America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
Following is a listing of events and celebrations taking place at elementary schools in the archdiocese during Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1.
Central Westchester
Holy Family School, New Rochelle
Spirit Day, Monday, Jan. 27 Students will come to school dressed in their HFS spirit gear, and partake in a school-wide pep rally, concluding the day with an eighth grade-sponsored STEM carnival.
Corpus Christi Holy Rosary, Port Chester
STEM Day, Wednesday, Jan. 29 Grade-appropriate STEM presentations throughout the day.
Share Fest, Thursday, Jan. 30 Teachers will present best practices focusing on innovative teaching techniques and come together as a community that values collaboration. The focus will be on: What’s something new this year they’re excited to share with others?
Visit of Cardinal Dolan, Friday, Jan. 31
Our Lady of Victory, Mount Vernon
Spirit Day Rally, Wednesday, Jan. 29 Students read their essays about why they love Catholic school. School choice materials are distributed during the rally.
Our Lady of Sorrows, White Plains
Open house for new parents, Monday, Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Bingo for all students, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m., in the gym. All students gather as a school community to play Bingo. Older students are paired with our younger students for an afternoon of fun.
Open house for new parents, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 9-11 a.m.
International Fair in the gymnasium at 1 p.m. Each grade chooses a country to represent. They learn about the country’s traditions and cultures. School families and community members are invited to walk through the gymnasium to visit each grade’s booth and experience the cultures of other countries.
Open house for new parents, Thursday, Jan. 30, 9:30-11 a.m.
Ice cream social for all grades—students enjoy time together to celebrate family and friends.
Sports tournament in the gymnasium, Friday, Jan. 31, PreK3-4, 8:30-9:15a.m., and kindergarten through grade 8, 9:45-11:30 a.m. Teachers and eighth-graders set up sporting events for the entire school, culminating in eighth grade versus faculty volleyball game.
Transfiguration, Tarrytown
Heritage Day, Thursday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The day begins with a geography fair showcasing countries around the globe, followed by a sampling of family recipes from countries of origin represented at the school.
St. Anthony, Yonkers,
All grades decorate their classroom doors in a Catholic School Week-themed contest.
St. Joseph, Bronxville
SJS Spirit Day, Thursday, Jan. 30, 1:30 p.m. Each K-8 class is assigned a color; all of the students and teachers wear outfits featuring the color. Each class composes a cheer, which they perform during a “Color War” in the gymnasium. A faculty-student volleyball game follows.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scarsdale
Opening prayer service in homeroom classes, Monday, Jan. 27. Students fill out a prayer card for people they will pray for during the week.
“Why We Love IHM” day, Tuesday, Jan. 28. Students will fill out a worksheet about why they love their school. Responses will be read over the PA system. In the afternoon, a door-decorating contest will take place with the same theme.
Mental Math Bee for grades 4-5 and 6-8, Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. Student finalists in the different grades will participate in a competition that will test their mental skills while on stage in front of peers and parents.
Position for a Day contest, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8-11 a.m. Students will write essays explaining why they would like to serve in a school position (principal, teacher, nurse), and the winners will shadow a professional who holds the position they wrote about.
Rockland
Sacred Heart, Suffern
During Catholic Schools Week, Sacred Heart School will conduct a winter coat drive.
“Team Spirit Day” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 28, culminating with a volleyball game between the eighth-graders and the faculty.
A Religion Bingo Bee will be held Wednesday, Jan. 29.
“Be Kind to Your Bus Driver” day and favorite book character day will be observed Thursday, Jan. 30.
A Catholic Schools Week Mass will be offered Friday, Jan. 31.
St. Anthony’s, Nanuet
Guest Speaker, Monday, Jan. 27
Touring Tuesday, Jan. 28
Wax Museum, Wednesday, Jan. 29
Science Fair/School Liturgy, Thursday, Jan. 30
Eighth Grade/Faculty Volleyball Game, Friday, Jan. 31
St. Paul, Valley Cottage
Pre K-8th grade Winter Wonderland Dance Party, Saturday, Jan. 25
“Souper” Bowl Day, Monday, Jan. 27. Students who donate a can of soup may wear their favorite sports team jersey. Teachers versus students volleyball game, 1-2:15 p.m.
Mass, Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 9 a.m. Parents are welcome. International Day.
Career Day, with parents invited to speak about their careers, Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Living Museum, Thursday, Jan. 30
Spirit Day, Friday, Jan. 31. There will be a religion activity in the morning and a talent show.
St. Margaret’s, Pearl River
Open house after Masses, Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
School Mass, Monday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m., Guess How Many/Math Mania Morning, Bingo in the afternoon.
