Stella Niagara Education Park is a coeducational Catholic elementary school, convent, and hospitality center located in the hamlet of Stella Niagara within the town of Lewiston, New York. It was founded in 1908 by members of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity.Stella Niagara Education Park
History The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity was founded in 1835 in the Netherlands. To assist the German parishes of St. Ann's and St. Michael's in Buffalo, New York, members of the order moved to the United States and opened the first convent in 1874.
When more space was needed, in 1907 some of the Sisters moved into the former March home near the Niagara River. The following year, the cornerstone was laid for a new convent, dedicated to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The name "Stella Niagara" was suggested by a Jesuit friend inspired by the hymn "Ave Maris Stella"."A Closer Look: Stella Niagara, home to sisters, a school and serenity", The Buffalo News, June 18, 2021
This building originally operated as co-education school and a boarding school for high school girls known as the Seminary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The school operated from 1908 to 1970. In 1929 the Heidenkamp wing with a gymnasium, pool, and auditorium was built. The facilities are used by students and local groups.
The elementary school for boys, Stella Niagara Cadet Program, opened in 1935. The Stella Niagara chapel was decorated by artist Joseph Slawinski in 1964 during post-Vatican II renovations.
In 1971, Stella Niagara Education Park opened after obtaining a charter from the New York State Board of Regents.History , Stella Niagara Education Park, Stella Niagara, NY: Stella Niagara Education Park, 2009, Retrieved 10 March 2014. In September 1979, over 200 Love Canal residents were relocated to SNEP during environmental remediation work.Collin, Robert W. and Collin, Robin Morris. The Environmental Protection Agency: Cleaning Up America's Act, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006, p. 76
The Post Office for the hamlet of Stella Niagara, New York is located on campus.
In June 2015, the Western New York Land Conservancy purchased twenty-nine acres with a quarter-mile of shoreline from the sisters to form the Stella Niagara Preserve, the largest privately owned, undeveloped tract of land along the Niagara River.WNYLC - Stella Niagara Preserve It is listed on the Greater Niagara Birding Trail."Greater Niagara Birding Trail Region", New York State Parks, Recreatioin, and Historic Preservation
School The Stella Niagara Education Park school starts at the Montessori preschool level for children three to five years of age. Instruction extends through the eighth grade. As of 2022, the school's enrollment is approximately 170 students. It has a student/teacher ratio of 8:1."Stella Niagara Education Park", Private School Review The school's curriculum includes core subjects as well as computer literacy, foreign languages, and art.Stella Niagara Education Park (SNEP) , Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity: Holy Name Province, Stella Niagara, NY: Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity: Holy Name Province, 2014, Retrieved 10 March 2014. SNEP is affiliated with the Western New York Library Resources Council through the Orleans-Niagara BOCES School Library System."Stella Niagara Education Park", WNYLRC Affiliate it is accredited by the Middle States Association.Dietz, Suzanne Simon and Freiermuth, Amy Lynn. Lewiston, Arcadia Publishing, 2010, no pagination
The school requires children to take regular physical education and encourages students to participate in school athletics. The school has mandatory religion classes. Mass is held at the school on religious holidays.
Hospitality center Stella Niagara Education Park hosts a hospitality facility named the Center of Renewal. The Center of Renewal offers religious and spiritual counseling, group retreats, and workshops.Center of Renewal Retreat and Conference Center, Stella Niagara/Lewiston, NYSisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Holy Name Province, Stella Niagara
See also St. Francis of Assisi Third Order of St. Francis
References
External links
Center of Renewal Retreat and Conference Center Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity of Stella Niagara official website