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Get ready! Let’s celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2013. The first Catholic Schools Week was celebrated in 1974. Then and now, the purpose of the week- long celebration is to build awareness of and involvement in this vital ministry of the Church and gift to our nation. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools Raise the Standard.” Here are a few trivia questions:
  • How many Catholic schools operate in the Archdiocese of Miami?
  • How many students are served in the schools of the Archdiocese of Miami?
  • How many hours of service are annually provided to the community by students in the Catholic schools of our Archdiocese?
Indeed, we have much to celebrate as the tradition of excellence in Catholic education continues to grow locally and nationally. As the week progresses, schools will celebrate the gifts that parents, students, teachers, and community members share as, together, they enliven the authentic mission of each school.

Of particular note this year is the recent launch of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools. This initiative will serve to ensure consistent high standards in Catholic schools across the country. In the Archdiocese of Miami, the national Standards and Benchmarks have been introduced to the Synod Education Task Force. Also, during the Professional Development Day in January, teachers and administrators participated in targeted training for implementation of the Standards and Benchmarks. The training was led by the chair of the national committee of Catholic educators who developed the benchmarks, Dr. Lorraine Ozar of Loyola University Chicago.

Now, we begin the process of implementing these national standards to ensure that each of our schools realizes its fullest potential. The standards encompass four distinct areas vital to Catholic schools: Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality. There are 13 standards and 70 benchmarks.

Because each Catholic school reflects the culture of its community, each is truly unique. Thus, as the process unfolds, each school will be at a different point in the process. Raise your hand if you are willing to join us on this exciting journey. Like our Blessed Mother, when called upon, demonstrate your personal “fiat” with a resounding “YES” to the call to service in support of our Catholic schools. Remember, it takes the entire Catholic community to support God’s gift of Catholic schools, a gift to the Church, and a gift to our nation.

Let’s celebrate!

Comments from readers

Antonio R. Cejas, Principal - 01/29/2013 09:15 AM
Our Catholic schools are indeed a gift. We embrace the mission of our church and send out students that will become witnesess of our faith. Our students demonstrate superb leadership qualities and excel in academics, sports and community service projects. The nation celebrates Catholic School's Week with a strong focus on �Raising the Standards�, may we never forget our mission to follow the true master and teacher, Jesus Christ. We ask for your prayers and continued support to Catholic Education. Let's Celebrate our Catholic Identity!
Sister Lidia Valli - 01/28/2013 03:44 PM
Thank you for celebrating our Schools. The Marian Center School & Services, Inc. is part of the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Miami. We are very much celebrating this Catholic School Week with exciting activities during our regular school hours. The Parents and Grandparents are invited to come and visit us during this special celebration. We are also celebrating our 50th Jubilee Year and we are thankful to our God and proud to be part of the Archdiocese of Miami.

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