Catholic School Week Highlights 2018
Submitted by Dr. Diana Gonzalez-Eastep on Tue, 2018-02-20 10:29
NCEA joined Catholic schools across the country to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week 2018 from January 28 to February 3. Through these events, schools focused on the value that Catholic education provides to young people and its contribution to our church, our communities and our nation.

Monday 1/29:
THEME: Celebrating Your Community: A central aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others. When students take part in service activities—both local and beyond—they demonstrate the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education and learn how to make the world a better place.

Students each participated in the Ark of Hope Activity in which they explored the principle that when we provide for our brothers and sisters around the world, our caring serves as an extension of the promise God made to Noah.

Tuesday 1/30:
THEME: Celebrating Your Students: Having students to reflect on the benefits of Catholic education and how the grounding in faith, knowledge and service will help them throughout their lives.

Students wrote on a heart shaped paper the reasons they enjoyed coming to St. Agatha. Their messages were displayed in the lobby of the school.

Wednesday 1/31:
THEME: Celebrating the Nation: On National Appreciation Day for Catholic schools, students, families, educators and other Catholic school supporters communicate the value of Catholic education to government leaders. They pray for the nation and recognize all those who serve it.

Students were asked to bring religious item, religious symbol, or story to share with their classmates. Also, Grade 7th graders (Ms. Varela – Government Class) wrote letters to members of state, local, and federal legislative bodies urging them to support legislation that assists parents, in exercising their right to choose the school they believe will best meet the needs of their children. The letters were mailed to the respective government official.

Thursday 2/1:
THEME: Celebrating Vocations: Catholic schools prepare children to use their God-given talents to the fullest later in life. National Catholic Schools Week offers an opportunity for students to explore the many life paths that enable them to use their talents well in the service of God and others.

Students in the varying classes wrote letters to various members of our St. Agatha Community, including: Our priests, deacons, rectory staff, CCD, School Administrators, Office Staff, After Care, Home and School, and Maintenance Staff. Additionally, Father Marcos and Father Antonio spoke to our 5th and 8th graders about their vocation.

Lastly, the school celebrated St. Agatha Night at FIU by watching a college basketball game while the basketball teams, dance and cheerleaders performed!

Friday 2/2:
THEME: Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers. Teachers are the backbone of Catholic schools. On this day, schools honor teachers, as well as administrators and staff who support teachers in their important work, and thank the parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners and school board members who provide volunteer service.

The entire school celebrated mass together. Our home and school demonstrated their appreciate to our teachers.

Thank you to all who participated in our Celebration of Catholic School Week!