Since the beginning of October, kindergarten teachers MaryJo Keba and Katherine Wilmont have been waiting for this year's Catholic Schools Week to come at St. Joseph's Catholic School.
"This week is one of the reasons why parents send their children to Catholic school," Keba said. "Catholic week is about having a common faith and a common bond and to promote unity."
A nationwide event sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, this year's theme is "Faith in Every Student."
Tuesday was proclaimed "Student Day," as students exchanged cards and photos, read along with their partnered grades, had the treat of wearing sneakers and presented the life of their favorite saint in their morning program.
Preschoolers and kindergartners were given the opportunity to bring their favorite teddy bear to hang out with for the entire school day.
Kindergarten teacher Karen VanScoyk themed her day around the fuzzy visitors by having her students perform teddy bear mathematics by counting with Teddy Grahams and baking cookies in the shape of the day's favorite animal.
"I actually bought the last batch of bear cookies available at Wal-Mart," said VanScoyk, who has been teaching at St. Joe's since 1987. "Most of the students ate the frosting rather than the cookie part. We thought it was a great idea to have the kids bring in their own stuffed toys to school, and they've been very good about it."
During the week students enjoyed activities on Wednesday's "Nation Day" as they said prayers for the soldiers in Iraq. On Thursday's "Faith in Every Student Day" students switched roles with their teachers and administrators.
Today was faculty, staff and volunteer appreciation day as the fourth through eighth-graders surprised their kindergarten to third grade buddies with a favorite snack in their own personalized shoeboxes.
At the same time, Tyburn Academy of Mary Immaculate in Auburn hosted its Catholic Schools Week celebration as well.
The school provided activities such as team theology day, a bowling party at Starlite Lanes, a Mass said for donors, and an open house to celebrate their Catholic heritage throughout the week.
To complete the week, St. Joseph's School will be hosting an open house and information night from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, for parents of students in preschool, kindergarten and middle school.
"Each year we celebrate being Catholic, attending a Catholic school and our faith," Keba said.
Reid Silverman can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or by Reid.Silverman@lee.net
A nationwide event sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, this year's theme is "Faith in Every Student."
Tuesday was proclaimed "Student Day," as students exchanged cards and photos, read along with their partnered grades, had the treat of wearing sneakers and presented the life of their favorite saint in their morning program.
Preschoolers and kindergartners were given the opportunity to bring their favorite teddy bear to hang out with for the entire school day.
Kindergarten teacher Karen VanScoyk themed her day around the fuzzy visitors by having her students perform teddy bear mathematics by counting with Teddy Grahams and baking cookies in the shape of the day's favorite animal.
"I actually bought the last batch of bear cookies available at Wal-Mart," said VanScoyk, who has been teaching at St. Joe's since 1987. "Most of the students ate the frosting rather than the cookie part. We thought it was a great idea to have the kids bring in their own stuffed toys to school, and they've been very good about it."
During the week students enjoyed activities on Wednesday's "Nation Day" as they said prayers for the soldiers in Iraq. On Thursday's "Faith in Every Student Day" students switched roles with their teachers and administrators.
Today was faculty, staff and volunteer appreciation day as the fourth through eighth-graders surprised their kindergarten to third grade buddies with a favorite snack in their own personalized shoeboxes.
At the same time, Tyburn Academy of Mary Immaculate in Auburn hosted its Catholic Schools Week celebration as well.
The school provided activities such as team theology day, a bowling party at Starlite Lanes, a Mass said for donors, and an open house to celebrate their Catholic heritage throughout the week.
To complete the week, St. Joseph's School will be hosting an open house and information night from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, for parents of students in preschool, kindergarten and middle school.
"Each year we celebrate being Catholic, attending a Catholic school and our faith," Keba said.
Reid Silverman can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or by Reid.Silverman@lee.net
