After spending exactly one week back in the classroom meeting teachers, starting on first semester assignments and readjusting to the rhythm of the 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. academic day, students will be able to enjoy one final summer-like Friday on August 26 as CJ faculty attend the first in-service of the 2011-12 school year.
Although generally scheduled later in the fall, the first of CJ's three yearly in-service days comes during what would have been students' first full week back from break. The other two do not occur until 2012, when students will have February 10 and March 9 off, but what exactly do those mysterious calendar dates known as Facutly In-service Days actually entail?
For students, the answer is simple: no school, a three-day weekend, and some serious sleeping in. But for faculty members, however, the day is meant to be an opportunity to learn and grow with fellow comrades in Catholic education.
"In the spirit of community, teachers from 24 area Catholic high schools and elementary schools will gather to partake in a dialog about how to best fulfill our families' academic needs in the future," said John Marshall, principal.
The professional development day is sponsored by the Catholic Schools Office. Educators will conference at St. Charles Boromeo Parish and on the grounds of Alter High School from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the day's activities, led by guest speaker Rev. Richard Fragomeni.
A renowned author, homilist and public speaker, Fr. Fragonmeni serves as an associate professor at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Those in attendance will enjoy lunch together, celebrate the Eucharist, and participate in discussion with Fr. Fragomeni on the preparation for the reception of the new translation of the Roman Missal.
"It is good to come together with the greater Catholic educational community in a setting like this because it allows us to focus our energies, skills and passions around student-centered, faith-based education," Marshall said.