects more appealing to students and parents. We’re planning to add some part-time subjects, such as band and Spanish teachers, and hopefully a STEM science lab.”

With small classes that promote learning, one-on-one education is the norm, said Drew, whose teachers develop great partnerships with students and their families.

ICS opened its doors in 1924, a four-room school adjacent to the church at Fourth and Madison streets.

The local community is welcome to visit during Catholic Schools Week from Sunday, Jan. 30 to Friday, Feb. 4. After the open house on Sunday, Jan. 30, the daily topics will be: Monday, Jan. 31, Celebrating our Community by wearing jeans and T-shirts; Tuesday, Feb. 1, Celebrating our Students, a casual dress day; Wednesday, Feb. 2, Celebrating our Nation while in school uniform, but transitioning to beach wear; Thursday, Feb. 3, Celebrating Vocations, including a school family breakfast; Friday, Feb. 4, Celebrating Faculty and Staff by wearing uniforms for a special lunch; and Saturday, Feb. 5, Celebrating our Families.