Be Bold–SMS school colors and Touring Tuesday, Tuesday, Jan. 28. Also, pig races, athletic competition
Be Bold-SMS School colors and Lip Sync contest, Wednesday, Jan. 29. Also, Teacher/Staff Appreciation luncheon
Hands on Science Shot, Thursday, Jan. 30
Be Bold-SMS school colors and in-class spelling bee, Friday, Jan. 31. Also, Valentines for Vets.
St. Gregory Barbarigo, Garnerville
Opening School Mass, Sunday, Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m.
Students are encouraged to attend Mass at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church. Students who wear their school uniform will earn a dress down day Thursday, Jan. 30.
Seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball game and color day for all grades, Monday, Jan. 27, 1 p.m.
Touring Tuesday open house for all families, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 9-11 a.m.; Minute to Win It, 1 p.m.
Career Day, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8:30 a.m.
Cultivate Kindness Program for the entire school, Thursday, Jan. 30
Teacher Take Over Literacy Day. All classes will focus on reading, Friday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. All students and faculty members will read together in the cafeteria, 2 p.m.
Ulster, Sullivan and Orange
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middletown
International Potluck Dinner, Saturday, Jan. 25
Scholastic Book Fair, “Souper” Bowl-students collect food items for the local warming station, and Catholic Schools Week Poster Contest, Monday to Friday, Jan. 27-31
Book Character Day, Monday, Jan. 27
Blue and Gold Day, Tuesday, Jan. 28
Board games and ice cream sundaes, Wednesday, Jan. 29
Bingo Day, Thursday, Jan. 30
Mass followed by a breakfast reception, Friday, Jan. 31
Most Precious Blood, Walden
Literary Character Day, Monday, Jan. 27
Bingo/Career Day, Tuesday, Jan. 28
Living Rosary, Wednesday, Jan. 29
Crazy Auction, Thursday, Jan. 30
First Friday Mass, Friday, Jan. 31
St. Stephen-St. Edward, Warwick
Celebrating Your Parish, Sunday, Jan. 26
Catholic schools benefit all year from the religious guidance, prayers and support parishes provide. St. Stephen-St. Edward School will begin Catholic Schools Week with 9 a.m. Mass. Students will attend in uniform. The Knights of Columbus are partnering with SSSE to host a pancake breakfast after Masses.
Celebrating Your Community, Monday, Jan. 27
Students take part in service activities, demonstrating the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education and showing how they make the world a better place.
Character Day—Students and staff can dress like their favorite book or movie character.
Bus Driver Appreciation—Students will give doughnuts and coffee to thank bus drivers for their service.
Open house for new and current families, 9-11 a.m.
Celebrating Students, Tuesday, Jan. 28
Teachers and staff encourage students to reflect on the benefits of Catholic education and how the grounding in faith, knowledge and service will help them throughout their lives.
Crazy Hat, Socks and Tie Day. Open house for new and current families, 9-11a.m.
Celebrating the Nation, Wednesday, Jan. 29
National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools encourages students, families and educators to communicate the value of Catholic education to government leaders. Class Color Block Day—each class will choose a color to wear. Ice cream sundaes will be distributed at lunch.
Celebrating Vocations, Thursday, Jan. 30
By focusing on faith, knowledge and service, Catholic schools prepare children to use their God-given talents to the fullest. Jersey Day–students and staff can wear their favorite team jersey. Open house for new and current families, 9-11 a.m. Lip Sync Battle, 12:45-2 p.m.
Celebrating faculty, staff and volunteers, Friday, Jan. 31
Catholic schools recognize the importance of the staff, personal and volunteers needed to make each school run each day.
“Warrior Pride”—Display the best school colors of green and white, or basketball, soccer and cheer uniform. Eighth grade and staff volleyball game.
Celebrating Families, Saturday, Feb. 1
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.
Sacred Heart, Monroe
Catholic School Week Mass and Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Monday, Jan. 27. Students meet bus drivers with coffee or hot chocolate, a muffin or bagel, and a small gift card. Other students stand on the school steps waving posters and signs of appreciation.
Touring Tuesday open house and a Religion Bee will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The HSA will hold an ice cream social and students will make their own sundaes, Wednesday, Jan. 29. A Spelling Bee will be held in the morning.
Science Fair, Thursday, Jan. 30. Upper grade students will do experiments and present to the lower grades. Five projects will be selected for each grade level, and these students will make presentations to teachers after school. An evening presentation will be held in the gym for parents and students.
A movie afternoon will take place Friday, Jan. 31, and the annual Snow Ball Dance will be open to all sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in the USO Region.
St. John’s, Goshen
Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, with open house to follow, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A pancake breakfast will be held 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Story time, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., for children in K-2. Reading by St. John’s National Junior Honor Society members. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., STEM activities for children in grades 3-5.
Career Day, Monday, Jan. 27.
