Early in the 1980's, Sister Margaret Finch became principal of the school. She served from 1981 to 1983. Sister Katherine Mary Westhues became principal in 1983, and served the rest of the decade. During the ten-year period the enrollment averaged about 150 students. Throughout these years, a new boiler and new roof were needed at the school. In accordance with changes in fire codes, new doors were put on the classrooms and fans were also installed in the kitchen. Asbestos was also removed from the tunnels. The kindergarten and first grade classrooms were painted, as were the gym and lunchroom. A new fence was installed around the playground on Kearney Street and new playground equipment was constructed. On July 14, 1985, a class reunion was held for school alumni up to 1965.
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Weekly bingo games that were started in 1978 to support the school were suspended in November 1987 due to dwindling attendance. The Home and School Association annually held a Trash and Treasure Sale, a Spring Dinner Dance, and a Christmas Shopping Spree to benefit the school. Annually, parishioners collected Campbell Company labels and cash register tapes from the Buttery Food Store to benefit the school. Magazine drives, book fairs, beef raffles, potlucks, and Halloween Carnivals were held by the Home and School Association, Council of Catholic Women and Chapter II funds. |
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Saint Laurence O'Toole Preschool was started in late 1979 in a house owned by the parish at 603 South Fourth Street. In 1986, it received the gift of a fenced playground. An average of 35 children, aged 2 to 5 years, attended either a morning or an afternoon session. Preschool was closed in 1996, where Pre-Kindergarten was opened Fall of 07. In addition to the schools, Saint Laurence O'Toole had many outstanding education programs for children in public schools. The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) had three groups: Preschool was held during the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday mornings, Kindergarten through 6th grades after school one afternoon, and 7th through 12th grades one evening each week. Brother Martin, Diocese Director of Religious Education prepared teachers of religion for certification in 1987. |
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