SR-144, As Adopted by Senate, February 5, 2008

            Senators Kuipers, George, Cropsey, McManus, Barcia, Van Woerkom, Pappageorge, Jansen, Thomas and Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 144.

A resolution recognizing January 27, 2008 - February 2, 2008, as Catholic Schools Week in the state of Michigan, with the theme "Catholic Schools Light the Way."

Whereas, There are 79,484 students attending 280 Catholic elementary and high schools throughout our great state; 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 sees the parents as the primary educators and that parental supervision and involvement play a major role in the education of students; and

Whereas, Catholic schools believe that teaching morals and values is essential to the complete education of the student since every member of society continually makes moral decisions; and

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

Whereas, Based upon Michigan's minimum public school foundation allowance of $7,204, the Catholic schools of our state save taxpayers in excess of $572,602,736 annually; and

Whereas, Catholic educators are dedicated to producing academically-strong students who also commit themselves to service; and

            Whereas, January 27, 2008 - February 2, 2008, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week, with the theme "Catholic Schools Light the Way," as denoted by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize January 27, 2008 - February 2, 2008, as Catholic Schools Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

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