Our Journey – 40 Years of the School’s History
Forty years ago, in September 1985, thanks to the initiative of Nest 946 of the Polish Falcons of America, a Saturday Polish language school was brought to life. Dedicated members of the organization — Frank and Regina Grodzki, together with Grzegorz and Liliana Czechowicz — took the important step of registering the school with the Central Organization of Polish Supplementary Schools in America, laying the foundation for a tradition that continues to this day.
— 1985/1986
— 1986/1987
— 1987/1988
— 1988/1989
— 1989/1990
— 1990/1991
— 1991/1992
1985-1995
In its very first year, the school welcomed twelve students and had one dedicated teacher, Danuta Jankowska. Classes, lasting two hours, were held at the Polanka in Hillsborough, NJ. As the teacher fondly remembers, “the beginnings were difficult,” as children of different ages and varying levels of Polish language skills gathered in a single classroom. Despite the challenges, there was no shortage of heart and determination. Nest 946 of the Polish Falcons of America generously covered all of the school’s expenses, making it possible for this dream to take its first steps.
In the school’s second year, Father Stanislaw Walega, pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Bound Brook, NJ, generously opened the doors of the parish school building to the Polish language school. With this new home, the number of students grew to twenty. Danuta Jankowska continued as the devoted teacher, guiding her growing group of students with care and dedication.
The school expanded to two classes, each with twelve students. The teaching staff also grew, with Beata Jankowska and Teresa Zagajewska joining as teachers. The school’s spiritual guidance was entrusted to Father Józef Krajewski, who became its religious advisor. It was also during this time that a modest tuition fee was introduced to help support the growing needs of the school.
The number of students doubled, and the teaching staff continued to grow. Anna Grochocka joined the faculty and was appointed the school’s director. That same year, a special moment in the school’s young history took place — the annual Christmas celebration was visited by a crew from Polish television in New York, bringing excitement and a sense of pride to students, teachers, and families alike.
The school soon grew to thirty-eight students, and new teachers joined the faculty to meet the growing needs. Lidia Spychalska and Janusz Kowalczuk became part of the dedicated team of educators. That year also marked the formation of the first Parent Committee, with Jarema Krause appointed as its chairman — a meaningful step in building a close-knit, supportive school community.
That year, the number of instructional hours was increased to three, giving students even more time to learn and connect with their heritage. For the very first time, the students took part in a special Mother’s Day program during Polish School Day at the American Czestochowa — a proud and memorable moment for the young performers, their families, and teachers. To close out the school year, a joyful picnic was organized at Colonial Park, bringing together students, parents, and friends to celebrate another chapter in the school’s growing story.
A dance group was formed under the direction of Jacek Jackowski, adding a new and vibrant dimension to the school’s activities. New teachers, Stanisława Rosada and Lucyna Lis, joined the faculty as the school grew to forty-three students across four classes. Władysław Kulak was elected chairman of the Parent Committee, strengthening the school’s community bonds. To celebrate the end of the school year, the organizing body generously sponsored a memorable trip for the children to Hershey Park, PA — a joyful reward for their hard work and dedication.