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Catholic News Herald

Serving Christ and Connecting Catholics in Western North Carolina

Dr. Janice Ritter: Catholic Schools Week: As we reflect on our many successes, we say 'thank you!'

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ritterCatholic Schools Week is a wonderful time to reflect on our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Our schools continue to be outstanding institutions, where our students can deepen their faith, expand their knowledge base and pursue areas of personal interest via a wide variety of co-curricular activities. Concurrently with these pursuits, students learn to give of themselves by being of service to others. Collectively, students in our 19 schools give more than 50,000 hours of service each year to a wide variety of parish and community organizations. That is certainly a very tangible way our students live the Gospel values they learn.

When looking at our students’ performance on a variety of assessment measures, it is evident they score above the national and local averages. Our three high schools continue to enjoy a 100 percent graduation rate, with 98 percent of our graduates going on to higher education. As a system, all levels of instruction, from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, can rightfully share in these outstanding statistics because every level of instruction helps develop our young people.

These quantitative measures are helpful because they provide concrete evidence of students' success. However, the true measure of our success will not be revealed solely via test scores, but rather seen when walking the halls or grounds of our schools.

A look into any of our classrooms shows students who are ready to learn and focused on success – not only as students but also as members of the community. Our administrators and teachers work diligently to create positive learning environments, but it is the students who capitalize on these by bringing to their studies a sense of respect, a sense of purpose and a strong work ethic – qualities first learned in the home.

However, it is perhaps what our students do when motivated solely by their own sense of right that most clearly brings to life the lessons learned in our schools. Recently, a group of second-graders at one of our schools was enjoying some time outside, when, on their own, they gathered around and began to pray the rosary. Not too long ago, a group of our high schools students met at a local library to study. Their behavior was so impressive that a library patron took the time to write a note of commendation to the principal. The behavior our students exhibit, when they think no one is watching, speaks volumes about who they are and reflects the true value of a Catholic education.

Catholic Schools Week is also the perfect opportunity to thank the many people who support our schools is so many ways. Among these are our clergy, members of our various school boards, PTO volunteers and community members, who share their time and expertise with us.

I also would like to thank our parents, who put their faith in our schools and entrust us with their children. The financial sacrifices you make to provide your children with the gift of a Catholic education is recognized and appreciated. I thank you for your continued dedication to our schools.

Dr. Janice Ritter is superintendent of the Diocese of Charlotte schools system.

Kicking off CSW17 with the Our Lady of Mercy School Tradition of the Living Rosary. The school prays the rosary together lifting our intentions to God before releasing the balloon rosary as the intentions and prayers are supposed to ascend to God. (Provid
Kicking off CSW17 with the Our Lady of Mercy School Tradition of the Living Rosary. The school prays the rosary together lifting our intentions to God before releasing the balloon rosary as the intentions and prayers are supposed to ascend to God. (Provid
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