SR-8, As Adopted by Senate, February 8, 2011

            Senators Pavlov, Hildenbrand, Proos, Green, Bieda, Casperson, Gleason, Marleau, Moolenaar, Emmons, Colbeck, Robertson, Jones, Hansen, Kowall, Nofs and Jansen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 8.

            A resolution recognizing January 30 - February 5, 2011, as Catholic Schools Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, There are 59,857 students attending 246 Catholic elementary and high schools throughout our great state; and

            Whereas, The Constitution of Michigan states: "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged"; and

            Whereas, Catholic schools provide young people with a strong foundation of values and academic skills needed to become responsible citizens of our state and nation; and

            Whereas, The Catholic Church views the parents as the primary educators and that parental supervision and involvement play a major role in the education of students; and

            Whereas, Catholic school parents pay tuition in addition to supporting public schools through their taxes; and

            Whereas, The viability of Catholic schools should be encouraged so that declines in Catholic school enrollment, which necessitate increases in public expenditures in the School Aid Fund, can be avoided; and

            Whereas, Catholic schools educate many students who are non-Catholic and many students who are economically disadvantaged; and

            Whereas, With their traditionally high academic standards and high graduation rates, all supported by strong moral values, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to American society; and

            Whereas, "Giving back to the community" and "helping others" are values instilled in every Catholic school student; and

            Whereas, January 30 - February 5, 2011, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week, with the theme "Catholic Schools: A+ For America," as denoted by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and

            Whereas, the common good of the state of Michigan is strengthened through the continued existence of Catholic schools; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize January 30 - February 5, 2011, as Catholic Schools Week in the state of Michigan, in recognition of the great accomplishments and contributions of Catholic schools in and to our state; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Catholic Conference with our highest esteem.