Ice cream social, Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Kickball game, Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Spirit Day and Mad Science Exhibition, Thursday, Jan. 30
Bingo, and Wheel of Wow! Recognizing students who embody our faith and live the Beatitudes, Friday, Jan. 31.
Kingston Catholic begins Catholic Schools Week with open house and science fair Sunday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and classroom door-decorating contest judging.
Monday, Jan. 27: Penny Challenge begins. Hat Day.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Buddy Class Reading and Ice Cream Sundaes. Letters of Gratitude to Parents.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: Winterfest, sponsored by the eighth grade. Cards for the elderly and infirm of the community.
Thursday, Jan. 30: Teacher Swap Day. Cozy Clothes Day. Thank-you cards to pastors and community members.
Friday, Jan. 31: Catholic Schools Week Mass. Mix-It-Up at Lunch Day.
Northeast and East Bronx
Our Lady of Assumption
Parent Appreciation Day and Parish Open House, Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-noon.
Touring Tuesday open house and science fair, Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, and Spelling Bee, Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Spirit Day and Social Studies Museum, Thursday, Jan. 30.
Student Appreciation Day, Friday, Jan. 31.
Immaculate Conception
Scholastic Book Fair and College Sweatshirt Day, Monday, Jan. 27.
Dress up like your favorite storybook character day, Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Parents are invited to speak for Career Day, and students may dress up for the career to which they aspire. Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Represent your favorite sports team on Sports Day, Thursday, Jan. 30.
School-wide Mass, Friday, Jan. 31.
Nativity of Our Blessed Lady
Spirit Day, Monday, Jan. 27, featuring School Mass at 9 a.m. A collection will be taken for the Australian Red Cross for wildfire relief.
Touring Tuesday open house, Jan. 28, 9-11 a.m. In the afternoon, lower grade students are paired with upper grade students for Buddy Day, and they will work together on an activity.
Students and faculty will dress up for Super Heroes day, Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Pajama and Movie Day, Thursday, Jan. 30.
Tailgate Party, Friday, Jan. 31. Students will dress in their favorite team’s apparel and have a special lunch. Family Bingo Night, 6:30-8 p.m.
Our Lady of Grace
Catholic Schools Week Mass at St, Frances of Rome Church, Sunday, Jan. 26, at 12:30 p.m.
Teacher Appreciation Day, Monday, Jan. 27. A classroom door-decorating contest begins.
School Spirit Day, Tuesday, Jan. 28, with open house 9-11a.m.
OLG Sports Day in new gymnasium, Wednesday, Jan. 29; science fair presentations, grades K-8, and classroom door-decorating contest ends.
“Principal for a Day” and Drop Everything and Read events, Thursday, Jan. 30.
Individual classroom celebrations and school-wide pizza party, Friday, Jan. 31.
Holy Family
Grades 4-8 will visit lower grades to do a project for Buddy Day, Monday, Jan. 27.
Students can dress for their future careers and parents will be invited to talk to students about their professional lives on Career Day, Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Sports Day and Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day, Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Science Fair, Thursday, Jan. 30.
School Spirit Day (grades K-3 will go to Billy Beez, and grades 4-8 will visit Dave and Busters), Friday, Jan. 31.
St Francis of Assisi
Mass, Monday, Jan. 27
American Cancer Society Assembly/Service Day, Tuesday, Jan. 28
Eighth Grade Ring Day, Wednesday, Jan. 29
Talent Show (at Corry Academy), Thursday, Jan. 30
Fantastic Friday/Spirit Day, Friday, Jan. 31
St Francis Xavier
Open house for prospective parents, Sunday, Jan. 26, 12:30-2 p.m.
Magic Show, Monday, Jan. 27
Open house for school parents, Tuesday, Jan. 28
Northwest and South Bronx
Our Lady of Refuge
Annual “Souper” Bowl collection of canned foods concludes. Top class receives the “Souper” Bowl trophy.
St. John’s
Science and Math Fair, career day assembly, choir and band performance, gym competition day, school-wide Mass.
St. Simon Stock
Eighth-grade students reading at Mass, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25 and 26
Science fair in the gymnasium, grades K-2, and “Decades Dress Up”: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, or Dress Up as a Book Character, Monday, Jan. 27.
Parents Day, 8:30-11 a.m., and science fair, grades K-2, Tuesday, Jan. 28. Seventh- and eighth-grade Mass at Fordham University, Rose Hill campus.
Superhero and Disney Character Day, grades K-2; Twin Day, grades 3-8; Pennant Artwork (School Spirit); and students write thank you notes for Staff Appreciation Day, Wednesday, Jan 29.
