It all began in September 1955 when the Assumption School in Atco opened its doors to the children of the town. Some children were already in St. Joseph’s in Hammonton, but for some of us it was blazing new territory into a Catholic education.
The Immaculate Heart Sisters were to staff the beautiful new school which was the dream of Msgr. George Sharkey fulfilled. Mother Magdalena Marie and three other sisters were the first to be assigned. We had double grades at the time, with only one lay teacher. The classes were full to the point of being overcrowded. However, we loved it and gradually saw the double classes separate, with new sisters and an additional lay teacher added.
Through the years many people came and went, but what remained was the spirit of the school. We saw the coming of new students, teachers, pastors and principals, each proudly passing on the charisma of the school.
I eventually became a teacher at Assumption and when I had children and grandchildren, they too attended the beloved school.
Like all of life, some things are not meant to last forever. We must move on. It is much more difficult to support Catholic schools today. We are expected to continue providing excellent education and resources, which takes loyal dedication, but it also takes on a great deal of financial responsibility.
Though we are sad to see our school close, and it is difficult for the pastor who has to be the bearer of this unfortunate news, we must accept it with dignity and love. Just as we would not abandon a loved one who is dying, so we cannot abandon the spirit that has kept this school alive for so many years. Our children will take all of their education and experiences with them, with the proud feeling in their hearts that they were part of the great history of Assumption School in Atco, N.J.
Patricia (Graff) Mauro
Christ the Redeemer Parish, Atco
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