The theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2013 is “Catholic Schools Raise the Standards.” Catholic Schools Week begins on the last Sunday of the month of January.

Campus Minister, Sr. Katherine Francis Miller said,“Sacred Hearts Academy celebrates it because it is part of the Association of 2,031,455 students educated in Catholic Schools throughout the nation: 1,440,572 in elementary and middle schools and 590,883 in secondary schools.”

Sacred Hearts Academy’s lower school participates in several activities including group activities and other festivities.

Fifth grade teacher Susan Phillips said, “I attended Catholic schools throughout my elementary, high school and college years. I have always been proud to say that I attended Catholic schools, and that pride continues today. Catholic Schools’ Week is a wonderful time to say how proud and fortunate you are to attend a school that not only stresses a belief in God but also builds character. Catholic schools have a solid curriculum that prepares you well for the real world. That is why I have spent all 40 of my teaching years in the Catholic school system.”

According to Phillips because of Catholic Schools’ Week “the girls get to experience the meaning of community spirit and of building faith, and they get to understand more clearly the importance of reaching out to others.”

Fourth grader Daisy Halaszyn said, “ Every year I look forward to Catholic Schools’ Week. My favorite theme of Catholic Schools’ Week is crazy hair day. My hair is big and curly, and I always look forward to doing my hair in different ways.”

“There is always a theme for Catholic Schools’ Week; this allows me to build my religion lessons around this theme. Each day of the week allows me to embrace the theme with meaningful discussions and activities,” said Phillips.

At the Annual Catholic Educators’ Conference on Feb. 1, Phillips will be recognized for her 40 years as a teacher in Catholic education.