Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Catholic school educators emphasize the dignity of the human person in their teaching, aspiring to impart that students are "made in God’s image and likeness" and are "called to be a saint," according to Dominican Sister Mary Xavier Winterrowd from St. James School in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

The community is invited to explore these qualities during Discover Catholic Schools Week from November 17-23. Academically, Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Louisville excel, with several schools holding the National Blue Ribbon School distinction for high performance as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Additionally, 95% of the class of 2024 graduates are pursuing further education.

Dr. Mary Beth Bowling, superintendent of schools, highlighted that teachers play a significant role in attracting families to Catholic education. During an annual teacher appreciation luncheon on October 30, she stated that "Catholic school educators listen to their students with a heart of compassion and understanding." Teachers help form relationships with Jesus Christ and foster love among students.

Meredith Brooks, a kindergarten teacher at St. Aloysius School in Pewee Valley, Kentucky, emphasized the importance of spending time with each student and embracing them unconditionally. Liesl Minneci from Holy Spirit School shared her daily message to students: "You are important. You matter. You are unique. And you are most definitely loved."

Teachers aim to prepare students for heaven by helping them understand they are made in God's image and destined for heaven. This preparation extends beyond religious classes into all subjects by promoting respect for individual dignity and striving for virtues.

Sister Winterrowd noted that education involves forming the whole person spiritually, intellectually, and morally. The Office of Catholic Schools also ensures academic accountability through MAP testing conducted thrice annually while supporting teachers' professional development.

Bowling mentioned that data analysis supports principals and teachers in understanding academic progress: “We don’t just have our schools give the MAP assessment and print out the scores.” The office is committed to advancing student improvement purposefully.