Parade, pep rally celebrate Catholic Schools Week

Catholic schools in urban areas have been hit especially hard by a combination of changing demographics, rising tuition, and increased competition from free, public charter schools, but there are groups experimenting with ways to reverse those trends, such as the charter school-like network of Catholic schools in New York City called The Partnership for Inner City Education.

National Catholic Schools week is officially underway. The entire school community came together to break the world record for the most people assembled dressed as dogs; they chose to portray Dalmatians in celebration of the 101st day of school. Faith, knowledge and service are integral components of Catholic education and are the core of any Catholic School. “They’re looking for a unique learning experience, and I think that’s something we can provide and it’s very meaningful for them”. The St. Columban Kindergarten School was abuzz with activity while many young parents began the process of application for their child to join the classes of Mary Krause and Elyse Tollefson for the next school year. Catholic Schools Week was an opportunity to celebrate all of them as well to “celebrate within our community the gift of Catholic education”, said Longe. As part of National Catholic Schools Week, students are making the necklaces that will be distributed to Heritage Square, Liberty Court, and the Lee County Nursing Home.

To celebrate faith, all students and staff said a rosary together in the school hallways on January 26, had an all-school Mass on Thursday and a student-led closing Mass on Sunday.

“We celebrated and tried to get the word out to the general community in which our schools are located”, said Longe.