Catholic Schools Week highlights hope at Immaculate Conception

Cold temperatures and heavy snow may have postponed some Catholic Schools Week activities, but they did not stop students and staff at Immaculate Conception Elementary in Dennison from celebrating their school. Students and staff members joined together to emphasize this year’s CSW theme: HOPE. HOPE stands for humility, outreach, prayer and evangelization.

Students participated in pay-to-dress-down days, with proceeds benefiting the local food pantry and dog pound. Preschool and pre-K classes made cards for local nursing homes and parish shut-ins. Students also made cards for those in consecrated life in Tuscarawas County to recognize their dedication to God and to local schools and parishes.

Mrs. Love, a sixth-grade teacher, and Sister Esthar Mary Yesu Doss prepared sixth graders by teaching them about the importance of many parts of the church. The sixth graders then took pre-K students to the church and taught them about the different parts. Wide-eyed and engaged, the youngest students listened and answered questions while learning not only the purpose but also the importance of each item. The project went so well that the sixth graders also taught kindergarten and first-grade students.

In addition to prayer buddies, sixth graders and pre-K students said the Divine Mercy Chaplet together. Each class also said the rosary weekly, and the entire student body united to say the rosary as part of the CSW celebration.

The Home and School Association treated students and staff members with ice cream for students and a special luncheon for teachers and staff. An all-school photo was taken at the church depicting a cross to show unity and the importance of the church and faith. A copy of the photo was gifted to the school and to the Fr. Jeff Coning for his support of Catholic education.

Immaculate Conception students and staff said they are proud of their school, their parishes and everyone who makes learning and faith formation possible. They said they are truly blessed.