Student Appreciation/Carnival Day, PreK-8, and Teachers versus Grade 8 volleyball game, 1:15 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30
School Mass for Grades K-8 at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 31. Cultural day, pre-K to grade 8 (students dress in cultural attire). Community Parade. Teachers’ Appreciation Day, and Movie Day for grades K-8.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Sports Jersey Day, Monday, Jan. 27
International Dress Day and Grade 8 trip to Fordham University, Tuesday, Jan. 28
The Wonderful World of Magic show by John Turdo, Wednesday, Jan. 29
Throwback Thursday, Jan. 30
All School Mass, Friday, Jan. 31
St. Thomas Aquinas
Celebrate Our Community, open house, Monday, Jan. 27, 10-11 a.m. School Spirit Dance, with dance at 9 a.m.
Celebrate Our Parish, Tuesday, Jan. 28, feast of St. Thomas Aquinas. Student Mass at 9 a.m. Seventh- and eighth-graders will tour Fordham University, Rose Hill campus.
Celebrate Vocations, Career Day, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 9:30 a.m. Parents are welcome.
Celebrate Our Students, Thursday, Jan. 30. Science fair, winner from each grade will be invited to the Bronx Science Fair. Kids can add to the school uniform with crazy hats or socks. A parents’ workshop at 5:45 p.m. given by representatives of the 48th Precinct will discuss “The Effects of Social Media.”
Celebrate Faculty and Volunteers, Faculty/Volunteer Luncheon, Friday, Jan. 31, “Souper” Bowl, students donate a can of soup, and Jersey Dress Down Day, where students wear the jersey or shirt of their favorite sports team.
Celebrate Our Families, brunch with school families, Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Staten Island
Academy of St. Dorothy A young alumni panel will speak about their careers and the role the Academy of St. Dorothy played in their lives. “Souper Bowl,” a food drive collecting cans of soup or boxes of cereal; donors can wear their favorite team shirt. An open house for parents will be held. The Sisters of St. Dorothy will be acknowledged for the faith foundation they have provided. The week will close with an afternoon of bowling and pizza while wearing student-designed Catholic School Week T-shirts.
Blessed Sacrament In addition to in-school festivities, Blessed Sacrament celebrates our Catholic school identity by helping others. Grades 3 and 4: Jump Rope for Heart, with proceeds to the American Heart Association. Grade 1 collects baby items to be donated to the Crossroads Foundation. The entire school will collect donations for the Seton Foundation, and we will collect coloring books, crayons and stickers to create packages to be donated to the Pediatric Unit at Staten Island University Hospital.
Holy Rosary Students will enjoy Radio Bingo, a Scholastic Book Fair and a trip to Medieval Times. A graduate is coming to speak to students about the importance of friendship and will install a Buddy Bench on the school grounds as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Students participate in a “Souper” Bowl when they bring cans of soup for our food pantry while wearing their favorite football jersey. On school pride day, students compete to wear the most school apparel. We raise “Pennies for Patients” all week long, which benefits children with childhood cancers/leukemia. The week culminates with an open house on Thursday, where we set up an “Expedition of Learning” and a special Mass, led by the first grade on Friday.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Activities include a day of service and giving at Silver Lake Nursing Home and school neighborhood clean up; Career Day; School Spirit combined with Teacher Appreciation; Student/Teacher Talent show—in the morning students perform and a winner is chosen, in the afternoon teachers share their hidden talents with the students; and Surprise Day, teachers switch grades.
Our Lady Star of the Sea will begin the week with “Principal for a Day.” The fun-filled week continues to celebrate the school’s 60th anniversary. Other activities include Catholic School Scavenger Hunt, Catholic School Bingo, and a social justice project led by the National Junior Honor Society. The Parents’ Association will also host School Spirit Day and Teacher Appreciation Day.
Our Lady Queen of Peace The week begins with the annual Staten Island Region Catholic Schools Week Mass offered at our parish Sunday, Jan. 26, at 9:30 a.m. Mass will be followed by open house, noon to 2 p.m. We will also participate in a “Souper” Bowl canned food drive, principal for the day, National Junior Honor Society induction, kids basket auction and Living Wax Museum presented by our students.
Notre Dame Academy Students and parents will join in the celebration with a special Catholic Schools Week prayer service. We will honor the 400th anniversary of the birth of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, our patron saint. Activities will include school-wide Bingo, a kickball game between the teachers and the eighth-graders, and a Silent Disco. The students will collect food for a local pantry and socks and blankets for the homeless in our community.
Sacred Heart The week begins with a prayer service of gratitude and appreciation for receiving a Catholic school education. An open house for parents and prospective parents is Tuesday, Jan. 28. Students perform a song and dance show for Grandparents Day. Sacred Heart demonstrates school community, spirit and team building with our annual “Buddy Day” and “Color Wars.” The week concludes with writing letters and making cards to patients at the local nursing home and dancing the day away at our annual danceathon to benefit cystic fibrosis research.
