by Cori Hilsgen
news@the newsleaders.com
The cold weather, which closed many schools Jan. 29-31, changed the timing of a few activities which were planned for Catholic Schools Week at St. Joseph Catholic School.
“Although we had three days canceled during Catholic Schools Week, we will reschedule the planned activities,” principal Karl Terhaar said at the end of the week. “Students really look forward to these days since they offer a change of pace and alleviate some of the winter blahs.”
Students, faculty and staff began celebrating with a Sunday Mass followed by a book fair open house in the music room Jan. 27.
Monday was a two-hour late-start day but students and staff were still able to celebrate Wacky Day and dressed in a wacky way.
Plans for the rest of the week had originally included several other themed days, activities and prayer, but many of those events could not proceed as planned because of school being closed.
Tuesday was to have been Game Day and students could wear sports jerseys, baseball hats, cheerleading outfits or anything they would wear to a sports game as well as play board games. This and a prayer service were rescheduled for Feb. 5.
Wednesday was planned as Spirit Day and students could wear Catholic Community School shirts. This day and the book exchange are rescheduled for Feb. 13. During the book exchange, students are able to bring in new or gently used books and then shop for a different book to keep.
Thursday’s planned activities included Dot Day and students could wear clothing with dots and participate in dot activities, based on the book “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds. This was rescheduled for Feb. 7.
Friday’s Beach Day took place as planned. Students wore sunglasses, dressed in shorts and T-shirts and teachers vs. sixth-graders played beach volleyball, while other students cheered for the teams.
“We were able to have Beach Day on Friday which brought a short respite from the polar vortex as we pretended to enjoy some tropical weather,” Terhaar said. “The day ended with a school dance with a beach theme as well.”
Students also participated in a service project and were given service groups such as police officers, firefighters, St. Joseph Lions, St. Joseph Y2K Lions, St. Joseph Jaycees and others to write “thank you” notes.
Fourth-grade teacher Theresa Fleege coordinated Catholic Schools Week activities for the school.
“Catholic Schools Week is always a fun week for the students,” she said. “This year I am most excited about our service project. During our prayer service, the students will learn about and pray for many organizations that serve our community.”
Students at St. Joseph Catholic School created a “Make-your-Mark”-in-the-world display based on the book “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds, for Catholic Schools Week.
St. Joseph Catholic School fifth-grade students (left to right) Ariel Brill, Kenzie Harren and (back) Aquiliana Wolf celebrate Beach Day during Catholic Schools Week.
