Latest news with #CatholicSchoolsWeek
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Martinsburg mayor proclaims Catholic Schools Week at local school
MARTINSBURG, — Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles officially declared Catholic Schools Week during a March 7 assembly at Saint Joseph School, according to a community announcement. While the national celebration took place Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, Knowles emphasized that the lessons taught in Catholic schools extend beyond a single week. A product of Catholic education himself, Knowles shared a personal story about standing up for a friend who was wrongly accused, highlighting the importance of honesty and bravery. 'That day, I learned that being honest and brave can make a big difference in someone's life,' Knowles said. He told the crowd that Catholic Schools Week is a time for students and staff to come together as a family to discuss how their school helps everyone grow into kind, honest and brave individuals. Knowles said that Catholic schools teach students how to live out their faith, make good choices, help others and develop traits such as respect, responsibility and thoughtfulness. Their teachers are superheroes who guide with patience and care, he added, using stories from the Bible and their own lives to educate children about truthfulness, courage and standing up for what is right, even when it's hard. 'Always remember that each one of you has a bright light inside, ready to shine out and make the world a kinder, better place,' Knowles said. The proclamation was shared in front of staff, students in kindergarten through grade eight, and their families in the school's packed gymnasium. This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. Eight Washington County Good Citizen award winners recognized by local DAR chapters This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: The mayor of Martinsburg officially declared Catholic Schools Week
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Diocese of Scranton schools see enrollment increase as schools celebrate Catholic Schools Week
SCRANTON — The gym at St. Clare/St. Paul School's main campus was filled with students competing in obstacle courses and games Thursday afternoon marking Catholic Schools Week. Officials in the Diocese of Scranton have more reasons to celebrate the week dedicated to Catholic education as enrollment continues to increase. The 2024-25 school year started with more than 4,500 students enrolled in the diocese's 19 schools for the first time in more than seven years, according to the diocese, with the schools adding 150 more students this year compared to last year. Enrollment in diocesan schools in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties jumped 25% from the 2018-19 school year to the current school year, with the six schools in Lackawanna County experiencing an 18% increase in enrollment, from around 1,400 students to nearly 1,700 students. The diocese's seven schools in Luzerne County grew 7%, from around 1,900 students to 2,000 students. The diocese said K-8 enrollment has grown 9% since the 2019-20 school year, and 18% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there was a 17% decline in junior/senior high school enrollment since the 2019-20 school year. That growth in recent years is in contrast to the decades of declining enrollment prior to 2020. During that time, the diocese closed more than 20 schools and restructured its education system. Some of the growth was due to diocesan schools offering in-person instruction during the pandemic — something that interested parents, diocesan Secretary of Catholic Education and Superintendent Kristen Donohue said. She said the schools' academic reputation and commitment to the Catholic faith are also attracting families. 'Many find that we're able to educate the entire child in the best and most conducive school environment that is safe and caring,' Donohue said. 'We want to make sure that our students are growing academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.' She said students and families face options when it comes to high school, and officials at the diocese's four high schools emphasize how they prepare students for life beyond their postsecondary education. * For Catholic Schools Week, students at Saint Clare Saint Paul School's main campus participate in class olympics, Amng the activities was crab soccer. (CHAD SEBIRNG/STAFF PHOTO) * For Catholic Schools Week, students at Saint Clare Saint Paul School's main campus participate in class olympics, Amng the activities was crab soccer. (CHAD SEBIRNG/STAFF PHOTO) * For Catholic Schools Week, students at Saint Clare Saint Paul School's main campus participate in class olympics, Amng the activities was crab soccer. (CHAD SEBIRNG/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 3 For Catholic Schools Week, students at Saint Clare Saint Paul School's main campus participate in class olympics, Amng the activities was crab soccer. (CHAD SEBIRNG/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Enrollment at St. Clare/St. Paul School's two campuses in Scranton's Green Ridge neighborhood went up 19% from the 2018-19 school year to the start of the 2024-25 school year. Principal Kara Kennedy Ware said the school's demographics have changed, with some students enrolled from Luzerne County, but its role as a neighborhood school hasn't. 'It's all about the programs and it's all about the school culture that we try very hard to build,' she said. 'Nothing delights me more than to see this school thrive in this day and age.' The diocese has highlighted a STREAM — science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and mathematics — curriculum, which Donohue said is a cross-curricular approach to projects and lessons. Schools also emphasize teamwork and thinking creatively. The diocese highlighted the STREAM curriculum for this year's Catholic Schools Week, inviting students in grades 6 to 8 to create videos showing how they can use the subject areas to fill a community, national or international need. At Thursday's class Olympics at St. Clare/St. Paul School, students were able to work in teams kicking and hitting a large pink ball, discussing answers to trivia questions, passing hula hoops in circles and running wheelbarrow races. The diocese unveiled a strategic growth plan for its schools earlier this month, with goals designed to strengthen and enrich schools spiritually and academically, grow enrollment and allow schools to be financially stable. Donohue is hopeful for the schools' futures. 'I'm extremely optimistic about our future in our Catholic schools and the Diocese of Scranton,' she said. 'I'm excited to see what happens and filled with hope for what lies ahead.'