St. Adalbert Monday, Community Helpers breakfast; Tuesday, Dedicating the Resource Room in Memory of Ellen Gerber (the SETSS teacher who brought special services to our school); Wednesday, Literary Character Day (students dress up as their favorite book character and share the character’s impact); Thursday, Acts of Service and Kindness Day (Operation Toasty Tootsies and other community service projects); and Friday, Scholastic Book Fair.
St. Ann will hold many activities such as Career Day, Comfy Cozy Day and Color Wars, culminating in a Parent Appreciation Assembly, Friday, Jan. 31. Parents can observe their children during class time and attend an assembly highlighting our “Empathy Projects.”
St. Charles will have guest speakers who support the Catholic Schools Week theme: “Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed.” The week kicks off with a school-wide Mass and Communion breakfast and will conclude with a St. Charles spirit day. Middle school students will keep CSW journals focusing on the importance of a Catholic education, including research on the lives of Catholic saints, as well as student-generated poems about their faith.
St. Christopher will celebrate with a Teacher Appreciation Day and school-wide Mass, a Career Day, Community Volleyball Game and the annual Book Fair and Cafe. We will also have a Principal for the Day.
St. Clare Activities include a Pre-K and Grade 8 Buddy Day, Spirit Day, Robotics Showcase, Talent Show, open house and Mass.
St. Joseph-St. Thomas Focus will be on spiritual, STEM and team-building activities. The students will plan and participate in prayer services and Mass and donate canned goods, which they will build into structures during the annual “Canstruction.” The seventh grade will plan a robotics competition for teams of eighth-graders to compete. Grades 5 and 6 will demonstrate their cup-stacking skills during an assembly.
St. Joseph Hill Academy Monday, Recognition Day: Students in all grades will write letters of gratitude to men and women in service, including those in the armed forces, police and firefighters. Tuesday, Open House and Crazy Hats and Socks Day: The theme is “Warm Heads and Feet Help to Make Warm Hearts.” Students in grades K to 8 will donate a hat or socks to a collection for kids living in shelters. Wednesday, Arch Day of Service and Comfy Cozy Day: Students in PreK 3 and PreK 4 will donate pajamas to a charity of their choice. Thursday, Faith Family Prayer Service: Students in grade 4 will donate a new toy to the Memorial Sloan Kettering pediatric unit; fifth-grade students will read to second-grade students. Poem in your pocket day: Students in all grades should come to school with a copy of their favorite poem or an original poem they have written and read or recite the poem if someone asks. Friday, Spirit Day: third-graders will create placemats for Project Hospitality.
St. Patrick will celebrate Catholic Schools Week by making sandwiches for the organization One Sandwich at a Time, and will hold a veterans’ assembly and the Order of the Shamrock Ceremony.
St. Peter-St. Paul The week begins with open house Sunday, Jan. 26, from 1-3 p.m. followed by the St. Peter-St. Paul Basketball Shootathon, 12-4 p.m. On Monday, we will have a pep rally at 1 p.m., Tuesday we will celebrate Mass with St. Peters Boys H.S., Wednesday will be our service day with shelter animals, Thursday will be Career Day and our popular Silent Disco and we will end the week with a school-wide Mass at Assumption Church.
St. Rita School We will have our annual “Souper Bowl” service activity. Cans of soup will be donated to the Feeding Our Neighbors Campaign. We will have faculty/staff, parent and student appreciation days, and our annual book fair. A school spirit day includes making your own ice cream sundae during lunch and a homeroom door-decorating contest. Principal story time features early childhood grades and upper grades working together to foster teamwork.
St. Teresa Each class will decorate its classroom door for School Spirit Day. We will be holding a Career Day, and a Math and Science Activities Day. To continue our support of the Parish Food Pantry, we will hold a “Souper Bowl.” On Friday, grandparents will visit our classrooms.
Manhattan
Ascension School
Feeding Our Neighbors Food Drive: Students are asked to contribute nonperishable food items to share with neighbors through the Ascension parish food pantry
Celebrating our community through service, Monday, Jan. 27
Write notes, make posters, decorate treat baskets and deliver them to community leaders, local firehouse, precinct; create Valentines cards for Amsterdam House residents; seventh and eighth grade attend special Catholic Schools Mass at St. Paul the Apostle Church; Crazy Hat and Sock Day/Reading festival, older students pair up with younger students and read their favorite books.
Celebrating our faith and vocations, Tuesday, Jan. 28
Mass for grades K-8, parents invited; open house for parents; performing random acts of kindness, within class and class to class; write prayers for our families, our school, our Church, our world; Religion Bowl.
Celebrating our students, Wednesday, Jan. 29
Write prayers for our families, Church, school, world; Ascension’s Olympics- Grades PK-8; Dress Down, wear your favorite sports team jersey/shirt PK-4; student ice cream social.
