October 2002 - All friends of St. Elizabeth School are invited to attend the dedication of the new outdoor courtyard on Tuesday, November 12, at 10 a.m.

“We look forward to creating a space that will be peaceful and life-giving for the school community,” says Principal Sr. Noreen Nolan, O.P. “It will truly embody our mission of educating the whole child, spiritually, physically and academically.”

The “Peace Garden” will also honor those who died in the crash of American Airlines Flight 587, bound for the Dominican Republic one year ago. The neighborhood of Washington Heights suffered a great loss; St. Elizabeth Parish held funeral masses for 11 of the victims.

The victims and their families will be remembered in prayer at the dedication, which will feature student speakers, art projects and music. Refreshments will follow.

These initial renovations, provided by a Neighborhood Grant from Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, and individual donors, will be part of a three-year plan of fund-raising and beautification of the space.

The courtyard will be used for the After-School Program, prayer services, and as part of classroom instruction. Students will learn to plant and grow food in the garden, while studying aqua-culture farming as part of their Learning Technology Grant from the New York State Department of Education.

See pictures of the ceremony on our Photos Page.

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