St. Stephen celebrates Catholic School Week

Grand Island Dispatch, January 25, 2008

Following the theme, “Catholic Schools Light the Way,” St. Stephen School is celebrating Catholic School Week 2008 beginning Sunday, Jan. 27, through Saturday, Feb. 2. School principal Donna Ende said that grades kindergarten through 8 “have a whole list of fun activities” to mark three decades of a tradition celebrated by Catholic schools nationwide. St. Stephen’s Church will hold a special liturgy with the school children at 11 a.m. An Open House and Science Fair will be at the school from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The National Catholic Education Association in Washington, D.C., states that 24 million children attend 7,480 Catholic schools across the United States. During Catholic Schools Week, many of these schools plan special church services, community projects, academic and art showcases and family-friendly events to call attention to the well-rounded and faith-based education the teachers and students alike strive to achieve. The 2008 theme points to a focus on leadership, discipleship in Jesus Christ and a brighter future for mankind.

The week’s activities at St. Stephen are also aimed at beating the winter blahs. On Monday of next week, the entire school will dress in pajamas or sweats. Tuesday will be Black and White Day for kindergarten through grade 2 to carry out a penguin theme, while the higher grades will enjoy wearing jeans instead of the regular school uniform. On Wednesday, kids will dress in a ‘50s theme with the younger ones having a sock hop. On Thursday, all will don team colors for a mini-Olympics.

For information on St. Stephen and any of the Catholic Schools Week activities, call the school at 773-4347.