Celebrating our faculty and staff, Thursday, Jan. 30
Breakfast for faculty and staff/dress down for teachers; teacher swap; math trivia tournament; students wear their favorite high school or college T-shirt
Friday, Jan. 31, Celebrating our diversity/International Day festivities
Students wear clothing/colors of their family’s country; students share food and desserts representing their cultures.
School of the Blessed Sacrament
Family Catholic Schools Week Kickoff Mass led by students at Blessed Sacrament Church, Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.
Seventh and eighth grades will be celebrated by Fordham University and other Catholic schools in Manhattan, Monday, Jan. 27. Begin Feeding Our Neighbors campaign.
Trashless Tuesday begins, we have challenged our community to limit our trash with a “Trashless Tuesday” initiative with reusable lunch boxes, plastic Ziploc bags and refillable water bottles, Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Third-graders visit our Barry Upper School for the morning, Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Career Day includes a job panel to explore career opportunities, Thursday, Jan. 30.
Eighth-graders receive their school rings, Friday, Jan. 31.
Corpus Christi
Monday, Jan. 27, Mass for seventh- and eighth-graders at St. Paul the Apostle at 10 a.m.; religion Bingo for third- to sixth-graders at 9 a.m. in gym; Mass for K-second grade at Corpus Christi Church at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28, Touring Tuesday; Dress Down Day; Corpus Christi Field Day at Riverside Park, weather permitting.
Wednesday, Jan. 29, Dress like your favorite literary character from a children’s book, and community service: packing lunches and decorating bags for St. Joseph of the Holy Family mission
Thursday, Jan. 30, Spelling Bee, 9 to 11 a.m. in the gym; Cozy Sweater Day for all grades
Friday, Jan. 31, School Mass at 9 a.m.; ice cream social at 11:30 a.m.
Guardian Angel
Monday, Jan. 27: Guardian Angel celebrates our students. Wacky/Sock Tie Day Girls and boys can come to school wearing a pair of “wacky/fun” socks of their choice. All students are to come dressed in their school uniform.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Guardian Angel celebrates the service of others. School Mass at 9 a.m.; Service/Activity Day Classes will partner with each other or work independently in an activity to show gratitude for members/groups in Chelsea who serve our community.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: Guardian Angel celebrates teachers and staff. Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day for their dedication and commitment to our students, families and education.
Thursday, Jan. 30: Guardian Angel celebrates our school community. Spirit Day-Grades PK3-8 are to wear their gym uniforms.
Friday, Jan. 31: Guardian Angel celebrates our diverse school community.
International Day with Students and Families-Today we celebrate our diverse school community. Classes will select a country to represent and learn about its history, food and traditions. Together with our families, each class will participate in International Day and share with others what they have learned.
Our Lady of Pompeii
Monday, Jan. 27: Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day. Lunch and other goodies will be provided for the teachers.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Touring Tuesday...Students may do an activity together in the afternoon.
Wednesday, Jan. 29: Special Persons Breakfast. Students may bring one or two “special people” to join them for breakfast.
Thursday, Jan. 30: Student Appreciation Day, featuring a Dress Down Day and bake sale.
Friday, Jan. 31: International Food Day...Students will bring in a dish from their culture, they can dress in clothes specific to their culture, music will be cultural. Classes will do activities together in the afternoon.
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs:
Tuesday, Jan. 28, Open House
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 9 a.m., Religion Fair.
Thursday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m., Math Bee, grades 2-8.
Friday, Jan. 31, Parent Teacher Conferences
St. Ann
Monday, Jan. 27, My Culture Monday (Family Appreciation Day)
In the morning, each student will write a thank you note or
card to a parent/family member at 1:30 for PK3 and UPK and at 3 p.m. for K-8. Students can invite a special guest to school for a brief presentation about their heritage.
Tuesday, Jan. 28, Tasty Tuesday (Student Appreciation Day)
Classes will work with their Buddy Classes to create posters about what they love about St. Ann’s. Posters will be displayed throughout the school. School-wide bake sale, with proceeds to the Australian Red Cross to aid with the wildfires.
Wednesday, Jan. 29, Student Appreciation Day
Students may wear a Wacky Hat with their uniforms. Door-decorating contest. Student ambassadors will judge at 1:30. Winning class gets a dress down day of their choice.
Thursday, Jan. 30, Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day
Students dress as their favorite character, preferably a book character. Students make a card/write a letter for a teacher. Parents Council will have a surprise for our faculty/staff.
Dutchess
St. Mary, Fishkill, begins to celebrate Catholic Schools Week with a student-led parish Mass Sunday, Jan. 26, at 9:45 a.m., followed by open house from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. On Monday, students will be treated to a sports-themed Dress Down Day where they may wear jerseys representing their favorite sports teams. Students vs. faculty volleyball game will be played in the afternoon. St. Mary’s Parent Partnership Association (PPA) will host a Touring Tuesday open house Jan. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. School Spirit Day is Wednesday, Jan. 29, when students are treated to an afternoon movie on a Dress Down Day topped with crazy hats. Thursday, Jan. 30, is Spirituality Day with Rosary and Benediction in church for vocations. An ice cream social sponsored by St. Mary’s School PPA Friday, Jan. 31, will honor Teacher Appreciation Day. The celebrations conclude with the annual PPA Father-Daughter Dance.
