There is still much uncertainty in store for Wyoming Area Catholic School after a fire Tuesday caused students, staff, and faculty to evacuate — but the school is starting to put together a path forward.
Wyoming Area Catholic parents and guardians received a letter late Tuesday afternoon informing them of future plans for students. The letter, which was signed by Diocese of Scranton Superintendent of Schools Kristen Donohue and Wyoming Area Catholic Principal Eileen Rishcoff, indicated there would likely be no regular school until after Labor Day.
Students are expected to resume class Sept. 8 at St. Maria Goretti Parish a church in Laflin that has volunteered its religious-education classrooms for use by Wyoming Area Catholic. The letter stated that the school was “incredibly grateful to the parish” and that the parish was “offering to help as long as necessary while (the) school is being restored.”
While students find a new place to learn, Wyoming Area Catholic officials are planning how to repair their school. According to the letter, diocese and school officials have begun consulting with professionals to evaluate the fire damage. After this evaluation, school officials will determine what restoration work will be necessary before Wyoming Area Catholic can reopen.
“We want our students to go back to learning together as quickly as possible,” the letter signed by Donohue and Rishcoff stated. “But we will not rush that process at the expense of health and safety. Our students will return to Wyoming Area Catholic School only when we are confident that the building is safe.”
Wyoming Area Catholic students gather for mass after Tuesday’s fire at St. Maria Goretti Church in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Wyoming Area Catholic students gather for mass after Tuesday’s fire at St. Maria Goretti Church in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Tommy Morris, a 12-year-old Wyoming Area Catholic student, celebrates his birthday during mass at St. Maria Goretti Church in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Wyoming Area Catholic students gather for mass after Tuesday’s fire at St. Maria Goretti Church in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Wyoming Area Catholic students gather for mass after Tuesday’s fire at St. Maria Goretti Church in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Wyoming Area Catholic students gather for mass after Tuesday’s fire at St. Maria Goretti Church in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The fire at the Wyoming Area Catholic School in Exeter occurred Tuesday morning. Administration at the school was first notified of an issue when a teacher reported flickering lights. Amy Rosencrance, the safety and security coordinator for Wyoming Area Catholic, said she inspected the concern and noticed smoke, prompting an evacuation of the school. She said she later saw flames in two classrooms.
All students evacuated the building safely and there has been no report of injuries to staff or faculty. The full extent of the fire’s impact is unclear, though diocese and school officials have said there was significant damage to at least two classrooms, as well as smoke and water damage in other areas of the building. The cause of the fire is under the investigated of the State Police fire marshal.
While plans to restore the school is being developed, work to help students heal are underway.
The Wyoming Area Catholic community gathered Wednesday morning at St. Maria Goretti Parish to celebrate Mass. The letter described the Mass as an act of “coming together in prayer” and an “important first step in as (they) begin to process what happened and look ahead.” Counselors were scheduled to be on site at St. Maria Goretti to offer students guidance before Mass began.
“We recognize that an experience like this can be frightening, particularly for our youngest students,” stated the letter. “We encourage families to talk with their children, listen to their concerns, and reassure them that they are safe and surrounded by people who love and care for them.”