Sacred Heart School showcases its new Science and Innovation Center at ribbon-cutting ceremony

Feb. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- Nearly 100 people turned out on a recent night in January to help celebrate the unveiling of the new, state-of-the-art Science and Innovation Center at Sacred Heart School (www.sacredheartkingston.com) in Kingston.

The private, Catholic, co-educational school, serving students from preschool through age 12, hosted a number of local, state and business officials, in addition to the Most Reverend John A. Dooher, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston; Father Walter Keymont, Pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish in Kingston; Kathy Mears, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston, and Deacon Charles Sullivan.

Pamela Desmarais, President of Sacred Heart School, told the guests that the $2 million renovation reflects the school’s commitment to their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) initiative. The Center includes a new Biology lab and fully functioning greenhouse; a state of the art Physics lab; a new Physical Science lab, an Earth and Space Sciences lab; an updated Chemistry lab, along with a new preparatory room with equipment for sterilization and refrigeration, and an expanded Computer Science lab which offers in-depth computer skills lessons beyond the integration of iPad technology that is used in the classrooms on a daily basis. The Innovation Center, along with the newly refurbished Kahout-Dingley Observatory, will be used by all students as well as the school’s Robotics and Astronomy Clubs.

On hand to congratulate Sacred Heart School on the completion of this project were Monica Mullin, District Director for State Senator Vinny  deMacedo, Betty DeBenedictis from State Representative Tom Calter’s office, and Rita Murphy from State Representative Matt Muratore’s office. The trio presented official citations from the Massachusetts Legislature, congratulating the school on their commitment to education and the completion of the Center.  In addition, officials from the Town of Kingston, including Selectwomen Elaine Fiore and Sandra MacFarlane, and Town Administrator Bob Fennessy were present to join in the celebration. Also, representatives from Rockland Trust Company, including Susan Daileader, Vice President, joined in the celebration. Rockland Trust was the sponsor for the ribbon-cutting event and has partnered with Sacred Heart to support the school’s expansion.

Ai3 Architects of Wayland MA created the design of the Center and the Laboratories. Sacred Heart School selected Acella Construction of Norwell, MA as the Construction Manager for the project. The school has been working with the Science Department at Bridgewater State University to review the STEAM science curriculum, and create an environment which will allow students to seamlessly move from the Sacred Heart School into a University Science Program.

Ms. Demarais said, “We are pleased to offer our students the education, tools and facilities to discover the exciting world of science and innovation. Today’s workplace demands individuals who are well-versed in technology, the sciences and the arts. The new facilities reflect our commitment to providing each of our students with the very finest education and resources.”

About Sacred Heart School

Sacred Heart is a private, co-educational Catholic school system, which provides educational opportunities for students throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, from preschool through grade 12.  As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence, Sacred Heart School strives to inspire minds, define character and encourage responsible leadership through a curriculum that prepares students to pursue knowledge throughout their lives. The school provides students with a strong liberal arts curriculum, and integrates technology into the hands of students with its One to One iPad Program. Sacred Heart also offers extensive athletic, arts and extra-curricular activities for students.  Founded in 1947, the school underwent a governance change in July 2011, incorporating the Sacred Heart Schools in Kingston, MA as Sacred Heart School System, Inc. This new structure was implemented to assure the continuation of academic excellence of the Sacred Heart Schools for the future, as well as the Catholic mission and the religious community traditions. The school system serves students on a beautiful, expansive campus on Route 80 that includes three school buildings, a central administrative office, and athletic fields and facilities. Sacred Heart School welcomes students of all faiths and diverse backgrounds. The school prides itself in a commitment to developing the whole student, offering an independent school atmosphere and top-tier academics. Pamela Desmarais serves as the school’s President. The Sacred Heart campus is located at 251-399 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364. For additional information about the school, please visit www.sacredheartkingston.com or call 781-585-7511.

         Photo caption: Sacred Heart School hosted a ribbon-cutting to introduce its new Science and Innovation Center to the of St. Joseph's community. Shown, left to right, are Peter Forman, President and CEO of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce; Rita Murphy, Legislative Aide to State Representative Matt Muratore; Monica Mullin, Legislative Aide to State Senator Vinny deMacedo; Betty DeBenedictis, Legislative Aide to State Representative Thomas Calter; Father Walter Keymont; Bishop John Dooher; Sister Alice Marie; Pamela Desmarais, President, Sacred Heart School; Dr. Michael Gill, Principal, Sacred Heart High School; Ryan Klebes, Senior Project Manager, Acella Construction; and Susan Daileader, Vice President, Rockland Trust Company.