SALT LAKE CITY — Our Lady of Lourdes School and Judge Memorial Catholic High School recognize the importance and value of being more than just neighbors with a shared parking lot. The partnership between the two schools allows for collaboration in matters of academic excellence, faith formation and efficient use of space and resources to strengthen and sustain a quality Catholic education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
This collaboration has thrived for decades under multiple principals, and religious and lay personnel. Today, Our Lady of Lourdes Principal Christine Bergquist and Judge Memorial CHS Principal Patrick Lambert work together in a variety of ways that benefit students and develop solutions to the challenges that each of their communities face. This culture of shared planning, decision-making and responsibility is built on respect, commitment and trust.
The two schools partner in various ways to enhance academic excellence. For example, eighth-grade students in the Lourdes Accelerated Math Program take geometry classes at the high school, which introduces them to high school coursework and teachers, and prepares them for honors classes.
Judge’s creative writing course is another example of collaboration. Each year students in this class write and illustrate their own children’s story, then visit some of the younger grades and read aloud their stories and answer questions from the elementary school students. The exercise helps promote a love of reading and writing for the younger students, while giving the Judge students a voice and audience to support their writing achievements.
Students from the Judge psychology class prepare for the Psychology Fair by conducting original psychological research with students at Lourdes. At Lourdes, students can conduct research for their own science fair projects with Judge students as well as present their science fair projects to the high school students.
Throughout the year Lourdes students attend many dance and theater dress rehearsals at the high school, providing the Judge performers a chance to receive a response from an audience. For Lourdes students, not only is it fun, but it allows them to observe a high-level performance, gain appreciation for performing arts and a preview of activities to look forward to in high school.
As faith communities, students learn to commit themselves to serve God by serving others, a distinguishing part of Christian life for students attending both schools.
The high school students are required to complete Christian service hours, and Our Lady of Lourdes offers a convenient way to do this, from helping in the extended day program to administration and teacher support. These Christian service hours enable Lourdes to maintain costs by not having to hire out for these services and support.
“The level of care and planning Principal Lambert takes to run Judge Memorial is extraordinary. He is mission-driven and loyal to the overarching goals of Catholic education,” Principal Bergquist said.
In addition to faith and academics, collaboration takes places on physical space and logistics – from Lourdes using the Judge field and auditorium, to shared fire and earthquake drills, and use of the Judge bus system.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the good work that is done at Our Lady of Lourdes,” Lambert said “The faculty and staff have a beautiful mission of helping their students realize their full potential. Principal Bergquist believes in a strong and active Catholic education. … Great job to our partners in education!”
Both principals feel blessed for the partnership and see the positive impact it has on their students, families and communities. “This esteemed relationship we have with Judge Memorial ensures that both of our schools thrive and stay strong for future generations,” Bergquist said. “After all, we educate the same children – eventually.”
Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes School
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