School is Back in Session

By MICHAEL GERARD

This time of year is filled with anticipation. As the summer days pass faster and faster, we eagerly approach the state fair. Summer-only activities are scheduled before it's too late. Bedtimes are reset to Central School Standard Time. Back to school shopping is on the to-do list. We're on the downhill slope of summer, and it's going fast. There are a lot of things that have to happen before the first students run through the school door, and we're all excited for the journey ahead.

School does not simply happen. Much planning and hard work take place before we are ready to lead our students into another academic year. Custodial staff preps the building. Floors are waxed, and doors, windows, plumbing, and electrical needs are attended to. Kitchen staff stock freezers, prepare menus, and do a deep cleaning. Colleagues sit down together and plan out the school year to fill gaps, allow for teacher prep and staff breaks, and ensure that everyone has what they need to be successful. Teachers also take tremendous pride in making their classrooms warm and welcoming. Administrators focus on the details. Details include who is teaching what, filling in last-minute job openings, mentoring new staff members, planning and scheduling classes and services, and tying up every loose end. There are lots of moving parts that must be in sync before the first day of school.

Families also have a lot of work to do before the first day of school. The move from summer day to the school day is not an easy transition. Pick up and drop off, bus schedules, lunch planning, and shopping for supplies and clothes are exciting and taxing at the same time. With most families having both parents working these days, extended day program registration may be part of the back-to-school considerations.

So far, I have described the planning at any school in America. For the most part, what I have described is wholesome and good. On the other hand, there is not much glue holding this story together. I want to focus lastly on what makes our Catholic schools unique.

I have marveled over the years as I have worked the drop-off line day after day and watched students gleefully run into the building with the same enthusiasm as the first day of school. What makes our Catholic schools unique? We offer the full truth of the love of Jesus Christ. Our schools can be described in one word: love. Without the love of Jesus, there is no reason to have an alternative to our government schools. Our Catholic schools are unique in the world. Everything we do in our Catholic schools flows from the love God has for each one of us. If we

embrace that love and pass it along, our schools will thrive. If we take our eyes off our Catholic faith and focus on “just” academics, specials, sports, or some other temporal concern, we utterly fail. We, humans, made in the image and likeness of God, are eternal beings built for salvation. This truth is why our schools are different.

I am excited for the beginning of a new year. I am looking forward to working with parents, teachers, priests, and principals. I am grateful for our common vision and the commitment to bring the gospel to the world. I am grateful for your support. If you have a child who you would like to send to one of our schools, please email Danyel Herzog at dherzog@dowr.org for more information. Let us all pray, through the intercession of St. John Neumann, that our schools continue to thrive in serving our Lord's children and share his love with the whole world. God bless!

Michael Gerard is the assistant superintendant of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.