Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

      

  

Every January, Catholic schools across the nation celebrate the success of Catholic education. The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year is: "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service."

Total enrollment in Catholic schools for 2014-2015 in the United States is 1,974,578. In fact, Catholic schools enroll nearly half of all students in private schools. Why do so many families entrust the education of their children to Catholic schools? The National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) identifies three factors:

Ø  Children are taught Faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God

Ø  Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential

Ø  Service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship

Catholic schools also prepare their students to be future leaders, not only in our faith, but also in our country.  Here are a dozen reasons to promote our Catholic schools:

We offer an education that combines Catholic faith and teaching with academic excellence.

We partner with parents in the faith formation of their children.

We set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed.

We provide a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture, and life.

We use technology effectively to enhance education.

We instill in students the value of service to others.

We teach children respect of self and others.

We emphasize moral development and self-discipline.

We prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.

We have a 99% high school graduation rate, and 85% of our graduates go on to college.

We cultivate a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring, and effective.

We provide a safe and welcoming environment.

To celebrate Catholic Schools Week this year, St. Michael’s School has planned a variety of activities to recognize and thank students, parents, and staff for their contributions and commitment to Catholic education. We also recognize and thank St. Michael’s Parish for its continued support over the past 50 years. We are forging the way toward another 50 years of excellence!

Kathleen Mock

Principal