St. Joseph marking national observance

Next week St. Joseph Catholic School will take part in Catholic Schools Week 2011. They are encouraging families to visit the school Wednesday to learn more about Catholic schools.

St. Joseph Catholic School has 108 students in kindergarten through eighth grade plus 25 preschoolers enrolled. The school is hoping the open house will help increase their student enrollment.

According to a letter sent home to parents and parishioners, St. Joseph Catholic School and the Parish School of Religion will jointly celebrate Catholic Schools Week with an open house on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The parish children and their parents are invited to share and celebrate their Catholic identity.

Activities planned include a prayer service, a Powerpoint presentation of school activities, the viewing of student projects, classroom demonstrations including Pathways to Reading, an “I Have A Dream” speech and computer generated activities performed by students.

National Catholic Schools week runs Jan. 30 through Feb. 5. The theme for this year is A+ For American Catholic Schools.

“This theme celebrates the fact that Catholic schools are added value (”a plus”) for the nation. Due to the fact the Catholic schools have high academic standards, high graduation rates and are supported by strong moral values, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to the American Society,” stated the letter sent home to parents.

Actives for Catholic Schools week include:

Sunday – “A+ for America: In our Parish” breakfast will be served after the 9 a.m. service for all Knights of Columbus and their families.

Monday –  “A+ for America: In Our Community,” Students are asked to bring donations (money/canned food) to the Fathers Table.

Tuesday – “A+ for America: In Our Students,” The students may dress out of uniform, get pizza for lunch and go to the Roller Zone in the afternoon for an activity.

Wednesday –  “A+ for America: In Our Nation,” The students will make get well cards that sent to a military hospital to give the service men/women a get well after they have been hurt. There will be an Arts and Education Fair in the evening showcase what their students have done.

Thursday –  “A+ for America: In Our Vocations,” Students will write an age appropriate paper about why they are Alive in Christ. Father Rickey, Father James and Sr. Barbara will be invited to lunch in the cafeteria and then be shown all the papers the students have written.

Friday –  “A+ for America: In Our Faculty, Staff and Volunteers,” Parents and students can enjoy a family picnic at 11:30 in the gym.

For more on St. Joseph Catholic School call the school office at 756-6312 or visit their website at www.stjospehfarmington.com.