NATIONAL CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION
1077 30TH Street, NW, Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information
December 19, 2007 Barbara Keebler

Brian Gray
Phone: (202) 337-6232  

Fax: (202) 333-6706
E-mail: communications@ncea.org

Top Ten Ways for Parents to Observe Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week is not just for kids. Here are 10 ways for parents to participate in the annual celebration of Catholic education:

· Write a note of appreciation to your children’s teachers. Thank them for the attention and energy they give your children every day, as well as for their dedication to Catholic education.

· Write a letter to your parish priest, thanking him for supporting the Catholic school that is preparing your children for a bright future.

· Write a letter to your representatives in the U.S. Congress and state legislature to let them know why Catholic education is important to you and your community. Send a copy of your letter to your school principal.

· While you’re at it, write a thank-you note to that special teacher from your own Catholic school days who had a significant impact on your life.

· Donate books or other learning materials to the school library. If you can, ask the librarian if the school needs books on certain subjects or for particular grade levels.

· Set aside time for family prayer for all those who contribute to the success of your children’s school, including students, teachers, staff and volunteers. Add a prayer for vocations to continue the Catholic education tradition in your community and throughout the country.

· Volunteer to help plan and carry out Catholic Schools Week activities. Whether you are able to contribute a little time or a lot, your effort helps make the week special for all.

· If, through your work or volunteer activities, you learn of a need in the community that students at your children’s school can help fill, recommend a Catholic Schools Week or ongoing service project. Better yet, volunteer to organize it.

· Join in the fun! Gather the entire family—from younger siblings to grandparents—and participate in the week’s events at your children’s school.

· Extend a special invitation to your school’s open house and other Catholic Schools Week events to friends and neighbors who might want to learn more about the value of Catholic education.

Established in 1904, the NCEA is the largest private professional education organization in the world, representing 200,000 Catholic educators serving 7.6 million students in Catholic elementary and secondary schools, in religious education programs, in seminaries and in colleges and universities.

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