III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 37 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 2, 2011 Mr. Vitter (for himself, Ms. Landrieu, and Mr. Johanns) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week and honoring the valuable contributions of Catholic schools in the United States.

Whereas Catholic schools in the United States have received international acclaim for academic excellence while providing students with lessons that extend far beyond the classroom; Whereas Catholic schools present a broad curriculum that emphasizes the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in the young people of the United States; Whereas Catholic schools in the United States today educate 2,119,341 students and maintain a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1; Whereas the faculty members of Catholic schools teach a highly diverse body of students; Whereas the graduation rate for all Catholic school students is 99 percent; Whereas 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college; Whereas Catholic schools produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich in spiritual character and moral development; and Whereas in the 1972 pastoral message concerning Catholic education, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, Education is one of the most important ways by which the Church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of the person and building of community. Community is central to education ministry, both as a necessary condition and an ardently desired goal. The educational efforts of the Church, therefore, must be directed to forming persons-in-community; for the education of the individual Christian is important not only to his solitary destiny, but also the destinies of the many communities in which he lives.: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)recognizes the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that recognizes the vital contributions of thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and (2)commends Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the United States for their ongoing contributions to education, and for the vital role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the United States.