On the week of January 25, Catholic schools around the country celebrated National Catholic Schools Week with the theme of "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service."

Here at Saint Clement School, students kicked off a fun-filled week with students welcoming parishioners and guests at Sunday Masses, with parishioners hearing testimonials from the students on why they love Saint Clement School.

Monday morning started with an all-school Mass led by Fr. Ken Simpson and hosted by the second graders. Parents enjoyed coffee and classroom visits on Tuesday morning, helping their students with special projects, challenging them in math games, or visiting their favorite student at the 7th and 8th grade history fair.

Students were able to dress out of uniform Wednesday as long as they showed their Catholic School spirit by wearing a shirt/sweatshirt from their favorite Catholic grade school (Saint Clement, of course!), high school or university. A special treat of ice cream sandwiches was served at lunch, courtesy of the Saint Clement Parent Association.

Teachers were the honored ones Thursday with Teacher Appreciation Day while Friday was Anchor Day where a special lunch is served and students pay $1 for the privilege of being out of uniform (with the money donated to charity). This time each classroom got to choose what their theme was, from tacky dress, to twins, to wearing your favorite color, to dressing like your favorite teacher! The week was capped off by the ever-popular all-school BINGO game.

The Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools released a four-part video series during Catholic Schools week, with many familiar Saint Clement faces featured. Watch the videos here: Catholic Schools Week 2015 Video Series: Values, Service, Leadership.