History

St. Casimir Lithuanian Saturday School of Los Angeles was founded in 1949 by Msgr. Jonas Kučingis. The first classes were held in the parish garage. In 1953 six grades were established. After the present church was built, the school met in the upper hall and in the previous rectory. After the completion of the parish school structure, classes wer transferred there, where they continue to the present day. The first teachers were the Franciscan nuns, Ona Razutiene, and musician Antanas Skridulis. Sometime later the Sisters of St. Casimir came to teach. The principals of the school were the following: Sister Alfonsa, J. Kojelis, V. Tamulaitis, K.Barauskas, I. Medziukas, Rev. R. Kasponis, V. Paziūra, D. Polikaitiene, J. Pupius and from 1987 to the present, M.Sandanavičiūtė-Newsom. Violeta Gedgaudiene and Algis Žemaitaitis assisted in the administration of the school for several years.

The initial number of 25 students has grown to 170 today. Throughout the years, over 200 teachers worked at the school and over 1200 students attended. Families come from distant locations: Palm Desert, Orange County, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and, at one time, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Classes range from Kiškiai, the pre-school group, to 12th grade. An adult language class also meets every week. Teachers attend local educational conferences as well as the annual Teachers’ Week in Camp Dainava, Michigan.

Parents provide financial support as does the Lithuanian Foundation, the Lithuanian Educational Council, various organizations and generous individuals. The parent committee of the school oversees its financial and operating needs. Dignitaries, poets, journalists, and political figures from Lithuania and around the country are frequent guests who are always impressed with the sincerity and enthusiasm of the school community. The school follows an academic curriculum provided by the Lithuanian Educational Council, supplementing it with spiritual guidance, various commemorations, traditional feasts, contests, outreach activities, and preparations for song and dance festivals. Much is accomplished in 32 weeks. The celebration of its 65th anniversary this year proves that St. Casimir Lithuanian School has been, and continues to be, significant and successful in keeping the Lithuanian language and culture alive in the Los Angeles area.