Celebrating Catholic Schools Week: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service
It may have started blustery and cold, but by the end of Catholic Schools Week 2014, hearts were warmed with the spirit that lives throughout Saint Clement School.
Sunday, January 26 kicked off the week with students encouraged to proudly wear their school uniforms to Mass. Parishioners and friends enjoyed hearing student testimonials at the end of each Mass, with most students sharing what they love most about Saint Clement School. First grader Adeline Friedlander's comments included, "On Sundays during Mass, I go to Children's Liturgy of the Word. I really like it because they make it so I understand the Bible better. And, Mr. Roe plays guitar!! It's also fun to see my school friends at Church (until we get in trouble for talking!). At night during my prayers, I thank God for Saint Clement School!"
Old Man Winter took over on Monday and Tuesday, forcing the school doors closed due to the dangerous cold weather. Students returned Wednesday, January 29, dressed in clothes representing their favorite college for College for Knowledge Day. Fr. Ken presided over the All School Mass at 9 a.m. while the students were treated to ice cream sandwiches for an afternoon treat.
Thursday was Teacher Appreciation Day where teachers were treated to special cards, flowers, and small gifts from school families and the Saint Clement Parent Association (SCPA). Barrel of Monkeys performed for all classes in the morning, and then students weren't sure who was going to be in their classroom as the teachers switched rooms to present a lesson in another grade.
Friday's schedule was jam-packed. The day started with an annual Open House for parents. After meeting in the cafeteria for coffee and rolls, parents could then visit their child's classroom(s). Teachers had special events planned for the parents, which included the annual math game in second grade, family quilt making in pre-k, and a student-parent interview in first grade. Students in grades 6-8 hosted a History Fair in Fireside Hall.
It was another out-of-uniform day for all grades, and instead of the customary $1 donation to a charity chosen by the student council, students were asked to bring in a donation of deodorant, a package of men's socks, or a small gift card that were then given to The Night Ministry. On top of that, it was wacky dress day, which featured costumes, mismatched outfits, heads full of flowers and bows, and even a few boys who chose to wear a uniform - a girls' uniform, that is! A special lunch of Subway sandwiches was provided by the SCPA.
Perhaps the highlight of CSW each year is the Friday afternoon Bingo game. Older students visit their reading buddies in younger grades to play the game with them.
The annual Catholic Schools Week celebration is a joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the week, established in 1974 to recognize Catholic education as a great gift to the Church and nation.
With an eye toward continued growth, and at the urging, support, help, oversight, and approval of our leadership councils and parishioners at large, we have taken a very exciting next step in expanding our footprint in the neighborhood. Saint Clement Parish is now the owner of 2530 N. Orchard-the apartment building just north of the school.