Catholic Schools Week 2026 off to a fun and snowy start
Raeley and Elena, two eighth graders at St. John the Apostle School in Clark, NJ, stood proudly before their science fair project, “The Gummy Goo Lab,” where they combined a variety of colorful candies with different starches to produce “edible slime.”
Their culinary experiments were a big hit with the students at St. John’s, who served as eager taste-testers. To this grownup, the blue and pink concoction appeared less appetizing.
“Would you like to try some?” the students asked earnestly. In the spirit of fearless journalism, the slime was tried and, thankfully, proved edible; it tasted vaguely like cotton candy.
Other students at the science fair built functioning cardboard robots, potato-powered gizmos, and bagpipes made from plastic straws and rubber gloves. Teachers had encouraged them to ask questions they were truly curious about and to let their imaginations run wild
Seventh graders Ari and Ranae created a display about the extinction of the dinosaurs, featuring a volcano with ketchup lava and chicken nugget boulders. Jake and Andrew investigated how video games impact blood pressure and they found that competitive video games can increase heart rate. One student, Isabel, wondered what kind of music her dog, Leo, preferred. The results of her study: Leo dislikes yodeling but loves heavy metal music.
The wacky experiments proved an effective way to educate students about the scientific method and the use of reason. Visitors learned about the structure of DNA, discovered how subway trains are powered, and were taught how to make the ideal batch of popcorn.
Shining a little brighter
The science fair at St. John’s was one of many fun events held on Jan. 27 to mark the beginning of Catholic Schools Week 2026. Due to last weekend’s massive snowstorm, Catholic School Week Masses and Open Houses were mostly postponed for a week or two, and Monday was a snow day for students across the Archdiocese of Newark, but on Tuesday events proceeded as planned.
The theme of this year’s Catholic Schools Week, “United in Faith and Community,” was demonstrated firsthand as faculty and staff members quickly rearranged schedules and spaces for the day’s special events. While archdiocesan schools all follow the same general theme, each school stages its own unique activities.
At St. Bartholomew’s Academy in Scotch Plains, homeroom classes competed to see who could come up with the most original costuming idea. The first graders were Olympic athletes and dressed as hockey players, ice skaters, and basketball players. Kindergartners chose a tie-dye theme, while the second-grade class came to school as emojis.
“I’m Smiley Face with Heart Eyes!” one girl exclaimed. Her grin was nearly as wide as the emoji symbol drawn on the foam plate atop her head.
Kimberly Harrigan, principal of Saint Bartholomew’s, told Jersey Catholic that it was important that Catholic Schools Week go on despite the snow. “As families visit the school, we find that parents appreciate our message, centered on the values of the gospels,” she said. “That’s true even when they aren’t Catholic. Sometimes it feels like the great public schools in our community draw all the attention. The weather hasn’t been great, but we want to shine a little brighter this week, so that people in the community hopefully notice us and discover what we have to offer.”
A colonial village in downtown Kenilworth
At Saint Theresa School in Kenilworth, “shining bright” meant transforming the gymnasium into a colonial-era village.
Sister Marisa DeRose, FMA, principal of Saint Theresa’s, came up with the idea. “Since this year is the 250th birthday of America, I thought this would be a perfect theme for the week,” she said. “Once I presented my teachers with the idea, they ran with it.” The school’s science teacher, Crystal Kaserek, even collected swan feathers and made quills so that sixth graders could experience writing with them.
Guided by the faculty, students spent weeks conducting research, writing essays, and constructing displays that turned the gym into a homemade colonial theme park. The work was integrated into their history lessons.
A stage at the far end of the gymnasium was decked out to resemble Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Booths around the gym’s perimeter were set up to represent a colonial farm, a Revolutionary War-era camp, a printing press, the parlor of Betsy Ross, creator of the first American flag, and other historic locales. Most of the items on display were crafted by the students, who also wore costumes and served as guides for younger students and parents.
Some students said they most enjoyed researching and writing their projects, while others were excited by the opportunity to unleash their imaginations. “I loved how this project made my creativity flow,” Saveria, a seventh grader, said.
Among the visitors to the village was Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark. She listened intently to the seventh graders as they explained what life was like for soldiers during the American Revolution. Representatives from the Kenilworth Historical Society also attended the Tuesday afternoon presentation. They said they were impressed by the “phenomenal” event and its “hands-on” approach to the past.
A place of acceptance and love
The enthusiasm of the students at all three schools showed they were having a great time but also revealed how much they valued their Catholic education. Asked why, they gave a variety of answers:
“I like the community,” said Ranae about her experience at Saint John’s. “My classmates feel like my family.” Harley chimed in that she likes wearing a uniform “because in the morning you don’t have to pick an outfit,” while Nicole said she loved her teachers “and how kind they are.”
Raeley transferred to St. John’s as an eighth grader and was happy her parents placed her there. “It’s amazing,” she said. “I was able to make real friends here.”
At St. Theresa’s, Tina, a seventh grader, said she loved “all the fun stuff we do.”
“The teachers here are great,” Lucas added. His classmate, Olivia, agreed. “They really make you feel welcome,” she said.
Sister DeRose said that experiencing a loving environment was a key aspect of Catholic education. “We like to say we’re a family,” she said. “I’m a Salesian sister and our spirituality is one of family, so we’re very conscious of making sure everyone is loved, accepted, and known.”
For one third grade boy at Saint Bartholomew Academy, the appeal of Catholic education was more immediate. “We’re having ice cream later!” he gushed as the rest of his emoji-themed classmates cheered.
Later in the week, these students will participate in a walk-a-thon for charity and then root for their eighth-grade schoolmates as they challenge the faculty to a volleyball game. Though they had enjoyed their snow day, the kids at Saint Bart’s said they were happy and excited to be back in school because of all the fun activities ahead.
View more photos from the Catholic School Week celebrations at St. John the Apostle School, St. Bartholomew Academy, and St. Theresa School, by clicking HERE.
To learn more about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, visit their website.
Featured image: Students at St. Theresa School in Kenilworth, NJ, pose with their science teacher, Crystal Kaserek, in front of an exhibit about Betsy Ross, who made the first American flag.
