"We have never planned to close the doors of Holy Cross School and never will," he said. Wednesday.

Belizzi, who has been principal at Holy Cross School since July 2005, said the school is committed to the community and the students, and that rumors the school is closing are untrue.

With an enrollment of 170 students and an average class size of 15, Bellizzi said the individual attention students receive is invaluable.

"From pre-K to eighth grade, we have only one class per grade, and we want to keep it that way," Belizzi said. "This school gives us the ability to shape the children not only academically, but to connect with the whole child and provide them with a safe and secure environment."

Bellizzi said that since taking over six months ago, "I think what I’ve brought to this school through my experience is a fiscal responsibility and sense of commitment to make sure that we give our all to the community.

"The biggest challenge for me has been to help maintain a high level of academic achievement. I’m reinforcing what’s already been in place and making sure the community knows that we are here for them.

"Although we have similar curriculum as in the public schools, we’re different because we can educate the whole child. We teach religion to children and moral and ethical development, which makes for a more productive and happy environment."

Bellizzi said he believes the school is stronger than ever. It is currently gearing up for National Catholic Schools Week, which begins Sunday. And in an effort to reach out to the community and attract new students, it will hold an open house Sunday at 11 a.m., following 10 a.m. Mass.

"I love being here at the school. There is a reciprocal love between the students and faculty," Bellizzi said.

"I’m also excited about the direction that Holy Cross is going. We have a new Web site and we want the community to see us as a helpful resource as well as an institution of education. Education is more than just the three Rs."

The Holy Cross school Web site is www.holy-cross-school.org.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 221.