After 50 years, it’s time for a little celebrating.

And that’s exactly what parents and staff have planned for Sunday Sept. to mark Divine Providence School’s 50th anniversary, which was Sept. 3. The day of celebration is scheduled to start with a 9:30 a.m. Mass inside the parish church, with a reception afterward in the school gym.

Staff and volunteers have been working to round up former students, staff and administrators to help participate in the Mass or reception.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Principal Jerry Spatara, who became principal July 1. “You think about all the history and tradition.”

Visitors may take a tour of the school Sunday and view memorabilia that will be on display. Carrie Lisy-Chavez, a member of the school’s marketing committee and former student, said they tried to search out old school uniforms, awards and photos.

She said she is pleasantly surprised with how the school has changed.

“Our school has kept up with every facet of technology. Our school has added a science lab,” she added. “It’s really nice to see that.”

The parish was established in 1956, but the school came about two years later.

The school opened with 281 children in first through sixth grades, Lisy-Chavez said. By 1967, attendance had jumped to 724 pupils.

“I graduated from the school and send my kids there now,” Lisy-Chavez said. “We have several families who sent 12 kids through there.”

In 1958, tuition cost $48 for one child for the year, and $100 a year for a family with two or more children. The average tuition now costs about $3,500 a year for a child to attend Divine Providence School, Spatara said.

About 200 children currently are enrolled at the school, Lisy-Chavez said.

“We have inherited a great school and a great tradition,” Spatara said.

He said he cannot wait to meet former staff and administrators.

“I think it’s going to be exciting,” he added, “the chance to reminisce about what it was like before.”