January 25, 2008

Catholic Schools Week Supplement

Top 10 ways parents can observe Catholic Schools Week

Special to The Criterion

Catholic Schools Week is not just for school children. Here are 10 ways for parents to participate in the annual celebration of Catholic education, according to the National Catholic Educational Association:

  1. Write a note of appreciation to your children’s teachers. Thank them for the attention and energy they give your children every day, and for their dedication to Catholic education.
  2. Donate books or other learning materials to the school library. Ask the librarian if the school needs books on certain subjects or for particular grade levels.
  3. Volunteer to help plan and carry out Catholic Schools Week activities, even if you only have a short time to contribute.
  4. Write a thank you note to that ­special teacher from your own Catholic school days who had a significant impact on your life.
  5. Set aside time for family prayer for all those who contribute to the success of your children’s school, including students, teachers, staff members and volunteers. Add a prayer for vocations to continue the Catholic education tradition in your community and across the country.
  6. Join in the fun. Gather the entire family—from younger siblings to grandparents—and participate in the week’s events at your children’s school.
  7. Write a letter to your parish priest, thanking him for supporting the Catholic school.
  8. If through your work or volunteer ­activities you learn of a need in the community that ­students at your children’s school can help fill, recommend a service project for Catholic Schools Week or beyond. Better yet, volunteer to organize it.
  9. Extend a special invitation to your school’s open house and other Catholic Schools Week events to friends and neighbors who might want to learn more about the value of a Catholic education.
  10. Write a letter to your representatives in the U.S. Congress and the Indiana ­legislature to let them know why Catholic education is important to you and your community. †

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