Polish Saturday School in San JoseHistory and activity of the School
by Alicja Sulczynska (translated by Czeslaw Olechno-Huszcza; edited by Gillian Olechno-Huszcza)
The Polish Saturday School in San Jose began its seventh year in 1994. It was founded in 1986 by Mrs. Miroslawa Bednarczyk and her entire family, with the encouragement and support of the Polish Ladies' Circle. In 1990 Mrs. Alicja Sulczynski took over and is still in charge. Over the years things have changed, children came and went and the school changed location four times. In 1991 it acquired new and more suitable quarters. The American School at the Church of St. Cyprian in Sunnyvale made its premises available for the Polish School. Credit for this progress belongs largely to Father Andrzej Maslejak, the former pastor (editor note - the present pastor of the Polish Church of Our Lady of the Bright Mount in Los Angeles) as well as to the present pastor, Father Stanislaw Zak who found room both for the priests and for the Polish school at St. Cyprian's church.
The school has made considerable progress since the early years. CIassrooms are well equipped; there is a playing field, gym and a large fenced-area where children can play safely during recess. This year a pre-school group of three to five year-olds was added to the existing classes. Activities were expanded from two Saturdays a month to three. The majority of teachers have received teacher training and so are well qualified for this kind of work. The main emphasis is placed on teaching the Polish language, both spoken and written. In the senior classes the history and geography of Poland are taught as well as selected aspects of the culture of the country with special attention given to its most well known representatives. In addition, lessons in religion are taught within the school program and children are prepared for their First Holy Communion. Recently a program of Scouting was initiated, starting with a troop of Brownies and two troops of Cubs. A Boy Scout Troop also is planned for the near future.
During the school year the management and teachers, with considerable help from parents, organized a few major events for the students, including a Santa CIaus carnival, a ball, picnic, and several celebrations connected with traditional Polish holidays and anniversaries such as the Independence of Poland and the celebration of the Constitution of May 3rd. Much success has been achieved by Christmas plays staged by the students during the traditional Polish Christmas Eve, organized every year by the parish of Swiety Brat Albert (Saint Brother Albert). It is obvious that the school program caters not only to the academic education of Polish children but also to their social and cultural enrichment in all areas close to the hearts of their parents and ancestors.
From: Polish Americans in California, vol. II. National Center for Urban Ethnic Affairs & Polish American Historical Association. California 1995.