South Buffalo Catholic School (SBCS) will continue its focus on a strong Catholic identity, catechesis and evangelization as three campuses become one next fall when SBCS transitions to a single campus. The South Buffalo Catholic School board recommended that Notre Academy on Abbott Road be the sole campus for students in Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Bishop Richard J. Malone approved the recommendation, which takes effect Sept. 1, 2013.  

Campuses at Ambrose Catholic Academy on Okell Street and Trinity Catholic Academy on Hayden Street will no longer be used.

In the 2013-14 school year, students will be introduced to a new Study Skills class through an academic intervention course. "They will learn the necessary skills needed to perform better in the classroom, how to manage their study time and how to improve study habits," Kimberly Suminski, principal of SBCS said. The school will also evaluate the hiring of a guidance counselor.

Also new next September will be a Visual Advanced Art course, featuring 2D and 3D art experiences, advanced painting, ceramics and art computer-based technology. Notre Dame Academy features a fully-remodeled science lab, state of the art technology and wireless capability. Students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth Grade are receiving Early Academic Intervention for Reading within their classrooms. A new Math course, "Reasoning Mind" is being added to Second, Third and Fourth grades.

Students will also be able to join the more than 30 sports teams that Notre Dame fields for athletic competition.

"This is the right time to make this move," said Sister Joan Sherry, RSM, chair of the SBCS school board. "Our buildings are under capacity and the cost of maintaining three buildings is very high. By moving all of the students to the Notre Dame campus, we will be able to concentrate more of our resources on educating our students."

Yellow bus service is available to all students who live in the city of Buffalo.

A financial assistance program will be in place to assist families who require help with tuition. "No one will be turned away because of financial reasons," said Father James Judge, SBCS canonical administrator.

A special open house will be held at Notre Dame Academy on March 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Private tours of the school are always available. To arrange for a tour, please contact the school at 824-0726 or visit www.southbuffalocatholic.com   

Parents, faculty and staff were informed of the decision at a meeting on Jan. 17 at Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School.