Holy Cross School to kick off Catholic Schools Week with open house

Catholic Schools Week, an annual nationwide event, offers Holy Cross School in Batavia an opportunity to celebrate its successes and showcase the unique qualities of the school, which have allowed it to thrive and grow each year since its inception.

"In its ninth year of existence, Holy Cross School has emerged as a forerunner both academically and spiritually, and in its diverse extra curricular activity offerings," said Principal Mike Puttin. "A dedicated staff, committed parents, and the support of the parish have allowed us to achieve our goal of successfully developing the whole child from age 3 through eighth grade. Students who have graduated from Holy Cross are consistently recognized as socially responsible leaders and top scholars in high school."

Currently serving more than 400 Catholic and non-Catholic students from the Fox Valley and surrounding areas, Holy Cross Catholic School provides an intensely faith-based, academically challenging and differentiated education. It is committed to educating students beyond the fundamentals while fostering an environment of cooperation, responsibility, respect, and service to others in preparation for high school and beyond.

"As a graduate of Holy Cross, I was highly successful in my four years at Marmion Academy," stated Alex Vandenberg, second-year Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy and number one Plebe of 1,200 in 2015-16. "I was in the top 5 percent of my class with two other Holy Cross graduates and Battalion Commander of the Army JROTC unit where I lead over 500 cadets. Although I received top-notch academics at both Holy Cross and Marmion, that is not necessarily what elevated the Catholic school experience for me."

"I believe that the disciplines, academic and spiritual combined, work on forming the entire character of the student," Vandenberg said. "With the ability to express my faith without reservation, I have been able to cultivate a strong sense of integrity, and have had the opportunity to develop my personal character, remaining confident and courageous on my journey. A Holy Cross education is a worthy investment in your child, and a sacrifice you will never regret."

Holy Cross School kicks off a week of special activities at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, with a barbecue open house for both prospective and current families. The drop-in day will include presentations, tours, face time with teachers, and an activity fair with representatives from athletic teams and clubs available for questions.

The celebration will continue throughout the week of Jan. 29 with a focus on service, charity and fun. Student activities include showcasing special school projects during "Night of Wonders," collecting books for a local school, writing thank you notes to people serving in the military, and a staff/student volleyball game.

"On my first day at Holy Cross, I felt the anxiety that used to encompass me fade away," said Hannah Regan, Rosary High School student. "At Holy Cross, I felt peace. I met amazing friends that made me desire even more to strengthen my relationship with the Lord because they were so on fire with the love of Jesus, and it showed through their words and actions."

Registration is not required to attend the open house on Sunday, Jan. 29. To get details or schedule a private tour, call Holy Cross at (630) 593-5290 or email Mike Puttin at mputtin@holycross-batavia.org.

Visit www.holycrosscatholicschool.org or www.facebook.com/holycrossschoolbatavia/.