St. Martin de Porres, Poughkeepsie, will begin Catholic Schools Week Sunday, Jan. 26, with a pancake breakfast prepared by the Parent School Association following the 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Masses. On Monday, Jan. 27, students will celebrate Let Our Faithful Spirit Shine Day in the school. During the school-wide Faith Followers Trivia Game, students will answer questions based on the teachings of the Catholic faith. On Touring Tuesday, Jan. 28, the school will be host open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for new and interested parents. Wednesday, Jan. 29, is Well Wishes Wednesday where students reach out to senior friends in the community. Participants will prepare prayer cards and bookmarks to be sent to the shut-ins of the parish community, as well as residents of Avalon Nursing Home and The Landings Senior Center. On Thursday, Jan. 30, students will celebrate the best kids in town with a movie and a special Dress Down Day donning jeans, sneakers, wacky hats, wild hair and crazy socks. On Friday, Jan. 31, Donuts with Dad & Munchkins with Mom, a light breakfast, will be held. The festivities conclude with Mass.
St. Denis-St. Columba, Hopewell Junction, will kick off Catholic Schools Week, Sunday, Jan. 26, with SDSC Shines Among Them Like Stars. Students will participate in the Saturday Vigil Mass or Sunday Mass dressed in full school uniform at their church and will receive a NUT Award for participation. Open house for present and prospective families will feature a display of students’ work and projects. Students will serve as tour guides. The Follett Book Fair and story time will be available. Before Catholic Schools week, the students will create stars with a message of thank you and/or a prayer to distribute to parishioners at Mass or to those who are homebound. Monday, Jan. 27, is Shine Like Stars Day, “Sparkly Monday,” where faculty, staff and students dress in something sparkly, shiny, like stars. Activities include finding references in the Bible about stars and shining like stars, and sharing those messages; activity kits for Maria Fareri Childrens Hospital, www.mariafarerichildrens.org/activity-kits, and care packages for Castle Point Veterans Hospital. Tuesday, Jan. 28, “Grateful for SDSC,” includes a Catholic School Week liturgy at 10 a.m., a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, learning “Shine Like Stars” and “St. Denis-St. Columba” songs and Bookworms and Buddy Reading in the afternoon. Wednesday, Jan. 29, is Care for the Poor and “Wacky Wednesday.” Students are asked to bring a food or personal care item for the poor and wear crazy socks, ties, sweaters, hairpieces with their school uniform, create care packages for the homebound at St. Columba, St. Denis and St. Kateri. An Ice Cream Sundae Party will be held in the afternoon. Thursday, Jan. 30, showcases
Caps for Kids, www.capsforkids.org/cap-day/.
Students should bring in a donation of $1 or more and wear a crazy hat to support children with cancer who have lost their hair. Friday, Jan. 31, features Celebrate Students and their Families. For SDSC Around the World, students color paper dolls in native dress and or flags to be displayed for the evening’s family event, Pot Luck Around the World Family Night.
Holy Trinity School, Poughkeepsie, will begin Catholic Schools Week Sunday, Jan. 26, by thanking the parishioners of Holy Trinity during the Sunday Masses. Open house will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the school. Touring Tuesday, Jan. 28, is from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. Throughout the week, Holy Trinity will conduct a Penny Challenge; proceeds will go toward buying storage compartments for the gym closet. Food will be collected for the archdiocese’s “Feeding Our Neighbors” campaign. Donations will be distributed to the people of Dutchess County. On Monday, Jan. 27, Grandparents Day, grandparents will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Mass, after which they will visit their grandchildren’s classroom. A Basketball Challenge will be played in the fifth through eighth grades, and a magic show will be sponsored by the Bishop Mestice Knights of Columbus. Tuesday, Jan. 28, is Mixed Match Day, where students will wear clothes that do not match. Quiz Bowl will be played. On Wednesday, Jan. 29, Jersey Day, students will wear sports or college jerseys. A soccer game will be played by the pre-kindergarten and kindergarteners. Capture the Flag will be played by the first through eighth grades. The Home School Association will sponsor an ice cream social. Thursday, Jan. 30, features Character Day for pre-K through fourth grades and Decade Day for the fifth through eighth grades. (Grade 5, 1970s; Grade 6, 1950s; Grade 7, 1980s; and Grade 8, 1960s.) The student council will hold a Door-Decorating Event. Classes are to decorate their door in the theme of a character or decade, based on their grades’ Character Day and Decade Day. Decorating will begin on Monday, pictures will be taken on Friday and displayed on the front door televisions. On Friday, Jan. 31, the 9 a.m. Catholic Schools Week Mass will be led by the student council. Breakfast with Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Colacicco will follow Mass. Family Game Night, sponsored by the Home School Association, begins at 6 p.m.
