Progress report

Perhaps taking a cue from their new mascot, the students of Ss. John Neumann-Maria Goretti High School surprised administrators at opening ceremonies this month by behaving like saints.

The goodwill and school spirit that flowed from the opening events — including a flame-lighting ceremony, an official dedication Mass with Cardinal Justin Rigali and an invitation-only installation service — continued on Sunday with a community block party and open house.

Despite a light turnout, most in attendance agreed that after a year of turmoil, the merged school is off to a promising start.

"Everything’s been wonderful so far," Neumann-Goretti principal Patricia Sticco said during a break from serving hot dogs to visitors. "We had a year to grieve and get ready for this, but now that it’s here, we’re able to focus on all of the positive things."

The perks include interior renovations to the former Goretti building at 10th and Moore streets, a refinished gymnasium, new computer labs and new uniforms.

"The sports uniforms excited everybody," said Jordan Fuller, a sophomore and member of the junior-varsity football squad. "But it’s more than that. The teachers are good, and they really thought of everything to make this easy on us."

Administrators tried to make the transition easy on residents as well, taking into consideration their concerns about the noise, litter and after-school loitering that could result from the influx of new students.

Sticco said the school even enlisted the help of Councilman-at-Large James Kenney, who assured officials that police officers would help direct traffic during the daily exodus of 1,220 students.

"I can’t say we’ve had any trouble with them," said Jennie Panvini, a resident of 10th and Morris streets who turned out for a tour of the building. "We’re glad that the school stayed here. You can see they’ve put a lot of work into this place, and I think it’s paying off."

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia added close to $400,000 to the school’s operating budget to assist with moving and renovation costs. Neumann-Goretti has contributed money of its own to improve the building, noted school president Rev. Michael Olivere.

"We’re constantly trying to improve things," he said. "I always go back to the idea that this is a new school, and we’re really turning it into a new building."

Sunday’s shindig also offered students and administrators a break from two hectic weeks to reflect on the consolidation.

Olivere couldn’t help but smile as he walked through the schoolyard, greeting neighbors and joking with students, the weight of the merger finally off of his shoulders.

"I feel a lot more relieved," said the president, who spent a year championing the consolidation plan while dealing with concerns and resentment from both schools’ faculty and staff members. "All the way around, my expectations have been exceeded. The kids have really stepped up to the plate and settled in well. They’ve set the standard for the adults."

Olivere said he still expects philosophical differences to arise as the faculties get used to operating side by side.

"The wedding’s over. Now we have to get used to being married and being together on a daily basis," he said.

In the meantime, the students who formerly attended St. John Neumann or St. Maria Goretti seem pretty comfortable with the new arrangement.

"Overall, I think everyone’s OK with this," offered junior Austin Ragno. "Some guys miss the old building and how things used to be, but they’re getting used to it here."

Sophomore Eleanora Robinson said she isn’t fazed by the presence of male classmates.

"It’s really no big deal. To me, it’s like being in grade school again," she said.

But Goretti alumnae longed for the good old days as they surveyed trophy closets adorned with pictures of old Neumann teams.

"The boys invaded our school!" said Ashley Buonomo, a 2003 graduate. "I never would have come here if it was coed. It would’ve been too hard to focus."

If the boys and girls are distracting each other, they weren’t showing it during the elaborate opening exercises on Sept. 8, which included a prayer service at McNichol Field, a march down 10th Street and a flag ceremony. Olivere and Sticco praised the students’ poise during the event.

"I was overwhelmed when I got on stage and looked out at all of the students in the auditorium," Sticco said. "Seeing that many kids took some getting used to, but they really were terrific."

With the opening fanfare behind them, school officials now expect the students to settle into their routines.

Activity clubs, including the National Honor Society and Community Service Corps, have begun meeting, and a back-to-school dance is planned for tomorrow night.

Educators said the school’s newly revamped second-floor library will assist students with virtually any project. The facility features state-of-the-art computers, new desks and more than 1,000 volumes of books that were moved from Neumann’s building.

"It really looks fabulous," beamed Luis DeVelasco, the assistant principal for student affairs. "This is a great place to do Internet research, relax or get some work done."

Paul D’Amore, the school’s new disciplinarian, also has met with students to explain the conduct code.

"They all know where we’re coming from and what’s expected of them as the year moves forward," he said.

So far, the students’ behavior outside the school hasn’t raised any red flags, the disciplinarian said.

"The complaints we get are the ones [Goretti] was getting for years — the kids are sitting on people’s steps, dropping trash, that sort of stuff," he said. Olivere’s thoughts already have turned toward future renovation plans, including new desks in all of the classrooms and new seats in the auditorium.

For now, however, he is just thankful that the school is up and running.

"A lot of people doubted that we would get everything ready on time and, briefly, I doubted it too," he said. "Part of me just wants to enjoy this moment, but now we have to focus on the school year. It’s business as usual."