Cotter Opens St. Luke Hall

Submitted by JANA KORDER

Cotter’s St. Luke Hall, a Kindergarten through Grade 6 building, opened in August of 2023.

“We are tremendously blessed to be able to provide our students the opportunity to learn in a beautiful, safe, and welcoming space”, said Cotter Schools President Mary Eileen Fitch. “The students’ learning experience was the lens through which the design process and decisions were made, and the positive energy in the building reflects this. Students are so excited to come to learn, work, pray, and play here, and that attitude leads to high engagement, which fosters both higher achievement and the development of the whole child. The physical space can truly impact the learning experience, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with this gift for our students, families, and staff.”

Students from three campuses united in a single, dynamic learning environment. Cotter’s One Campus Plan is coming to fruition and we couldn’t be more excited. It is a wonderful gift to be able to have our students of all ages learning in spaces that are in close proximity to one another. Not only is the one campus model convenient for families but already we’ve made great connections within our school community. The mentorship opportunities not only enhance the learning experience but also create a sense of community and responsibility among the students.

Cotter’s high school National Honor Society members spend time twice a week helping at the St. Luke’s playground during their recess. Students in fourth grade are reading buddies with our St. Mary’s preschoolers. As our enrollment continues to grow, we look forward to developing even more opportunities for students of various ages to mentor, lead, and learn important lessons from one another.

In naming the elementary building, Cotter Schools sought to align the name of the building with a saint whose values and themes were consistent with the mission and identity of our school, and whose name was not already identified with a building in the Winona area. St. Luke the Evangelist seemed a wonderful fit. St. Luke is believed to be the author of the Gospel that bears his name as well as the Acts of the Apostles. He was a close friend and follower of St. Paul. Their mission together was to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

When asked what he loves most about the new learning space, St. Luke Hall Principal Pat Bowlin said, “Where to start with what we love about our new building is a great challenge. The natural light that flows throughout the building, the spacious hallways, state-of-the-art classrooms, and the beautiful bluffs outside our windows would certainly be on the shortlist, but that would leave out the spacious band room, STEM lab, and new gym. However, it all pales in comparison to the smiles on our students' faces as they enter their new school. I continually use the word 'blessed' when speaking about St. Luke. Blessed by benefactors who care deeply about our mission and the future of Catholic education. Blessed by so many creative and hard-working people who planned and then built this school. Their generosity and talents will allow our 481 students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade to lead us forward into the great 150-year tradition of Catholic elementary schools in Winona. Our new adventure has begun and we could not be more excited.”

Jana Korder works in communications, marketing and brand identity for Cotter Schools in Winona.