St. John students Eric Joyce, from left, Nora Pacheco, Ryan French and Ava Neese visited Madison firefighters during National Catholic Schools Week 2016. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – During the week of Feb. 1, St. John the Baptist Catholic School joined Catholic schools across the nation to celebrate catholic education. The Madison students showed their appreciation to community servants.

National Catholic Schools Week 2016 adopted the ongoing theme, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” “Each year, Catholic schools pause to celebrate the faith-based education that these schools offer to families,” St. John Principal Sherry Lewis said.

St. John celebrated the special week in a variety of ways. “The school week opened with students sending goodies to local community helpers,” Lewis said.

Students expressed their appreciation to local government leaders, including firefighters in Madison Fire & Rescue Department, police officers with Madison Police Department and librarians at Madison Public Library, along with senior citizens in the community.

Later in the week, classes used SKYPE to communicate with students in other Catholic schools in the states of South Carolina, Ohio, Arkansas and North Dakota. “This activity was an effort for the students to learn about their school and local community,” Lewis said.

In addition, a canned food drive was held daily for students and teachers to support the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, which is sponsored by St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

“St. John Catholic School is proud to be a part of the Madison community by preparing the next generation of faith-based leaders and citizens,” Lewis said.

National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration. Schools typically observe the observance with Masses, open house and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members.

For more information about Catholic Schools Week, visit ncea.org/events/national-catholic-schools-week-2016.

St. John the Baptist Catholic School’s address is 1057 Hughes Road. For more information, call 256-722-0772 or visit stjohnb.com.