Discover the Difference: Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
by Diocese of Des Moines | January 19, 2021
Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Des Moines will celebrate National Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31-Feb. 6, an annual observance of Catholic education sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association. The theme for this year's event — faith, excellence and service — highlights how Catholic schools excel in faith development, academic excellence and dedication to community service. Catholic Schools Week not only celebrates the unique attributes of Catholic education, but provides families and opportunity to discover if a Catholic school is the right fit for their child(ren).
"If you are looking for a school where your child will be both nurtured and challenged, look no further," shared Donna Bishop, Superintendent of Schools. "Our committed educators deliver a Christ-centered education while promoting high academic standards."
There are many reasons for parents to consider and choose a Catholic school. Here in the Diocese of Des Moines, our schools provide a caring, creative and quality learning environment for students in PreK - 12th grade. Our class sizes are small, but the subjects we teach are big. In addition to Common Core-aligned curriculum, we offer Early Childhood Education, STEM education, fine arts, language immersion and diverse learner support. Moreover, according to the National Catholic Educational Association, Catholic school students consistently outperform public and other private school students on standardized tests.
If these benefits are something you seek in a school for you child(ren), we invite you to contact any one of our 16 schools to schedule a personal tour or virtual visit. Learn more at www.dmdiocese.org/visit.
Daily Themes Our Schools Will Celebrate During CSW:
Celebrate Your Parish: Catholic schools benefit all year long from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide. Many parishes join in the National Catholic Schools Week celebration by devoting a Mass to Catholic education.
Celebrate Your Community: A central aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service to others. When students take part in service activities they demonstrate the values and faith gained through Catholic education.
Celebrate Your Students: Schools celebrate students during National Catholic Schools Week by planning enjoyable and meaningful activities for them and recognizing their accomplishments.
Celebrate 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.
Celebrate Vocations: By focusing on faith, knowledge and service, Catholic schools prepare children to use their God-given talents to the fullest later in life.
Celebrate Faculty, Staff and Volunteers: On this day, schools will honor teachers and principals as well as administrators and staff who support them in their work and thank those who provide volunteer service.
Celebrate Families: Parents, guardians and other family members play a vital role in Catholic education. Not only do they volunteer at the school, they instill values and expectations for academic excellence in their children at home.