Catholic Schools Week: Students, educators growing together

    This year National Catholic Schools Week 2020 will be Jan. 26-Feb. 1 with the theme “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” The theme encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across the country. Not only are students being taught to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and enriched citizens in their communities, but educators are growing with them.      Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses, and other activities. Some of the activities for the schools in the Diocese of Grand Island includes: Spalding Academy, Spalding     Parish Mass and Children’s Carnival fun will kick-off Catholic Schools Week. School Mass with Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt will be on Monday. Other events include vocation speakers, student dress down day, staff appreciation event, and open house and lunch for visitors. Community service projects will be held throughout the week. The week ends with Mass, lunch and raffle/auction on Feb. 2. St. Agnes, Scottsbluff     Catholic School Week service project for the week is to support the Knights of Columbus Toys for Tots program. Items were collected for boys and girls in grades 5th-12th that were wrapped and given to the older children in the families that will received in the Christmas baskets in December.      Jan. 26—A Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. All students and families are encouraged to attend and are asked to wear a St. Agnes spirit shirt. Refreshments will be available in the gathering space following Mass.     Jan. 27—Each classroom has prepared a thank you note that will be delivered by representatives from the St. Agnes Singspirations along with a singing telegram to the various departments in our community thanking them for serving us.     Jan. 28—Students can support their favorite team by dressing up wearing team apparel. Bingo with Buddies from 10:15 a.m.-11a.m.     Jan. 29—Students are asked to wear a St. Agnes spirit shirt and celebrate the students of St. Agnes by coming together to celebrate Mass at 8:15 a.m. in the church. Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt will join the students in a game of Catholic Jeopardy in the gym.       Jan. 30—A breakfast will be served by members of the student council to the faculty, staff, and volunteers at St. Agnes in appreciation for all they do in preparing the students to be successful Catholic Christians. Each grade level will be talking about vocations on this day. Pre-K will be reading a book, The Parable of the Talents, grades K-2nd will be reading a book, What Does a Priest Do? And What Does a Nun Do? Grades 3rd-5th will be reading the books, Where Do Sisters Come From? And Where Do Priests Come From? The 3rd-5th students are hoping to skype with Deacon Dan Gilbert.     Jan. 31—Parents are invited to join children for a sack lunch in the gym from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. North Platte Catholic School, North Platte     Jan. 26—Donuts provided by NPCS after Mass, following the 10:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Spirit and 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses at St. Patrick’s.     Jan. 27—Opening prayer at the McGahan Activity Center at 9 a.m. Proclamation by the mayor. Keynote speaker: Alex Wood. Community leaders, school board and endowment board members are invited to lunch with McDaid students.     Jan. 28—All school Mass with Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt at McGahan Acitivities Center, 8:30 a.m.      Jan. 29—Career Day for SPHS: Guest speakers are Steve Scholz, Brenda Aufdenkamp, Job Vigil, George Hipple, Kristen and Charlie Burwick, Larry Meyer. Bingo for the McDaid students. Bingo for books in the afternoon. Books donated by McDaid PTO.     Jan. 30—Grandparents and grandfriends Day. McDaid students will have the opportunity to sing songs and show their grandparents and grandfriends their classrooms and renovated chapel.      Jan. 31—SPHS and McDaid students can wear their spirit wear shirts. For a donation they can wear jeans. All funds raised are donated to a local charity.