Assemblyman Ed Ra speaks to parents, students, and community members on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, in support of St. Catherine of Sienna in Franklin Square. The Diocese of Rockville Centre's recent decision to close St. Catherine promoted an overwhelming response from the community to keep the school open, and planned a rally on school grounds to protest the potential closing.

Assemblyman Ed Ra (21st Assembly District) yesterday spoke at the first public rally with parents, students, and community members at St. Catherine of Sienna in Franklin Square following the announcement by the Diocese of Rockville Centre's decision to close the school. With over 200 parents, PTO members, and students attending to show their unity against the closing, Ra asked the Diocese to take a closer look at the potential short- and long-term consequences on local families and the community.

"St. Catherine of Sienna has served our community for generations, with a history of providing an excellent academic curriculum and atmosphere to thousands of students during their developmental years," said Ra. "The news that the Diocese of Rockville Centre has decided to close St. Catherine of Sienna at the end of the year is unfortunate and devastating for many. The impact of the closure would have negative consequences for both the community and local families. I joined the hundreds of parents, teachers, and community members tonight to ask the Diocese to consider these consequences before making a final decision. That would certainly be in the best interest of the community.

"One of the top concerns I have been hearing from parents has been their concern with the Diocese's decision and the lack of information for parents that prefaced it. When the school faced closure a few years ago, the community came together in every way possible to stop that. We're all here again tonight because we want to be part of the process and work in every way possible to save St. Catherine of Sienna. We're asking for a chance to again do what is necessary to keep the school open for its students."

Hundreds of parents, students, and community members demonstrated an outpouring of support in an effort to save St. Catherine of Sienna in Franklin Square from closing. Those who attended the rally proudly wore "S.O.S." (Save Our School) t-shirts.

Ra noted that he was encouraged by the support from the first rally at St. Catherine of Sienna, and urged residents with any questions or those who would like to take part in an effort to save the school from closing to contact him at his district office.

Assemblyman Ed Ra speaks with a concerned mother and her son at a rally to save St. Catherine of Sienna school on Wednesday, December 21, 2011.