Catholic Schools Week, the annual celebration of Catholic schools and their contribution to their communities and the nation, is set for Jan. 27 through Feb. 2, 2008. For more than three decades, the nation's Catholic schools have spent the last week of January recalling what makes Catholic education special.
The 2008 theme is "Catholic Schools Light the Way," which highlights the mission of Catholic schools to provide a faith-based education that supports the whole child academically and spiritually and prepares students for future success.
"As a result of the excellent, multifaceted education they are receiving today, our students will 'light the way' to a brighter future through their leadership in our communities, government, businesses and families," said Dr. Karen M. Ristau, president of the National Catholic Educational Association.
Across the country, schools will observe the week with special Masses, community service projects, academic and artistic showcases, and athletic and family events. Many schools will hold open houses so that community members can learn more about the value of Catholic education.
On National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools on Jan. 30, delegations of students, faculty and parents will visit Washington, D.C., and many state capitals to promote awareness among government leaders of the contributions of Catholic education. Nearly 2.4 million students attend the nation’s 7,800 elementary, middle and secondary Catholic schools.
St. Anthony School, Casa Grande
KINDERGARTEN – 8TH GRADE ACTIVITIES:
On Sunday, January 27, 2008 (the first day of Catholic Schools Week), Mrs. Ocampo, principal, will talk about our school at each Mass and have some of our children (wearing their uniforms) bring up symbols that relate to the Student Learning Expectations at our school and place them at the foot of the altar:
Being Academically Prepared -- A Notebook, Textbook, and Globe
Being Responsible Citizens -- American Flag and Safety Patrol Vest
Being a Lifelong Learner -- Dictionary, Laptop
Being a Faith Filled Person -- Cross, Bible, Poster with Holy Cards, Rosaries, and other Faith-Inspired Items
We will have our registration for next year starting in Catholic School Weeks using the motto, "Re-invest in Catholic Education."
We will be selling St. Anthony's Catholic Schools Week 2008 T-shirts (designed by our own Erin Seymour), and the students may wear them throughout the week.
We will be placing a big banner in our courtyard that has the theme for this year's Catholic Schools Week, "Catholic Schools Light the Way."
We will be distributing "Catholic Schools Week" stickers and bookmarks to the students.
On Monday, Jan. 28, we will have "Friends of the School Day." We will be introducing various community members who have helped our school at Morning Prayer.
Tuesday, Jan. 29, is "Dawn with Dad Day"- Students may bring their dad/grandpa in to have a Light Breakfast to start the day. Students may wear their favorite Sports Team shirt with their uniform bottoms. If it is a tank top, they must wear a T-shirt underneath.
Wednesday, Jan. 30- is "Teacher Appreciation Day"- Students may bring an apple in for their teacher. The apples will be shared with St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. This also Wacky Hair Day. The students may come to school with their hair done in a "wacky" fashion. They are not allowed to do their hair once they get to school. Also, no hair products are to be brought to the school.
Thursday, Jan. 31, is "Morning with Mom Day"- Students may bring their mom/grandma in with them to have a Light Breakfast to start the day. Student may wear Pajamas to school on this day. They must wear regular, closed-toed shoes with their pajamas (no slippers).
On Friday, Feb. 1, "Clergy Day"- Teachers and students will be making cards and/or gifts to present to Fathers Kevin and Bardo, and our Deacons after our School Mass.
PRESCHOOL ACTIVITIES:
They will have a "Clean Up Our School Day"
They will bring in fresh baked bread and apples to donate to St. Vincent de Paul.
They will "Leave Something Behind" putting their handprints on the wall.
They will demonstrate "Preschool Unity" by having a picnic together and playing a game together
St. Francis of Assisi School, Yuma
Sunday, January 27th, 11:00 am School Mass Kick Off
Monday, January 28th: Field Day, Science Fair All School Pictur, Crazy Socks Day
Tuesday, January 29th: Parent/ Student Lunch Crazy Hair Day
Wednesday, January 30th: Mass at IC, St. Francis, Immaculate Conception
and Yuma Catholic 10 am; Lunch for students provided by Dads' Club, Awards Assembly
Thursday, January 31st. Teachers' lunch provided by Home and School, Spelling Bee, Backwards Day
Friday, February 1st, Spirit Day, Gold and Green, Pep Rally
Immaculate Heart School, Tucson
Sunday: Mass of Thanksgiving for Beatified Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Monday: "In Our Faculty, Staff, and Volunteers" -- Mixed-Up Teacher Day; thank you notes to volunteers and staff; begin canned food and diaper drive
Tuesday: "In Our Students" -- Crazy socks and hats day; no Homework
Wednesday: "In Our Nation" -- Peace Poster Contest: each homeroom creates a poster, judging at faculty meeting Friday; winning class receives a pizza party from the principals
Thursday: "In Our Vocations" -- Each homeroom "adopts" a sister (to be assigned) to do something nice for on this day
Friday: "In Our Community" -- Final collection day for diapers and canned food
St. Joseph School, Tucson
St. Joseph Catholic School's Student Council and Honor Society members are preparing for a very hectic Catholic Schools Week.
This special week is organized around collecting donations for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Clinic. Each day, at morning assembly, the students, faculty and staff, bring in their donations of diapers, baby food, new clothing and gently used and/or new toys. This year, students are hoping to exceed their usual amount of donations, which normally totals two vanloads of donated items. The Junior High will also be having a Talent Show on Friday, with all monetary donations to be given to St. Elizabeth's Health Center.
Monday: Collecting diapers.
Tuesday: "Enhance the School Environment" Day. Cleaning all of the school grounds and classrooms. Collecting baby food.
Wednesday: "Family Appreciation" Day. Students will be writing thank you letters and cards for their families with a continental breakfast in the library. Parents may visit classrooms until the break. Collecting new clothes.
Thursday: "Student Appreciation" Day. Free dress and no homework. A skating party from 6-8 p.m. at Skate Country East (22nd & Pantano Parkway). Collecting new toys.
Friday: "Teacher/Staff Appreciation" Day. Special Assembly to present our donations to a St. Elizabeth 's Health Center representative, 9 a.m. school Mass, Junior High Talent Show, and luncheon for faculty/staff.
Sts. Peter and Paul School, Tucson
Sts. Peter and Paul School will celebrate Catholic Schools Week with the theme “Catholic Schools Light the Way.” The focus is on the leadership that Catholic Schools provide in guiding our graduates who will light the way to a brighter future for our nation and the world. Each day of Catholic Schools Week will feature a different theme with special activities that emphasize school spirit day, reading, student and teacher appreciation days, and an all-school liturgy.
Wednesday: Student Appreciation Day. Students may have free dress.
Thursday: Student Council will have a flower and bake sale. The flowers will cost 50 cents and will be delivered to staff.
Friday: Mass will be at 9:15 a.m. We will celebrate together.
Sacred Heart School, Nogales
Each class prepared a banner: LIGHT THE WAY...
Kinder To Faith
1st To The Holy Spirit
2nd To Our Future
2nd To Knowledge of God
3rd To Good Deeds
4th To Active Participation
5th To a Better World
6th To Heaven
These banners are hanging on the pillars of the church and on the pulpit. All those that attended Mass Sunday saw them.
Weekly activities
Monday -- The Walking Rosary
Tuesday -- 6th grade students will give a presentation to all the students on the 10 Commandments
Wednesday -- 5th grade students will give a presentation on Noah’s Ark by pictures they drew
Thursday -- 4th grade students will give a presentation on biblical sights and how they go with every day lives. "Answers to Realities."
Friday -- Fr. Martinez will give the students a presentation on God lighting the way for all of us.