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[Pages S701-S702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 33--SUPPORTING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Mr. TOOMEY (for himself, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Rubio, and Mr. Casey)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:
S. Res. 33
Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are
internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence and
provide students with more than just an exceptional
scholastic education;
Whereas Catholic schools instill a broad, values-added
education emphasizing the lifelong development of moral,
intellectual, physical, and social values in young people in
the United States;
Whereas Catholic schools serve the United States by
providing a diverse student population, from all regions of
the country and all socioeconomic backgrounds, a strong
academic and moral foundation, and of that student
population--
(1) more than 38 percent of students are from racial and
ethnic minority backgrounds; and
(2) 19 percent of students are from non-Catholic families;
Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for
parents, particularly in underserved urban areas;
Whereas Catholic schools produce students who are strongly
dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities
by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich
in spiritual, character, and moral development;
Whereas Catholic schools are committed to community
service, producing graduates who hold ``helping others'' as a
core value;
Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for
the 2018-2019 academic year is almost 1,800,000, with a
student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1;
Whereas the Catholic high school graduation rate is 99
percent, with 87 percent of graduates attending 4-year
colleges;
Whereas, in the 1972 pastoral message concerning Catholic
education, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops
stated: ``Education is one of the most important ways by
which the Church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of
the person and building of community. Community is central to
education ministry, both as a necessary condition and an
ardently desired goal. The educational efforts of the Church,
therefore, must be directed to forming persons-in-community;
for the education of the individual Christian is important
not only to his solitary destiny, but also the destinies of
the many communities in which he lives.'';
Whereas the week of January 27, 2019, to February 2, 2019,
has been designated as National Catholic Schools Week by the
National Catholic Educational Association and the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and January 30, 2019,
has been designated National Appreciation Day for Catholic
Schools;
Whereas National Catholic Schools Week was first
established in 1974 and has been celebrated annually for the
past 45 years;
Whereas, while Catholic schools must work hard to maintain
enrollment, the demand and enthusiasm for Catholic schools
remains strong;
Whereas 30 percent of Catholic schools have waiting lists
for admission, and new schools are opening across the United
States; and
Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2019
is Catholic Schools:
[[Page S702]]
Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the goals of National Catholic Schools Week,
an event--
(A) cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational
Association and the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops; and
(B) established to recognize the vital contributions of the
thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the
United States;
(2) applauds the National Catholic Educational Association
and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on the
selection of a theme that all people can celebrate; and
(3) supports--
(A) the continued dedication of Catholic schools, students,
parents, and teachers across the United States to academic
excellence; and
(B) the key role that Catholic schools, students, parents,
and teachers across the United States play in promoting and
ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the United States.
____________________