St. Joseph the Worker Marks Catholic Schools Week

in Orefield kicked off Catholic Schools week with a student art show on Saturday and an open house on Sunday.

Principal Jody Myers and art teacher Loretta Marrone were on hand Saturday as parents and others turned out for the art show that featured the work of students in kindergarten through eighth grade.  

Works included caligraphy, stained glass designs, paintings and sushi dishes inspired by Japenese brush paintings. Marrone said most of the art lessons are integrated with the students' other course work. For example, students drew animals but incorporated science, with information about genus and species.

The theme of this year's Catholic Schools Week is "Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service."

More activities are planned throughout the week:

MONDAY, Jan. 30: Author Kim Chattel visits the school to share her stories with the students. She also will talk to the older students about publishing their works.

Also, Allentown Central Catholic students will visit the school, with St. Joseph the Worker students helping to color placemats for the soup kitchen in Allentown.

State trooper Michael Schultz will share with students his role in the community.

* TUESDAY, Jan. 31. Students will make a rosary with their prayer partners, as well as cards for St. Joseph the Worker's sister school in Tanzania.

St. Joseph the Worker cheerleaders will show their school spirit in the gym, at 1:15 p.m. Students also will watch the movie "," chosen by student vote.

Family Zumba will be held at 6 p.m. in the gym. Zumba instructor (and parent) Jennifer Diaz will lead.

* WEDNESDAY, Feb. 1. Students are making care packages for the military, with items that include lotion, shampoo, toothpaste and combs. "Craft Hope" will take place at 6 p.m. in the gym, with participants being asked to donate cotton t-shirts, pillowcases and infant onesies.

* THURSDAY, Feb. 2. It's bring your parent to school day. Parents share their vocations with students. 

* FRIDAY, Feb. 3. Mass at 9:15 a.m. A family dance will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the gym.