Well, it’s that time of year when Catholic schools across the nation prepare for Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 29-Feb 4).  With the proliferation of charter schools and changes in public schools, many might wonder about the continuing importance of Catholic schools. Do Catholic schools matter?  I believe they do and fortunately, the families that choose us to educate their children, appear to agree. Catholic schools matter for many reasons. First, learning matters. We all know the statistics. Students of Catholic schools have higher test scores, near-perfect high school graduation rates, Catholic school graduates are more likely to attend and graduate from four-year colleges or universities, etc.  However, it is not about statistics. It is about learning. At MCS, we do not simply deliver information to children; we teach children, and we teach them how to learn. We teach to the child, not to the book, not to the class, and certainly, not to the standardized test. MCS has high standards that push children to reach their potential and beyond. This type of care and personal attention for your child is immeasurable. We spend over 35 hours a week helping them grow in faith and knowledge. We know them and we do what it takes for them succeed. Second, Catholic schools whole-heartily believe that Character matters. At MCS, we feel that one of our major roles is to provide an education that goes beyond the classroom. We teach each child how to be a good person; we teach integrity and provide them with a moral compass to make good decisions. In the younger grades, we have classes dedicated on how to be a friend. We teach them that having manners and being courteous is important, and to look people in the eye when they firmly shake someone’s hand. As a parochial school, we are able to do all of these things in any class, at any time. Many schools do not have the luxury to teach character and even those that do, simply do not. We do. It is fundamentally part of who we are. Finally, in a Catholic school, Faith Matters. Each child is different, that was God’s intention, which is why we treat each one as individual gifts from God, even when they stumble while on their faith journey. At MCS we often speak of forming the foundations of a child and faith is where it stems from.  Faith is the cornerstone of life. Without it, personal successes and achievements have little relevance. With it, you realize that your successes and achievements are not only for you, but should be shared with others; with your family, friends, teachers, the homeless, and homebound, just as Jesus taught us. We teach this type of stewardship in every grade. MCS takes the role of faith formation very seriously. When I transitioned from working in a public school to a parochial school ten years ago, I was reminded that “we are not a private school; we are a parochial school. A private school’s job is to get you into Harvard; a parochial school’s job is to get you into heaven”. As we begin Catholic School Week, let us spend this time celebrating Catholic schools, but recognize what matters to us: Learning, Character, and Faith. These foundations of a faith-filled, successful child start right here at MCS.

    

Dr. F