This week we are launching our annual observance of Catholic Schools Week and celebrating the enduring value of Catholic education! Our Student Council has planned lots of fun-filled activities for our school! Our students look forward to the week each year because it includes enjoyable events and special treats. However, it is also a time for us to underscore the fact that Catholic schools add value to our nation. During Catholic Schools Week, we reach out to the community and thank all those who work hard every day to make our school excellent: students, families, faculty, staff, volunteers, and community supporters.

Our theme for this year is: “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” Catholic schools have an irreplaceable role in the Church’s evangelizing mission. Building on the central goal of Catholic schools to form saints, we teach and embrace the whole person, body, mind and spirit. The fact that all members of our Catholic school community share the Christian vision of faith that Christ is the foundation of Catholic education is what unites our school as a faith-filled community.

The CSW logo symbolizes the united community of Catholic schools – not a building or an institution, but people of faith serving God and others. No Catholic school can fulfill its educational role alone. Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community is a theme on which to build a spirit of the Gospel to benefit those we encounter.

Each of our daily events will focus on an element that makes Catholic education what it is: something very special! Catholic schools have a specific purpose to form students to be good citizens of the world, to love God and neighbors, and to enrich society through examples of faith. Through their dedication and commitment, they make our school an excellent example of how “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community."

Monday, January 27, 2025 - United in Faith and Community: Celebrating Our Community

Monday of Catholic Schools Week gives us the perfect opportunity to expand our sphere of activity and celebration beyond the community of St. Francis. We will start the school week with an element of Christian charity by demonstrating our connection with the community.

• To Support Our Community: Starting today through Wednesday, January 29th , we will be collecting combs and brushes. This will be added to Blessing Bags created by Student Council and distributed to The Las Vegas Rescue Mission.
• Our Penny Wars will begin - Every class will be teamed with another, with the exception of Kindergarten (their contest will be Boys vs. Girls). Our students use pennies to gain points and use dollars and silver coins to "bomb" each other and take away points from other classes. SAVE YOUR PENNIES FOR THIS EVENT! All proceeds will benefit Veterans Village and prizes will be awarded to the winning classes.
• Cookie Raffle - back by popular demand - begins today! For $1.00 per ticket, you will be entered in our raffle to win a WHOLE jar of cookies! The jar will be in the Student Store. Proceeds will benefit the Kindergarten Service Project - St. Jude's Children's Ranch.
• Girls Basketball Practice: 3:00 - 4:00PM

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - United in Faith and Community: Celebrating Our Students

Students are the reason Catholic schools exist, and Tuesday of Catholic Schools Week is the day devoted to them. It is the day we celebrate them and encourage them on their path to becoming well-rounded, faith-filled individuals who are devoted to the service of their families, their communities, and the Church. During this fun-filled day, we will also take the opportunity to reflect on the value of Catholic education and how we can use it to serve God and others throughout our lives.

• Free Dress Day! Today we are celebrating our STUDENTS with a well deserved Free Dress Day! Please remember to stay within the Winter Dress code. Thank you!
• Choir Practice: 7:50 - 8:20 AM.
• Prayer and Flag Ceremony hosted by our Student Council as we give thanks and recognize Catholic education throughout our nation!
• Ice Cream Sundaes will be sold today – the cost is $1.00!
• Our students will also be rewarded with a “NO Homework Night!”
• Girls Basketball Game: SFDS vs OLLV at OLLV at 3:45PM

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - United in Faith and Community: Celebrating Our Nation

Today is “National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools.” This is an important day in communities across the country as our government shows their support of Catholic schools and recognizes the positive impact that Catholic schools have throughout our nation. This is our day to remind Americans everywhere that Catholic schools provide a great service in today’s world.

• Our 7th and 8th Grade classes will attend the All Catholic Schools Mass - hosted by Bishop Gorman High School at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
• Hot Dog Combo available at lunch! Hot Dog, Chips, and a Capri Sun included in combo.
• Today every class will receive extra recess at lunchtime!!
• Student Council will be joining all Catholic School Student Council Members at Bishop Gorman High School to make Blessing Bags for The Las Vegas Rescue Mission tonight.

Thursday, January 30, 2025 - United in Faith and Community: Celebrating Our Vocations

Today is set aside to recognize all those who serve God. Service to God can take many forms through clergy and lay people. This is also the day we celebrate and encourage vocations to religious life.

• Dynamic Duo/Squad Day: We invite everyone to coordinate your outfits for a twin/group day - match perfectly or go for a creative theme.
• Choir Practice: 7:50 - 8:20 AM.
• Joe Melendrez, Guest Speaker: See the video below to learn more about this inspirational speaker, retreat leader and youth minister! Presentations for Kindergarten - 5th Grade at 9 AM and 6th - 8th Grade at 9:45AM. Parents are welcome to attend!

• OPEN HOUSE: We hope you will attend our Annual Open House this afternoon at dismissal! Please be sure to visit your child’s classroom today! We are grateful to our parents for making our school such an exceptional community!
• SFDS Science Fair in the Activity Center! Parents are welcome!
• Girls Basketball Game: SFDS vs SEAS at SEAS at 3:45PM

Friday, January 31, 2025 - United in Faith and Community: Celebrating Our Faculty and Staff

National Teacher Appreciation Day serves as a fitting end to Catholic Schools Week. It is a special day to honor those who devote their lives to educating students in an atmosphere of academic excellence and Catholic faith. This is also a day to recognize everyone else who contributes to the success of Catholic schools – including dedicated staff members who keep things running smoothly every single day! Today, we will honor and thank all of our Teachers and Staff for their outstanding efforts and contributions!

• Teachers will have a Well-deserved Free Dress day today!
• Faculty Fun morning!
• Movie Afternoon: All students and teachers will enjoy a movie afternoon - popcorn included!
• Girls Basketball Game: SFDS vs SAP at SAP at 3:45PM

Holy Hour - First Friday at 3:00 PM

Holy Hour - Every Thursday at 6:00 PM

Our Parish offers online giving in lieu of envelopes. Please click here to be directed to the website.

Email: cwilson@sfdslv.org
Website: www.sfdslv.org
Location: 1111 Michael Way, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Phone: 702-647-2828
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfdslvschool
Twitter: @sfdslvschool

Your local Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to help you or anyone who has been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church. We will listen to your needs and support you. We will help you make a formal complaint and arrange a personal meeting with the bishop, or his delegate, if desired. We encourage you to come forward and speak out.

The Victim's Assistance Coordinator's contact information is:

Archdiocese of Las Vegas (702) 235-7723

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