By Kathi Mercure
Head teacher, St. Andrew School in Tecumseh
St. Andrew School in Tecumseh has been providing quality Catholic education in southeast Nebraska for 62 years. St. Andrew School strives to help students and families encounter Jesus with the excitement and enthusiasm which characterized St. Andrew’s first proclamation to his brother, “We have found the Messiah!” We are providing our students with a great education as well as helping them become people who make a positive impact on their communities.
Discussions regarding constructing a Catholic school in Tecumseh began in 1957, when Msgr. Sylvester Wagner was pastor. Father James Halligan continued the drive for funds in 1959, and construction of the school started in 1962. On Aug. 16, 1963, St. Andrew School was blessed by Bishop James Casey.
The Felician Sisters of Polonia, Wisc., agreed to staff the new school. Sister Gertrudis Bielamowicz and Sister Juliana Malczewski began classes in the new school Sept. 3, 1963, with 42 students in grades 1-6. Each year, enrollment increased, and by the fifth year enrollment had doubled. St. Mary School in St. Mary consolidated with St. Andrew School in 1967. In the late 1970s, a bus started bringing students from the Steinauer area south of Tecumseh to attend St. Andrew School.
Before the convent in Tecumseh was completed in 1966, the sisters resided and commuted from the convent at St. Mary. Grades 7 and 8, along with pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, were eventually added.
In addition to the Felician Sisters, the Marian Sisters of Waverly and the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, Kan., also served and staffed the school.
Today, the students thoroughly enjoy the regular visits by Father Christopher Kubat, Father Thomas McGuire, the School Sisters of Christ the King and the Marian Sisters, as well as the library volunteers who read with the students.
With the help of parents and parishioners, a variety of school fundraisers occur throughout the year, such as rummage sales, burrito sales, and a raffle. The proceeds from these activities go toward helping with the cost of operating the school and for student scholarships.
Other events and happenings throughout the year that the students look forward to include a trip to the zoo each fall, the All Saints presentations by the students in grades 3 through 6, preparing a Thanksgiving meal lunch for all the students and teachers by grades K-2, the annual Christmas program, making gingerbread houses, Catholic Schools Week activities, May Crowning, and the cookout lunch for the last day of school.
Each school year is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and discover new passions. The main focus is to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to do his or her best. The teachers do an excellent job in exploring new topics, building important skills, and celebrating each student’s unique strengths. They make learning fun!
