After enrollment dropped 80 percent at St. Francis Xavier in Moundsville, and rumors of it closing down spread, school officials and parents are working overtime to bring more students into the school and get more grade-level offerings.

"There was a rumor here last summer that we were going to shut down. We had 155 kids last year; now, we are down to 40," said former principal Cathy Frame.

Frame, who retired two years ago, stuck with the school for guidance and to help grow enrollment.

"Next year we hope to add grades 3, 4 and 5 into our curriculum. Right now, we are only offering pre-school through second grade. We are working really hard to do that, including our parishioners, faculty and parents," said Frame.

Parent Monica Miller said that she will not let St. Francis Xavier fade away.

"My child is in the second grade, and I am confident that we will be able to have a third grade here next year," said Miller.

Recently, the school received several grants to help improve technology in the school.

Current principal Sharon Wolen, who has been a part of the school for 38 years, said that St. Francis Xavier has always been a part of her life.

"I said, ‘Anything I can do to help,’ to the diocese and parents. My heart is at this school. These are my children, and their parents are my children that I taught," said Wolen.

To learn more about St. Francis Xavier, go to stfrancis-school.net.