[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2970]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the contribution 
of the Roman Catholic school system in the United States. From January 
28 through February 2 of this year, communities across our Nation 
celebrated National Catholic Schools Week. This year's theme of 
``Catholic Schools: the Good News in Education'' emphasizes the 
balanced and diverse educational perspective offered by Catholic 
education.
  With more than 8,000 elementary and secondary schools across our 
Nation, Catholic education is an important part of educational 
communities across our country. My home State of Nevada is no 
exception. We have more than 16 Catholic schools that serve over 5,000 
students. These schools play an important role in their communities, 
teaching service and character to their students in the Catholic 
tradition.
  This tradition is what encourages many parents to sacrifice to pay 
for a Catholic education. As many students, parents, and teachers will 
tell you, a Catholic education provides balance to students not only in 
their educational experience, but also in their spiritual life. The 
values taught in Catholic schools are important for developing engaged 
and informed members of the community.
  Catholic education has played a needed role in our educational system 
for more than a century. I am confident that Nevada and our Nation will 
be well served by Catholic schools for many years to come.

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