Across the nation, Catholic grade schools and high schools celebrated national Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29-Feb. 3. Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst was no exception. A number of activities and events were held throughout the week.

On Thursday evening, Feb. 2, parents were invited to visit the school and see what their children have been working on. A band demonstration took place in IC’s Monsignor Plunkett Hall, where ICGS Band Director Andrew Szymanski and members of the beginner and advanced bands showed parents how they typically prepare for a concert.

The ICGS Curriculum Fair took place in the school building that evening. Students brought parents to their classrooms to see various projects, ranging from solar system models in fourth grade to elaborate depictions of World War II battlefields, Pearl Harbor and models of Ancient Egyptian life in sixth grade. Teachers and staff were on hand to visit with parents and students.

The following morning, Catholic Schools Week culminated with the presentation of the ICGS Distinguished Graduate Award after Friday morning Mass. IC pastor Father Tom Paul announced that teachers Marcia May (second grade) and Jane Baker (seventh grade) were the award-winners. Both ICGS graduates, May has taught at the school for 15 years and Baker for six. 

After the award ceremony, the congregation had their throats blessed, a Catholic tradition on the feast of St. Blaise. During this blessing, two candles are blessed, held slightly open and pressed against the throat as a prayer is said.     

Also Feb. 3, the ICGS kindergarteners celebrated their 100th day of school.