Next week is Catholic Schools Week. A couple of years ago I shared my perspective as a Battle Creek Area Catholic School parent. This year, I want to share my perspective as a writer.

I started writing the BCACS Blog in addition to helping the school as a communication specialist in 2016. I’ve interviewed a wide variety of parents, priests, teachers, students, alumni, administrators and donors in that time, which has given me a unique view of the BCACS difference.

We are a small school offering an excellent education on what feels like a shoestring budget. We have families from all income levels and ethnic backgrounds, both Catholics and non-Catholics. We have families with six generations of BCACS graduates and ones who are the first generation in our country. Running a school like this without tax money requires the BCACS community to buy-in body, mind, soul and pocketbook.

And they do.

Our well-qualified teachers could make more money anywhere but choose to stay here. Our administrators work late, arrive early, and wear more hats than anyone knows. We have donors who, after sending their children through our schools, endow scholarships to help other families with their tuition. We have volunteers who serve year after year, long after their kids have graduated.

Why?

Family. That is the word I hear on everyone’s lips, interview after interview.

“We absorb each other’s challenges and get through them together because we are not only a school, but also a family,” said Katie Reed, St. Joseph Schools assistant-principal and alumni.

“St. Philip is like one big family,” said sophomore Myles McCullin. “We all have family members that we like more than others and those we dislike more than others, but at the end of the day we are still a family and stand up for each other.”

“The outpouring of love and affection I’ve gotten has made going through [chemotherapy] a lot easier,” said Kelly Francisco, preschool teacher, alumni, parent, and breast cancer survivor. “This is why I send my kids to St. Joseph. It’s not just a school – we’re a family.”

Those are a few of the many, many quotes I’ve collected over the years. Family is the BCACS difference.

Is it a perfect school system? No. Does it have its challenges? Yes. But the difference is when you enter our schools, you join a family who cares about whether you pass or fail. They care if you have the things you need. They celebrate your victories and hold your hand in defeat. They help you mend fences. They know who you are and who you can be.

Catholic Schools Weeks is a nationwide celebration of Catholic education, but we have something extra-special to celebrate in Battle Creek. We have a family.

Below is a calendar of Catholic School Week events. Let the celebration begin!

 

Sunday, January 27
Opening Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 am
Celebration will be in English, with readings in Spanish and Burmese
Open House and Knights of Columbus breakfast at St. Joseph cafeteria to follow

Monday, January 28
Pack the Gym & Military Appreciation Night at St. Philip Catholic Central High School
Basketball: St. Joseph Middle School girls vs. Calhoun Christian at 5:00pm
Basketball: St. Philip High School Varsity girls vs. Burr Oak at 6:30 pm
Elementary School
OODC: Red, White & Blue
Tiger Phil visit
Middle School
COIN CONTEST for the Food Bank
OODC: Red, White & Blue
Tiger Phil visit
High School
Dress: Day-Spirit Day

Tuesday, January 29
Elementary School
OODC: Favorite superhero
First-responders to visit the elementary school
Middle School
COIN CONTEST for the Food Bank
OODC: Favorite superhero
Coffee Cart for teachers and staff
High School
Out of Dress Code for Students
Brownies and ice cream at Lunch

Wednesday, January 30
All-School Mass with Bishop Bradley at St. Philip Church at 9 a.m.
All students to arrive at St. Philip between 7:30-8 a.m.
All students to wear RED uniform shirt
Picture and snack to follow
Elementary School
5th-graders to visit St. Joseph Middle School
Middle School
8th-graders to visit St. Philip High School (pick up is 2:55)
COIN CONTEST for the Food Bank

Thursday, January 31
Science Night at St. Joseph School Gym from 6:30-8 p.m.
Join us for fun hands-on educational experiences and activities.
Complimentary drawings will be held for admission to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Meijer Gardens, Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary, Kids ‘n’ Stuff Museum
Complimentary BCACS registration fee for the 2019-2020 school year.
Elementary School
OODC: Favorite Sports Team
Mass & Blessing of the Throats 9:00am
Staff Luncheon provided by Moms’ Club
Middle School
COIN CONTEST for the Food Bank
OODC: Favorite Sports Team
Mass & Blessing of the Throats 9:00am
Staff Luncheon provided by Moms’ Club
Bowling at Bowlero (1-3pm w/ pick-up at Bowlero)

Friday, February 1
Elementary School
OODC: Spirit Day
Movie Day
Family Adoration 2:15pm at St. Joseph Church
Middle School
COIN CONTEST for the Food Bank
OODC: Red & White Spirit Day
MATHCOUNTS Competition in Kalamazoo
Family Adoration 2:15pm at St. Joseph Church
High School
Coffee/Hot Chocolate and Bagels for Staff
Staff Lunch Provided
Staff out of Dress Code

Saturday, February 2
Full House Drawdown Raffle at St. Philip High School from 6:30pm – Midnight
The $135 ticket admits two and includes
A chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000!
Hors-d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, desserts, and open bar
Money and prizes to be won in this year’s Casino Games (Black Jack, Texas Hold’em and Money Wheel), Silent Auction, Balloon Pop, 50/50 Raffles, expanded sideboard bettings, and in the continuous Drawdown Raffle number cash winner drawings that begins at 7:30.
To purchase your tickets contact Pete Werner (209-2569). License Number R45670

BCACS Basketball Roundup: Snow, cold, and wins
BCACS Basketball Roundup: Back to school and back to hoops
Questions? Call Cathy Erskine at 269.963.1131