Catholic Schools Week kicks off today – The Steubenville Herald

The Catholic school system embodies three characteristics – faith, academics and service.

That is the message being passed to students from countries across the world as they prepare for Catholic Schools Week, which will run today through Feb. 5. The theme for 2012 is “Catholic Schools – Faith. Academics. Service,” and will focus on the “three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out,” according to officials with the National Catholic Education Association.

Catholic schools are teaching students “not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God,” officials said.

Local principals are sharing this sentiment.

“Many events and activities for the students have been planned to promote the Catholic identity of Madonna,” Principal John Mihalyo said.

Today, students are being encouraged to attend Mass at their home parish, with St. Joseph the Worker Parish holding a 10:30 a.m. service, St. Paul at 11 a.m., Sacred Heart of Mary at 9 a.m. and St. Anthony at 10:30 a.m.

Monday will provide a presentation by Dr. Paul Wright, who will speak about his time with Mother Teresa. Members of the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights will meet at the high school on Tuesday, with a chance for Interact members to participate.

On Wednesday, the school will participate in an Ambassador Exchange Program where students and teachers from Bishop Donahue and Wheeling Central will visit Madonna for the day.

Thursday is Staff Appreciation Day, and students are encouraged to thank their teachers and other school staff for their work. Student Appreciation Day will be Friday, and will include a dress down day with Madonna gear for students to showcase their school spirit.

St. Paul School also has a variety of activities planned for the week, beginning with Music Monday. Students can wear their favorite team sports gear and everyone is encouraged to get up and dance whenever they hear music played throughout the day.

Tuesday will feature Pajama Day for students in kindergarten through fourth grade and Mix and Match Day for students in fifth through eighth grades.

Wednesday there is a $1 fee Dress Day, with proceeds donated to a local charity. Second through fifth grade classes will have the finals of the school spelling bee at 1 p.m. and students in grades 6 through 8 will play a game of Jeopardy, with the winning team going against the teachers.

A free dress and movie day will take place Thursday, with classrooms in kindergarten through fourth grade showing a different movie on the Smart Boards. Fifth through eighth grade students will spend the afternoon at the Millsop Community Center.

Friday will be Green and White Spirit Day, with an afternoon pep rally introducing all the sports teams and a performancy by the cheerleaders. The loudest class will win a treat.

Dolores Michnowicz, vice principal of Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, said Catholic Schools Week is vital because “Catholic education leads to endless possibilities.”

“It’s a time celebrate the existence of Catholic schools and the values and beliefs that hold the foundation,” said Michnowicz.

Activities planned for students at Catholic Central include a Catholic Schools Week kickoff with many parishes planning pancake breakfasts after Mass today.

A pep rally for winter sports will be held Monday, as well as School Spirit Day where students can dress in school colors. Other events are Student Appreciation Day with an ice cream social on Tuesday, as well as options to dress down in professional or college sports clothing and a Minute to Win It competition; Wednesday, an academic team meet versus faculty; a 10 a.m. Mass at Triumph of the Cross Church on Thursday and special presentations in religion classes; and Friday, Teacher and Staff Appreciation Day.

“Catholic Central High School, as well as all Catholic schools are rooted in the Catholic faith, with a proven history of academic excellence and commitment to service in our schools, churches and community. A dedicated staff assumes the responsibilities of educating the whole student spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially. There is a history of developing strong leaders,” said Michnowicz.

Bishop John King Mussio Central Elementary School Vice Principal Vicki Nurczyk stated that the “whole idea (of Catholic Schools Week) is to make them (the pupils) understand that the Catholic education is different, unique and creates endless possibilities.”

BJKM will kickoff the week with a pancake breakfast being held today after Mass at Triumph of the Cross in Steubenville.

Pupils on Monday will be “saluting their nation” by dressing in red, white and blue and attending a patriotic prayer service in the morning, said Nurczyk. They also will be creating a prayer chain for military men and women that will stretch around the school’s gymnasium.

Also, Tuesday is Career Day and pupils are encouraged to dress in attire that represents their future career.

An assembly will be held in the afternoon with parents and grandparents speaking about how Catholic education influenced their lives and careers. Pupils will provide the A.I.M. Women’s Center with a baby product, as well.

Vocations celebrated with Mass and an afternoon magic show are planned Wednesday. Other events include Student Appreciation with Mix and Match Clothing Day of Thursday as well as missionary Katie Guesto speaking about her experiences; and Friday, a celebration of teachers and staff as well as a parents’ talent show are set.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time and celebrated (Catholic Schools Week) quite a lot. In the past, it’s always made such an impression on the kids,” said Nurczyk.