Lestonnac to close in May

By Bruce Whetten
Douglas Dispatch
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 10:54 AM MST


Rosa Delia Quintana, director for Lestonnac Preschool on 10th Street, informed the parents of her 35 students last week the school will be closing at the end of this school year.


Lestonnac Preschool on 10th Street will be closing at the end of this school year. Lestonnac has been operating in Douglas since 1926. Bruce Whetten/Douglas Dispatch

“For several generations we, the Sisters of the Company of Mary, have had the privilege of educating many of the pre-school and kindergarten children in Douglas at Lestonnac Pre-school and Kinder, a press release given to the Douglas Dispatch said. “About eight years ago we had to leave Douglas due to personal and ministry needs in California. At that time Mrs. Rosa Delia Quintana was entrusted with the running of the facility. We wish to acknowledge and express our gratitude to her and the other teachers and aides during these past years for their generous dedication to this mission.”

The press release goes on to state that demographic changes and other educational resources within the city have impacted overall enrollment thus bringing about the closure.

“(This) is a painful decision given that Douglas holds a special place in the history of our province,” the release states. “Our sisters first came to Douglas in 1926 and opened the first convent of our community in the United States. We wish to stress that it has been our privilege to have served the people of Douglas throughout these many years and we wish to thank you most heartedly for entrusting the formation of your children to us.

“The closing of the school is not a termination of our relationship with the people of Douglas. We look forward to collaborating periodically in the ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame who live in our convent. God willing, we can continue with some contact.”

Quintana who has been at the school 32 years said she’s going to miss the children.

Kindergarten was dropped from the school several years ago and now the school, which employees six people, teaches kids ages 3, 4 and 5.

Sister Ernestine Velarde of the Sisters of the Company of Mary said from her office in California, enrollment has declined over the years and there was consideration of raising tuition but that would not adequately meet the needs.

“The funds have been exhausted,” she said.

The school is inviting its former students, their families and friends to a celebration of Thanksgiving on May 11, 2013.

Further details about that event will be forthcoming.

Copyright © 2013 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    ponchito wrote on Mar 12, 2013 2:17 PM:

    " Lestonacc is a great school its sad to see it close "

    Who could step in. wrote on Mar 6, 2013 5:43 PM:

    " @ Equate the problem is not for the city to fix. The Sisters In The Company of Mary closed the school..

    Loretto(Carmalites) would be the obvious solution,esp.since they took over Lestonnacs Kinder program which was part of the intended exit plan.

    But I seriously doubt Loretto (Carmalites) would do that. "

    To ELC wrote on Mar 6, 2013 10:47 AM:

    " If the ELC is such a great place for preschool education in Douglas, then why do so many DUSD employees send their children to Lestonnac? Not only that but so do law enforcement officials and others who have good jobs within various places in the community. I've personally heard the ELC is just a social enviroment since the kids only go for a couple hours a day. As a parent I want the best for my child's preschool education and an experience they will remember for life. "

    Concerned Douglas Native wrote on Mar 5, 2013 2:30 PM:

    " This is a very sad day for me. To read this and remember all the great memories. Does anyone know how much they need? Lestonnac is so very important and was such a great foundation for me personally and I know to many others. "

    ELC wrote on Mar 5, 2013 11:32 AM:

    " Douglas Unified School District has a great preschool program that is ongoing at Faras and at Clawson. I had my child in Ms. Joanie's class and that was the best experience I could have hoped for. Please don't forget about our district, we do have options. "

    KK1 wrote on Mar 5, 2013 10:23 AM:

    " This pre-school is a private school so when "Equate" wants the city to look into the matter, there is nothing the city can do. Here is the solution since the school is private why not all you people and alumni who want to keep the school open donate money and have fund raisers. Don't just sit around a say "it's a shame" Fix the problem "

    Equate wrote on Mar 4, 2013 4:05 PM:

    " Has the city looked into this? Perhaps they can do something about this. "

    Concerned Parent wrote on Mar 1, 2013 12:54 PM:

    " I am very upset that Lestonnac will be closing after May. Three and four year olds NEED a safe and quality place to learn. Where else is there in Douglas??
    My child who currently goes to Lestonnac has learnt so much in the few short months she has been there. It makes me sad that she nor her younger siblings will not have the same opportunities in the next years. "

    Sad Mother wrote on Mar 1, 2013 12:38 PM:

    " I was shocked that the school is closing. None of the alternatives in town compare to the staff and quality of Lestonnac. Thank you Mrs. Q, and everyone else, for all your hard work. "

    former student wrote on Mar 1, 2013 7:57 AM:

    " It is very sad to see this school go, however thank you very much Mrs. Quintana and staff for everything you did. "

    Im sad wrote on Feb 28, 2013 8:59 PM:

    " It's sad that the Sisters in The Company of Mary gave up on Douglas and the Mother House for bigger and better things in California. The've been awaiting a departure for many years. Once Loretto took over Kinder, and the Sisters of Notre Dame secured the Mother House the plan was implemented.


    Mrs Quintaqna your a wonderful wonderful teacher, leader and friend of the families my children enjoyed thier days with Sr Amparo, Sr. Jean, staff, and yourself.

    I hope and pray that there is a plan to comntinue or "re-start" a Catholic pre-school/day-care facility for our Douglas little ones.

    Thank you Lestonnac, this catholic family will remember your importance to our Douglas community,and our children... "

    sad wrote on Feb 28, 2013 8:49 PM:

    " I went to Lestonnac and every time I'm visiting Douglas and going down tenth street I see the school and the playground brings back such good memories. Well Douglas another one bites the dust. What's going to come on that property another dollar store? "

    OUCH wrote on Feb 28, 2013 2:37 PM:

    " I still remember when Sister Helen hit my hand with a ruler because I was not holding my pencil correctly.

    To this day I hold it correctly and sometimes smile with the memories of Sister Helen.

    (Please note, Sister Helen had permission from my parents to do this and IT WAS NOT ABUSE! This was 32 years ago and was warranted!!!!)

    Thank you!!! "

    sad parent wrote on Feb 28, 2013 10:44 AM:

    " it is indeed very sad to see this school close, has this been brought to the city of douglas's attention perhaps something can be done. Or at least something can be done to show some appreciaton for Mrs. Quintanas excellent job that she has done. "

    UPSET PARENT wrote on Feb 28, 2013 8:30 AM:

    " I TOTALLY AGREE MY CHILDREN ALL WENT TO LESTONNAC AND THE EDUCATION THEY RECIEVED THERE WAS SIMPLY THE BEST NOT TO MENTION THE COUNTLESS MEMORIES MY KIDS HAVE OF THAT SCHOOL ESPECIALLY FROM THE DIRECTOR MRS. QUINTANA. I WISH SOMETHING COULD BE DONE TO SAVE THIS SCHOOL FROM CLOSING BECAUSE LESTONNAC IS SIMPLY ONE OF THE BEST PRE SCHOOLS I HAVE EVER SEEN. THANK YOU MRS. QUINTANA FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. "

    Parent wrote on Feb 28, 2013 7:26 AM:

    " This makes me sad, my children went to Lestonac and they loved it. Lestonac provided religion and pre-school. Thank you Mrs. Quintana for all the years of service. "

    Lestonnac Alumni wrote on Feb 27, 2013 7:19 PM:

    " It is unbelieveable that such an awesome preschool is closing. This article brought tears to my eyes. Preschool education is so important for children especially in Douglas where we are so limited to early childhood resources. I attended Lestonnac as a child and those learning experiences have always been a part of my memories. Our early childhood resources are so limited in Douglas as well as having the confidence to leave our children with such caring adults. Something must be done to keep this wonderful place from closing.... "

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