Saint Marguerite School increases enrollment

Friday, Sep. 12, 2014

By Ann Stine

TOOELE — Saint Marguerite Catholic School in Tooele opened its doors Aug. 11 for the 2014-15 school year with 50 new students, most of whom are members of parish families. It was the result of an amazing recruiting effort by current students, their families and the entire parish, according to Principal Lorena Needham.

The influx of new students made possible the introduction of several new programs and classes. Also, the middle school grades were restored this year, allowing the addition of music, Spanish and art classes for the first time. Elective/exploratory offerings include the First Tee program and personal finance. Local university professors will be teaching the mathematics of knot theory and American history. A Salt Lake City public defender will conduct a moot court. Other courses will be directed by volunteer professionals, including an experienced scientist, a former law enforcement officer and the author of children’s learning enhancement books.  

Extra-curricular activities are also expanding, with private lessons in voice, guitar, piano and clarinet as well as music theory. The school has re-established its liturgical choir and added a recorder choir; a host of special performance opportunities are planned. 

Sports this year include basketball and soccer, while the first-ever yearbook for the school is in its planning stages. A new chapter of the National Junior Honor Society has received initial approval and will help motivate students to the highest levels of academic excellence.

“Parents are reporting remarkable changes in their children in just three weeks as sons and daughters are now asking to pray before meals and to go to Mass on Sunday,” Needham said. “We are so blessed to be a part of what God is doing in Tooele.”