Polska Szkoła Sobotnia im. Bł. Ks. Jerzego Popiełuszki

About the school

Polish Saturday School named Blessed Priest Jerzy Popiełuszko in Derby, CT, was founded in 1986 by Father Roman Górowski. The school operates under the patronage of the Association of Parents and Friends of Polish Saturday School and is part of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Derby. The main goal of the school is to teach the Polish language, history and geography of Poland as well as familiarize students with the culture and traditions of their ancestors.

Curriculum

The school offers classes for about 140 students in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1-8, high school, and Polish-English classes. Classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays and last for 4 teaching hours each day. The program is implemented during 128 teaching hours per school year.

History

The school was initiated by Father Roman Górowski and its patron is Blessed Priest Jerzy Popiełuszko, who was murdered in a martyr's death. Since its inception, the school has been using a school building built in 1914, which is owned by the parish.

Additional activities

The school runs extracurricular activities such as UFFO Puppet Theatre and art circle. Since 2008, catechesis in Polish has been conducted, and students take the Sakrament of First Holy Communion at the Polish mass in St. Michael the Archangel Church in Derby.

Events and achievements

The school organizes charity events 'Children to Children' and participates in the Pułaski Parade in New York City. In 2002, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2016, teachers from the school were awarded the Medal KEN.