My Experience at San Miguel, by Kevin Regan   

My first experience upon coming to San Miguel was being greeted by a student who offered me a strong handshake and a warm smile. I knew it immediately: my sabbatical at The San Miguel School – Providence, after 30 years of teaching mostly seniors at La Salle Academy, had begun.

From the first minute of entering the simple school building, I felt at home. A school is first and foremost about people – the people who staff it and the students who seek the knowledge and love of its teachers. The sense of community here is strong, illustrated best by each of its members’ ability to welcome others.

The tone of the school is set everyday at morning assembly. Br. Lawrence Goyette, FSC, establishes an atmosphere conducive to learning while encouraging orderly student participation. The Pledge of Allegiance, reflection and the introduction of guests bring attention to the start of the school day. Morning Assembly with its 64 “Miguel Men,” despite it being held in close, unassuming quarters, is remarkably quiet.

Yet, when a peer or peers get recognized for an achievement, the room fills with approving and heartfelt applause. It is genuine. It is hardy. This mutual support is a balance to the healthy competition among the students. The education at Morning Assembly is real. The school’s academics, its teaching of age-appropriate social behaviors and the gift we can be to one another remind all in attendance of the promise of a new day.

I would describe San Miguel as a place of ordered activity. There is much movement of students. Traditional classes are complemented by many enriching activities. While some students practice for the play, Oliver, to be performed with the students from La Salle Academy, other students are involved in group guidance or learning literacy skills from a professor from Providence College.

Next ®