August 19th marked an exciting new beginning for the Little School in Homestead, FL, as the local community gathered to celebrate its grand opening. With a blend of faith, education, and community spirit, the day set a promising tone for the school’s future. This new initiative, part of the District of Eastern North America (DENA), aims to provide a holistic education to students in the area.
The event saw an impressive turnout, including key figures from the DENA Office. Br. Bob Schaefer FSC, Br. Paul Avvento FSC, Ben Ventresca and Jim Logan were all on hand to support and share in the day’s celebrations. Their participation highlighted the school’s importance within the Lasallian network, emphasizing the commitment to providing top-tier education in the region. Media coverage by LSMedia helped bring the day’s highlights to a wider audience, ensuring the spirit of the event was felt far beyond Homestead.
The celebration kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass, led by Archbishop Thomas Wenski from the Archdiocese of Miami on August 18th. The Archbishop’s presence lent a profound sense of spiritual significance to the day, blessing the school and everyone involved. The Mass was followed by a blessing ceremony for the new school building, creating a moment of shared hope and excitement for the future. Parents, teachers, students, Brothers, La Salle alumni from Cuba, and a host of special guests attended, demonstrating strong community support for this new venture.
The school’s dedicated faculty and staff were introduced to the community, setting the stage for a year filled with learning, support, and mentorship. Among the talented team are Br. Peter Nguyen FSC, Brenda Blanton, Adrian Canarte. Mauren Delgado, Monica Lauzurique, and Michael Scaramuzzo. These educators are committed to fostering both academic and personal growth, helping students thrive in a supportive environment.
Students will enjoy a well-rounded educational experience with a daily program running from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Starting with breakfast, the day balances structured academic learning with plenty of time for exploration and creativity. Core subjects like English and Math are each given an hour, ensuring students have time to master essential skills. Additionally, Science, Social Studies, Art, and Physical Education will be taught in integrated blocks, with an hour and a half dedicated to these important subjects. Religion, a key part of the school’s Lasallian identity, will also receive an hour and a half, providing students with spiritual guidance and reflection.
The opening of the Little School marks an important milestone for the Homestead community. It represents more than just a place of learning; it’s a hub for bringing people together, sharing values, and creating opportunities for a brighter future. The enthusiasm shown by everyone in attendance is a testament to the school’s potential to make a meaningful impact.
As we embark on this exciting journey, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who made this day possible. From the Brothers and faculty to the parents, students, and guests, the sense of unity and purpose is undeniable.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Little School in Homestead, and discover how you can help support the Lasallian mission as we continue to touch hearts, mold minds and transform lives!
