By Marie Mulvenna

Some 6500 Catholic school pupils will return to their studies on Thursday, August 29, when all parochial elementary and high schools reopen for the 1974-75 academic year. Sister Madeline Roddenbery, RSM, superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, said she was pleased that enrollment figures seemed to remain “steady” with little change noted from last year’s figure.

Sister said she was happy to report that students taking part in national testing last year had scored well above the national average in all areas of study. She emphasized however, that each school is individual and meets the needs of the group it is serving, student with flexible programs, updated equipment and teaching materials.

“We are concerned with the academic success of the child,” Sister said, adding that “he learns better if he’s happy.” She noted that the particular needs and preferences of the child are taken into consideration and the rate of progression differs from child to child. “We do not put them all into one general mold,” she said.

The archdiocese has 14 elementary schools, two diocesan high schools, one private high school and one school for exceptional children at St. Joseph’s Village. Sister noted that the schools could be considered “pretty much filled” according to Southern Association regulations concerning pupil/teacher ratio. “No classes will contain more than 30 students,” she said.

The major thrust of the Catholic schools this year will be directed toward staff development. Sister Madeline said “a school is only as strong and effective as its teachers,” adding that the focus would be led by Sister Valentina Sheridan RSM, director of education. Sister Valentina is chairman of the Atlanta Area Teacher Education Service (AATES) and will present programs designed to meet the needs of teachers in the archdiocese. Through the services of AATES, Dr. Joseph Richardson, associate dean for extended programs at Georgia State University, will work closely with the archdiocesan schools in a consultant’s capacity.

Atlanta schools will also work closely with the Georgia Association of Independent Schools (GAIS) of which Father Richard Kieran is president and the Atlanta Area Independent Schools (AAOS) of which Sister Margaret, GHSH, of Christ the King, is vice president. “Through these associations,” Sister said, “the Catholic schools are combining a cooperative measure their strengths and resources with other nonpublic schools.” One tangible result will be a teachers institute which will be jointly sponsored by the GAIS in February.

In all archdiocesan schools Sister said, emphasis will be placed on educating for social justice which is in accord with broader education goals of the archdiocese for personal growth, responsibility and accountability for Christian community. “We hope to reach the Holy Year goal of reconciliation and prepare our students for better citizenship,” Sister added. She said one aim was to bring to full stature each student as the productive American citizen in preparation for the nation’s bicentennial in 1976.

Particular attention will be placed on music and art in the schools with a stronger program of physical education stressed. “This will include special efforts by our school administrators as well as the central office,” she said.

Commenting on inflation and the projected increase of tuition facing parents of children, Sister Madeline said that although tuition would have to be maintained to meet rising costs of schools, Catholic educators were encouraged by a recent communiqué from Bishop James S. Rausch, of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC). Sister referred to data sent by the division of elementary and secondary education of the USCC which noted the recent Supreme Court decision on the Barrera case which would hold out hope for more state aid to nonpublic institutions. According to Bishop Rausch “the decision is important in many ways –refutes the view—widely put forward following the Court’s anti “aid” decisions a year ago—that the Constitution bars any and all forms of public assistance to children who exercise their rights to attend nonpublic schools.”

To date, seven elementary schools have received accreditation from the South Association, with St. Jude’s receiving the coveted status during the 1973-74 school year. Sister Madeline said St. Thomas More expected to receive its accreditation this school year, adding that the other schools were all working on their acceptance. All three high schools are fully accredited.

In the area of faculty and personnel, Sister Madeline reported that the number of religious teaching in archdiocesan schools was “holding steady.” She said the archdiocese had been able to have much more choice of teachers than ever before. This was made possible, she said, through teacher recruitment programs and evaluation of new teachers, in addition to more teachers in the job market than in past years. “We are trying to get the teacher who can really perform at optimum in our schools, who believes in our philosophy, who’s committed to building Christian community and by her personal dedication and example is a positive factor in this building of Christian community.”

Sister Madeline announced the appointment of new principals of several elementary schools. Assuming the position of principal at Our Lady of the Assumption is Sister Frances Marie, RSM. At Our Lady of Lourdes, Sister Margaret McAvoy, IHM, will be principal. Sister Dolores, GNSH, will serve as principal of St. Jude’s school while Sister Miriam Kathleen, IHM, will be principal at Sts. Peter and Paul in Decatur. Principal at St. John the Evangelist in Hapeville will be Sister Martha Mary, RSM.