St. Peter School, Poughkeepsie, will participate in the following activities during Catholic Schools Week: Saturday, Jan. 25: Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Poughkeepsie location across from Marist College. Sunday, Jan. 26: Open house with bilingual tour guides available from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27: On Spirit Day, students dress in school colors, green and gold, and spirit wear. A Religion Bee begins at 1 p.m. for pre-k through eighth grades. Jan. 28: Touring Tuesday, 9-11 a.m. and school-wide Bingo in the gym for pre-k through eighth grades. Wednesday, Jan. 29: During the Winter Carnival, team-building games will be played in the gym: pre-k through second grades, 9-10:30 a.m., and third through eighth grades, 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30: For Book Character Day and Book Buddy Day, students dress as their favorite book character and share common reading time with their classroom buddies.
Friday, Jan. 31: Catholic Schools Week Mass, 9:15 a.m. and Grandparents Day Assembly, 1 p.m. Classes sing oldies songs and read poems to the grandparents.
Northern Westchester
St. Augustine, Ossining: A big focus will be Penny Wars, and each homeroom will compete to see who can bring in the most pennies. Money collected will be donated to the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation, a primary work of the Order of Malta. One of the Ladies of Malta will speak with the children and explain the work they do. The hospital, near where Jesus was born, is dedicated to the care of newborn babies. The week will begin with the 10 a.m. Mass Sunday, Jan. 26, in celebration of Catholic Schools Week, followed by an open house in the school.
St. Patrick, Bedford: Catholic Schools Week begins with open house Sunday, Jan. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27: Opening Prayer Service to honor local first responders. Students will make cards to be delivered with a sweet treats basket to the Bedford Police and Fire Departments. Students will dress as their favorite book character and meet in the gym at 1:30 p.m. to share their favorite books during Reading Partners.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Professional photo shoot to showcase the students. Touring Tuesday for prospective families. During the Math-tastic afternoon for pre-k through eighth grades, students will participate in fun-filled math activities. Wednesday, Jan. 29: The fourth annual trivia contest will be held for the first through eighth grades. The winning team earns a Dress Down Day. Pre-k and kindergarteners will share a movie and snack. Pizza lunch for all grades during lunchtime. Thursday, Jan. 30: On Sports Day, students will their favorite team’s shirt. Games for all in the gym at 1 p.m. Students will make their own ice cream sundaes at lunchtime. The winner of the Decorate Your Door Contest will be announced. Friday, Jan. 31: Mass for all students at 9 a.m. Parents are welcome. The fourth annual Pig Race Contest begins at 10 a.m. Each class and the faculty cheer on their motorized pig. The winning class receives a Dress Down Day and Dunkin Donuts treat. Board games will be played at 1:15 p.m. Students are asked to bring their favorite game to share.
St. Columbanus, Cortlandt Manor: Catholic Schools Week begins with student speakers at local Masses Sunday, Jan. 26, followed by open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, includes a school-wide reading project with Buddies. St. Columbanus School will be participating in Touring Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. An ice cream social will be held in the afternoon. On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the school community will participate in a “Knock Out Basketball Challenge.” The celebration continues on Thursday, Jan. 30, with the Abrakadoodle Art program for all students to create their own masterpieces. Friday, Jan. 31, caps the festivities with the Academic Jeopardy Olympics as well as the presentation of the Second Quarter Honor Awards.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shrub Oak: Catholic Schools Week begins with Pastries with Parents, followed by a crazy sock day Monday, Jan. 27. Touring Tuesday, Jan. 28, is from 9 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to tour the school. Wednesday, Jan. 29, students will flip their lids with crazy hat day. The Seton spirit will resonate with Seton Swag day on Thursday, Jan. 30. The school will conclude Catholic Schools Week celebrations with students versus faculty basketball and volleyball games.
St. Patrick, Yorktown Heights, will begin Catholic Schools Week with open house
Sunday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snacks/coffee provided by SPA to new families at 11 a.m. in the church basement. Monday, Jan. 27: Kindergarten Open House, 8-9 a.m. Open House, 9- 11 a.m. Jump Rope for Heart, 10-11 a.m. (Building A), noon to 1 p.m. (Building B). Volleyball game, 1:30-2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28: Kindergarten Open House, 8-9 a.m. Open House, 9-11 a.m. Multicultural Fair in Gym at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29: Blood Drive, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30: Spelling Bee, 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31: Catholic Schools Week Mass, 1:40 p.m.
