It’s Catholic Schools Week!
The last week of January every year is one our school along with Catholic schools across the nation look forward to every year, it’s Catholic Schools Week! Our staff goes all out and hosts dress up theme days, special lunches, guest speakers, and a fun activity-filled assembly on the last day. It’s a fan favorite for our students every year and our staff gets a huge kick out of it as well.
What is Catholic Schools Week?
Catholic Schools Week was started in 1974 by the National Catholic Educational Association to celebrate Catholic education and the results of our students. Schools across the nation celebrate it and come together as a large community to support and celebrate each other.
Let’s Play Dress Up
NDA plans themes for each day of Catholic Schools Week and our staff and students really deliver!
Monday – Jersey and Spirit Wear Day
Tuesday – Wear Red/Heart Healthy Day
Wednesday – Crazy Hat and Socks Day
Thursday – Superhero/Saint Day
Friday – Comfy Cozy Day
Special Guests
We also host a number of special guests during this fun week. This year we hosted the author Abby Cooper to talk to our 3rd – 8th graders about the experience of being a writer, the creative writing process, and her career. It was fun for everyone to learn more about a writing career from someone living it. Kindergarten-2nd grade classes all enjoyed a visit from a mystery reader. Mystery readers included Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Stephens and Ms. B.
Fun and Games
It wouldn’t be a week of celebration if we didn’t have some silly fun and games!
Tuesday our lower grade teachers hosted Bingo tournaments for their classes with guest callers and fun prizes. The kids always look forward to it.
While our lower school was enjoying Bingo and class parties, our 6-8th graders enjoyed a field trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota to take in all the exhibits and learn more about a variety of topics.
We held the school Spelling Bee for our 4th-8th grade classroom winners. They spelled some tough words! Our final three students go to the Regional Spelling Bee at Holy Family Catholic High School.
Minute to Win It Staff vs. Eighth Graders
This is an event that kids count down to be able to do when they are eighth graders. Each student goes up against an NDA Staff Member in a number of exciting and competitive Minute to Win It style games. The rest of the school cheers and laughs as they watch everyone try to be the best. This year, the 8th graders outscored the NDA staff in a great win.
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Week
Catholic Schools Week at NDA is a time of joy, celebration, and community. It brings together students, staff, and families to recognize the importance of Catholic education while having a ton of fun along the way. From creative dress-up days and engaging guest speakers to exciting games and class parties, the week is packed with memorable moments that students will cherish for years to come. We are grateful for everyone who makes this week so special, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!