Saint Kateri Elementary School in the town of Irondequoit is ready to reopen its doors Thursday and welcome back 130 students.

Terri Morgan is the principal and has been working with teachers to make sure the return to school during a pandemic is fun, but safe for everyone. Saint Kateri will begin in-person learning five days a week this year.


What You Need To Know

  • Saint Kateri elementary school will welcome back 130 students Thursday

  • Saint Kateri’s principal sees an uptick in enrollment for K-5

  • The school says should it have a positive COVID-19 case, a call is made to the health department for guidance

The school has seen an uptick in its K through grade five enrollment.

“What was happening in other districts in people’s comfort levels and work schedules, I think that kind of brought them over here," said Terri Morgan, Saint Kateri school principal.

Zenovia D’Arienzo of Rochester took her son out of the city school district and enrolled him at the Catholic school.

“A lot of reasons. It was very good, but the way with the district, and how it was set up, I just thought that this move would be better,” said D’Arienzo.

Students will be required to take a daily health check, which includes a temperature check.

Teachers will remind them of the need to practice social distancing.

“We’re asking them to sit in desks for learning and not so much in small groups,” said Morgan.

A plan is also in place should the school have a positive case of the coronavirus.

“My first phone call will be to the department of health to help us decide what our next steps are," said Morgan.

One lesson this pandemic has taught Saint Kateri school, is that they’ve had to overcome many obstacles, but are ready for a fresh beginning.

“Your mindset has to be one of positivity, and hope, and love for these students," said Morgan.