With unanimous approval both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (HR 21) and Senate (SR 10) passed resolutions designating January 27 – February 1, 2013, as Catholic Schools Week to express congratulations and appreciation to Catholic elementary and secondary schools across this Commonwealth. Both resolutions acknowledged the valuable contribution Catholic schools make to our communities:
WHEREAS, Catholic elementary and secondary schools educate approximately 153,000 students annually and save State and local taxpayers more than $2 billion each year; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools instill in young people a strong foundation of values, self-esteem, self-confidence and leadership skills; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools, in providing young people with a strong foundation of the values and academic skills needed in becoming responsible citizens of this Commonwealth and this nation have a drop-out rate of less than 3% and a postgraduate higher education rate of 90%.
Special thanks to the resolution sponsors and congratulations to Pennsylvania’s Catholic schools that continue to promote “Faith, Academics, Service” with excellence.