As we embark upon a new school year at St. Rose Elementary, it is important to reflect upon the traditions that have kept us great!
The Birth of Public School District #14-15 - 103 Years
St. Rose Elementary School District #14-15 was born 100 years ago through the consolidation of other area schools in 1924. 100 Years later, due to the community's unwavering support, St. Rose Elementary is able to continue to provide its students with the tools to be successful in school and in life.
To share how far we have come we must first look at how St. Rose Elementary School came to exist. The exact year is not known, however, the quest for academic pride came to our area long before 1924.
Even before 1881, there was a strong following to educate youth in our area. Surrounding communities had schools such as the Turner School located about two miles south of town; the Taylor School which was two miles east; Fricker School about three miles north west; and the Sutton School which was a mile and half southwest and the Beckmann School located to the north were the first academic schools in our area. In 1818 the original Catholic School was built on church property at the request of German immigrants (mostly farmers) wanting their children to be taught by a Catholic School Teacher with their instruction in German.
In 1921, the surrounding schools were experiencing a drop in enrollment to the extent that District 14 and 15 was consolidated and with the approval of Father Quack and the parishioners of St. Rose School. The parish school was then leased to the consolidated districts creating District #14-15. The newest of the public school buildings that were consolidated were purchased by the Parish and moved onto the school grounds to add room for the new students. St. Rose Elementary School District has been recognized as a public school since 1921.
The School Building Structure - 100 Years
In 1924, the current two story building on the southwest corner was designed by Architect Frank Ludewig and cost $34,700 to construct. As today, many people helped with construction and kept the cost down.
A kitchen and dining hall were added in 1959 that is now Ms. Faust’s 5th & 6th Grade Language Arts Classroom and Teacher Workroom. In 1965 and 1967, the district added mobile units to house the growing number of students and the ability to provide music, chorus, and band.
The next major addition to St. Rose Elementary was In 1970 as the gym was constructed along with the current day kitchen, cafeteria, and bathrooms.
Lastly, 24 years ago in 2000, four classrooms and the school office were added through a State Construction Grant. This addition connects the original school of 1924 to the cafeteria and gym that we know and love today.
Most recently we have completed a number of renovations and projects all done through community support and efforts to maintain the integrity of the building to support students and the community. Recent efforts have included the kitchen and cafeteria renovations, upgrades to HVAC throughout the building, upgraded marquee and sound system in the gym
Much of the architecture has stood the test of time and is still preserved from the brick archways, high ceilings and wood floors in the 1924 section of the building.
Traditions are nothing short of a belief or vision and the willingness to sustain them over time. St. Rose is rooted in tradition!
