Sister Cecile has been working at OLS school since 1970, having served initially as a first-grade teacher and then as principal. She has seen over 1200 children graduate from the school. So, there is no one better to describe how OLS has changed – or not changed – over the last 50 years.
What Has Changed:
- The school is no longer staffed predominantly by religious (Note: you may think we left off a word, but nuns and priests are collectively referred to by the word “religious.”) But our lay teachers are just as committed to our children as the Sisters of the Divine Compassion. In addition to specialized middle school teachers, a full-time Learning Specialist and teacher aides are assets to the faculty.
- Boys’ basketball is not the predominant activity that it once was. There are others team sports, like baseball and softball, for boys and girls, as well as other school activities like plays and musicals, band, Lego and robotics.
- The dress code has changed. In the 1960s, even the girls had to wear bowties! Although uniforms are still worn, they are more comfortable and there are more “dress down” days throughout the year. Gym uniforms are worn throughout the day twice a week. (No more changing in the classroom!)
- There is an increased emphasis on STEM subjects. Besides religion and the humanities, our children are instructed in the sciences, technology, engineering and math. All students have iPads or Chromeboooks to support traditional learning.
- New classes are offered that are on par with what public school students take. 7th and 8th graders can take accelerated math and those who do take the Algebra 1 Regents at the end of 8th grade. In addition, Spanish is offered in grades 4-8, with 7th and 8th graders taking first year high school Spanish.
- OLS is now part of the Central Westchester Region of Schools. That means that parents of our current students must pay more of their children’s tuition than in the past, when the parish and Archdiocese covered the lion’s share of it.
- Students now come from beyond the OLS parish. OLS still remains a neighborhood school but welcomes children from all over White Plains and the Central Westchester area.
- There are other exciting additions to the OLS school community. An addition to the building has allowed us to add a Kindergarten program, a state-of-the-art playground and ballfield provide a welcome addition to the black top, and an after-care program is available to accommodate working parents.
- Our lunchtime looks a little different. In lieu of “Hot Dog Days,” we now have a hot lunch program provided to our students three days per week. (This might not be considered a welcome change to alumni reading this!)
What Hasn’t Changed—and Is Stronger Than Ever!
- The small community feeling. OLS sill has only one class per grade, optimal enrollment averaging between 25-28.
- The benefit of consistency and personal attention. Studies show that children develop better in a safe, consistent and familiar environment. This continues to be provided by OLS over the 9 years that children attend school here.
- Academic excellence. Our professional teachers rigorously prepare children for success in high school, college and beyond. In fact, the 2024 valedictorians at both Stepinac and White Plains High School were OLS graduates. (We felt that statement deserved to be in BOLD!)
- The lifelong friendships. When you’re in your 60s or 70s, you will look back and realize that some of the dearest, truest friends you ever made were the ones you made at 888 Mamaroneck Avenue.
- Emphasis on service and giving back. OLS has, and will, always encourage charity, community service and serving others.
- Religious and ethical foundations. Children are given a solid faith foundation they can count on throughout their lives. They are taught a moral code that will always guide them. (See 2025 Commencement Speech for proof!)