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Elementary school students buzz with excitement at second annual spelling bee
Elementary students put their academics to the test tonight with 21 students competing to be the best speller in Erie. The United Way of Erie County hosted the second annual Community School Spelling Bee at Harding Elementary. Erie School Board narrows superintendent search to three people Seven elementary schools from around the county sent their top three spellers to the competition to try and be the last contestant standing. One event organizer said the students were a little nervous about the spotlight but ready to show off their hard work. Local schools look a little brighter in celebration of Catholic Schools Week 'The students have put in a ton of effort. They've practiced at home. They have been studying and just really working hard to prepare for tonight,' said Shanna Potter, United Way Community School director. Potter said the spelling bee has grown in its second year, bringing in four more local elementary schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Regis students help pack meals to help local families, food pantries face food insecurity
EAU CLAIRE — As students gathered into Regis' gymnasium on Tuesday, more and more boxes were piled up on the walls that contained food to help against food insecurity in the Eau Claire community. The service project at Regis was a part of the schools celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Additionally, the opportunity was a way to serve the community and help families and community members who may struggle with affording meals among other expenses. Regis Principal Bill Giese said, 'We see this as a way to work towards fixing that problem, and it gives the kids hands-on experience with serving others which is what our whole catholic mission is.' The school collaborated with US Hunger, a non-profit organization that helps get food to families in need and organizes meal packing events like the one at Regis. In total, middle and high school students throughout the day managed to package nearly 20,736 meals. 'The school had done this in years past, but it had been awhile,' said Giese. 'We brought it back this year as a way to serve others. We also asked for donations from part of our families, because it does cost quite a bit to buy all of this food and the materials, but families donated and we had it covered pretty easily. It says a lot about our Regis community.' With another decision made by the school, the student council decided that their impact would be beneficial in supporting the local community. Therefore, all the food packaged on Tuesday would be going towards local food banks as a means to support local families who seek support through these services. Grades took turns filling up food bags in the gymnasium, with 11th and 12th graders starting the school-wide effort in the morning. 'One in eight families suffer from food insecurity, not knowing if they can afford to put a healthy meal on the table… or if they need that money for health or any other problems they are facing,' said Tony Wesner, a high schooler at Regis. 'It is really important for us, because it is part of the Catholic faith to help other people out…' said Dominic Santine, a fellow high schooler at Regis. 'And if you are going to do this with your friends, it is really fun too. It is important, and I am just happy to know that we are helping people while we are doing this.' With more work packaging meal bags following their time spent in the gymnasium, Santine said he hopes their involvement in the service project will inspire younger grades. On top of that, both Santine and Wesner said their hope is for the work done throughout the day to impact the community as well. 'It is all about the small things that can lead to big things,' said Santine. 'And that is exactly what this is: something small that will have big impacts on the community.'
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Applications officially open for CelebrateErie 2025
A fan-favorite summertime festival is already gearing up for its 2025 event, and they're looking for local businesses and talent who want to get involved. CelebrateErie announced on Facebook that several applications have officially opened for those who wish to be a part of the event. Local schools look a little brighter in celebration of Catholic Schools Week The festival is looking for marketplace vendors, food vendors, performers, chalkwalk artists and family district participants. All applications must be submitted by March 21, and those interested in applying can do so by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
