“National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States,  During the week, schools and parishes focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and Catholic education’s contributions to our church, our communities and our nation.  The week builds community awareness of and involvement in Catholic schools throughout the country.

The theme of National Catholic Schools Week 2013 is ‘Catholic Schools Raise the Standards.’  Catholic schools are noted for their academic excellence and high moral standards,  This year’s theme celebrates the constant attention Catholic educators pay to increasing the learning and growth in faith of all students.  The theme follows on the launch of a new initiative, the ‘National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools,’ to ensure consistent high standards at Catholic schools across the country. Catholic educators are also participating in a nationwide education initiative for all schools called the Common Core State Standards.

This year’s logo illustrates a chart of steady growth culminating in the highest achievement of them all, a cross representing the faith that underscores all Catholic education.  The logo provides a visual expression of the essence of Catholic education to enhance the week’s celebration.

The annual observance begins Jan. 27 and continues to Feb. 2.  Schools typically celebrate National Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, parishioners, and the community at large.”

excerpted from an article in the  September/October 2012 edition of Momentum, the Official Journal of The National Catholic Education Association, page 64